In our office, everyone gets excited when fall is in the air. There is something about the crisper air and the promise of cooler days to come that motivates us to get out and enjoy the great activities and events that Mooresville has to offer. Here, we’ve picked some of our favorite events perfect for enjoying autumn. Let us know if you agree, and as always, tag us in your photos when you are out and about experiencing the fall season!

Nothing says fall quite like apples, pumpkins, and sunflowers. You can pick all three straight from the fields at Carrigan Farms. Jump on the hayride wagon and ride out to the orchard or patches to select the perfect flowers or fruit. On the weekends, stop by the doughnut truck to enjoy some amazing apple cider doughnuts and apple cider slushies. Pumpkin picking begins October 1 and is offered daily through October 31. Advanced reservations are required for all farm activities. Register on the Carrigan Farms website.

The Carolina BalloonFest, one of the most popular and anticipated events in our area, is back after a 2-year hiatus. The second oldest hot air balloon festival in the country, Carolina BalloonFest features more than 50 balloons, live music acts, an artisan marketplace, food, craft beer and wine vendors, as well as special events and entertainment. The 3-day festival attracts upwards of 40,000 attendees every year. This year’s festival is October 14, 15 & 16. Tickets can be purchased online or at the event, and children under 12 are admitted for free.

Wrapping up a long summer season of events, Downtown Mooresville will host the last Uncorked and Artsy Art Walk of the year. Sip and stroll the streets of downtown on October 14 at a fun evening of beer and wine tasting and art displays. You’ll also enjoy live music, light appetizers, and shopping specials at downtown businesses. The tasting event includes a Downtown Uncorked and Artsy glass. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. The art and live music portion (without the tasting) is free to attend.

If classical music is more your speed, check out the Symphony Under the Stars at Liberty Park on October 14. The Lake Norman Philharmonic will perform under the stars from 6:30 – 8:30. Food trucks will be available on site and the event is free.

Let your inner animal run wild at our area animal parks’ fall festivals! The Lazy 5 Ranch Fall Festival begins Saturday, October 8 and runs through Sunday, October 30. Activities that are available every day (weather permitting) are Pumpkin Patch, Straw Castle, Corn Box, Pumpkin Slingshot ($1.00 per pumpkin to shoot), and fall décor for sale. Additional activities available on Saturdays and Sundays only include food for sale (hot dogs, hamburgers, roasted corn, turkey legs, funnel cakes, and marshmallow roasting ($1.00 per s’more kit). Regular admission rates apply. Wagon rides through the park to feed the animals are by reservation only.

The Zootastic Park’s Annual Fall Festival will be held the last two weekends in October, the 22-23rd, and October 29-30th. Hours are 9am -5pm on festival weekends. Activities include face painting, train rides, pumpkin decorating, carousel rides, tiger and giraffe feedings, gem mining, and more. Food trucks will be on site.

One of the most popular fall events in Mooresville is Scarrigan Farms, the region’s scariest haunted trail! If you are looking to get your heart pumping, head out to the 275 acre Carrigan Farms between September 30 and October 31 for a scary good time. The trail is open to those 12 and older only, and you must reserve your spot in advance to guarantee admittance. Fall food favorites such as apple cider donuts, fresh pizza, french fries, roast-your-own S’mores kits and roast-your-own-hotdog kits are on site. On warm evenings apple cider slushies are available and on cooler evenings hot apple cider and hot chocolate are available.

It’s not fall without the Oktoberfest celebrations of beer! Hit one of the breweries on the Mooresville Ale Trail or Davesté Vineyards and raise a pint to celebrate!

Saturday, October 8
On Tap Oktoberfest Celebration

Saturday, October 22 & Sunday, October 23
Oktoberfest at Davesté Vineyards