Festivals & Fairs
Woolly Worm Festival
October 17–18, 2026 · 9am · Historic Banner Elk Elementary School
Kid-friendly
Experience the town of Banner Elk's annual festival celebrating a local tradition. For over forty years the community and visitors have gathered to race woolly worms and name a winner, whose fuzzy pattern forecasts the upcoming winter's weather. There will be tons of family fun, food, and craft vendors on Saturday and Sunday. Don't forget to bring your woolly worm for the big Woolly Worm Race on Saturday! The first prize is $1000!
Every year
Woolly Worm Festival returns every year, typically the third weekend of October.