Fall is slowly, but surely making its triumphant comeback. Get ready for cooler weather, pumpkin spice everything and Sanford festivals, experiences and events perfectly enjoyed with family and friends.
Gross Farms Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Sept. 18 – Nov. 7
Make your way over to Gross Farms for fall delights and wholesome family fun! Start by getting lost in the largest corn maze in all of Lee County, spanning a 10-acre field. Test your mettle with over 4 miles of winding pathways and various puzzles and checkpoints to keep things interesting. Farm Scene Investigation (or FSI) adds a fun twist for the kiddies seeking to find the missing Farmer Joe!
Once free of the maze, the farm’s pumpkin patch greets you with gorgeous gourds of all shapes and sizes. Accent fall and holiday décor with choice picks for the perfect jack-o-lantern or extra flair for a seasonal yard display.
Close out a perfect evening at Gross Farms with a hayride around the property. Climb aboard a large wagon filled with straw and bundle up with loved ones as you enjoy a leisurely ride through the crisp fall air.
Downtown StreetFest & Fireworks
Oct. 9
As a Sanford signature event, StreetFest draws folks near and far to downtown to enjoy a celebration filled with music, entertainment, games, art and so much more. Driven by the support of local businesses and volunteers, this annual festival takes over downtown for an entire day and includes a food truck rodeo, craft market and two performance stages. Make your way over for a public art dedication ceremony, beautiful masterpieces created by a wood carving artist and the silly antics of The Dunn Clowns. If live music is more your jam, rock out with 90s alt-rock and pop-tribute band 120 minutes as well as the Blackwater Rhythm & Blues Band and Bad Moon Rising. Finally, StreetFest concludes with an epic, DJ dance party and lights up the sky with fireworks. Be sure to save the date and treat yourself and the entire family to a festival of great fun.
Boo & Brew Ghost Tour
Oct. 15 – 31
When October rolls around, Downtown Sanford gets downright spooky. Especially, when the Boo & Brew Ghost Tour is scaring up loads of fun for brave pub crawlers and lovers of the paranormal. Embark on a self-guided audio tour to hear Jinx of the Egypt Coal Mine – a terrifying tale from Sanford’s history as a mining town about the ghosts who still linger to this day. As you listen, follow a ghostly trail that leads to seven local restaurants and bars: The Chocolate Cellar, Libations 139, Wild Dogs Brewing Company, Hugger Mugger Brewing Company, La Dolce Vita Pizzeria, Smoke and Barrel and Local Joe’s Tap & Grill. Make plans any time throughout the month including Halloween to enjoy great drinks, delicious nibbles, choice entertainment and a frighteningly good time.
Sanford Trails
All Season Long
Discover pure seasonal excitement by setting out on a unique trail or two right here in Sanford and Lee County. With natural beauty on full display this fall, get outside to hike and bike San-Lee Park or the Kiwanis Park Greenway. You can also paddle kayaks along designated routes on the Deep and Cape Fear Rivers.
Feeling less outdoorsy? No worries! Eat your way through the Sanford BBQ Trail to savor the taste of some of the finest ‘cue North Carolina has to offer. With a full belly, lace up your walking shoes and tackle the Sanford Mural Art Trail to see sprawling works of art featuring the town’s history and deep roots. Finally, round out your visit with a bit of shopping. With seven unique stops to check out on the Sanford Antique Trail, you’re bound to discover your next great treasure.
View the Sanford Trail Guide for even more information.
And there you have it! Four phenomenal ways to make this coming fall the best one yet. See you soon!
