October is peak season in Murphy, North Carolina — the leaves are turning across the Nantahala and Unicoi ranges, the air finally has that mountain-fall crispness, and the events calendar is the busiest of the year. Whether you're a local, a leaf-peeping visitor, or a remote worker enjoying the coworking scene in Cherokee County, here's your guide to things to do in and around Murphy, NC in October 2026.
John C. Campbell Folk School's 50th Annual Fall Festival — October 3–4
The marquee event of the month is the Folk School Fall Festival in nearby Brasstown, celebrating its 50th year on October 3 (10 AM–5 PM) and October 4 (10 AM–4 PM). Expect more than 230 craft vendors, roughly 27 food vendors, continuous live music and dance on two stages, and demonstrations across the Folk School's historic campus. It's one of the largest craft festivals in Western North Carolina and draws visitors from across the Southern Appalachians. Details at folkschool.org.
Murphy Music and Brews — Saturday, October 10
Murphy Music and Brews returns to downtown Murphy near The Depot and the Hackney Warehouse, bringing national touring music acts and craft brews from across the region together for a benefit supporting Shepherd's Men. A can't-miss day of music, beer, and community downtown.
Cherokee County Fair — October 13–15
The Cherokee County Fair brings classic county-fair energy with livestock shows, 4-H and FFA competitions, mountain crafts, and local food vendors — a true dose of Appalachian community spirit at the tri-state corner of North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
A Murphy Haunting — Trick-or-Treating Downtown — October 31
Downtown Murphy hosts its beloved Halloween trick-or-treating event for families, with local businesses handing out candy along Murphy's historic downtown streets. A safe, walkable, small-town Halloween tradition — check the Town of Murphy's site for exact hours and registration details.
Monster Mash Dash 5K — October 24
Lace up for the Monster Mash Dash 5K at Konehete Park, a costume-friendly run/walk benefiting Cherokee County's Shop with a Cop program. Open to ages 13 and up, with kids under 12 free — a fun way to spend a fall Saturday morning outdoors.
Calvary Cars Fall Car Show — October 11
Car enthusiasts should check out the Calvary Cars Fall Show at Choices–Murphy Pregnancy & Family Center, featuring trophies, door prizes, food trucks, and vendors alongside a great lineup of classic and custom vehicles.
Songwriters Showcase & Live Music at the Peacock
The Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville keeps a full October calendar of live performances, including its ongoing Songwriters Showcase series. Check the Peacock's event calendar for the full lineup, and grab tickets early — fall shows tend to sell out.
Murphy Farmers Market — Runs Through October 31
The Murphy Farmers Market wraps up its season this month (Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM), with late-fall produce, apples, winter squash, and the last of the season's local goods before it closes for winter.
First Friday Art Walk — October 2
Downtown Murphy's monthly Art Walk takes on an extra festive feel in October, with local artists, live music, and shops open late — a great way to kick off the month before the bigger festivals arrive.
Fall Foliage & Outdoor Adventures
- Murphy River Walk — The 4-mile greenway is stunning with fall color reflecting on the water, typically peaking mid-to-late October.
- Lake Hiwassee — Cooler mornings and thinning crowds make October one of the best months for a quiet paddle or scenic drive along the shoreline.
- Brasstown Bald (30 minutes into Blairsville, GA) — One of the best leaf-peeping viewpoints in the region, with panoramic 360-degree views on clear October days.
- Fires Creek area — Waterfall hikes through the Nantahala National Forest are especially beautiful with fall color overhead.
Nearby Day Trips
- Blue Ridge, GA — The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway runs dedicated fall foliage excursions throughout October, plus apple season at Mercier Orchards.
- Bryson City, NC — The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad's fall foliage trains and the Nantahala Gorge are both at their best this month.
- Cherokee, NC — Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort continues its fall concert and events lineup, about an hour from Murphy.