Fall Finds in Chatham County

If you’ve waited all year for pumpkin picking, pumpkin spice sipping, sweater layering season, then the calendar is in your favor. From the lively Flatwoods Festival to the spirited Hoppin’ John Fiddlers’ Convention, and the spicy 17th Annual PepperFest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As October nears, get ready for family-friendly fun with the Trunk or Treat Fall Festival and the charming Wren Halloween Fest! Check out upcoming events in Chatham County!

Flatwoods Festival

Friday, September 6 – Saturday, September 7

Sponsored by the Tri-County Ruritan Club, the Flatwoods Festival takes place on Chatham Street in Bennett on September 6, from 5 – 8 p.m., and September 7, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This lively event brings community members and visitors together for a day of enjoyment and local charm. Festivities include an antique car showcase, trucks, tractors, a horse parade, inflatable jump houses and live music performances.

Explore a variety of vendor stalls, indulge in tasty treats, and experience the warm, welcoming atmosphere of this cherished local celebration!

Hoppin’ John Fiddlers’ Convention

Thursday, September 12 – Saturday, September 14

Mark your calendars for the much-anticipated, annual Hoppin’ John Fiddlers’ Convention at the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center! This event combines the feel of old-time fiddlers’ conventions with the energy of a traditional music festival. Promising an incredible lineup of performers, talent will include tunes by Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton and gospel by Alice Vines and Melody Harper. As a delicious bonus, the Hoppin’ John Cook-Off also makes a return!

17th Annual PepperFest

Sunday, September 29

Because the flavors of fall can be spicy too! The 17th Annual PepperFest will take place from 12 – 6 p.m. at The Plant in Pittsboro. It is a celebration of sustainable architecture, local famers and the culinary creativity of the Piedmont’s top chefs, brewers and artisans. Spice up your weekend with a hot sauce contest, chili cook-off and a variety of pepper-inspired food and drinks. Visit The Plant’s pepper patch to learn more about pepper varieties, straight from the source or watch how Flying Pepper Vodka is made at Fair Game Beverage Company!

You’ll also savor live music by The Solutions and MixTapes, sip pepper beer from bmc brewing and grab a bite from Kingston 99 Kitchen or JDub’s PoBoys. This event is free and open to the public!

Trunk or Treat Fall Festival

Saturday, October 19

A ghoulishly good time is in the works with Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources! The Trunk or Treat Fall Festival will be hosted on Saturday, October 19, from 2 – 5 p.m. at Southwest District Park in Bear Creek. This free, outdoor event is packed with festive activities for all ages, including pumpkin carving and painting, games, crafts and a hay hunt. Capture your experience at the photo booth, watch the magician perform a variety of tricks and get ready to Trunk or Treat, which starts at 4 p.m.!

Wren Halloween Fest

Thursday, October 31

This enchanting afternoon of Halloween fun is hosted by Wren Memorial Library in Siler City from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Wearing your most unique costume, participate in a costume guessing challenge, play carnival-style games, enjoy your favorite Halloween sweet treats and tune in to a spooky movie!