As the air turns crisp and The Gardens at Stowe glow with vibrant hues of red, gold and amber, fall is one of the most magical times to visit Daniel Stowe Conservancy. This season, our calendar is bursting with events that celebrate the beauty of nature, bring families and friends together and offer new ways to find your path to nature. From outdoor adventures on our trails to seasonal wine sips and tasty farm-to-table bites to a brand new schedule of educational programming, there’s something for everyone to enjoy amid autumn’s splendor. Read on to plan your perfect fall day at Stowe!
Our immense gratitude goes out to our presenting Fall at Stowe sponsor, Enbridge!
Featured Fall Events
Friday, September 26 | 6-9 p.m. | The Trailhead Store | $35 (plus optional $15 charcuterie add-on)
We’re bringing the spirit of wine country to Belmont’s backyard with an evening designed for relaxation and connection to nature. Your ticket grants you access to three curated tasting stations, each offering a selection of nine exceptional varietals set against the beauty of early fall. Stroll between our charming garden courtyard and shimmering ponds as the evening sky turns to amber, glass in hand.
Enhance your experience with our Vino Bundle—a hand-selected charcuterie box perfectly paired with a glass of our house wine, available at the Trailhead Store for just $15.
While you’re here, take time to wander through The Village at Stowe—home to the Trailhead Store, the Farmhouse Garden Center, a newly reopened Dog Park and countless scenic outdoor spaces designed for relaxation.
Because really, what’s better than fine wine, good company and a breathtaking sunset at Stowe?
A huge thank you to GSM Services for sponsoring The Village Harvest!
The Village Harvest: A Fall Fest at Farmhouse
Saturday, September 27 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | The Village at Stowe | Free (excluding select workshops)
We’re celebrating crisp air, colorful leaves and the flavors of the season at The Village Harvest: A Fall Fest at Farmhouse, where you’ll find a bustling Harvest Market, hands-on workshops, live music and so much more. Kids (and kids at heart) can enjoy carnival games, balloon animals and even meet and hold adorable local bunnies from noon to 4 p.m.
September 27 also marks the debut of Scarecrow Hollow, so be sure to stop by The Gardens to enjoy the first day of our most popular fall exhibit–more on that below!
Saturday, September 27-Friday, October 31 | The Gardens at Stowe | Garden Admission or Membership | Exhibit available during open Garden hours
A huge thank you to Go Gaston NC for sponsoring this year’s Scarecrow Hollow exhibit:
One of last year's winning scarecrows, Alien Mama!
Authors Palmer McIntyre + Hollis Oberlies
Trails + Treats: Book Signing and Guided Walk
Sunday, September 28 | 2-4 p.m. | The Trailhead Store | Free, but pre-registration is highly encouraged
Step into the great outdoors for a special meet-and-greet with authors Palmer McIntyre and Hollis Oberlies, creators of Trails & Treats: A Hiker and Runner’s Guide to Great Trails and Good Eats in North Carolina. During this open-air conversation, you’ll discover hidden gems in the Charlotte area and beyond, pick up fresh ideas for day trips and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Start the event with a snack and your favorite beverage—coffee, chai or more—from The Trailhead Store as you mingle with the authors. Copies of Trails & Treats will be available for purchase and signing on site.
After the signing, join a guided walk along our trails to experience the beauty of nature firsthand. Learn about native plants, local ecology and how “mini adventures” can enrich your everyday life.
Packed with 30 trails and more than 70 local eateries across the mountains, Triad and Charlotte regions—plus healthy snacks and recipes—Trails & Treats is the ultimate colorful guidebook for explorers.
This talk, signing and hike are free to attend, with beverages and books available for purchase at The Trailhead Store. Free pre-registration is appreciated!
Saturday, October 4 | 8-11 a.m. | The Village at Stowe | $39.05
Break out your favorite Halloween gear a little early and join us for the second annual Jeepers Creepers 5K + 10K at Daniel Stowe Conservancy! This one-of-a-kind race blends festive fun, gorgeous scenery and a dash of spooky season spirit. Costumes aren’t required—but they’re definitely encouraged—so channel your inner ghost or vampire and hit the trails in style.
All participants receive free admission to our fall exhibit, Scarecrow Hollow. Wander through the gardens after your run to soak up the sights, snap some photos and enjoy the full fall experience.
This year’s 10K is our longest annual race at Stowe, winding through beautiful, flowy trails that make the perfect kickoff to spooky season. Special prizes await those who truly embrace the theme and go all out with their costumes.
After you cross the finish line, stick around to celebrate! Warm up by the firepits, toast s’mores, sip a cold beverage, and take part in seasonal competitions at the Trailhead Store while cheering on fellow runners and walkers.
Mark your calendar, grab your running shoes (and your costume) and join us for a race that’s equal parts fitness, fun and fall festivities!
A huge thank you to Duke Energy for sponsoring Roots + Rhythm:
Roots + Rhythms: A Farm-to-Table Dinner
Saturday, October 11| 6 p.m. | The Gardens at Stowe | Pricing varies
Join us on Saturday, October 11, 6 p.m. at the Levine Pavilion for a farm-to-fork dinner celebrating the season’s finest food. Enjoy live Americana and bluegrass music and the unveiling of plans for Stowe’s new Crop Garden and outdoor kitchen. With tasty bites from Carolina Farm Trust and toe-tappin’ tunes from Wagon Load a Trouble, this evening won’t just help raise funds for our nonprofit conservancy to grow; it will be an unforgettable experience!
Bootanical and Cars + Coffee: Trunk-or-Treat
Sunday, October 19 | 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. | The Gardens at Stowe
We’ve got a fun Halloween double-header on Sunday, October 19!
Calling all car lovers! Start your morning at the Cars + Coffee Trunk-or-Treat and bring your wheels—any make, any model—to the Garden Pavilion parking lot for a festive meet-up with fellow enthusiasts. Show off your ride, swap stories and enjoy a morning surrounded by fellow automotive fans.
This is a family-friendly event and a fun lead-in to our Bootanical Halloween celebration. We encourage participants to decorate their vehicles “trunk-or-treat” style and get ready for little princesses and superheroes who will be stopping by for Halloween excitement. No pre-registration is needed—just show up and join the fun!
All participants who bring a vehicle will receive free passes to visit The Gardens at Stowe. Don’t forget! Stop by the Trailhead Store on your way down to the meet and mention you’re here for Trunk-or-Treat to snag a special discount on your beverage.
After Cars + Coffee, head into The Gardens for Bootanical. To celebrate our brand-new Prairie Castle Playground, we’re turning The Gardens into a magical fairy tale!
Free Fall Fun
Learning for Littles
Bring your toddlers and join us at Stowe for a delightful outdoor, nature-themed learning experience designed just for children ages 0–4 and their caregivers. Each session features a lively read-aloud story, playful puppets, and a hands-on activity to spark curiosity and connection with the natural world.
These programs take place twice a month from August through November, from 9-9:45 a.m. at The Trailhead Store picnic area.
No registration is needed—simply stop by, find a seat and enjoy a morning of discovery with your little one!
Pickin’ on the Porch
Spend your Saturday afternoon soaking up live music, good vibes, and tasty treats at the Trailhead Store! Our popular Pickin’ on the Porch series brings talented local musicians to the porch every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. (weather permitting) for a free, family-friendly experience you won’t want to miss.
Each week features:
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Rotating local musical artists
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Beverages including lattes, cold beer, wine and soda
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Sweet treats from The Trailhead Store
Grab a drink, pull up a chair and enjoy the perfect soundtrack to your weekend!
Free Nature Photography
Slow down, connect with nature and hone your photography skills during our Nature Photography Walks led by professional photographer Nelson Stegall. These 1.5-hour guided walks—typically held the fourth Thursday of each month—immerse you in the Slow Photography Movement, encouraging you to focus on quality over quantity while capturing unique perspectives of the natural world.
These walks are free, but space is limited—reserve your spot via the event calendar.
Leaves of Literature Book Club
Love to read? Looking for good conversation and community? Join us for our new Leaves of Literature Book Club held at The Trailhead Store.
What to expect:
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Meet fellow book lovers
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Help choose our first book as a group
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Share ideas for how the Club will grow
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Light refreshments and great company
Bring your enthusiasm, your ideas, a lawn chair or blanket and maybe a friend. Whether you’re a regular reader or just want an excuse to pick up more books, you’re welcome here.
New Learning Series
Rooted in Knowledge: Lunch + Learn Series
Join us at Daniel Stowe Conservancy for Rooted in Knowledge: Lunch + Learn, a monthly series designed to nourish both your body and your mind. Over the lunch hour, enjoy engaging talks from Conservancy staff, guest experts and community partners as we explore topics that connect to our mission of preserving natural resources, celebrating the botanical world and inspiring environmental stewardship. Attendees have the option to purchase lunch with their ticket, or can purchase tickets without lunch (no outside food can be brought in to Stowe property).
Check out upcoming dates and topics via our event calendar.
Coffee + Crafts
Start your morning with creativity and connection at Coffee + Crafts, a recurring class held at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. Each session features a new hands-on craft project, guided by instructors, with all materials provided—no prior experience needed.
Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee, latte or tea from The Trailhead Store as you craft, relax and mingle with fellow participants in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to spark your creativity and begin your day on a bright, inspired note.
Classes will take place in The Village at Stowe – group meetup will occur at The Trailhead Store each time and disperse to class location from there.
The Moonlight Series
Step into the magic of the Conservancy after dark with The Moonlight Series, a curated collection of evening programs that celebrate the beauty of nature under the moonlight. Each event invites guests to explore gardens, discover nocturnal wildlife, and enjoy special activities that bring the nighttime landscape to life.
Whether wandering among moonlit blooms, learning from expert presentations, or connecting with fellow nature enthusiasts, The Moonlight Series offers a serene and inspiring way to experience the outdoors after sunset.
Topics, themes and ticket prices will vary each date.
Check out upcoming events in these series on our event calendar.
Youth Educational Opportunities
Homeschool Day: Adaptation Adventure
Thursday, September 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Garden Pavilion | $15/student; $11.95/non-member adult
Discover how plants, insects, and amphibians adapt to survive in their environments! During this homeschool day at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, students will explore hands-on stations, meet fascinating species and uncover the unique traits that help them thrive.
Fall Break Camp
October 6-10 | 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | $225/members; $250/non-members
Immerse your child in nature and fun with our hands-on Fall Break Camp. Explore our new Prairie Castle Playground, Adventure Trail, forest, pond and prairie habitats. Our educators support active learning through games, activities and science. Each day is an adventure and your kids will enjoy an educational, engaging break from school!
This fall promises to be one of the most vibrant seasons yet at Stowe! With crisp days ahead, colorful foliage and a calendar brimming with exciting new events and programs, now is the perfect time to plan your visit. From family-friendly festivities to inspiring talks and immersive nature experiences, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to make new memories—check out our full lineup of upcoming events and find your path to nature at Stowe this fall!
