Backroad Bulletin: November Events š„§
Fall harvests, hand-forged ironwork, and a festival of trees
This November, celebrate grits, pecans, catfish, and Americaās first Thanksgiving. Watch Whirligigs spin, participate in a pirate invasion, and delight in a festival of trees.
Weāre sending out the November Backroad Bulletin a few days early because there are some unique festivals this weekend we wanted to give you a heads up of. As with all events showcased here, check each website for details before you head out.
Donāt forget: Our fall giveaway is live! Enter for a chance to win a Designed for Joy Dorothy shoulder handbag through December 12.
Grains & Grits Festival
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Townsend, Tennessee
Experience southern spirits and gourmet food, craft spirit tastings, live entertainment, and the āRing of Fireā chef showcase, featuring roasted meats paired with regional distillery spirits. Shuttles are available from local accommodations.
North Carolina Whirligig Festival
Nov. 1-2, 2025
Wilson, North Carolina
This colorful festival celebrates art in motion with Vollis Simpsonās iconic whirligigs. Create your own whirligig and enjoy free live music, 40 food vendors, art contests, a photo competition, chalk art, kidsā activities, and more.
North Carolina Pecan Music Festival
November 1, 2025
Whiteville, North Carolina
Celebrate the pecan harvest with delicious pecan-based dishes, local crafts, and community events. Enjoy family-friendly activities and the flavors of the Piedmont.
Virginia Thanksgiving Festival
November 2, 2025
Charles City, Virginia
Berkeley Plantation hosts the 64th Virginia Thanksgiving Festival, commemorating Americaās first Thanksgiving. Enjoy a parade, colonial games, crafts, a petting zoo, performances, and a re-enactment of the 1619 landing. Admission costs $25 per car. The event also features house tours, a silent auction, and a food drive.
FestiVELO
November 5-9, 2025
Walterboro, South Carolina
FestiVELO 2025 is a cycling festival that celebrates the Lowcountry. Enjoy four days of customizable ridesāincluding a 100-mile optionāwith meals, themed evenings, campfires, and entertainment.
Forging for the Future Live Auction
November 8, 2025
Brasstown, North Carolina
Attend an auction supporting John C. Campbell Folk School programs. Bid on handcrafted ironwork and crafts donated by instructors, students, and staff. An auction preview will be held noon to 2 p.m., and the live auction is 2 to 4 p.m.
Beaufort Pirate Invasion
November 14-16, 2025
Beaufort, North Carolina
This immersive event brings North Carolinaās colonial maritime history to life. Watch a reenactment of the 1747 Spanish pirate attack on rural Beaufort featuring 200 performers, sword fights, and pirate trials.
Kingsland Catfish Festival
November 21-22, 2025
Kingsland, Georgia
This coastal festival features southern fried catfish, crafts, and live entertainment in celebration of South Georgiaās culinary traditions via a street party and parade.
Gatlinburgās Festival of Trees
November 26-30, 2025
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
This 52-year tradition kicks off with a Candy Canes & Cocktails Reception and features lavishly decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and holiday dĆ©cor for sale, benefiting local charities. Enjoy a childrenās craft area and Santa photos. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
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