SPARTANBURG, SC (WSPA)- As the leaves begin to fall, the festivals in the Upstate and Mountains will rise.
Many activities and events will be taking place the area over the next few weeks, here’s a list of some of those events and what you need to know.
Albino Skunk Music Fest- in Greer offers up a great mix of musicians. This 3-day festival has a family friendly atmosphere and takes place north of town. The event got its name from the sightings of white skunks on the grounds. SkunkFest popularity grows each year, as it gets ready to celebrate its 18th year. (Thursday, October 4 until Saturday, October 6)
FestiFall at Walnut Grove Plantation- in Roebuck unites over 200 reenactors focusing on the Upstate’s rich Revolutionary War history. The largest annual event sponsored by the Spartanburg County Historical Association, FestiFall includes military demonstrations and reenactments as well as demonstrations of colonial era crafts and trades. (Saturday, October 6 – Sunday, October 7)
Spartanburg International Festival- located in downtown Spartanburg’s Barnet Park, celebrates and explores the world through food, music, dance and art. Going on it’s 31st year the event recognizes the diverse city, including an “Avenue of Nations,” an “International Boulevard of Food,” a “Kid’s Zone,” a global sports zone, and more. (Saturday, October 6)
Belton Standpipe Heritage & Arts Festival- features music of popular upstate groups, an art show/market, heritage artisans, a road race and fun run, historical tours, fire truck rides, a classic car show, great food, children’s activities, over 50 quality craft vendors, and a fireworks show. Now in its 25th year the event raises money for improvements of the historic landmark -the Belton standpipe. (Saturday, October 6)
Greer Station Oktoberfest- one of the most popular festivals in downtown Greer, features German oompah bands, German foods, and, German beer and wine. Walhalla Oktoberfest celebration. Since 1979, the festival features crafts, carnival rides, German music, dancers and more fantastic food. Click646, a photographic collective event will also feature Greenwood’s first Oktoberfest. (Greer Station Oktoberfest and Click646 Oktoberfest: Saturday, October 6; Walhalla Oktoberfest: Friday, October 19 – Sunday, October 21)
Fall for Greenville- held each year in downtown Greenville. Along with the city’s finest restaurants, the event features musical acts, a beer garden, cooking demonstrations, a wine tasting area, a kid’s area, and more. (Friday, October 12 – Sunday, October 14)
Selugadu (Cherokee for cornbread)- at Pickens County’s Hagood Mill. In its fifth year, the festival features Native culture through drumming, dancing, storytelling, demonstrations and crafts. Held with Hagood Mill’s regular third Saturday event, which features the mill in operation as well as demonstrations in blacksmithing,bowl-digging, cotton-ginning, flintknapping,moonshining, leather-working, quilting,spinning, woodcarving. (Saturday, November 17)
Blue Ridge Pride- LGBTQ visitors find plenty of fun things to do in Asheville. What could be better? Enjoy the great outdoors of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the day, and return to downtown Asheville for an evening of fine food and drinks. If you are not into hiking or driving the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, there are plenty of options for shopping and museums. Oct 1. 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
Asheville Art in the Park-This outdoor art festival takes place three Saturdays in October in Pack Square in downtown Asheville with the best artists in the area. Artists known nationally exhibit at this event and they are local. Free admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Art on Main in Downtown Hendersonville- Art and craft activities held all along Main Street, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct.1-2. Hendersonville’s downtown is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s program to revitalize the nation’s central business districts through historic preservation, thoughtful recruitment of appropriate businesses, and promotion of downtown.
Saturday Night Lights Grand Prix- Lacated in Tryon, NC watch horse jumping competitions with riders from all across the nation at the new Tryon International Equestrian Center featuring entertainment, food and carousel rides. Free admission. Oct 1. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Downtown Asheville Oktoberfest- This “Little Germany” mixes Bavarian traditions with Ashevill’s . Celebrating the local beer scene. The event runs from 1-6 PM Oct. 8. Buying advance tickets is recommended. The festival is 21 & up at all times. Featuring a big variety of beer tastings from local breweries, featuring seasonal ales for Oktoberfest. Food from the German staples will also be on sale including bratwurst, pretzels and traditional sides from vendors.
Lake Lure Arts Festival- The event features artwork from 60+ vendors from many different areas. The event includes live music and entertainment, food vendors, and the beauty of Lake Lure. Lake Lure is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. 27 miles from Asheville, Lake Lure sits in the Hickory Nut Gorge, surrounded by mountain tops and sheer granite cliffs. Look up to see Chimney Rock, from the top of Chimney Rock, there are beautiful views of the lake.
Scenic Flights over Asheville- The Western North Carolina Pilots Association gives flights to enjoy views of Asheville and the mountains from the air. All proceeds go to their non-profit association that promotes flying safety and provides educational opportunities. The flights take off from Asheville Regional Airport from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Oct 22-23. Cost of flights are $50 for adults and $25 for children under 12. No reservations are offered.
Hardlox Jewish Festival- Head to downtown Asheville for the annual HardLox, Asheville’s Jewish Food and Heritage Festival, to be held in Pack Square Park in from 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. Oct 16. Different food options include homemade matzo ball soup, corned beef on rye, a potato knish or a kosher hot dog.
