As summer turns to fall, explore the Land of Oz, attend a heritage fair, and learn how to play old-time music.
Fort Henry Days
Wheeling, West Virginia
September 5-6, 2026
Experience an authentic Revolutionary War reenactment encampment and market fair at Oglebay Park Resort as part of Wheeling’s America 250 commemoration. Learn about the historic Siege of Fort Henry by listening to period musicians, living history interpreters, and speakers. The event also features a colonial market fair, traditional crafts, and regional food.
North Carolina Mountain State Fair
Fletcher, North Carolina
September 11-20, 2026
Celebrate regional harvests, heritage, and America’s 250th birthday in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Western North Carolina’s premier fair. Organizers will add Semiquincentennial exhibits, patriotic displays, and programming to its traditional agricultural competitions, crafts, livestock, and entertainment this year.
South Carolina Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention
Pickens, South Carolina
September 18-19, 2026
The annual South Carolina Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention at Hagood Mill Historic Site features the official South Carolina State Fiddling Championship. Friday kicks off with concerts by Blindhouse and the Blue Wall Ramblers. Saturday includes youth and adult competitions in fiddle, banjo, guitar, and string band, and a concert takes place that night. See an 1845 gristmill and living-history demos while you’re there.
Autumn at Oz Festival
Beech Mountain, North Carolina
September 11-13, 18-20, and 25-27, 2026
Autumn at Oz is the world’s largest celebration of The Wizard of Oz, held on three September weekends at the historic Land of Oz theme park high atop Beech Mountain. Guests begin at a replica of Auntie Em and Uncle Henry’s Kansas farm, then experience a twister and follow a three-quarter-mile Yellow Brick Road paved with 44,000 gold-glazed bricks. Performers portray Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Wicked Witch, Glinda, and the Wizard.
Stephen Foster Old-Time Music Weekend
White Springs, Florida
September 11-13, 2026
The 18th Annual Stephen Foster Old-Time Music Weekend takes place on the banks of the historic Suwannee River at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. This three-day immersive event offers in-depth workshops in traditional old-time music techniques on banjo, guitar, and fiddle for all skill levels. It also features jam sessions, discussion groups, and evening concerts.
Mayberry Days
Mount Airy, North Carolina
September 21-27, 2026
This week-long festival held in Andy Griffith’s hometown recreates the simple rural life of the fictional town of Mayberry from Griffith’s hit TV show. It features parades, live music, checkers tournaments, pork chop sandwiches, apple-peeling contests, guided tours, trivia, and special guests.
SC Foothills Heritage Fair
Seneca, South Carolina
September 22-26, 2026
This multi-day event celebrates the rural Appalachian foothills with agricultural exhibits, heritage crafts, local food vendors, livestock displays, and traditional music. You can also watch blacksmith demos, a tinsmith show, an antique tractor parade, and more.
Hardy County Heritage Weekend
Moorefield, West Virginia
September 25-27, 2026
The 73rd annual heritage weekend event opens historic homes, schools, and churches for tours. It includes Civil War living history, jousting, crafts, live music, food, car shows, and traditional demonstrations, immersing visitors in Appalachian rural history and community traditions.
Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival
Kearneysville, West Virginia
September 25-27, 2026
This juried festival at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds showcases over 160 artisans demonstrating traditional mountain crafts, pottery, woodwork, and more. Live bluegrass music, local wines, craft beers, food, and kids’ activities celebrate Appalachian artistry and heritage.
State Fair of Virginia
Doswell, Virginia
September 25-October 4, 2026
This agricultural fair at Meadow Event Park features livestock competitions, pig races, chainsaw carving, midway rides, concerts, food, and exhibits highlighting Virginia’s rural heritage, farming, and “Best of Show” traditions.
If you like what you’re reading and haven’t upgraded your subscription, find out why it’s worth considering by clicking the link below.
Great variety of places to visit in the fall. In the seventies our church group toured the closed Land of Oz and I have a great photo of our invasion.