Hey, sweet friends, ready for a fun weekend in the High Country? 🎃 Whether you live in Banner Elk or are just stopping through, here are my top picks for things to do, and yes, the Woolly Worm Festival and Valle Country Fair are must-sees! P.S. The photo above is Eben’s college!
🍂 Fall Vibes + Local Flavor
Before we dive into festival fun, here are a few low-key, charming things you can sprinkle into your weekend:
- Hike a nearby trail — the leaves are peaking, so get outside. Grab a trail map and head up to a scenic overlook or along a creek. I recommend Crab Orchard Falls, Hebron Falls or the Profile Trail at Grandfather mountain.
- Stroll downtown Banner Elk — pop into locally owned shops, grab a coffee, perhaps stop at a gallery or two. I recommend the Banner Elk Trading Co, Apple Hill Farm Outpost, and if you are coming down from Beech Mountain, Fred’s General Mercantile.
- Visit a local winery or farm — for a relaxing afternoon with good views and even better sips. (Pssst, there’s a post on my site about Banner Elk Winery.) Sweet Greens
- Scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway — the fall colors are peaking right now, it’s a drive you won’t forget!
I’ll give you more ideas in the weekend itinery below.
Now, let’s talk festivals!
🐛 Woolly Worm Festival — Banner Elk, Oct 18–19, 2025
This quirky, much-loved local tradition returns October 18 & 19 in Banner Elk.
What to Expect
- Worm races — participants race woolly worms up a 3-foot string. The champion worm on Saturday wins $1,000 and the honor of “predicting winter.”
- Craft & food vendors — over 150 booths with artisan goods, fall treats, local fare, and more.
- Live music & entertainment — enjoy local bands, children’s activities, and the festival vibe.
- Kids’ zones & fun extras — bounce houses, games, and family-friendly attractions.
Tips & Logistics
- Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m.–4:00 or 5:00 p.m. (varies by day)
- Admission: About $8 for adults, $5 for kids (6–12), and free for 5 & under.
- Parking & traffic: Expect lots of cars. Many parking areas will charge $5–$10, and proceeds often benefit local groups.
- Be early — get a good parking spot, register your worm (spots fill fast), and enjoy the festival before the crowds peak.
🌾 Valle Country Fair — Valle Crucis, Oct 18, 2025
If you’re up for a one-day deep dive into mountain culture, head to the Valle Country Fair. It’s held Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What Makes It Special
- Crafts & artisans — juried exhibitors showcase handmade goods: woodwork, pottery, textiles, and more.
- Mountain food & cooking — think Brunswick stew, barbecue, chili, apple cider, and homemade jams. You may even catch apple butter being made live.
- Musical performances & local flavor — bluegrass, gospel, country, clogging, storytelling, and more on multiple stages.
- Family fun zone — pumpkin bowling, face painting, crafts, games, and alpaca visits are among the highlights.
Details & Tips
- Admission: Free entry; parking is $10 per car (higher for buses/vans).
- Location: On NC Highway 194 (between Valle Crucis & Banner Elk), across from Holy Cross Church.
- Direction tip: You can bypass some Banner Elk traffic by taking back roads as suggested by local guides.
- Proceeds: All proceeds benefit community outreach, nonprofits, and local needs.
📅 Sample Itinerary for the Weekend
Here’s how you might plan your time:
| Time | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Grab breakfast in Banner Elk | Morning hike / slow start |
| 9:00 a.m. | Arrive at Valle Country Fair (opens) | Head to Woolly Worm Festival |
| 9:00–12:00 p.m. | Fair browsing, crafts, food, music | Worm races, vendors, kids area |
| Noon | Eat lunch at the fair, enjoy stage acts | Lunch at festival or in town |
| 1:30–3:30 p.m. | More fun, apple butter demo, kids activities | Final worm race & live performance |
| Late afternoon | Scenic drive home or stop in town shops | Wind down with a cozy dinner or quiet hike |
If you stay local in Banner Elk, you’ll have flexibility to pop in and out of festivals, squeeze in a hike, or enjoy downtime between bursts of activity.
🎯 Pro Tips from Sweet Greens
- Bring cash & small bills — some vendors are cash-only.
- Dress in layers — mountain mornings are cool, afternoons can be sunny.
- Pack a small reusable bag or tote — you’ll want to bring home crafts, preserves, or local goodies.
- Don’t forget your camera or phone — the fall colors are stunning right now.
- Plan for traffic — leaving early helps avoid bottlenecks, especially between events.
- Check for pet rules — many festival sites do not allow pets. (For the Wooly Worm Festival, pets are not allowed.
