Saturday, September 19, 2026

12pm – 4pm

About the Event

The Elizabethan Gardens proudly presents the 2nd annual Autumn Ale Faire! Enjoy an upbeat, family‑friendly fall harvest celebration with a special theme of “Restoration.” Join us Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 12:00–4:00 PM as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary and raise funds to restore the Gatehouse and the ancient statuary in the Sunken Garden. Cheers to 75 years — we look forward to celebrating with you!

Details:

When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 12:00–4:00 PM
Where: The Elizabethan Gardens (10‑acre, dog‑friendly waterfront garden)
Theme: Restoration – honoring the past while preserving our treasures for future generations
Purpose: Proceeds support Gatehouse restoration and conservation of the Sunken Garden statuary

What to expect:

Regional brews, wine, cider, and non‑alcoholic beverages on the Great Lawn
Food is included with ticket price – catered by Red Sky
Live music by Face 2 Face, a hot 6-piece band out of Wilmington, NC.
Kid’s Zone on the Overlook Terrace with crafts, yard games, bounce house, and dry slide
Garden access for strolling and enjoying the waterfront views and historic plantings

What’s on the menu (Red Sky Catering):

Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Wanchese sea scallops | apple wood smoked bacon | mango barbecue sauce

Miniature Tomato Pie
tomato jam | cheese blend | filo cup

Veggie Spring Rolls
sweet Thai chili sauce

Mini-Slider Bar – steak & cheese & southern style BBQ

Asiago Artichoke Dip – classic southern style dip | dippers

Kids Table – Chicken Tenders and Mac & Cheese

Ticket Price Levels:

Adults (Ages 13+) – $49.00 – Includes heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Red Sky

Youth (Ages 6-12) – $19.00 – Includes heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Red Sky

Kids 5 and under – Free (Must be accompanied by an adult)

Well-behaved dog – Woof! – $6

Face 2 Face Band

Kid's Zone on the Overlook Terrace

Enjoy Live Music and Seasonal Brews

Event Sponsors

More Info Below

Schedule of Events

Live Music 12-4pm – Great Lawn – Face 2 Face Band – Playing a variety of modern music with ocassional throw-back 50’s songs to celebrate 75 Years at the Gardens!

12-4pm – Kid’s Zone – Overlook Terrace

Craft Tables – Dare County Master Gardeners, Jennette’s Pier, N.E.S.T.

Lawn Games – Croquet, Giant Jinga, Tic-tac-toe, Cornhole

Spacewalk Inflatables – Giant jump house and dry slide

4:00 – That’s a Wrap!

*Just like the OBX weather, listed items are subject to change without notice.

FAQs

What is the date and time of the festival?

Autumn Ale Faire is September 19th, 2026 and it runs from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

Will I need to bring identification?

Yes, if you plan to purchase alcoholic beverages, then we will have a strict policy on ID checks. Please bring your valid photo identification with you. Pictures or facsimiles of ID will not be accepted.

Are dogs allowed at the event?

Yes, the Autumn Ale Faire is a dog-friendly event! All well behaved dogs at the event must be leashed and cleaned up after.

May I bring my own alcohol (beer, wine or liquor) to the event?

No, alcohol nor coolers may not be brought on-site. Various types of beer and wine are available for sale with a valid ID. Proper identification is required, and The Elizabethan Gardens reserves the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to any attendee.

Will non-beer options be available?

Yes, there will be a variety of non-alcoholic options as well as seltzers, ciders, wine, and mead.

What if it rains?

The event is held rain or shine. The great lawn will be under a 40’x100′ tent and the beer garden will be under a 40’x20′ tent. The Elizabethan Gardens reserves the right to postpone, cancel and/or evacuate events due to adverse weather conditions. All ticket purchases are final.

What credit cards will be accepted?

We will accept Visa, Master Charge, Amex, and Discover, as well as cash on the day of the festival.

Will smoking be allowed on the Gardens grounds?

Smoking/Vaping is only permitted in the designated smoking area.

Are there any restrictions on bringing weapons to this event?

Yes. Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, multi-tools, replica/toy weapons or pepper spray, are NOT allowed.

May I bring my blanket, towel or lawn chair to this event?

Yes! Blankets, towels and chairs are encouraged for use in the viewing area of the music stage.

Can I bring my kids?

Yes! Autumn Ale Faire has fun for the whole family. Kid focused activities will be held from 11am-3pm, on the Overlook Terrace, Including bounce house and slide, crafts, and more.