Banner Elk's Woolly Worm Festival runs October 17–18. Get hours, admission, parking, shuttle planning, race registration, family pricing and volunteer information.
Woolly Worm Festival 2026 quick answers - When? October 17–18, 2026. - Where? Historic Banner Elk Elementary School in Banner Elk, North Carolina. - Hours? Saturday 9 AM–5 PM; Sunday 9 AM–4 PM. - Admission? $10 adults, $5 ages 6–12, free for children 5 and under. - Camping? No. The race is the center of the tradition Woolly worm heats begin around 10 AM. Registration is handled on site and participation is limited, so arrive earlier if you intend to enter a worm rather than only watch. Parking Free parking is available first come, first served. Local nonprofits may operate paid overflow lots, and the organizer is adding remote parking/shuttle support with Lees-McRae College. Do not assume you will be able to park directly beside the festival if you arrive at peak time. Family planning The event is built for families, vendors and day visitors. Pets are not allowed, with the memorable exception of woolly worms. Volunteer and vendor paths Volunteer registration is open. 2026 vendor applications are closed, although the organizer is maintaining a vendor waitlist. Official resources: festival site · FAQ · vendors · volunteer