Charlotte Fall Activities

🍁 Fall Activities Guide

Check out 100+ fall activities happening in the Charlotte area! There is a variety of fun things to enjoy this fall - spooky activities, festivals, sports games, movies, live music, and so much more!

🗓️ Fall Activities

September 1 - October 25: Featuring one original masterpiece by Caravaggio and more than 40 works by Baroque masters, the exhibition at The Mint Museum shines a light on how Caravaggio’s radical realism transformed not only painting, but the very language of modern film, photography, and popular culture.

September 2 - October 28: The East Charlotte Farmers’ Market returns to McLawland Farms this fall, and we’re ready to kick off another season of shopping, eating, sipping, and spending Wednesday afternoons in the community.

September 3- October 29: Join Camp North End every Thursday at 8:00 PM in September and October for their complimentary outdoor movie series.

September 4 - 7: Grab your family and attend this year’s Matthews Alive Festival! A 50+ year cherished tradition in downtown Matthews.

September 4 - 14: The Taste of The Arboretum showcases exclusive menus from incredible restaurants each bringing their own signature flavors and creative dishes to the table.

September 4 - October 30: Kick back, relax & enjoy movie night in The Plaza during Lights, Camera, Birkdale - film classics will take over the jumbo screen on select Fridays.

September 4 - October 30: Listen to live music during Friday Nights at Camp North End in the Boileryard.

September 5: Hang in South End for an afternoon packed with 50+ small businesses, food trucks, live music, a beer tent + more during Brookhill Commons Market.

September 5: Come on out to the Charlotte Soul Fest 2026 happening Labor Day Weekend!

September 5: Join Carolina Ascent FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium as they take on Fort Lauderdale United FC at home.

September 6: Spend the day shopping hundreds of handmade, vintage, boutique, and local small businesses while exploring one of Charlotte’s favorite neighborhoods during South End Stroll.

September 6: Spend the afternoon shopping with incredible local small businesses during Shop Local Sundays at Camp North End presented by Shop Local QC.

September 8 - 12: Join the Charlotte Knights for their last home stand of the season against the Buffalo Bisons.

September 10 - November 19: Head over to Commonwealth in Plaza Midwood for live music at Thursdays At The Turf this fall, running September through November.

September 11 - 13: The Yiasou Greek Festival features Hellenic cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine and homemade pastries, entertainment, live music and dancing, wine tastings, art, shopping and more.

September 11 - 19: The countdown is on! The 2026 Cabarrus County Fair returns to the Cabarrus Arena with rides, food, 4 nights of Rodeo fun, and more.

September 11 - November 1 (select dates): Get spooky during Scarowinds - expect terrifying haunted mazes, sinister scare zones, exhilarating live shows, as well as special food & drinks.

September 11-13, 18-20 (LoSo) & October 2-4, 9-11 (Ballantyne): Join Olde Mecklenburg Brewery for Mecktoberfest - taking place over four weekends at both locations. Dive into German cuisine, enjoy live music in the Biergarten, + Biergarten games!

September 12 - 27: This September, SportsLink is celebrating the women who make our leagues and community thrive with Queens of the Game—a month-long series of women’s sports tournaments and special events.

September 12: RipFest, The Ultimate Card Show, is taking over the UNCC Marriott Hotel with 200+ vendor tables, live ripping on stage all day and more.

September 12: Join The I.A.A.M Festival for a day dedicated to celebrating indie artists, building community, and connecting creatives from across Charlotte and beyond.

September 12: The Charlotte Coffee Festival is a celebration of craft coffee, community, and creativity.

September 12: Fast Cars and Firearms V2 – Faster Cars and Faster Firearms. Some of the best 2011 manufacturers in the industry paired with some of the fastest cars ever to touch pavement. All in one place.

September 12: The annual Davidson Fall Arts Festival will feature over 50 participating local artists set up around Historic Downtown Davidson - explore fine art, handmade gifts, local food, and live music.

September 12 - 13: Whether you like to buy, trade or sell The North Charlotte Card Show has got you covered.

September 12, 13, 19 & 26: North Carolina Homebuyer Workshop and How a Lawsuit Affects You: Know Your Rights!

September 12 - November 1 (select dates): Tricks & Treats at Carowinds is back! Get ready for Trick-or-Treat trails, family-friendly Halloween activities, and world-class rides.

September 12 - November 14 (select dates): Shop at the Second Saturdays Market presented by Shop Local QC, which brings 20+ local shops & makers to the green beside Legion Brewing each second Saturday of the month.

September 13: Head to Bank of America Stadium to cheer on the Panthers for their first game of the season against the Chicago Bears.

September 13 & October 11: Browse unique finds at the Birkdale Village Commons Market, a curated open‑air shopping experience showcasing 20 rotating vendors offering boutiques, jewelry, décor, baked goods, and more.

September 18: It’s time to text the group chat, call the babysitter, and make your plans — A Friday Night Thing is coming back to McLawland Farms!

September 18 - 20: Experience FoodieLand: a nationwide food festival filled with 250+ vendors with global flavors, artisan shops, games, and live music!

September 18-20, 25-27 & Oct. 2-4: OKTOBERFEST 2026 at Gilde Brewery is serving up three full weekends of German-inspired revelry right here in Charlotte.

September 19: Charlotte’s premier luxury outdoor experience, The Bougie Picnic, returns for a curated blend of culture, music, and elevated picnic vibes.

September 19: The UNC Charlotte International Festival is one of the university’s longest standing and most prized traditions - attendees can expect a day full of cultural enrichment, performances, a game zone, food from all corners of the world, + much more.

September 19: The Mash-Up Market is back at Carolina Beer Temple & Ames St Marketplace - swing by for a curated selection of local vendors featuring handmade goods, art, and much more.

September 19: Join in the public opening celebration of Corey Pemberton: Living Well at The Mint Museum.

September 19 - 20: The Festival of India is a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage taking place over two days in Uptown.

September 19 - October 31: Just east of Charlotte, NC in Monroe, is a lenghty haunted trail has become a destination to haunt enthusiasts. Are you brave enough to find out what lies in there? Bring your friends and see how far you can go through The 13th Acre!

September 19 - November 1: Join Outlaw Acres for a family-friendly adventure packed with fun for all ages - kids will love the corn maze, animal barn, and exciting activities, while adults can explore the Old West town.

September 20: The Best of Charlotte Bridal Show is a a one-of-a-kind, interactive wedding planning experience!

September 22 - 27: The Charlotte Film Festival is back. The festival showcases the best in independent cinema, bringing together filmmakers and audiences to experience innovative storytelling from across the globe.

September 23: Play golf all fall long at X-Golf West Charlotte! Fall leagues are now forming at X-Golf West, with the season beginning on September 23rd.

September 25 -26: Get pumped for Breakaway Carolina - a two-day EDM festival with top artists at zMax Dragway.

September 25 - 27: It’s the 62nd Annual Festival in the Park! Head to Freedom Park for a weekend of music, art, and family-friendly fun.

September 26: Make your own bedazzled claw clips & grip socks and be the coolest girl in your pilates class! Join Shoora Workshop for a Bedazzled Claw Clip & DIY Grip Socks workshop - Sign up here!

September 26: Join Carolina Beer Temple for their 2026 Oktoberfest Celebration. They’ll have tons of festbiers and marzens on tap from local friends and even a few imported options straight from Germany.

September 26: Come to a world-class, backyard culinary event; bringing together Charlotte’s hottest chefs, artisanal craftsmen, and culinary pioneers with thousands of Charlotte’s foodies during The Wine + Food Festival At Ballantyne.

September 26: Don’t miss what many consider to be the most important ceramics event in the state at Potters Market at the Mint! While the pottery & potters are the main attraction, you can also enjoy live pottery demos, raffles, live music, a beer garden, and explore the Mint Museum.

September 26: Join Shea Homes in celebrating the Grand Opening of their newest townhome community in the Carolinas: 35eighty Townes.

September 26: If you’re looking for one last taste of summer, The Southern Soirée at Rosemont is for you.

September 26 - 27: In celebration of National Alpaca Farm Days, Good Karma Ranch will offer alpaca interactions and pictures at scheduled times on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27.

September 27: The Pop-Up Artists Market by Guild of Charlotte Artists is a celebration of art, creativity, and community at the Mint Museum Randolph featuring a carefully curated selection of 60 artists.

September 27 - December 20 (select dates): Shop 60+ local makers offering handmade goods, boutiques, vintage finds, art, jewelry, and sweets at SUNDAYS at ATHERTON.

October 1 - 29: Join Ballantyne Village for Ballantyne Live, a fall music series bringing live music and a fun, laid-back atmosphere to the heart of the Village.

October 2: Head to Downtown Salisbury for the 12th Annual Buskers Bash - guests are invited to explore downtown, enjoy local dining, and shop while live performances take place throughout the district.

October 2 -3: Since 1972 Dilworth has opened its doors and welcomed friends and neighbors to its charming corner of Charlotte in one of Dilworth’s oldest and grandest traditions: the annual Dilworth Home Tour.

October 2 - 3: FabFest, Charlotte’s Beatles Festival, is back! The festival begins with a Tosco Music Beatles Tribute at Knight Theater followed by FabFest daytime - a FREE event.

October 2 - 17: Introducing: Black Box Series, Charlotte Ballet’s fall programming where movement creates an experience like no other, where the pointe shoe itself becomes percussion and where every step resonates with rhythm and meaning.

October 2 - November 1 (select dates): Take a journey through one of the scariest haunted trails in the region at Scarrigan Farms. Get ready for thrills and chills!

October 3: The 4th Annual Downtown Salisbury Bell Tower BREWFEST is a celebration of the art of craft beer and the buzzing Downtown Salisbury!

October 3: As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches, it is time to get ready for the sweetest walk of the year and register for the 6^th Annual Pink Cupcake Walk.

October 3: Hinds’ Feet Farm, a non-profit serving individuals with brain injury, is excited to host Paddockpalooza for a fourth year; a premier artisan market to showcase the 32-acre farm and raise awareness of brain injuries.

October 3: Get ready for the 25th Annual MAFC Holiday Craft Show & Boutique Market - from exquisite jewelry to charming home decor, there’s something for everyone.

October 3: Join Shoora Workshops at Waterbean Coffee for a workshop where you will create your very own whimsy trinket photo frames! Sign up here.

October 3: BURGTOBERFEST 2026 is back at Percent Small Batch Brewery! It’s a street party for the entire family with new beer, food, music, games, shopping, and more!

October 3 - November 22: Time travel at the Carolina Renaissance Festival! Explore the village of Fairhaven where history comes alive with non-stop, day long, interactive entertainment like no place else!

October 4: Join The Curated Chapter at Lenny Boy Brewing Co. for a moody fall market with 40+ vendors & authors, books, local shopping, themed drinks, tattoos, mini pumpkin painting & more.

October 4: The Hola Charlotte Festival is a day filled with live music, culture, and endless fun in Uptown.

October 6: The Hornets will host their first home preseason game of the season against the Brooklyn Nets.

October 7 - 11: The KOINONIA Gathering is coming to Charlotte for five days of worship, fellowship, leadership development, preaching, and community.

October 9 - 11: This fall’s Bank of America 400 marks a historic return to Charlotte’s 1.5-mile oval for the first time since 2017. The event was contested on the oval from 1960-2017 before moving to the ROVAL™ from 2018-2025.

October 10: Charlotte BookPalooza is back for its 3rd year, and this time they are bringing all the bookish magic to Truist Field, Home of the Charlotte Knights! 

October 10: Customize and decorate your very own digital camera! Join Shoora Workshops at Waterbean Coffee for a Digital Camera Decoration workshop - Sign up here!

October 10: Carolina Curations 5th Anniversary show will have a wide variety of glass art available on show night, so grab a VIP Ticket and tell your friends and family to come out.

October 10: The Charlotte VegFest is a family-friendly celebration of a healthy, sustainable, and compassionate lifestyle and explores the endless benefits of vegan living.

October 11: The Charlotte Mimosa Festival celebrates everyone’s favorite beverage - the mimosa. Head to Lenny Boy Brewing for a wide variety of mimosas, musical entertainment, food trucks, and vendors.

October 11: Biketoberfest is Sustain Charlotte’s signature event—and your chance to explore the city on an epic, family-friendly scavenger hunt!

October 13: The Jonas Brothers Burning Up Tour All Over Again is coming to The Spectrum Center.

October 15 - 17: Celebrate at the 28th Annual Pineville Fall Fest happening at Jack D. Hughes Park featuring live music, arts & craft vendors, Carnival rides, and more!

October 15 - 17: Mint Hill Madness is a festival to celebrate the founding of the Town. Mint Hill Madness has something for everyone in the family, delicious food, great music, a fantastic family carnival, and of course, a spectacular firework show.

October 15 - 25: The North Carolina State Fair is back - enjoy thrilling rides, unique food & drinks, agriculture, arts & crafts, + culture throughout the ten days!

October 15 - 25: The South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, SC is a celebration of all things the state has to offer! Enjoy rides, attractions, food, entertainment, shopping/commercial exhibits, and much more!

October 16 - 18: The Carolina BalloonFest in Statesville is the 2nd oldest hot air balloon festival in the country featuring breathtaking balloon competitions, mass ascensions, and evening glows.

October 16 - 25: Charlotte Craft Beer Week is a celebration of the Queen City’s diverse beer culture and talented brewers.

October 16: Cheer on the Charlotte Checkers during their 2026 - 2027 season with their first home game on October 16 against the Hartford Wolf Pack.

October 17: Join icuTalks for Claudia’s 5K: Call Out for Courage, where fun and purpose come together to support mental health.

October 17: The Humane Society of Charlotte is hosting an evening of great food, good company, and a whole lot of tail wags during the 18th Annual Ties & Tails Gala.

October 17: The VTGCLT Fall Market is back at the historic Ford Building in Camp North End.

October 17: Get ready for cocktails, wine, brews, & live music at the Fall South End Wine & Hops Festival. 

October 17 - 18: Join Good Karma Ranch on the farm for pumpkin painting/decorating and alpaca feeding.

October 17 - 18: The Annual Charlotte Chalk Art Festival is a two-day event - attendees will be able to see a colorful street art gallery come to life, enjoy live music, food & beverages, arts, crafts, and retail vendors.

October 20: KATSEYE is coming to Spectrum Center for THE WILDWORLD TOUR!

October 23: As part of the opening celebration for Brilliant by Design: The Handbags of Judith Leiber, exhibition curator Bridget Kerr and Senior Curator of Craft, Design, and Fashion Annie Carlano will be joined by Dr. Hilary Davidson and designer Olympia Le-Tan.

October 23: The Hornets’ Home Opener at Spectrum Center will be against the Atlanta Hawks at 7pm.

October 24: Whether you are new to bourbon, whiskey or wine, or an experienced collector, Bourbon for Booty is an exceptional, must-do event and a night you won’t forget.

October 24: Join Move for Jenn for their 7th annual Pajamas All Day 5K - this year’s 5K will kick off at sunset and will include all of the same fun you’ve come to know and love!

October 24: Whiskey Wine & Fire is an exclusive foodie celebration featuring whiskey bars, elegant wines & cocktails, music, tented food stations, food trucks, restaurants, and intimate fire pits throughout.

October 24 - December 12 (select dates): Shop from 100+ vendors offering food, jewelry, clothing, pet accessories, and so much more during Market on Camden.

October 25: The NoDa Downtown Candy Crawl invites all of you young goblins and ghouls to this family-friendly trick or treating adventure in at the Johnston Y and downtown NoDa.

October 25: Halloween in Huntersville Returns with Trick-or-Treating, Entertainment, and a Spectacular Drone Show!

October 25: Celebrate the Mint’s 90th anniversary and the opening of Brilliant by Design: The Handbags of Judith Leiber with an afternoon of art, music, and hands-on activities.

October 28: Charlotte FC will take on Montreal CF at home at 7:30pm.

October 29 - November 2: The 2026 Queen City Dance Festival is a three-day dance event featuring some of the greatest names in performing arts taking place at Hilton Charlotte Airport.

October 31: The Hornets will take on LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers at home at 6pm.

October 31: Charlotte’s original and biggest bar crawl is BACK, the Rich & Bennett Halloween bar crawl. Enjoy multiple locations offering drink specials throughout Uptown.

November 3: This year, trend-setting and chart-topping multi-platinum artist, rapper, singer, storyteller, visionary, and entrepreneur Rod Wave will perform at The Spectrum Center.

November 3 - 8: Based on Lionsgate’s beloved film, the story that awakened a generation is back in a new stage production. Dirty Dancing: The Musical is the feel-good escape you’ve been craving, alive with the pulse of electrified dancing, the thrill of secret encounters, and the allure of forbidden romance.

November 6: Through ceramics, painting, and collage, Charlotte-based ceramic artist Grace Stott explores her family’s heritage, motherhood, and the objects that fill our daily lives.

November 7: For the third year, Veterans Bridge is hosting the 5th Carolinas Veterans Day Festival celebrating our nation’s veterans and their families.

November 7: The 5th annual Charlotte Cider Festival will feature an eclectic array of local, regional, and national ciders for you to explore.

November 7: The Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas presents “Filipino Food Fest & Tiangge”.

November 7 - 22: Oktoberfest at Carowinds is a one-of-a-kind festival experience — chase the rush of roller coasters and appreciate the richness of a Bavarian brew in the same trip — it’s a winning combination like you’d find in Munich!

November 7 - 29: Step into The Ballantyne's elegant lobby, the perfect setting for an unforgettable Thanksgiving tea experience. Join them every weekend in November for a carefully curated selection of premium teas paired with delicate finger sandwiches and an array of autumn-inspired sweets.

November 8: The Ally Tipoff will feature games between South Carolina vs. North Carolina and NC State vs. Kentucky.

November 11 - 22: The Southern Christmas Show returns for another year of shopping, food, & holiday fun! This year’s theme is Santa’s workshop.

November 14: Save the date for The Local Collective NC’s 2nd annual Christmas in the Ville event! They’re bringing the holiday magic back to the Statesville Event Center with makers, memories, and merry moments!

November 14: The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is an event that celebrates all runners and the beauty that is Charlotte.

November 14 - 15: The Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival at Historic Rural Hill is an annual event that showcases the incredible skill and intelligence of sheepdogs as they compete in a variety of challenges.

November 16: Ice Skating will return to the Whitewater Center as part of Winter at Whitewater mid-November 2026 through mid-February 2027.

November 18: Doja Cat is bringing the Tour Ma Vie World Tour with special guest Latto to Spectrum Center.

November 19: The all-new “Worlds Collide Concert Tour” brings together the worlds of “Descendants,” “ZOMBIES,” and for the very first time, “Camp Rock,”in an unforgettable new arena spectacular.

November 20 - 22: RUSH Fifty Something Tour is coming to Spectrum Center for multiple days of shows.

November 25: The Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade is a long-standing Charlotte tradition with 7 decades of history behind it. Watch bright colors, big entertainment, + big smiles along the route in Uptown!

November 26: The 16th Annual Turkey Trot 5K, where every registration helps support The Christian Mission’s work providing food, clothing, housing assistance, case management, and educational programs to more than 6,000 local individuals and families each year.

November 26: Join the Ballantyne Hotel in the Ballantyne Ballroom for a celebratory harvest buffet featuring seasonal favorites with delightful displays and desserts.

November 27 - December 30: Immerse yourself in a half-mile magical holiday experience of over 1 million twinkling lights, music and mystical snow globes during the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular.

November 27 - January 3: Get excited for the return of WinterFest at Carowinds - this is the ultimate family holiday adventure!

November 28: Spend Small Business Saturday in Downtown Salisbury. Shop local, support independent businesses, and find holiday gifts with meaning.

All Fall Activities

Go apple picking at places in and around the Charlotte area.

Pick pumpkins at a pumpkin patch.

Explore outdoor activities at the Whitewater Center. 

Cheer on the Charlotte Checkers during their season.

Spend the day at Discovery Place. 

Enjoy an afternoon at a corn maze.

Do a haunted or true crime tour with Southern Charm Rides.

Attend a Carolina Panthers game or watch party.

Hike at Crowders Mountain.

Head to Bank of America Stadium and cheer on Charlotte FC.

Visit a nearby vineyard.

Chase thrills at Frankie’s Fun Park.

Explore the Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall.

Take a spooky tour through the town of Davidson during the Ghosts of Davidson.

👉️ Check out our IG page, as we will have a Fall highlight with everything fall, including guides to haunted houses, Oktoberfests, Halloween, Fall food & drink, and more!