Few television shows from the 1960s have the lingering effect of the wholesome show set in the fictional North Carolina town of Mayberry. And any true North Carolinian – regardless of what generation they belong to – will tell you that Mayberry was really based on the town where the show’s star (Andy Griffith) grew up. Griffith, who played Andy Taylor in the hit TV show “The Andy Griffith Show,” not only grew up in Mt. Airy – he also died here. And the town gathers each September to celebrate his life and the success of the TV show during the Mayberry Days Festival.
Set a calendar reminder now on your phone so you don’t forget that the Mayberry Days Festival takes place from September 22 - 26, 2021. Get ready to travel back to a simpler time while the whole family has a blast during this annual event.
Mount Airy Downtown
Sit down and enjoy a game of checkers and a soda. Stick around until Saturday to enter a checkers contest, if you dare.
Facebook/Mayberry Days Saturday at high noon is the time that’s set for the annual checkers contest. You can see all of the contests taking place during the festival here.
A number of food eating contests are on the schedule, including one that serves up Andy’s favorite meat: the pork chop. The Snappy Lunch will host a pork chop sandwich eating contest on Friday from 12:30 to 1:30.
Facebook/Mayberry Days And follow that up with the pie eating contest on Friday at 2:30 at the Blackmon Theater. See how fast you can devour one of “Aunt Bee’s Crustless Cream Pies.” This event has an adult contest as well as a kid’s contest. Delicious competition awaits!
And get in on the hay bale throwing contest for a chance to show off your muscles. And don’t forget that Goober says, “hay.”
Facebook/Mayberry Days
The annual Mayberry Days Festival draws in thousands and thousands to the beautiful small city of Mt. Airy.
Facebook/Mayberry Days Bring the kids or grand kids and show ’em what life was like during a simpler time.
If at all possible, be sure to be on hand at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 25th with an upfront seat along the street between the BB&T Bank and the Andy Griffith Playhouse so you can enjoy the zany parade.
Facebook/Mayberry Days Expect to see some costumed folks who look a LOT like your favorite characters on the 1960s TV show.
Speaking of which, the event also showcases a lot of entertainment including musicians and speakers.
Surry Arts/Mayberry Days Get tickets to see Karen Knotts, the daughter of Don Knotts, on Thursday, September 23, 1:00 p.m. Knotts will be giving a talk on her new book, “Tied Up In Knotts.” The presentation takes place at the Historic Earle Theatre. See a list of all of the special guests here.
Purchase tickets for the special events at the festival here. Learn more about the Mayberry Days Festival by visiting the official website for Surry Arts Council. You can also find out more by following the festival on Facebook.
Mount Airy Downtown
Facebook/Mayberry Days
Saturday at high noon is the time that’s set for the annual checkers contest. You can see all of the contests taking place during the festival here.
And follow that up with the pie eating contest on Friday at 2:30 at the Blackmon Theater. See how fast you can devour one of “Aunt Bee’s Crustless Cream Pies.” This event has an adult contest as well as a kid’s contest. Delicious competition awaits!
Bring the kids or grand kids and show ’em what life was like during a simpler time.
Expect to see some costumed folks who look a LOT like your favorite characters on the 1960s TV show.
Surry Arts/Mayberry Days
Get tickets to see Karen Knotts, the daughter of Don Knotts, on Thursday, September 23, 1:00 p.m. Knotts will be giving a talk on her new book, “Tied Up In Knotts.” The presentation takes place at the Historic Earle Theatre. See a list of all of the special guests here.
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Address: Mount Airy, Mt Airy, NC 27030, USA
