Make a Day of It in Mocksville September 18–19
Looking for a fall outing where the kids can climb on a tractor, meet farm animals, take a hayride, listen to live bluegrass and discover a little local history—all in one place?
Make plans for a trip to Mocksville for the 4th Annual Davie Farm Fest, September 18–19 at the Masonic Picnic Grounds.
This free, family-friendly festival celebrates the agricultural traditions that have helped shape Davie County while offering plenty to see, taste, hear, and experience.
And you don’t have to be a farmer or know the first thing about tractors to have a great time.
“Come out and give us a chance,” said organizer Michelle Myers. “You don’t have to be a farmer or know anything about tractors to enjoy Davie Farm Fest. There is something for everyone.”
A Festival With a Story
Davie Farm Fest began with one Davie County family’s love of tractors.
When CJ Myers was little more than a baby, his father, Brad, took him for his first ride on an old Ford tractor. CJ was hooked. At two, he attended an antique tractor parade, and his grandfather, Lindsey Fishel, eventually gave him his first vintage tractor—a 1946 John Deere A.
CJ and his younger brother, Ryan, grew up attending tractor shows, where people took the time to answer their questions, teach them about farming and old equipment, and encourage their curiosity.
Those childhood experiences eventually inspired the Myers family—Brad and Michelle and their sons, CJ and Ryan—to create Davie Farm Fest in 2023.
“People like Kenneth [Green] took the time to teach our boys, encourage their curiosity and share something they loved with them,” Michelle said. “It wasn’t just about tractors or engines. Those experiences stayed with CJ and Ryan, and in many ways, Farm Fest is our family’s way of passing that kindness forward.”
Four years later, visitors get to share in that experience.
Tractors, Animals and Hands-On Farm Fun
One of the best things about Davie Farm Fest is that visitors don’t simply look—they experience.
Children can get close to tractors and farm equipment, meet people who work in agriculture and watch demonstrations of skills that were once part of everyday rural life.
Expect to see alpacas, pigs, goats, cows, a baby calf, peacocks, chickens, bees and more. Visitors can also watch blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, tobacco looping, beekeeping, honey making and even farmstead cooking over an open fire.
This year’s featured tractor is John Deere, and vintage tractors and equipment will be on display throughout the festival.
For Michelle, watching different generations experience those displays together is one of the highlights.
“For some people, the old tractors and equipment bring back memories of their childhood, while for others, it may be their first time seeing them,” she said.
Discover a Little Local History
Farm Fest also offers visitors a chance to explore the history behind Davie County’s rural landscape.
The Tobacco Farm Life Museum and Mountain Gateway Museum will bring hands-on history to Saturday’s festival, including a Great Wagon Road display.
Visitors can also meet representatives from Davie Soil & Water Conservation District, the N.C. Forest Service, N.C. Cooperative Extension and 4-H and learn more about farming, conservation and the natural resources that continue to shape the area today.
It’s a fun way to introduce children to history without asking them to stand still and read a sign.
Bring the Kids
Families could easily spend hours exploring Farm Fest.
Barrel train rides, family hay wagon rides, games and activities add to the fun, and the Kids Pedal Tractor Pull takes place Saturday at 11 a.m. Weigh-in is at 10:30 a.m., and every child who participates receives a prize bag.
Michelle encourages parents to give children time to explore.
“Let them climb on a tractor, talk to someone who farms, watch an old piece of equipment work, take a ride on the barrel train or hay wagon, and just experience something different,” she said. “We want children to have the opportunity to learn about agriculture and appreciate the people who work hard to provide for our communities.”
Shop Local—and Meet Davie’s Youngest Entrepreneurs
Leave a little time for shopping.
The Farmers Market will feature local farms and growers, while the festival’s vendor area will be filled with handmade crafts, jewelry, leatherwork, woodworking, tie-dye, books, art, home décor and other finds.
This year brings a particularly fun addition: young entrepreneur booths.
Young people will be selling produce, baked goods, crafts, lemonade, farm products and other items they have created themselves. Farm Fest allows these young entrepreneurs to participate free of charge, giving them an opportunity to learn firsthand about running a small business.
Local farms and farmers can also participate in the Farmers Market without paying a booth fee, helping connect visitors directly with the people growing and producing food and agricultural products in the area.
Come Hungry—or Pack a Picnic
There will be plenty to eat, from hamburgers and hot dogs to a shrimp boil, roasted corn, kettle corn, funnel cakes and sweet treats.
St. John AME Zion Church in Mocksville returns for its fourth year to serve hamburgers, hot dogs and homemade desserts, with the church keeping 100% of its profits to support its nonprofit work.
But here’s another visitor-friendly feature: you are welcome to bring your own lunch. Pack a picnic, grab the lawn chairs and settle in for the day!
Stay for the Music
Live entertainment adds another reason to linger.
On Friday, Hazy Ridge brings bluegrass and gospel to the festival from 5–7 p.m.
Saturday begins with Gaining Ground Bluegrass Band from 9–11 a.m., followed by a little rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia when the Johnny Dez Elvis Tribute Show takes the stage from noon–2 p.m.
Bring a lawn chair, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy the music between trips through the festival.
Don’t Miss the Tractor Parade Through Downtown Mocksville
Before you head home Saturday, there’s one more Farm Fest tradition to enjoy.
The festival will close out with an antique tractor parade through downtown Mocksville, sending the vintage machines out from the festival grounds and through the heart of town.
It’s a fun finale for visitors of all ages—and a great reason to stick around until the end. Find a spot along the route, watch the tractors roll through downtown and cap off your Farm Fest visit with one more uniquely Davie County experience.
Free Admission Means Everyone Is Welcome
Perhaps one of the most unusual things about an event offering this much to do is the price:
There isn’t one.
The Myers family has been committed to keeping general admission free since the first Davie Farm Fest.
“There are a lot of families facing difficult times, and we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a community event,” Michelle said. “We want families to have a place where they can spend time together, make memories and enjoy a fun, wholesome event without having to worry about the cost.”
Community sponsors help make that possible.
Their support allows families to enjoy the tractors, music, activities, and educational experiences without an admission fee and helps Farm Fest continue to grow while remaining true to its original purpose.
Make a Memory in Davie County
You may arrive because your child loves tractors.
You may come for the bluegrass, the animals, the history, the Farmers Market, or simply because you’re looking for something different to do with the family.
But the Myers family hopes you’ll leave with something more.
“You may come because your child loves tractors, but you might leave having learned something new, made a new friend, supported a local nonprofit or farmer, or created a memory your family will talk about for years,” Michelle said.
“Davie Farm Fest is our gift to the community, and we would love for you to come be a part of it!”
Plan Your Visit
4th Annual Davie Farm Fest
Friday, September 18, 2026 | 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Masonic Picnic Grounds
201 Poplar Street
Mocksville, NC
Admission: FREE
Saturday Kids Pedal Tractor Pull: 11 a.m.; weigh-in at 10:30 a.m.
Live Music: Hazy Ridge on Friday; Gaining Ground Bluegrass Band and Johnny Dez Elvis Tribute Show on Saturday.
What to Bring: The family, comfortable shoes, lawn chairs and, if you’d like, a picnic lunch.
Rain Dates: October 2–3, 2026
