Autumn Jubilee in Salisbury, NC

Autumn Jubilee is one of Rowan County’s most beloved fall traditions, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors to Dan Nicholas Park each year for a weekend-long celebration of the season. Held annually in early October, this rain-or-shine festival has been a staple of autumn in Salisbury for more than four decades, drawing visitors from across the county and throughout North Carolina.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Dan Nicholas Park, Autumn Jubilee blends the charm of a classic fall festival with the scale of a major regional event. Guests can expect a lively atmosphere filled with handcrafted goods, family-friendly attractions, live entertainment, and the irresistible aroma of festival food drifting through the park.

A Longstanding Rowan County Tradition

Autumn Jubilee began as an arts and crafts show organized by the United Arts Council. As the event grew in size and popularity, Rowan County assumed responsibility for its planning and operations to ensure the festival could continue to expand while maintaining a high-quality experience for vendors and visitors alike. Today, planning for each year’s festival begins almost immediately after the previous year concludes, underscoring the scale and care that go into producing this signature event.

Handcrafted Vendors & Artisan Shopping

One of Autumn Jubilee’s biggest draws is its impressive lineup of artisan vendors. The festival typically features more than 120 craft vendors offering a wide variety of handmade items. Shoppers can browse booths filled with hand-poured candles, soaps, jewelry, ironworks, home décor, local honey, artwork, and more.

To preserve the integrity of the event, all items sold at Autumn Jubilee are handcrafted, and duplicate vendors are not permitted. This ensures a diverse shopping experience and makes the festival a favorite destination for finding unique gifts and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Family Fun & Kids Zone

Autumn Jubilee is especially popular with families thanks to its expansive Kids Zone. This area is designed to keep younger visitors entertained for hours, with activities that have included:

• Bungee jumps and climbing walls
• Face painting and sand art
• Magicians and interactive performers
• Pumpkin painting and seasonal crafts
• Wax hands, obstacle courses, and bubble shows

With so many options, families can easily make a full day of their visit while kids explore, create, and play.

Live Entertainment All Weekend

Throughout the festival, live music and entertainment take place on the main stage. Autumn Jubilee typically features a mix of local and regional performers, including cover bands, tribute bands, and original artists across a range of genres. Music runs throughout the weekend, giving guests plenty of opportunities to relax, enjoy the performances, and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Festival Food Favorites

Food is a major part of the Autumn Jubilee experience. Visitors can expect a wide selection of food vendors offering classic festival fare alongside regional favorites. Past festivals have included homemade ice cream, barbecue, kettle corn, fried pies, tacos, and other crowd-pleasing options. With more than a dozen food vendors typically on site, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Plan Your Visit

Autumn Jubilee takes place at Dan Nicholas Park, a popular Rowan County destination known for its natural beauty and recreational amenities. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the festival spans a large area of the park. Many visitors choose to arrive early to make the most of the day and explore all the event has to offer.

For those traveling from out of town, Salisbury and the surrounding area offer a variety of lodging options, dining, and additional attractions to round out a fall weekend getaway.

Click the image below to check out our Instagram Reel to catch a glimpse

of what to expect at the annual Autumn Jubilee!