Last updated October 2, 2026.
October in Rowan County is when fall really settles in. Cooler mornings, changing leaves, crisp evenings and the familiar traditions of the season create plenty of reasons to slow down and savor the month.
From historic homes and downtown celebrations to pumpkin patches, farm adventures, festivals and Halloween fun, October brings a full calendar of ways to feel fall in your own way. Whether you're planning a family day out, a weekend getaway or simply looking for a new autumn tradition, Rowan County is ready to welcome you.
We've rounded up some of the October events and experiences worth adding to your calendar so you can spend a little more time exploring, enjoying and making original memories this fall.
Pick-Your-Own Grapes at Cauble Creek Vineyard
Now - October 3, 2026
Spend a September day in the vineyard picking your own muscadine grapes at Cauble Creek Vineyard in Salisbury. Now through October 3, visitors can gather fresh grapes during regular business hours while enjoying the peaceful setting of this local vineyard. Pick-your-own grapes are $2.50 per pound, making this a fun way to experience a taste of the season and take some fresh produce home with you.
Patterson Farm Fall Fun on the Farm
Now - November 21, 2026
Patterson Farm’s Fall Fun on the Farm brings more than 40 attractions and activities to Mount Ulla this fall. Navigate the corn maze, take a wagon ride, explore the barnyard, play at PawPaw Carl’s Playground and discover new 2026 experiences like the Tractor Track and We Dig AG! Zone. Don’t forget to pick up a pumpkin, snap a few seasonal photos and stop by the Market & Ice Cream Shop for farm-fresh treats and apple cinnamon donuts.
Busker's Bash in Downtown Salisbury
October 2, 2026
Buskers’ Bash returns to Downtown Salisbury on October 2 for an evening of music, movement and unexpected entertainment. More than 20 acts - from musicians and bands to dancers and other street performers - will perform throughout downtown in front of participating businesses. Grab a festival map, wander from performance to performance, browse local shops and enjoy dinner downtown. Visitors can also use guitar picks to vote for their favorite buskers before the evening’s Grand Finale.
Day Out With ThomasTM
October 2-4, 2026
All aboard for Day Out With Thomas™ at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer! During the October 2-4 weekend, families can climb aboard Thomas the Tank Engine™ for a 25-minute train ride, meet Sir Topham Hatt, enjoy games, crafts, inflatables and other activities, and explore the museum’s historic transportation exhibits. This year’s “Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll!” celebration is a fun way to spend a fall day with the little train lovers in your family.
Day Out with Thomas Stay & Play Package
Offer ends September 29th at 4 P.M.
If you're traveling from out of town, consider booking a stay in Rowan County using the booking widget below. As an added bonus, you can receive FREE Day Out with Thomas tickets or even a VISA gift card by staying at participating accommodations! Learn more about the Day Out with Thomas Stay & Play Package.
Bell Tower BREWFEST
October 3, 2026
Raise a glass to fall at the fifth annual Bell Tower BREWFEST on October 3 at New Sarum Brewing Company in Downtown Salisbury. From noon to 6 p.m., sample more than 20 craft beers from North Carolina brewers, then explore 24 additional samples during Sips in Stores from noon to 4 p.m. Add live music, food, local shops and the Beer Passport, and you’ve got an afternoon made for sipping, strolling and discovering Downtown Salisbury.
Bell Tower BREWFEST Stay & Play Package
Offer ends September 29th at 4 P.M.
Rowan County Tourism would love to get you to the Bell Tower BREWFEST this year for FREE! If you're looking to stay overnight in our area, or are considering making it a weekend getaway, book your overnight stay in Rowan County using the booking widget below for free tickets before September 29 at 4 P.M.
Southern Soul Music Festival
October 3, 2026
Get ready for a day of music, food and community spirit at the Southern Soul Music Festival in East Spencer on October 3. Celebrating 125 years of pride, soul and community, the festival brings live music, craft vendors and plenty of fun to Royal Giants Park from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bring your dancing shoes, settle in for the celebration and stick around after the concert for a spectacular fireworks finale.
The 45th Annual Autumn Jubilee
October 3, 2026
Make a weekend of one of Rowan County’s most beloved fall traditions at Autumn Jubilee, returning to Dan Nicholas Park October 3. Browse more than 125 handmade craft vendors, enjoy live music and special performances, and let the kids explore the Kids Zone. With free admission and parking, festival food and plenty of room to wander, it’s an easy way to spend a fall weekend soaking up the sights, sounds and flavors of the season.
Fall Festival at Lazy 5 Ranch
October 3 - 25, 2026
Welcome fall with animals, pumpkins and classic autumn fun at the Lazy 5 Ranch Fall Festival, happening October 3-25. Pick out a pumpkin, take a turn at the pumpkin slingshot, explore the corn box and straw castle, then head out on the ranch’s animal safari to see giraffes, zebras, ostriches and more. With seasonal activities and plenty of opportunities to get outside, it’s a fun way to spend a fall day in Rowan County.
An Evening in Stars Hollow in China Grove
October 10, 2026
Step into your own little Stars Hollow during An Evening in Stars Hollow in Downtown China Grove on October 10. This Gilmore Girls-themed fall evening will feature hayrides, show screenings, performances, troubadours, trivia, food trucks, themed merchandise and more. Whether you’re Team Dean, Jess or Logan, come soak up the cozy fall feels and enjoy a night inspired by one of television’s most beloved small towns.
The 51st Annual OctoberTour
October 10 & 11, 2026
Step into Salisbury’s history during the 51st annual OctoberTour, October 10-11. Tour eight historic homes and properties throughout Salisbury’s historic districts, then spend time exploring the free OctoberTour Festival, local artisans, live music and Reclaimed Relics. With historic architecture, locally owned shops and fall festivities throughout Downtown Salisbury, OctoberTour makes for a memorable autumn weekend.
OctoberTour Stay & Play Package
Offer ends October 6th at 4 P.M.
Book your overnight stay in a Rowan County lodging property during the event weekend (October 9-11, 2026) and receive 2 FREE tickets to Historic Salisbury Foundation’s 50th Annual OctoberTour of homes. The deadline to book this package is October 6, 2026 at 4 p.m.. Learn more about this package here.
Boo at the Zoo
October 17, 2026
Get into the Halloween spirit at Tiger World during Boo at the Zoo on October 17. Dress up the kids and explore a spooky day at the zoo with Trick or Treating with the Animals, face painting, tattoos, free mini golf, hot cider and a costume contest. With exotic animals and festive fun around every corner, it’s a playful way to celebrate Halloween with the family.
Hippie Fest
October 24 & 25, 2026
Peace, love and nostalgia take center stage at Hippie Fest, returning to the Rowan County Fairgrounds October 24-25. This family-friendly music and arts festival brings together hippie tribute bands, bohemian vendors, a vintage hippie car show, drum circles, DIY tie-dye, sideshow performers and plenty of delicious festival food. Come embrace the groovy spirit, wander the vendor booths and enjoy a weekend celebrating all things free-spirited.
Witches Dance Bizarre Bazaar in Downtown Salisbury
October 30, 2026
Celebrate Halloween in Downtown Salisbury at the Witches Dance Bizarre Bazaar on October 30. Enjoy performances by the Witches of Brick Street Broom Dancers and Blue Rose Belly Dancers, more than 60 vendors, food trucks, street performers and a festive costume party. Don’t miss the Parade of Witches, costume contest and plenty of spooky fun throughout the evening.
Legends by Lantern Tour at the N.C. Transportation Museum
October 30 & 31, 2026
Step into the stories and legends of North Carolina’s railroad past during Legends by Lantern at the N.C. Transportation Museum on October 30-31. Beginning at Barber Junction Visitor’s Center, this lantern-light tour visits historic buildings throughout the museum while guides share tales of tragedies, rumors and railroad folklore. Designed for guests ages 6 and up, this atmospheric evening tour offers old-fashioned legends without the scares of a traditional ghost walk.
Halloween Fun Fest in Downtown Salisbury
October 31, 2026
Celebrate Halloween in Downtown Salisbury during Halloween Fun Fest on October 31. Enjoy trick-or-treating with downtown merchants, games and entertainers, a hayride and haunted trolley ride at Bell Tower Green, plus glowing Jack-O-Lantern luminaries. It’s a festive way to spend Halloween with the family while exploring Downtown Salisbury.
Cleveland Fall Rodeo & Festival
October 31 & November 1, 2026
Make your Halloween weekend even more memorable in Cleveland with a daytime fall festival and rodeo on October 31 - November 1. Bring the kids for plenty of activities, prizes, and special treats for costume-wearers, then head to Main Street Cleveland for old-fashioned trick-or-treating Saturday evening. Come back Sunday for the rodeo and wrap up your weekend with a little fall fun, Western style! Check out the Cleveland Rodeo's official website for more.
Plan Your Visit to Rowan County, N.C.
Make your October plans last a little longer with our Autumn Adventures in Rowan County Stay & Play Package! Book an overnight stay at a participating Rowan County hotel using the widget below and receive a VISA e-Gift Card equal to 50% of your stay. Turn a day at Autumn Jubilee, Fall Fun on the Farm, a fall festival or one of Rowan County’s many seasonal attractions into a full autumn getaway, with plenty of time to explore local restaurants, shops and communities along the way. The promotion ends November 17, 2026, at 4 p.m. and cannot be combined with other Overnight Stay & Play packages or offers.
October is the kind of month that makes you want to linger a little longer. Spend the morning exploring a historic home, fill an afternoon with farm fun, listen to live music downtown or make a night of your favorite Halloween tradition. However you choose to spend it, there's plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the season in Rowan County.
If you're coming from out of town, turn your October plans into a fall getaway with a stay at one of Rowan County's welcoming lodging properties. And before you head this way, be sure to check our event calendar for even more ways to feel fall throughout the month.
So grab your calendar, pick a few traditions - or make some new ones - and stay awhile in Rowan County this October.
#VisitRowanCountyNC
