Stokes County, NC
October, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the sound of bluegrass rolling across the foothills of the Sauratown Mountains, except maybe the smell of fresh barbecue wafting through the air. On Friday, October 3, 2025, the Stokes Partnership for Children invites the community to gather at Nana-Mac Meadows in Pinnacle for its annual BBQ For Books with a Side of Bluegrass.

An evening blending two Stokes County favorites for a great cause: supporting early literacy programs that give local children the best possible start in life. Guests will enjoy a full barbecue dinner, games, auctions, and fellowship, all set to the toe-tapping sounds of Mason Via & Friends, a band with deep roots in the region’s musical tradition.

Behind the fun lies a purpose. Proceeds from the night help fund Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Reach Out and Read Literacy Corners, and other initiatives that put books in the hands of children. Each plate served and each note played helps ensure that future generations grow up with the tools to succeed.

Keeping Tradition Alive in Lawsonville
On October 4th, the Knight Farm in Lawsonville comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of farm life as the 6th Annual Foothills Farm Festival opens its gates. More than just a community gathering, this celebration has grown into one of Stokes County’s most heartfelt traditions, a place where heritage meets hospitality.

Visitors can expect the hum of antique tractors, the sweetness of apple butter simmering over an open fire, and the rhythm of bluegrass drifting across the fields. Children will laugh as they ride the barrel train, families will enjoy mule-drawn wagon rides, and vendor, as seasoned farmers will share the wisdom of past generations through tobacco stringing, blacksmithing, and hands-on demonstrations.

What makes this event special is not just the activities, but the spirit behind it. Born out of one family’s wish to honor their grandfather and preserve rural ways of life, the festival has grown into a living classroom and celebration for all ages. It’s a reminder that while times change, the roots of community, hard work, and neighborly connection still run deep in the Stokes County soil.

RidgeFest: A Heartfelt Celebration in Sandy Ridge, NC
Nestled in the charming rural landscapes of Sandy Ridge, the annual RidgeFest, hosted by the Sandy Ridge Ruritans, is more than just a festival, it’s a celebration of community, culture, and Southern hospitality. This year, locals and visitors are invited to the Northeast Stokes Volunteer Fire Department for a day filled with music, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of free Brunswick stew simmering on the fire on Saturday, October 11th.

RidgeFest has become a beloved tradition, offering something for everyone. Classic car enthusiasts can wander through the sparkling lineup of vintage rides, while families enjoy vendor booths brimming with handmade crafts, local goods, and delicious treats. The festival’s lively atmosphere is amplified by talented live musicians, creating the perfect soundtrack to a day of camaraderie and fun.

The perfect mountain getaway
is closer than you think:
www.hangingrock.com