CLT Fall Activities

🍁 Fall Activities Guide

Check out these 75+ fall activities happening in the Charlotte area! There is a variety of fun things to enjoy this fall - spooky activities, festivals, sports games, movie nights, live music, and so much more!

🗓️ Fall Activities

September 1-30: Every Tuesday this September, Taco Boy LoSo is bringing the vibes to South Blvd. with $5 margaritas, a rotating Latin DJ set, + happy hour at their Tequila Tuesday & Latin DJ Beats!

September 1-October 31: Listen to live music during Friday Nights at Camp North End in the Boileryard.

September 1-30: The Charlotte International Arts Festival returns with 30 days of over 200 events.

September 4-October 9 (select dates): Thursdays in SouthPark just got better! Head to SouthPark After 5 for free live music, food trucks & drinks, + hands-on art experiences at Symphony Park.

September 5-13: The countdown is on! The 2025 Cabarrus County Fair returns to the Cabarrus Arena with rides, food, 4 nights of Rodeo fun, and more.

September 5-15: Get hungry for The Taste of the Arboretum - guests can enjoy exclusive menus from five participating restaurants, each offering authentic tastes from diverse cuisines.

September 7: Ever wanted to attend an Indian Wedding? Head to Charlotte’s first ever Fake Shaadi - an unforgettable desi celebration with no commitment required!

September 12-14, 19-21 (LoSo) & October 3-5, 10-12 (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 12-14: Panda Fest is one of the largest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US - head to Ballantyne’s Backyard for Asian street food & vendors, cultural performances, and Panda-related activities!

September 12-November 2 (select dates): Get spooky during Scarowinds - expect terrifying haunted mazes, sinister scare zones, exhilarating live shows, as well as special food & drinks.

September 13: The Charlotte Brunch Festival is a family-friendly brunch pop-up experience in partnership with the Charlotte International Arts Festival - indulge in dishes from local culinary artists!

September 13-November 2 (select dates): Tricks & Treats at Carowinds is back! Get ready for Trick-or-Treat trails, family-friendly Halloween activities, and world-class rides.

September 13: 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 13: Gather at the Montford Park Block Party for a day of music, food, and fun in the Montford neighborhood.

September 13: Calling all Jollof Rice lovers! The Jollof Festival is back for a day-long celebration of this iconic West African dish and a vibrant cultural experience.

September 13: Join Blackfinn Ameripub for an unforgettable evening featuring the 90s-2000s Alternative, Pop-Rock band, Almost Classic, and DJ Curt, with a Cornhole Tournament from 2-5PM, and a live auction at Celebration of Heroes. 

September 13, October 11, & November 8: Shop until you drop at the Second Saturdays Market presented by Shop Local QC - this elevated market features 20+ local vendors.

September 13: Mark your calendar for the Blakeney Fit Fest at Blakeney Town Center - get ready for a morning of movement, mindfulness, & motivation!

September 14 & October 12: Shop unique finds at the Birkdale Village Commons Market presented by Shop Local QC. Find unique gifts, handmade jewelry, home decor, baked goods, + much more.

September 17-21: Mark your calendars for the Fall Pop-Up Consignment Event by Statemint South Charlotte! Shop for great deals on brands you love and sell your old pieces.

September 19: Come hang out with Charlotte Pitch Partners at Rally Pickleball for a night that’s all about fun, connection, and a little friendly competition.

September 19-21: It’s the 61st Annual Festival in the Park! Head to Freedom Park for a weekend of music, art, and family-friendly fun.

September 19-21, 26-28 & Oct. 3-5: OKTOBERFEST 2025 at Gilde Brewery is coming in hot—lederhosen, laughter, and liters of bier included! They’re serving up three full weekends of German-inspired revelry right here in Charlotte.

September 20: The Flow Fest at the US National Whitewater Center blends yoga practice, wellness, workshops, vendors, and live music into a one-day festival.

September 20: Get the thrill of SCUBA diving while within the boundaries of the indoor pool with MyOutdoorJoy - this class will take place at the YWCA.

September 20: Get ready for Charlotte’s most exciting new destination, The River District! Shop Local QC has partnered to curate an amazing local vendor market showcasing the best of the community!

September 20: Attend the 35th Annual Latin American Festival - view cultural displays that showcase the rich Latin heritage, Latin food, special appearances by international artists, activities for kids, as well as community resources and sponsor activations.

September 20-21: The Festival of India is a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage taking place over two days in both Uptown and Ballantyne.

September 21: Enjoy Syctoberfest at Sycamore Brewing - get ready for Oktoberfest inspired food, music, beer, a costume contest, and other fun traditional games.

September 21: Join Free Spirited Wanderer at the beautiful Splendor Pond Flower Farm for a full-day retreat designed to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Experience relaxing yoga, community, a local meal, as well as giveaways from small businesses!

September 21: The Best of Charlotte Bridal Show is back — and they’re bringing the inspiration, samples, and fun to Griffith Hall at Lenny Boy Brewing!

September 23: No filters. No shame. Just honesty. Hosted by Madina Alam, LCMHC Mental Health Madina PLLC. A raw and empowering evening of live storytelling from therapists, creators, and real people living with anxiety.

September 23-28: The Charlotte Film Festival is back - discover bold, original films you won’t find anywhere else at this celebration of creativity, community, and cinema in its purest form.

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 26-27: The Festival of Lebanon at St. Stephen Maronite Catholic Church is a celebration of Lebanese food, culture, and music.

September 26-27: Get pumped for Breakaway Carolina - a two-day EDM festival with top artists including John Summit, Eli Brown, Kaytranada, Louis the Child, and more!

September 27: Enjoy unlimited tastings from 20+ breweries featuring beer, cider, and seltzer at the Charlotte Fall Beer Festival - vote for your favorite brews, eat from delicious food trucks, live music, games, local artisans/vendors, and their famous stein-holding competition.

September 27: Drink Eat Relax presents the Wine & Food Festival at Symphony Park - sip on All You Care To Taste International wines, beers, and spirits, enjoy food from Charlotte pop-ups and food trucks, + listen to live music.

September 27: 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.

September 27: Get ready for the 4th Annual Uncorked Wine Fest at Discovery Place Science - sip & swirl over 100 wines and bubblies from across the globe while you explore everything the museum has to offer.

September 27: 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 27: The 12th Annual Charlotte African American Festival is back! Don’t miss a day of exhibits, musical performances, art, literature, food, dancers, drummers, and more.

September 27-October 31: The Lost Hollow Children’s Garden at Daniel Stowe Conservancy transforms into Scarecrow Hollow, a delightful collection of creatively-designed scarecrows crafted by the community where you can vote for your favorite.

September 28: The Pop-Up Artists Market by Guild of Charlotte Artists is a free, family-friendly event featuring 70 award-winning local artists who are Guild members - this event is part of the CIAF!

October 3: Head to Downtown Salisbury for the 12th Annual Buskers Bash - the public aka “audience members” can visit, eat, and shop in Downtown Salisbury while buskers showcase their talent.

October 3-4: Watch as the Charlotte Symphony brings the score of Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl to life as the film plays on the big screen! 

October 3-4: 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 3-5: Get ready for the Armenian Food Festival - try authentic Armenian food, delicious pastries, listen to live music, watch traditional dancing, and even snap a photo in authentic Armenian costumes at the Photo Booth!

October 3-31: Watch spooky classic movies during the Scarolina Theatre Classic Halloween Movie Series during the month of October.

October 3-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 3-24 (select dates): Head to Rea Farms for their weekly outdoor movie nights at Rea Park. Bring your lawn chairs & blankets, and grab some takeout from one of their restaurants.

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

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

October 4: BURGTOBERFEST 2025 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 4-November 23: 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 5: The drama of the NASCAR playoffs and NASCAR’s WILDCARD weekend return to the ROVAL™ presented by Bank of America! Don’t miss any of the entertainment, including pre-race concerts and driver appearances.

October 8-19: 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 11: Charlotte’s premier book festival is back by Books on the House - Charlotte Bookpalooza 2025 is a vibrant and free fall festival dedicated to everything books featuring 50+ local & regional authors.

October 11: Laketoberfest is an annual community event in Cornelius featuring live music, local beer & wine, a variety of food trucks, a KidsZone, axe throwing, and more!

October 11: “Fall” in love with Matthews at the Fall for Matthews Festival at Stumptown Park - explore arts & crafts vendors, business vendors, a DJ/live music, a sip & stroll, pumpkin patch, animals, and a children’s area!

October 11: The Charlotte VegFest is a family-friendly celebration of a healthy, sustainable, & compassionate lifestyle - this event brings together national, regional, and local veg-minded businesses for a broad mix of old and new favorites!

October 11: Considering a Master’s Degree? Attend QS Discover’s free graduate school fair designed for college juniors, seniors, and early career professionals at Charlotte Marriott City Center.

October 16-18: Save the dates for the Pineville Fall Festival happening at Jack D. Hughes Park!

October 16-18: Mint Hill Madness is a family fun festival to celebrate the founding of the town of Mint Hill - enjoy delicious bites, music, a family carnival, as well as a spectacular fireworks show.

October 16-26: The North Carolina State Fair is back - enjoy thrilling rides, unique food & drinks, agriculture, arts & crafts, + culture throughout the ten days!

October 17-19: 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 17-26: Charlotte Craft Beer Week is back! This week-long event is open to all who serve craft beer, including restaurants & beer clubs.

October 18: Get ready for cocktails, wine, brews, & live music at the Fall South End Wine & Hops Festival. 

October 18: The Fort Mill Fall Festival is an afternoon packed with fun, food, and all things fall at the Fort Mill Amphitheater!

October 18-19: 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 19: It’s the 11th year of Biketoberfest! Through a lively, scavenger-hunt style adventure, participants can explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, greenways, + small businesses all on a bike.

October 19: Join Shop Local QC for the Just Us Girls Market - celebrate girlhood with a curated lineup of local women-owned businesses, unique shopping experiences, custom mocktails, fresh flower bouquets, photo stations, + more!

October 24-25: SouthernScape Music Festival is Kannapolis’ can’t-miss fall weekend - two days of music, memories, and good vibes. Whether you’re there for heartfelt harmonies or pop-rock energy, you’ll find your rhythm at SouthernScape.

October 25: Charlotte’s original and biggest bar crawl is BACK, the Rich & Bennett Halloween bar crawl. Enjoy 25+ locations with drink specials throughout Uptown.

October 25: Prepare for a night of family-fun at Halloween Fun Fest in Downtown Salisbury - go trick-or-treating with downtown merchants, play games, go on a hay ride & haunted trolley ride, make jack-o-lantern luminaries, + more!

October 25: The Drink Eat Relax Whiskey, Wine, + Fire Festival will feature whiskey bars, elegant wines & cocktails, great music, tented food stations, food trucks, restaurants, fire pits throughout, + more.

October 31-Nov 3: The 2025 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.

November 1: Festival Día De Muertos is a Day of the Dead festival happening at Camp North End. This colorful & vibrant event will feature traditional foods, folkloric arts & crafts, community altars, traditional dances, and fun activities for children.

November 13-25: The Southern Christmas Show returns for another year of shopping, food, & holiday fun! This year’s theme is Santa’s workshop.

November 15: Race at the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k!

November 15: Sip & shop your way through Ballantyne Village at their Holiday Pop-Up Market.

November 15-16: Head to the Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials & Dog Festival in Huntersville - watch herding action, dog demos, vendors, food, & tail-wagging fun for the whole family.

November 26: 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 27: Start your Thanksgiving morning at the CPI Security Charlotte Turkey Trot.

November 28-30: Step into a winter wonderland at the North Carolina Holiday Lights Spectacular - enjoy a family-friendly carnival, Frosty’s Fun Land, an illuminated Elf Playground, an ice castle, shopping, food trucks, + over 1 million lights & displays on a ½ mile walking trail.

November 28-Jan 3: Get excited for the return of WinterFest at Carowinds - this is the ultimate family holiday adventure!

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 starting October 11th.

Get spooked at a local haunted house.

Visit a local farm or orchard such as Hall Family Farm or Sky Top Orchard for fall activities.

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.

Make a day trip to Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery.

Explore the Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall.

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