After a week of the typical routine, be it work, school, parenting duties, chores or something else, weekends are the perfect time to shake up the norm. Luckily, Edenton events are the perfect way to do just that. Business and organizations’ special events and other activities are often ones that family and friends will also love, so you get to socialize in addition to having fun. Many are conveniently located too. After all, in this area it’s just a short drive – or even walk – to reach your destination. Over the next two weekends, Edenton welcomes an array of events, parties and other happenings that celebrate the fall season and the mother of autumn shindigs, Halloween. Whether you’re looking for activities for the family or others that make for fun evenings out with friends or sweethearts, here’s a rundown of fast-approaching Edenton events you shouldn’t miss.
Photo: Historic Edenton Ghost Walk
Explore Edenton's Haunted History
Since weekends often involve quality time with the family, let’s first look at family-friendly Edenton events. Get into the spooky spirit of Halloween with a good, small-town ghost walk. 350 Years of Haunts comes to downtown Edenton this Friday and Saturday, October 19 and 20, and it’s an event that delivers skin-prickling delight to all ages. Once the sun sets and the street lamps begin flickering, dive into Edenton’s history through stories of ghosts, goblins, witches and more. This walking tour takes you to different homes and other venues throughout downtown. At each stop costumed interpreters share legends and lore that offer a new perspective on Edenton. Tours leave from the Historic Edenton Visitors Center every 15 minutes between 6:15 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each, and you can purchase them at the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce.
Paint a Pumpkin
For an activity to do during the day, come back to downtown for Historic Edenton State Historic Site’s Pumpkin Painting Day on Saturday, October 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Festive fall favorites, like face painting, lawn games and pumpkin decorating happen on The Green at the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse in downtown Edenton. As far as available pumpkins to paint are concerned, this event is first come, first served. However, children are welcome to bring their own pumpkins to turn into masterpieces – the other supplies are already provided.
Sip Tea with a Bear
If you loved Pumpkin Painting Day, return to the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse the following Saturday, October 27, for Teddy Bear Tea Party. Young attendees don their tea-time best and gussy up their favorite stuffed animals or dolls for a lesson in tea party etiquette and a story time. Lost Colony Cotillion teaches the tea party fundamentals at the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse. Upon finishing their tea and cookies, children can enjoy the photo booth and gather for a story. Tickets are available for $10 at the Historic Edenton State Historic Site.
Sharpen Your Kitchen Skills
While everyone loves family-friendly activities, be sure to set aside time for the adults to play too. Cultivate skills and channel creativity this Friday or next at the Cooking Classes at the Cotton Gin Inn Bed and Breakfast. This series teaches recipes and skills in keeping with the season, and they’re cooking up some yummy, multi-course meals this fall. Depending on what works for your schedule, or your palate, choose from the Fall Pasta or the Autumnal Evening classes on October 19 and 26 respectively. And, hey, if you’re feeling particularly inspired, why not both? Learn how to spatchcock a chicken or pair sweet potato gnocchi with a cider sauce. This event lasts from 6 to 9:30 p.m., and the $50 registration covers the cooking class, a meal and a logo apron that you take home.
Pick the Pig
Speaking of culinary excellence, skip all the effort but still reap the benefits of good cooking at BBQ, Beverages, Music and More. Come to The Links at Mulberry Hill on Saturday, October 27, for a down-home pig-pickin’ event. Award-winning chef Adam Hughes is bringing his famous barbecue from Food Network’s “Chopped Grill Masters” to the event. Chow down on tangy, smoky barbecue with all the fixings, accompanied by beer and wine. Mix and mingle with your fellow golfers and 'cue lovers as D.J.-spun tunes set the mood. Tickets cost $50 each and include greens fees for Thursday or Saturday. Call The Links at (252) 482-3606 to reserve yours.
Break Out the Costumes
Plan a date night or round up your crew for the Halloween Costume Party at The 51 House on Saturday, October 27. You’re never too old to break out a witch’s hat or fake mustache after all! The evening features live entertainment from a D.J. from 6 to 10 p.m. plus Halloween-themed cocktail specials. Costumes, as always, should be taken seriously. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed couple, lady and gentleman. Reservations are recommended, so call (252) 482-2500 to guarantee your spot in the fun.
If the thrill of activity from the upcoming weekends’ Edenton events leaves you looking for more, our Daytime Events page tells you everything that’s going on, every day of the week. For more entertainment to fill your evenings, be sure to check out our Nightlife page as well.
About the Author Hannah Lee Leidy
Hannah Lee is a fiction and creative nonfiction writer living on the Outer Banks. She graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio with a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. Traveling is her passion, but nowhere ever feels as much like home as the Outer Banks. When not planning her next trip or adventure, Hannah Lee loves aimless drives down the Beach Road, spending copious amounts of time in coffee shops and reading every short story collection she gets her hands on. 