Backroad Bulletin: September Events 🌶️
Apples, hot sauce, gold, and live music usher in the transition to fall
Unseasonably cool temperatures kicked September off just a few weeks before the official start of fall here in the Southeast. But things are also heating up down here, from the NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival in North Carolina, to the McCormick Gold Rush Festival in South Carolina.
As with all events showcased here, be sure to check each website for details before you head out.
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Dazzling Dahlia Festival
September 4-6, 2025
Highlands, North Carolina
The 15th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival will be held at The Bascom in Highlands and kicks off with a fall reception. This year’s festival features a Single Bloom Competition, floral design showcase called “Petals and Perspectives,” pottery show, and talk on dahlia cultivation.
South Carolina Apple Festival
September 5-6, 2025
Westminster, South Carolina
Oconee County is the largest apple producing region in South Carolina—the perfect location for this festival, which began in 1961 and continues in honor of local apple growers. Held the week after Labor Day to kick off the beginning of the apple harvest season, the festival offers live music, carnival rides, local crafts, and food vendors.
SOOIE. Mauldin 15th Annual BBQ Cook-Off
September 12-13, 2025
Mauldin, South Carolina
The SOOIE. Mauldin BBQ Cook-off features over 20 Southeast barbecue masters serving up prized creations. Friday’s Anything Butt competition offers unique dishes like sliders and smoked cobbler and Saturday’s main BBQ Cook-off includes certified tasters and a People’s Choice Award event.
Bold Rock Cornhole Tournament
September 13, 2025
Nellysford, Virginia
The First Annual Bold Rock Cornhole Tournament on September 13 is from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bold Rock Nellysford’s Barrel Barn, offering fun for all skill levels. For $20 per team, you can enjoy two free ciders while you compete for prizes and the Bold Rock Cornhole Champion title.
Society of Stranders Fall Migration
September 12-21, 2025
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
This 10-day shag dancing festival on legendary Ocean Drive features SOS lounges, live music, dance classes, and block parties. SOS Lounges include Fat Harold’s, Ducks, Ducks II, the O.D. Arcade, and the clubs at Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort.
NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival
September 12-13, 2025
Oxford, North Carolina
The 19th Annual NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival features hot sauce and BBQ competitions, the Bailey Farms Pepper Eating Contest, live music, food trucks, craft vendors, breweries, kids’ activities, and carnival rides. This spicy, family-friendly celebration attracts over 20,000 attendees each year.
Yemassee Shrimp Festival
September 18-20, 2025
Yemassee, South Carolina
Celebrate South Carolina’s coastal heritage with fresh shrimp dishes, craft vendors, and live entertainment. Enjoy parades, a 5K run, family activities, and community spirit in the Lowcountry.
Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion
September 19-21, 2025
Bristol Tennessee/Virginia (on the state line)
Established in 2001, the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival celebrates Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia’s music heritage as the birthplace of country music with live performances and dancing. Attendees enjoy the best in Appalachian roots music and beyond in honor of the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and their far-reaching influence on today’s soundtracks.
McCormick Gold Rush Festival
September 20, 2025
McCormick, South Carolina
The annual McCormick Gold Rush Festival celebrates the town's gold mining history with family-friendly activities, live music, craft vendors, food stalls, parades, and community gatherings. Attendees enjoy a fun-filled day of local heritage and entertainment.
Night Owl on the Town Annual Gala
September 27, 2025
Roanoke, Virginia
The Night Owl on the Town Annual Gala, from 6-10 p.m. at The Hotel Roanoke, supports Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center’s conservation efforts. Enjoy cocktails with ambassadors like hawks and owls, an elegant multi-choice dinner, auctions, entertainment by John Carlin, music, dancing, and surprises. Black tie optional.
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Keith would love these. He collects them.
Thank you for giving so much info! Love all the fall September events!