North Carolina statewide events

Protect the outdoors during this all-levels hike-a-thon across Haywood County. Tackle self-chosen trails through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest while fundraising for the Environmental and Conservation Organization. Free guided hikes welcome beginners, then celebrate with an awards presentation at Frog Level Brewing Sunday. (Oct. 3-4)

Enjoy the 19th annual celebration at Sunset Beach Town Park on Sunset Boulevard. This free community event serves up live music, arts and crafts, food and local craft beer and wine all day. Bring the kids for a lively Kids Zone packed with activities. A perfect coastal fall afternoon awaits.

Get your geek on at the Smoky Mountain Event Center, Waynesville's premier family-friendly pop-culture convention. Browse comics, toys, video games and original artwork from a wide range of artists and vendors. Enter the cosplay contest for cash prizes, test your skills in gaming areas and grab a bite from food trucks.

Get spooky in downtown Brevard at Heart of Brevard's fangtastic celebration, held the Saturday before Halloween. This free, family-friendly event features bounce houses, a costume competition and parade, the Magic Book Bus and a hula hoop dance party. Explore local businesses through a Spooky Stroll Open House and downtown trick-or-treating.

Slow down at the North Carolina Arboretum for an immersive afternoon retreat themed around gratitude and reciprocity. Guide Christa Hebal leads a peaceful saunter through the fall forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork and nature therapy on quiet trails. Celebrate in community with a wild-foraged tea ceremony and snacks. All are welcome.

Kick off the holidays at The Park Expo and Conference Center as North America's largest holiday show returns for its 59th year. Spanning 11 football fields, this Sounds of Christmas celebration features 400 specialty merchants, handcrafted treasures, designer rooms, Christmas Tree Lane and a wine pavilion. Visit Santa and enjoy live entertainment. (Nov. 11-22)

Comedian Jamie Lissow takes the Cain Center for the Arts stage for a special evening benefiting Brad Keselowski's Checkered Flag Foundation, honoring veterans and first responders. A regular on Fox's Gutfeld! and star of Netflix's Real Rob, Lissow brings big laughs to Cornelius for one night only. Don't miss it.

Celebrate post-Thanksgiving at The Orange Peel, one of the Southeast's preeminent concert venues. Progressive bluegrass band Fireside Collective hosts its largest hometown show of the year, blending traditional pickin' with original songwriting and high-energy performances. Doors open at 7 p.m. Enjoy acoustic tunes and community fellowship with friends and special guests.

Pull out your tackiest holiday knit for the 8th Annual Ugly Sweater Party at Rixster Grill. This festive celebration features live music, drink specials and a contest for the most outrageous attire. Wear your loudest, most over-the-top sweater to compete for prizes and toast the season with fellow revelers.