Fall in Edgecombe County: Festivals, Faires & Small-Town Fun

Fall Activities & Events in Edgecombe County

Whether you're looking for live music, a festival, Halloween fun, or a reason to take a fall road trip, Edgecombe County has something happening throughout the season. Here are some of the highlights to put on your calendar.

 

Downtown Live Featuring Ashton Lalyn & The Verdict

Friday, September 18, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Tarboro Town Common

Kick off the fall event season with an evening of live music at Downtown Live, featuring Ashton Lalyn and The Verdict.

The concert will take place on Friday, September 18, at 6 p.m. at the Tarboro Town Common. Bring your friends, settle in for an evening of music, and enjoy food trucks and local vendors while you're there.

For visitors looking for things to do in Tarboro, NC, this fall, Downtown Live is an easy way to spend a Friday evening enjoying the community and the beginning of the fall season.

 

Tarborough Faire

Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tarboro Town Common & Downtown Tarboro
Free admission

The inaugural Tarborough Faire is set to transform the Tarboro Town Common and downtown into a world of Renaissance-inspired entertainment, history, and merriment.

Knights, queens, musicians, historical characters, and roving performers will fill the Faire throughout the day. Visitors can watch Fight Knight Duels, including an afternoon Championship Duel, enjoy live music from Honeyjacks, explore Sword Circle's encampment, watch blacksmithing demonstrations, take a carriage ride, participate in an interactive drum circle, and encounter performers and storytellers throughout the grounds.

Families will also find plenty to enjoy, including a children's knighting ceremony, crafts, bounce castles, ball pits, puppet shows, children's stories, and a scavenger hunt quest.

Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed in your finest Renaissance attire. Or simply come ready to enjoy a unique new event in downtown Tarboro!

The Faire is free and open to the public, making it an especially appealing option for anyone searching for fall festivals in Eastern NC or a fall festival near Raleigh, NC.

For a full event itinerary, click here.

 

Oktarborofest

Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 12–6 p.m.
Tarboro Brewing Company

Keep the fall festivities going the very next day with Oktarborofest at Tarboro Brewing Company.

Celebrate Oktoberfest season with traditional-inspired food and drinks, live entertainment, the Little German Band, and German dancers. It's a laid-back way to spend a fall Sunday enjoying good food, local drinks, and live entertainment in Tarboro.

If you're looking for a reason to turn a day trip into a weekend getaway, pairing the Tarborough Faire with Oktarborofest makes for a full weekend of fall activities in Edgecombe County, NC.

 

Boo at the Zoo

Saturday, October 24 & Friday, October 30, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
It's A Zoo Life
$18 presale / $25 cash at the door

October brings Halloween fun to It's A Zoo Life with Boo at the Zoo.

Come dressed in costume and enjoy a spooky evening featuring food, animal encounters, rides, and Halloween-themed fun. With two nights to choose from, it's a great option for families and anyone looking for something a little different to do this fall.

 

Spooky Movie Night

Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 6–8 p.m.
It's A Zoo Life
$10 presale / $15 at the door

Looking for a spooky way to spend a fall evening? It's A Zoo Life will also host Spooky Movie Night on October 29.

Grab your friends or family and settle in for a Halloween-season movie night at the zoo.

 

Brewgrass Bike Ride

First weekend of November 2026 | Details TBD

As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures cool, the first weekend of November will bring a fall bike ride to Edgecombe County.

For cyclists looking for fall bike rides in North Carolina or a new way to explore Eastern North Carolina, this is a chance to experience the countryside at a slower pace. Cycle the Edge!

 

Brewgrass

First weekend of November 2026 | Details TBD

Round out the fall event season with Brewgrass, featuring live bluegrass music and local beer.

The combination of live music, local beer, and a crisp fall day makes Brewgrass a natural fit for anyone looking for a relaxed fall outing in Eastern North Carolina.

 

Plan a Fall Weekend in Edgecombe County

With events spread throughout September, October, and November, fall is a great time to turn a single event into a weekend trip.

Start with live music at Downtown Live, experience the magic of the Tarborough Faire, or plan a Halloween weekend around Boo at the Zoo. In November, combine the fall bike ride with Brewgrass for a weekend built around outdoor recreation, local music, and community.

For visitors coming from Raleigh or elsewhere in the region, Edgecombe County offers the opportunity to get off the highway, take the scenic route, and experience some of the hidden gems in Eastern North Carolina.

Whether you're searching for things to do in Edgecombe County, NC, this fall, planning a weekend trip from Raleigh, NC, or simply looking for a new small-town getaway, there's plenty to discover as the seasons change.