The Spirited Return of Fall Festival Season in Western North Carolina
Fall festival season in Western North Carolina is making a big comeback after extensive cancellations last year due to Hurricane Helene.
Large crowds of festival-goers gathered at the WNC Agricultural Center for the annual North Carolina Mountain State Fair this September. Photo by Max Cooper Photography.
Last year, fall festival season in Western North Carolina all but collapsed under the crushing weight of an unexpected natural disaster. The economic impact of Hurricane Helene sent shockwaves through the creative community, leading to numerous event cancellations and forcing many artists to forgo a large chunk of their income during the region’s peak tourist months.
Now, as autumn returns to Appalachia and the air becomes crisp, crowds are once again flocking to the region to enjoy the changing colors and purchase local arts and crafts. Regional festivals are back, and with them, the chance for creators to connect with visitors eager to take home a piece of Appalachian artistry.
Scroll through to see images from the North Carolina Mountain State Fair, Southern Highland Craft Guild Heritage Weekend, John C. Campbell Folk School Folk Festival, and LEAF Global Arts Festival.
North Carolina Mountain State Fair
WNC Agricultural Center, Henderson County; Sept. 5-14
The North Carolina Mountain State Fair was alive and buzzing as families and friends gathered to celebrate Western North Carolina’s traditional crafts and agriculture this September. From mouthwatering local cuisine to toe-tapping live performances, this beloved 10-day event is held annually at the WNC Agricultural Center.
This exquisite textile (detail), crafted by children's book author and illustrator JeanAnn Taylor, highlights her exceptional embroidery skills while incorporating the region's unique botanicals.
Anthony “Tony” Dills’ delicate bird carvings reflect his nearly three decades of experience as an assistant animal curator. Now retired and dedicated to his craft, Tony transforms northern basswood into avian art, preserving a piece of mountain heritage.
Southern Highland Craft Guild Heritage Weekend
Folk Art Center, Buncombe County; Sept. 20-21WNC Agricultural Center
Fiber artist Mary Nichols demonstrates spinning to visitors during the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Heritage Weekend, a two-day celebration event celebrating Appalachian craft and culture.
Blacksmith Jonathan Giddens gives a live demo using traditional bellows at the Southern Highland Craft Guild's Heritage Weekend.
Contestants face off in the adult division of the popular World Gee Haw Wimmy Diddle competition, where Will Wheeler (r) took home the prize.
John C. Campbell Folk School Folk Festival
Brasstown, Cherokee County; Oct. 4-5
Center for Craft Director Stephanie Moore attends the John C. Campbell Folk School Festival, established in 1974. This year, the annual festival kicked off the school’s 100th anniversary.
Jeff Hornung, a hobbyist turned professional woodturner, showcases his decorative and functional plates at this year’s festival.
Illuminate your space with a handmade lamp from Turning Point Clay Studio, expertly crafted by Harry Hearne. Each raku-fired piece showcases unique glazes influenced by subtle variables like ambient temperature and wind, ensuring no two are ever identical.
LEAF Global Arts Festival
Lake Eden, Buncombe County; Oct. 16-19
An aerial view of the biannual LEAF Global Arts Festival at Lake Eden in Black Mountain, established in 1995. This year’s fall festival, themed “Live Life Like a Festival,” marks the nonprofit’s 30th anniversary.
This stunning red dragon puppet, crafted by the Street Creature Puppet Collective, stole the spotlight at the 2023 LEAF Global Arts Festival.
LEAF resident teaching artist Adama Dembele brings West African drumming to life on stage at the LEAF Global Arts Festival, inspiring the next generation of artists in the nonprofit’s Schools & Streets program.
All images published with permission of the artist(s); featured photo: Max Cooper Photography.