As the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves change color, Wilmington, NC, comes alive with vibrant fall festivals and markets that capture the essence of the season. From food and craft fairs to music festivals and outdoor markets, there’s no shortage of opportunities to celebrate autumn in this charming coastal city and its surrounding areas. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the season, these events offer a perfect mix of family fun, entertainment, and a chance to support local artisans and businesses.

Autumn with Topsail Festival
Date: October 18th, 19th and 20th
Location: Historical Society, 720 Channel Boulevard, Topsail Beach, NC 28445

Autumn with Topsail is a fall festival that celebrates local art, history, and coastal culture. The festival is held at the historic Assembly Building in Topsail Beach and features local artists, live music, and food vendors. Visitors can enjoy browsing booths filled with handcrafted items, from jewelry to pottery, while soaking in the seaside scenery. Click here for more details.

Poplar Grove Plantation’s GooseBumps in the Grove
Date: Saturday, October 26th from 10AM – 5PM, and Sunday, October 27th from 10AM – 4PM
Location: Poplar Grove Plantation, 10200 US Highway 17, Wilmington, NC 28411

Poplar Grove Plantation offers a spooky yet family-friendly way to celebrate the fall season. The Halloween and Harvest Festival features ghost tours of the historic plantation, a haunted barn, and a trick-or-treat trail. For those seeking less spine-tingling fun, there’s a pumpkin patch, carnival games, and a market with local vendors offering crafts, produce, and seasonal goods. $5.00 admission, for kids of all ages, 2+ and up.

Trask Family Farms Corn Maze
Date: Opening Saturday, September 28th
Location: 3650 Blue Clay Rd, Castle Hayne, NC 28429

The maze is family-friendly fun for all ages with miles of trails. Every year, Trask Family Farms has a range of fall activities including picking pumpkins, hay rides, local honey and handmade goodies in the barn, and of course exploring the corn maze. For tickets and more information click here.

Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek
Date: Every Saturday
Location: Tidal Creek Co-op, 5329 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403

For those who want to explore local produce, artisanal goods, and crafts, the Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek is a must-visit. This market, open every Saturday, features local farmers selling seasonal vegetables, fruits, and baked goods, alongside crafters and makers offering handmade jewelry, pottery, and home décor. During the fall months, you’ll find an abundance of autumnal produce like pumpkins, gourds, and root vegetables.

Whether you’re in search of fresh autumn produce, handcrafted treasures, or just a day of family-friendly entertainment, there’s something for everyone. This fall, make sure to explore these festivals and markets to experience the unique charm of the Wilmington area as it celebrates the harvest season.

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