By Jon Tharp, Broker · October 17, 2026
At a Glance
The Holiday Bazaar 2026 is an indoor holiday market at 78 Catawba Ave. in Old Fort, McDowell County. It runs Thursdays through Sundays from Oct. 16 to Dec. 31, noon to 5 p.m., with a revolving stock of wares and treasures from more than 15 local artists. Destination McDowell lists it among this week's fall activities in and around McDowell County.
Old Fort has a head start on holiday shopping this year. Holiday Bazaar 2026, an indoor market stocked with wares and treasures from more than 15 local artists, runs from Oct. 16 at 78 Catawba Ave. and stays open four days a week through the end of the year.
Hours are noon to 5 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays, from Oct. 16 to Dec. 31. Destination McDowell included the bazaar in its roundup of this week's fall activities in and around McDowell County.
What will you find at the Holiday Bazaar?
You come here for local work. More than 15 artists contribute to the market, and the stock revolves.
Is the Holiday Bazaar open in December?
Yes. The market runs all the way through Dec. 31. Just plan around the schedule: it's open Thursdays through Sundays only, from noon to 5 p.m.
What else is happening in Old Fort this fall?
If you're coming for the bazaar, take a look at the leaves too. As fall color continues its descent, Destination McDowell says it is watching Old Fort, Marion and Lake James for the next wave.
At Catawba Falls in Old Fort, an Oct. 13 visitor report described less color than hoped, but a setting that was still "absolutely beautiful." Destination McDowell also suggests that one of Old Fort's most unexpectedly beautiful fall views may be hiding in plain sight: the trees rising beyond the McDonald's parking lot just off Interstate 40. No hiking boots required.
For something a little spookier, Spooky Stories Down by the River brings Appalachian storytellers to Foothills Watershed in Old Fort on Oct. 21 and 22, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., for an evening of local lore and ghostly tales beside the fire as you get ready for Halloween festivities.
Event details come from Destination McDowell's 2026 Blue Ridge Fall Color Report: https://www.destinationmcdowell.com/blog/2026-blue-ridge-fall-color-report/
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Old Fort Holiday Bazaar open in December?
Yes. The Holiday Bazaar 2026 runs through Dec. 31, open Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Where is the Holiday Bazaar 2026 in Old Fort?
The market is at 78 Catawba Ave. in Old Fort, in McDowell County.
How many artists sell at the Old Fort Holiday Bazaar?
The indoor market features a revolving stock of wares and treasures from more than 15 local artists.
About the Author
Jon Tharp is a licensed NC real estate broker with Keller Williams. He's helped buyers and sellers across Western North Carolina for over 10 years, specializing in mountain homes, land, and short-term rental investments, with offices throughout WNC covering all mountainous areas. If something in this post has you thinking about a move, he's easy to reach — (828) 347-9055 or smokymountainhomes4sale.com or Jon@jontharphomes.com.
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