07/19/2026
In Mount Airy, North Carolina…the 60th annual Autumn Leaves Festival kicks off in a few short months as one of the best festivals every year in the state…especially for those who love “all things fall”! From October 9–11, 2026, historic downtown Mount Airy will fill with more than 200 artisan vendors, live music, family fun, and the smells of favorite festival foods. Visitors can walk along Main Street while browsing hand-turned wood pieces, jewelry, pottery, paintings, and other handmade goods.
Music is a big part of the weekend, with bluegrass, country, gospel, and old-time sounds coming from bandstands, pickers’ tents, and casual street-corner jam sessions. KidFest gives younger visitors their own place to enjoy bouncy houses, games, face painting, and balloon artists.
Come hungry, because food is one of the biggest draws. Festival favorites include barbecue, country ham biscuits, ground steak sandwiches, roasted corn, cornbread, and the well-known collard green sandwiches served by local groups. Peachey’s Baking Co. will also return with warm Amish pretzels and soft, fresh doughnuts. With blocked-off streets, crisp fall air, Mayberry charm, and a strong Appalachian feel, the festival offers a lively, welcoming weekend for all ages, with friendly small-town conversations happening along Main Street.