Mark your calendar: These don’t-miss fall festivals are on their way to the Charlotte area
Fall is almost here, and soon the leaves will change and the air will crisp as Charlotte transforms into a scene out of “Gilmore Girls.” But the fun doesn’t stop when summer ends as the Queen City offers a wide variety of activities to keep the party going.
From pumpkin-spiced treats, leaf-peeping hikes and bonfires to fall festivals, there’s always something to do around here. Whether you’re a foodie, a thrill-seeker or simply looking to enjoy the autumnal breeze, Charlotte has it all.
Here’s a list of some upcoming events to mark on your calendar for a very demure, very mindful fall in Charlotte. (And make sure to check back for more events as they’re announced).
Matthews Alive Labor Day Festival
Location: John and Trade streets in downtown Matthews
When: Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. The parade will take place at 9:30 on Saturday, Aug. 31, and you can view the full schedule on the event brochure.
Cost: $2
This nearly 50-year-old tradition in downtown Matthews is the perfect place for family-friendly fun with over 150 arts and crafts vendors, and 25 food vendors. In addition to its parade on Saturday, the festival’s also bringing you three stages of entertainment, annual indoor artisan exhibits and amusement rides.
Note: The festival prefers you leave your pets at home.
Yiasou Greek Festival
Location: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
When: Sept. 6-8, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6p.m. on Sunday
Cost: $5 and free for children 12 and under.
The 46th Annual Yiasou Greek Festival is celebrating Greek culture with authentic cuisine, homemade pastries, live traditional music and dancing, along with cultural exhibits. Recently named the 2023 “Silver Winner for Best Annual Event/Festival” by Charlotte’s Best, the festival invites you to enjoy dishes like souvlaki, spanakopita, Greek pizza, pastichio, homemade koulourakia, loukoumades, honey-drizzled doughnuts and Greek coffee.
Roaring Riot Kickoff Jam
Location: NoDa Brewing Company North End, 150 W 32nd St, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: Sept. 14, 2 p.m.
Cost: $70 for non-roaring riot members and $60 for members. You can purchase a “Music-Only Pass” for $39.99, which only includes access to main stage entertainment, food trucks, merch and vendor village.
At Roaring Riot, you’ll have the opportunity to join Jonathan Stewart, Captain Munnerlyn, Mike Rucker and Chubba Hubbard for an afternoon of live music from Moon Taxi, The Nude Party, Simplified, Cutty Cutright and Deaf Andrews, along with beers, games and food trucks. The event will also feature vendors such as 704 Shop; Velvet Mane, a salon offering feathers and hair tinsel; a local jeweler and a merch tent for Riot gear.
Davidson Fall Art Festival
Location: South Main Street in downtown Davidson
When: Sept. 14, 4-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
At the Davidson Fall Art Festival, expect over 40 local artists, live music by The Blue Dogs Trio and a variety of food options. There will also be free craft activities for children.
K-Fest
Location: 421 E 26th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
When: Sept. 14, 12-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
K-Fest, hosted by Seoul Food Meat Co and Urban District Market, celebrates Korean culture with free admission for all ages and features music, food and drinks, a karaoke contest, a K-Pop dance contest and martial arts demonstrations.
Oktoberfest at Lost Worlds
Location: Metropolitan, 1100 Metropolitan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Location: 19700-D One Norman Blvd, Cornelius, NC 28031
When:
In Charlotte, Sept. 14, with doors opening at 12 p.m., and activities beginning at 3 p.m.
In Cornelius, Sept. 21 and Oct. 5, with doors opening at 11 a.m. The Sept. 21 event includes a Bavarian market.
Cost: Free
Oktoberfest, featuring German-inspired food and beer along with games and competitions, will showcase German sing-alongs, Polka dancing and more. The first event in Charlotte will offer the OOPS Polka Band and a stein-holding contest at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Dress for the Fest costume contest at 7 p.m.
Festival Of India
Location: Belk Theater, 130 North Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Location: Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611, N Community House, Charlotte, NC 28277
When: Sept. 14, from 12-8 p.m. and Sept. 15, from 12-6 p.m.
Cost: $5 and free for children under 10.
The 28th Annual Festival of India returns to its full weekend format on Sept. 14-15, expecting over 20,000 visitors. Saturday’s events at Belk Theater and on Tryon Street will feature Bollywood and classical Indian dance performances, art showcases and food. Sunday’s activities at Ballantyne’s Backyard will offer workshops, traditional Rangoli-making, henna design and opportunities to wear silk saris.
Tricks and Treats, Oktoberfest & Scarowinds
Location: Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
When:
Tricks and Treat: 12-6 p.m., weekends from Sept. 14 to Oct. 27
Oktoberfest: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., weekends, from Sept. 14 to Nov. 2
SCarowinds: every weekend, from Sept. 13 to Oct. 27
Cost: Daily tickets are $39.99, and if you want to enter the park after 4 p.m., you can get them for $37.99. Admission to SCarowinds is $49.99.
Carowinds is celebrating the fall season with a variety of events for all ages. Families can enjoy the Tricks and Treats event, featuring trick-or-treating, a pumpkin patch, themed games, a foam pit, live entertainment and a Halloween parade. Oktoberfest will offer German beer, music and contests, while SCarowinds will transform the park with haunted mazes, scare zones and thrill rides.
Festival In The Park
Location: 1908 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 280203
When: Friday, Sept. 20, from 4–9 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m.– 9 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
The 60th Annual Festival in the Park will feature music, art and fun for Charlotteans and visitors, with arts, crafts, music and family-friendly entertainment.
CBC Oktoberfest
Location: Cabarrus Brewing Company, 329 McGill Ave. Northwest Concord, NC 28027
When: Sept. 20
Cost: Free
At Cabarrus Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest, expect live music, beer specials and German cuisine.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Location: 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
When: Oct. 5-Nov. 24, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Cost: $34 for general admission, $20 for Children ages 5 to 12.
The Carolina Renaissance Festival is where the past springs to life in a 16th-century European marketplace. Explore 25 acres of castles, cottages and marketplaces in the forest. With costumed characters around every corner, you’ll find entertainment from music and theater performances to artisan crafts, games and rides.
Charlotte Veg Fest
Location: The Amp Ballantyne, 11115 Upper Ave, Charlotte, NC 28277
When: Oct. 12, 5-8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Charlotte Vegfest is celebrating a “healthy, sustainable, and compassionate lifestyle” with local, regional and national vegan-centric vendors.
Pineville Fall Fest
Location: Jack D. Hughes Memorial Park, 513 Main St, Pineville, NC 28134
When: Oct. 17-19, from 6-10 p.m. on Oct. 17-18; and 10 a.m.-10 p.m on Oct. 19
Cost: Free
Fall Fest is back and will feature live music, food trucks, vendors, carnival rides and more.
Fort Mill Fall Festival
Location: Walter Y. Elisha Park, 345 N White St, Fort Mill, SC 29715
When: Oct. 19, 3-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
You can expect an evening filled with fun at the Fort Mill Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. You’ll have the option to participate in a costume contest for all games and enjoy live music from Six One Five Collective, costume contests, food and family-friendly activities.
Whiskey, Wine & Fire Festival
Location: Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
When: Nov. 2, 5-9 p.m.
Cost: $59+
Pop over to Whiskey, Wine & Fire Festival for an exclusive outdoor foodie celebration featuring whiskey bars, wines and craft cocktails alongside a variety of food stations, food trucks and restaurants. You’ll also have the chance to sit around the fire gardens while grubbing on barbecue and grilled dishes paired, all while enjoying performances by fire breathers and other performers.
Festival Día De Muertos: Day Of The Dead Festival
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: Nov. 2, 12-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Latin American Coalition and Levine Museum of the New South will host the 20th Day of the Dead Festival at Camp North End. This year’s celebration promises an experience filled with live music, displays of catrinas and community altars, folkloric dances, arts and crafts, as well as traditional food and activities for children — all aimed at honoring ancestors in a festive and spirited manner.
Did we miss your favorite fall festival or event? Let us know at charlottefive@charlottefive.com or leave us a comment.
