45th Annual Autumn Jubilee Brings Fall Fun to Dan Nicholas Park
For generations of Rowan County families, the first weekend in October has meant a trip to Dan Nicholas Park for Autumn Jubilee. The longtime local tradition returns for its 45th year on Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, bringing live music, handmade crafts, food and children’s entertainment to one of the county’s best-known outdoor spaces.
Autumn Jubilee has grown into one of Rowan County’s largest annual gatherings, attracting more than 50,000 people from the county and beyond. Its size is impressive, but its enduring appeal comes from something more personal: the opportunity for neighbors, families and friends to spend a fall weekend together in a place that already holds memories for many local residents.
A Rowan County Fall Tradition
Dan Nicholas Park has long been a gathering place for the Rowan County community. Throughout the year, families visit the park to enjoy its outdoor spaces and attractions, but Autumn Jubilee transforms the familiar setting into a lively fall festival filled with music, activities and rows of vendors.
The event’s 45th anniversary reflects the strength of a tradition that has continued to bring people together across generations. Adults who attended Autumn Jubilee as children can now return with their own families, introducing a new generation to one of Rowan County’s signature seasonal activities.
That sense of continuity is part of what makes established local traditions important. They become more than dates on a calendar. They create shared experiences, connect residents with their community and help define what makes Rowan County feel like home.
Live Music Throughout the Weekend
Music will once again be a central part of the 2026 Autumn Jubilee.
Chris Taylor & the Rumor will perform Saturday from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., followed by Chairmen of the Board from 2:15–4:15 p.m. The group is known for helping carry forward the Carolina beach music tradition, giving Saturday afternoon a soundtrack familiar to generations of North Carolinians.
On Sunday, Landon Cline will take the stage from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Cassette Rewind will close the weekend’s musical lineup with a performance from 2:15–4:15 p.m.
The mix of performers offers opportunities to settle in near the stage for a full set or enjoy live music in the background while exploring the festival.
Handmade Crafts and Local Creativity
Craft vendors are another defining part of Autumn Jubilee. Participating craft vendors are required to offer handmade items, creating a marketplace centered on original work rather than commercially produced goods.
For festivalgoers, the vendor areas offer a chance to discover art, décor, accessories, gifts and other pieces made by individual creators. For artisans, the festival provides an opportunity to share their work with a large audience and connect directly with the people who purchase it.
Supporting handmade work has an impact beyond finding something unique to take home. It celebrates the creativity, skill and entrepreneurial spirit found throughout Rowan County and the surrounding region.
Food vendors will also be part of the weekend, giving families plenty of options as they spend the day exploring the park.
Entertainment for Younger Festivalgoers
Autumn Jubilee is designed to include activities for multiple generations, including dedicated entertainment for children.
The 2026 lineup features Rob Westcott the Magician and Rick Hubbard’s Kazoobie Kazoo Show. These interactive performances add to the festival atmosphere and give younger attendees entertainment created especially for them.
Families can also explore the wider setting of Dan Nicholas Park. Availability and operating schedules for individual park attractions may vary during the festival, so attendees should review the latest information before arriving if a particular attraction is an important part of their plans.
More Than a Festival Setting
Autumn Jubilee also highlights the role that public greenspaces play in Rowan County’s quality of life.
Located at 6800 Bringle Ferry Road in Salisbury, Dan Nicholas Park gives residents a place to gather, play and spend time outside throughout the year. Hosting a large community tradition within the park brings together two parts of Rowan County life: access to outdoor recreation and a strong calendar of local activities.
Those qualities matter not only to longtime residents but also to people considering making Rowan County their home. Community traditions provide natural ways for newcomers to become familiar with the area, meet their neighbors and begin building their own connections.
During Autumn Jubilee, those connections happen everywhere—from families enjoying a performance together to conversations between shoppers and craft vendors.
What to Know Before You Go
The 45th Annual Autumn Jubilee will take place Oct. 3–4, 2026, at Dan Nicholas Park, located at 6800 Bringle Ferry Road in Salisbury.
Because Autumn Jubilee is a large and popular event, attendees should review current parking, accessibility, park attraction and festival information before heading out. Event plans may also be affected by weather or other operational considerations.
For the latest announcements and full event information, visit the official Autumn Jubilee website.
After 45 years, Autumn Jubilee remains a reminder of what Rowan County does especially well: bringing people together. Whether the weekend is an annual family tradition or a resident’s first time attending, the festival offers another opportunity to enjoy the season while connecting with the people, places and traditions that make this community an original.
