Get ready for cooler weather, colorful leaves, pumpkin spice everything, and amazing memories made with family and friends. Here are the eight events, festivals, and experiences in Sanford, NC to add to your ultimate fall bucket list.
Boo & Brew Ghost Tour
Oct. 12-29
By far the most anticipated event of the season is Sanford’s Boo & Brew Ghost Tour. Now in its fourth year, this spooktacular combination of a pub crawl and self-guided audio tour scares up loads of fun for brave pub crawlers, fans of the paranormal, and folks looking for a spectacular night out.
Join us for this year’s tale of The Ghosts of Downtown Sanford for an experience that will chill you to your very bones. Uncover the haunting secrets of Sanford’s spectral residents, with ghostly encounters around every corner.
Hit the Boo & Brew trail as you listen to the chilling story and “crawl” your way through local restaurants and bars in downtown Sanford. At each stop, enjoy themed drinks, delicious eats, choice entertainment, and more.
Local tip: Before heading out to enjoy Boo & Brew, download the Otocast app on your mobile device to enjoy The Ghosts of Downtown Sanford from start to finish.
Lee Regional Fair
Sept. 13-17
September can only mean one thing around here: the Lee County Regional Fair is back in town. Spend the perfect fall day indulging in awesome stuff like fair food, entertainment, midway rides, agricultural and commercial exhibits. General admission to this year’s fair is $5. Kids under 36″ get in for free. The fair will also have special theme days with discounted admission. When planning your visit, be sure to visit the website for all the information.
Carolina Indie Fest
Sept. 29-30
This one-of-a-kind music festival will have you moving and grooving to the sweet sounds of live music! Showcasing 10 bands, Carolina Indie Fest offers up a range of music genres. In addition, the event will include local vendors and artists, fantastic food trucks, and thirst-quenching beer and cider for festival goers. Admission to this awesome event hosted by Hugger Mugger Brewing is free for all ages. Save the dates now for a jammin’ good time!
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery at Temple Theatre
Oct. 12-29
Get your deerstalker cap on — the play’s afoot! Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” before a family curse dooms its newest heir. Our intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises and deceit as five actors deftly portray more than 40 characters. Does a wild hellhound prowl the moors of Devonshire? Can our heroes discover the truth in time? Join the fun and see how far from elementary the truth can be.
Local tip: All performances are wheelchair accessible, and a hearing loop system is available to all devices with a T-coil wireless receiver.
Downtown StreetFest & Fireworks
Oct. 14
As a Sanford signature event, StreetFest draws folks near and far for a celebration filled with music, entertainment, art, and games. Come enjoy a food truck rodeo, a craft market, and a slew of great performances in Depot Park and other spots downtown. Listen to music by bands like Cat 5, Megan Doss Band, and Workin’ On Commission. Visitors will also be wowed by a fireworks display and an epic, DJ dance party to conclude the festival.
58th Annual Sanford Brush & Palette Art Show
Oct. 14-21
Art enthusiasts are in for a treat at the Sanford Brush & Palette Club’s 58th Annual Art Show. Taking place during the second week of ARTS-tober, this exhibition showcases a splendid collection of original pieces by local, member artists. Enjoy a large variety of artwork displayed at the Mann Center of NC and meet with some of the artists themselves. The best part? Admission to this vibrant event is absolutely free.
Family Halloween Adventure & Trail of Terror
Oct. 26-28
Head on over to Deep River Sporting Clays for some spooky fun that’s perfect for all ages! For the youngsters and young at heart, there’s Family Halloween Adventure with food trucks, hay rides, a bouncy house, games, and candy. Lots of candy! What’s more, Hugger Mugger Brewery and Hatchet Brewery will be onsite during the event offering beverages to guests 21 and over.
When the sun sets, braver souls can make their way through the Trail of Terror. Try and survive a night in the scenic woodlands of Deep River Sporting Clays where an infestation of toxic zombies has taken hold! Local tip: Trail walkers 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult and separate admission prices apply for Family Halloween Adventure and Trail of Terror.
Downtown Trick-or-Treating
Oct. 28
Scare up some delightful memories by taking your little ghouls and goblins trick-or-treating this Halloween in downtown Sanford. Participating businesses will hand out candy, host costume contests, and offer other holiday goodies. Local tip: Look for paper pumpkins in the store windows of participating businesses.
Happy fall, y’all!
