Autumn in North Carolina brings a beautiful splash of burnished color to the state’s already breathtaking coastal and mountain views. For visitors, Leith Honda Raleigh knows the autumn season is an ideal time to enjoy warm, sunny days and crisp, cool evenings. While there are many things to do throughout the year, many annual autumn festivals celebrate North Carolina’s local charm.

Autumn Jubilee — Salisbury, NC

Held in early October at Dan Nicholas Park, this annual festival is fun for the whole family. Craftsmen from throughout the southeast showcase their beautiful handmade wares, and visitors can even watch Heritage Village Crafts demonstrations to see how many traditional crafts are made. Vendors offer an array of delicious festival foods while live music and performances are scheduled throughout each day.

Autumn Leaves Festival — Mount Airy, NC

As one of the longest running and most successful events in the state, Mount Airy’s Autumn Leaves Festival delights around 200,000 visitors during the second weekend in October each year. This exciting free festival celebrates the beauty of autumn with mouth-watering food and live music. A plethora of artisans and craftspeople line the streets to demonstrate their skill and display their handmade wares.

Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues and Jazz Festival — Carolina Beach, NC

For over 17 years, this annual festival has entertained visitors with fantastic live music performances and fresh coastal cuisine. For two days, live blues and jazz performances play from two separate stages while local vendors serve up steaming seafood delicacies. Held during the second weekend in October, the warm weather and fresh sea air create the perfect atmosphere for this musical celebration.

Bush Hill Heritage Festival — Archdale, NC

Originally started in 1986 as the bicentennial celebration of the Quaker settling known as Bush Hill, this fabulous heritage festival continues to offer wholesome family entertainment year after year. In additional to the traditional food, crafts and live music found at many area festivals, the Bush Hill Heritage Festival has also become a fundraiser and outreach program for many local civic groups and organizations.

Wilmington Oktoberfest — Wilmington, NC

This annual Oktoberfest event delights visitors with its fabulous German flair, traditional festival foods and imported German beers. The festival even includes a 20-piece German blaskapelle band under a big tent! Special events at the Wilmington Oktoberfest include wiener dog races, a climbing wall and moonbounces for the kids. And regular festival-goers know the fun in bringing their own Stammtisch to the celebration!