Can you believe fall is here again? Lake Norman is one of those rare places where every season feels alive, and autumn might just be the best of them all. From family-friendly pumpkin patches and sprawling corn mazes to lively fall festivals, local breweries, and cozy coffee shops, there’s no shortage of things to do. Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting for the weekend, this guide will walk you through the top Lake Norman fall activities for 2025—with dates, locations, and insider tips to make the most of the season.

Festivals at the Lake

fun fall festivals to go to fall 2022 in lake Norman

Halloweekend & Pumpkin Smash & Shoot

Friday-Sunday, October 24-26, 2025 and Sunday, November 9, 2025

Calling all families! Join the town locals for the annual Halloween March starting at 5 PM on Friday, where kids can trick-or-treat down Main Street. Explore the creative genius of pumpkin carvers as you see jack-o-lanterns on display all weekend long. 

After Halloween is long gone, what better way to dispose of your pumpkin than a community compost—with a twist! The Pumpkin Smash & Shoot event!

Laketoberfest- Cornelius

Saturday, October 11, 2025 4PM-9PM

This event has quickly become of Lake Norman favorite for the whole family with live music, a super-fun kids zone, tons of food trucks and fall flavored local beers and wines galore! Many of Lake Norman’s best breweries will be there, like 760 Craftworks, Eleven Lakes Brewing, Primal Brewery, King Canary Brewery and more! You can check the Town of Cornelius website for full details, but this is a free event to attend!

Lincoln County Apple Festival- Lincolnton

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Celebrating 53 years—get your apple fix in bushels or pecks, from cider, pies, all the way to donuts! Check their event page to see updates on what sort of food and entertainment that you can expect.

A Taste of Davidson- Davidson

Saturday, October 18, 2025 5PM-10PM

Of all fall activities, this event is slated to feature the best flavors of Davidson! Davidson is home to so many great restaurants, and if you haven’t been able to give them all a try, this would be a great event to allow you to try them out. More details are available on the Town of Davidson website. Just my two cents, but this would be a great date night activity that pairs together local fare and fun!

Fall Fun on the Farm

fun farms in lake Norman to try this fall

Pumpkin patches, haunted trails, and apple groves are just a few ways you can have fun on the farm this fall in Lake Norman! Whether you’re young or old, Lake Norman has something fun for you to do this fall, especially if it’s on the farm!

Patterson Farm- Mount Ulla

Patterson Farm is a short drive from the Lake Norman area and has a ton of family fun to do this fall! From a Corn Maze to a Pumpkin Patch, this stop is a one-size-fits-all. This farm is especially great for younger kids, with over 40 different attractions including PawPaw Carl’s Playground, Barnyard, Cow Barrel Train Ride, Corn Maze, Wagon Ride, and 40 other attractions. Tickets are required, and you can save yourself a little money by purchasing them online and by going during the week! Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by their market filled with fresh produce and local goods. 

Carrigan Farms- Mooresville

Carrigan Farms checks all the boxes for fall fun! Pumpkin Picking begins September 27th, and if you want to go, you’ll need to make a reservation on their website. The cost is $15 per person which includes a trip to the pumpkin patch, a hayride, and the petting zoo. 

They also have a really well-done haunted trail called Scarrigan Farms! I’ve gone a couple times in years past, and the staff have always made the experience worth-while from the check-in process down to where you exit in the corn fields. This attraction is only available for thrill-seekers 12 years old and older. The haunted trail only runs certain days, and advanced reservations are required. 

Rural Hill Maize Maze- Huntersville

This corn maze is the definition of outdoor family fun! Rural Hill Maize Maze runs from September 6- October 31 this year. Bring your walking shoes, sunscreen, and team work for this fall adventure. This maze will have you reaching your daily steps goal in no time! You can visit this page for more info and to purchase tickets. Tickets range between $11-$22.

Fall for Foodies

fun places to try lake Norman

Don’t think I forgot about you. What fall isn’t complete with a great pie, specialty coffee drink, or pumpkin beer?

Lake Norman Pie Shops

Lake Norman Breweries

Lake Norman Coffee Shops

If you’re fueled by more than just caffeine, and love a specialty coffee drink, then Lake Norman will not disappoint you! Here you’ll not only find some of the coziest coffee shops, but some of the best tasting coffee drinks, too! Here are just a few of my favorites to get you started this fall.

Whether you’re here for the season or call this area home, Lake Norman fall activities in 2025 are full of charm, flavor, and fun. From crisp evenings at local breweries to afternoons spent wandering pumpkin patches and apple orchards, there’s something for everyone. This list is only a starting point—Lake Norman is always full of surprises, and fall is the perfect time to discover them. If you’re thinking about making Lake Norman your home, I’d love to help you explore not only the activities but also the neighborhoods that make this area so special. Reach out anytime at 704-654-9305 or alyssaroccanti@gmail.com.