MumFest Is The Beloved North Carolina Festival That Mum Lovers Will Want To Be At

Are garden mums (Chrysanthemum spp.) one of your go-to picks for stunning flowers that bloom late into fall? If you're located within driving distance of New Bern, North Carolina, then you should consider swinging by MumFest, one of the city's most storied attractions honoring its namesake flower. During October, like clockwork, mum-lovers flood the streets of this idyllic city nestled between two rivers to peep the Instagram-worthy blooms, imbibe local brews, and shop from hundreds of local vendors. Organizers note that upwards of 75,000 people (which is more than double the city's population, for the record!) attended the two-day festival in 2024. And last year, festival director Kari Warren told local news affiliate WCTI12 that she orders about 2,000 mums to design the annual displays. MumFest has even received a number of local tourism awards over the years.

This year, MumFest will take place on Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12. It's free to attend. Are you thinking of planning a trip in two weeks and wondering what you and your family can expect from the event? Here are some practical tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your MumFest experience.

Attending MumFest is a great way to celebrate fall without breaking the bank. There's a designated KidsZone with games and other attractions for kiddos. Adult attendees will enjoy shopping from local makers, sipping on beer, and noshing on a range of Southern food (think BBQ or Mexican street food). And regardless of their age, everyone will love listening to live music and beholding the elaborate arches and floral displays overflowing with, you guessed it, mums. Consider taking home some mums of your own to decorate your deck for fall.

You can even make a long weekend out of it by extending your visit and exploring downtown New Bern after the festival ends. (Fun fact: The historic city is the home of literary legend Nicholas Sparks, best known for penning "The Notebook.") Better yet, road trip across the state of North Carolina until you reach the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of this year's best places to see fall foliage in the entire country.

As for tips for a smooth festival-going experience? Try to get there on the early side. Since MumFest is free, it can get busy fast, and there isn't a ton of public parking near the festival grounds. However, there are complimentary shuttle buses that run through the city's hotspots during festival hours. Bring an umbrella or poncho in case of rain, and grab some cash for food trucks, too. The official MumFest hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, though some spots, like the beer garden, stay open later.