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. 13-29
By far the most anticipated event of the season is Sanford’s Boo & Brew Ghost Tour. Now in its third 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.
The Haunting Tale
This year, Boo & Brew brings you a ghostly tale that will chill you to your very bones. Based on real historical figures in Sanford’s history, The Mysterious Tale of the Tuckers spins a haunting yarn filled with mystery, ghostly sightings, and other things that go bump in the night. Just how scary is this story, you may ask? Here’s just a taste:
Not much is known about W. T. Tucker and his wife Inder Virginia Squire – the influential twosome who helped shape and build the town of Sanford in its early days. But what is very much alive and well, which is more than we can say for “Billy” and “Indie” as the townsfolk called them, are the ghostly tales of how the dearly departed couple still makes their presence known here in Downtown Sanford. As many a Sanford native knows, being deceased has never stopped some folks from sticking around and turning up in places you’d least expect them to.
The Frightful Trail
Hit the Boo & Brew trail as you listen to The Mysterious Tale of the Tuckers and “crawl” your way through six local restaurants and bars. Start at Libations 139, and make your way around to La Dolce Vita Pizzeria, Hugger Mugger Brewing Company, Smoke and Barrel, and Local Joe’s Tap & Grill, and Wild Dogs Brewing Company 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 Mysterious Tale of the Tuckers from start to finish.
Lee Regional Fair
Sept. 14-18
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. 23-24
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!
Downtown StreetFest & Fireworks
Oct. 8
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 the Simpletones, Party Time Band, and Chairman of The Board. Visitors will also be wowed by a fireworks display and an epic, DJ dance party to conclude the festival.
Murder For Two at Temple Theatre
Starts Oct. 13
This fall, the historic Temple Theatre has a double-act, murder mystery musical that’s sure to knock your socks off! Everyone is a suspect in Murder for Two, a hilarious whodunit featuring two performers who play 13 different roles, sing, and play the piano. Get your tickets before they sell out as this entertaining show only runs through the end of October. Local tip: All performances are wheelchair accessible, and a hearing loop system is available to all devices with a T-coil wireless receiver.
Family Halloween Adventure & Trail of Terror
Oct. 27-29
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. 29
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!
