September in Murphy, North Carolina is when the mountains start to shift into fall gear — cooler evenings, the first hints of color on the ridgelines, and a calendar full of community festivals before the leaf-peeping crowds arrive. Whether you live here, you're passing through on a mountain getaway, or you're working remotely from the coworking scene in Cherokee County, here's what's happening in and around Murphy, NC in September 2026.
Dolly Parton Day — Friday, September 25
Murphy celebrates its own Dolly Parton Day on September 25, with local businesses, organizations, and individuals organizing "Dolly Good Deeds" across town in the spirit of generosity Dolly is famous for. Expect community giveback projects, themed specials at local shops and restaurants, and a genuinely feel-good day around downtown Murphy.
Cherokee County Heritage Walk & Festival
This beloved annual celebration of Cherokee County history runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM with all-day historic walking tours plus a heritage festival featuring area artists, crafters, growers, food, and live stage entertainment. It's free and open to the public and one of the best ways to get a feel for the community's roots.
Annual Cherokee County Chili Cook Off — September 26
Head to Konehete Park on September 26 at noon for the Annual Cherokee County Chili Cook Off, where local cooks compete for trophies based on popular vote. Bring an appetite — sampling is part of the fun.
Bear on the Square: Dueling Chainsaw Artists — September 4–5
The Murphy Art Center (The MAC) and Valley River Arts Guild host dueling chainsaw carvers turning logs into art in real time. A fun, only-in-the-mountains spectacle for all ages, downtown at 12 Peachtree Street.
Gears & Grub — Every 3rd Thursday
Classic car lovers should swing by Comfort Grub for Gears & Grub, a monthly cruise-in from 5–7 PM open to all makes and models. Good food, cool classics, and an easy midweek reason to get downtown.
Songwriters Showcase at the Peacock — September 26
The Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville (about 20 minutes from Murphy) hosts Songwriters Showcase 63 on September 26 at 7:30 PM, featuring original music from touring songwriters in an intimate listening-room setting. Tickets and details at thepeacocknc.org.
Murphy Farmers Market — Every Saturday
The Murphy Farmers Market (Railroad Street / L&N Depot area, every Saturday 9 AM–1 PM) keeps rolling through the fall with late-summer produce giving way to early fall crops — peppers, winter squash, apples, and the season's first greens — alongside local honey, baked goods, and crafts.
First Friday Art Walk — September 4
Downtown Murphy's monthly Art Walk (first Friday, 5–8 PM) brings out local artists, live music, and open shops throughout the historic district. A relaxed way to spend an early-fall evening downtown.
Cooling Off Before the Crowds — Outdoor Adventures
- Lake Hiwassee — Water temperatures are still warm and the boat traffic thins out after Labor Day, making September a great time for paddling and fishing.
- Fires Creek area — Waterfalls and swimming holes in the Nantahala National Forest, with the first hints of fall color starting at higher elevations late in the month.
- Murphy River Walk — The 4-mile greenway is especially pleasant once the September heat breaks.
Nearby Day Trips
- John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown — Fall classes are in full swing ahead of the big October Fall Festival; the campus store and grounds are open to visitors.
- Blue Ridge, GA — Early apple season continues at Mercier Orchards, with fall festival prep starting downtown.
- Cherokee, NC — Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort's concert season continues into September with major touring acts.