Autumn in Franklin is when the mountains put on their finest wardrobe—and our town dresses right along with them. Between bright foliage, crisp air, and seasonal festivities, October offers just the right mix of adventure, family fun, and cozy moments. Check out some fall highlights you won’t want to miss this year:
🎃 PumpkinFest
⏰ Saturday, October 18, 9:00AM – 4:00PM
📍Downtown Franklin
Main Street and the surrounding downtown transform into the ultimate autumn celebration! This is the 29th Annual PumpkinFest, featuring the “World Famous Pumpkin Roll,” a costume parade & contest, and over 90 vendors offering mountain arts, crafts, festival eats, and more.🍂✨ Bring your pumpkins and your people—it’s going to be gourd-geous! 🎉
👻 Haunted Hay Ride at Bilbrey Manor
⏰ October 17/18/24/25, 7:00-10:00PM
📍11856 Georgia Road, Otto, NC 28763
For a spookier twist, check out the Haunted Hay Ride at Bilbrey Manor 👻. Participants must reserve a specific time slot. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for kids, with group rates available for parties of 10 or more. Each ticket includes parking, a shuttle to the event site, one ride on the Haunted Hayride, ghost stories around the campfire 🔥, unlimited access to the Haunted Walk-Thru Cemetery, and access to tarot readings and other frightful activities. Subject to availability, additional hayrides may be purchased on-site for $5 cash per person. Best of all, proceeds benefit Macon County Animal Services and Paws for Life in Rabun County 🐾.
🌽 H&H Farmstand Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Just west of Franklin on Murphy Road, H&H Farmstand continues its seasonal tradition with a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and other fall farm fun. Though full details and hours haven’t been released yet, the farm typically opens Monday–Saturday and offers seasonal surprises.
🗓️ More Seasonal Fun to Watch For
- Fairs, local craft markets, and pop-up fall events throughout October
- Evening concerts, community gatherings, and outdoor dining as the nights cool
- Scenic drives and leaf-peeping routes that pair perfectly with stops in town
👉 If your fall adventures take you beyond Franklin and deeper into the Smokies, here are some can’t-miss events and experiences to add to your trip! 🍂✨
🌽✨ Glow in the Dark Corn Maze ✨🌽
⏰ October 4, October 11, & October 18 | 7:00PM – 11:00PM
📍 Darnell Farms
Light up your autumn nights at Darnell Farms’ Glow in the Dark Corn Maze! 🌌🌽 For just $12 per person, you’ll receive a foam glow stick to help guide your way through the blacklight maze. 🎶 Dance music keeps the energy high, while concessions, popcorn, and DreamWhips soft-serve 🍦 keep everyone fueled for the fun. This family-friendly event is open to all ages—so grab your crew and get ready for a night of glowing adventure! 👨👩👦🎉
🎡✨ Cherokee Indian Fair ✨🎡
⏰ October 7 – 11 | Times Vary Daily
📍 Cherokee Fairgrounds, Cherokee, NC
Step right into tradition and fun at the Cherokee Indian Fair, a beloved annual celebration of culture and community. 🌟 From stickball games and cultural demonstrations to arts and crafts, food vendors, and thrilling carnival rides, there’s something for everyone. 🎠🍂 Each night brings live music and entertainment, making it the perfect place to celebrate fall in the Smokies with family and friends. Don’t miss this colorful mix of heritage, fun, and festivity! 🎶🎉
🎃✨ Punkin Chunkin Festival ✨🎃
⏰ October 19 | All Day
📍 Clay County Recreation Park, Hayesville, NC
Get ready for one of the quirkiest, most exciting fall traditions in the mountains—the Punkin Chunkin Festival! 🎯🎃 Watch pumpkins soar through the air as teams launch them with trebuchets, catapults, and air cannons. Alongside the high-flying fun, enjoy local food vendors, craft booths, live entertainment, and kids’ activities that make this event perfect for the whole family. 🍂🎶 Whether you come for the pumpkin launches or just the festive atmosphere, this Hayesville favorite is guaranteed to be a smash! 🙌
Planning your October visit? This is your checklist. As more event details drop, we’ll update this blog and share via social media—bookmark it and check back often. 🍁
