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.
1. Boo & Brew Ghost Tour
Oct. 17-19; 24-26; 31
By far the most anticipated event of the season is Sanford’s Boo & Brew Ghost Tour. Now in its fifth 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.
2. Lee Regional Fair
Sept. 11-15
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.
3. Carolina Indie Fest
Sept. 20-21
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!
4. Catch A Show At Temple Theatre
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Sept. 5-22
“Sha la la, Joseph, you’re doing fine! You and your dreamcoat, ahead of your time!” One of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is an entirely sung-through reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors. This magical musical is full of catchy songs in a variety of styles, and is fun-filled entertainment for the entire family!
Ring of Fire
Oct. 10-27
The songbook of Johnny Cash comes to life in this musical about love and faith, struggle and success, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits— “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and the title tune — performed by a multi-talented cast, paints a musical portrait of The Man in Black that promises to be a crowd-pleasing salute to a unique musical legend!
Local tip: All performances are wheelchair accessible, and a hearing loop system is available to all devices with a T-coil wireless receiver.
5. Downtown StreetFest & Fireworks
Oct. 12
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.
6. Sanford Brush & Palette 60 Years of Art Show
Oct. 12-19
Art enthusiasts are in for a treat at the Sanford Brush & Palette Club’s 60 Years of Art Show. This year will be the largest celebration yet, with hundreds of original pieces by local, member artists. Enjoy a large variety of artwork displayed at the Harper Center at First Presbyterian Church and meet with some of the artists themselves. The best part? Admission to this vibrant event is absolutely free.
7. Downtown Trick-or-Treating
Oct. 26
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.
8. Sanford Trail Festival
Oct. 26
This year’s Sanford Trail Festival will be held at San Lee Park on October 26, with events and activities to promote Sanford and Lee County’s outdoor recreation and mountain biking trails. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
Bonus: Farm Fun
Sept. 14 – Nov.3
Gross Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch season is upon us! Join in on the fall fun with activities for all ages. Navigate the large corn maze, pick your very own pumpkin right from the patch, or take a scenic hayride on a working farm. Sanford is known for its many farms, so be sure to check out Buchanan Farms for even more unforgettable memories this season.
Happy fall, y’all!
