45 of the Coolest Things to Do This Fall
Each fall, you can count on a glorious change in Charlotte’s foliage, but one thing that never changes is the abundance of exciting things to do and see throughout the season. From concerts to spooky thrills to sports, autumn is a great time to explore the Queen City.
by Jamie Killian Aug 22, 2023
Camp North End
This post is brought to you in partnership with Camp North End, Charlotte's hub for creativity and innovation.
1. Spend a fall day at Camp! On Tuesdays, meet at YVY for the Mad Miles Run Club and, on Wednesdays, the North End Farmers Market offers fresh produce and artisanal goods. Bring a blanket to the outdoor movie series, Crossroads Cinema, on Thursdays, before kicking off the weekend with Fridays at Camp North End, showcasing local and touring musicians. Grab Hex Coffee on Saturday and create your own adventure exploring 76-acres of shops, art, food and drink, and fun for the whole family. Keep warm by one of the communal fire pits throughout the campus that heat up in the afternoon.
2. Explore the city through the lens of the Charlotte International Arts Festival, Sept. 15-Oct. 1. Over 17 days, this festival will feature interactive art installations and performances throughout the city. This year will include a skate park by Rollin’ CLT, an installation called “100 Tiny Things” which is part scavenger hunt and part art display, and “Birdmen,” a collection of giant bird puppets. Primarily in Uptown and Ballantyne, the festival’s website lists specific times and locations for events.
3. Looking for a true fright? Head to Scarowinds, Carowinds’ annual event featuring a haunted maze, live entertainment and scare zones. The event runs select nights from Sept. 15-Oct. 29. Charlotte has no shortage of Halloween events to celebrate the spookiest day of the year.
4. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery will host the annual Mecktoberfest, Sept. 15-17 and 22-25. The event features traditional German food, live music and a stein-holding contest. There is plenty of room to spread out at the largest Biergarten in the Southeast as you sip an award-winning Märzen Lager, the eponymous Mecktoberfest.
5. This fall, the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte will host performances for the whole family. In September, “Narnia the Musical” brings The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe to life, with October ushering in an interactive tribute to Rosa Parks called “Tired Souls: The Montgomery Bus Boycott.” In November, “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me,” a rousing tribute to the poetry of Maya Angelou, comes to the stage. At the end of the month, prepare for the holiday season with the classic children’s play, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical.”
6. Explore the Amazing Maize Maze, Sept. 16-Oct. 29, one of the Southeast’s largest corn mazes, at Rural Hill in Huntersville. Capture some Instagram-worthy snapshots of the incredible fall sunsets as you explore the grounds, which also serve as a working farm, nature preserve and historical site.
7. With exciting changes to this year’s roster, the Carolina Panthers are gearing up for an electric season. The home opener against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 18 is the perfect way to get into the fall spirit. Tailgate at the WFNZ Dog House before the game and celebrate the home team with pints at Courtyard Hooligans. Be sure to check the season schedule so you don’t miss a minute of the Panthers in action.
8. All season long, enjoy fresh hard cider and delicious apple cider doughnuts at Windy Hill Orchard, with live music and apple picking on the weekends, available with a reservation. Carrigan Farms also offers you-pick experiences for apples and pumpkins, as well as hayrides and a petting zoo.
9. Travel north for Huntersville Hay Days on Sept. 23, a celebration of the town’s 150th year. The sesquicentennial celebration will have children's rides, carnival games, train rides, live music, food trucks and more.
10. Rent an e-bike and cruise a local park or greenway to take in the fall foliage. Charlotte Joy Rides rents pedal-assist enabled bikes for those hoping to see the city on two wheels. Cruise the Little Sugar Creek Greenway to Freedom Park, the perfect spot for a fall picnic.
11. Celebrate the cultures of the Charlotte community with festivals found this fall. The 27th Annual Festival of India will be filled with performances, visual arts and a souvenir bazaar and Indian food court on Sept. 23 at Belk Theater.
12. If you need a boost of energy on a crisp autumn morning, try a Salted Maple Latte from Enderly Coffee Co., made with espresso, pure maple syrup, milk and sea salt. Take your coffee to-go and head to Beyond Amazing Donuts for a soft and fluffy seasonal offering.
13. Take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying incredible music at the Charlotte Symphony at Anne Springs Close Greenway. Grab drinks from The Gateway Canteen and sip to the sounds of the symphony on Sept. 24. Charlotte Symphony will also be at Queens University of Charlotte on Sept. 21. The whole family will love a performance of Sherlock Holmes & The Case of the Missing Maestro on Nov. 11 at Knight Theater.
14. On Sunday, Sept. 24, guests can enjoy a full day of nostalgic finds and throwback treasures as The Charlotte Vintage Market brings a variety of vintage vendors to Optimist Hall. Don’t miss everyone’s favorite sustainable-living-friendly activity: shopping secondhand. No tickets needed. All are welcome to come shop and explore.
15. Lace up your hiking boots and spend the day exploring Crowders Mountain State Park. Just 32 miles from Uptown, hikers will be rewarded with stunning views from the peak. There are also opportunities for bouldering, fishing, and paddling at Sparrow Springs. Just be sure to bring your own equipment, as there are no rentals in the park.
16. This fall, Ballantyne is debuting a new outdoor amphitheater, The Amp, and this season is the perfect time to enjoy an outdoor show. On Sept. 8, The Wrecks kick off a season of sounds followed by All Time Low on Sept. 26, while Suki Waterhouse comes to town on Oct. 6. Catch Eli Young Band Nov. 11 to round out the concert series.
17. Indulge the kids in an afternoon of magic with tickets to Disney on Ice presents Find Your Hero at Bojangles Coliseum, Sept. 28-Oct. 1. If you’re looking for a more adult outing, Ovens Auditorium will host Tim Allen on Sept. 29 and comedian Heather McMahan on Oct. 6.
18. Jam out at Breakaway Music Festival, a weekend concert series, Sept. 29-30 at zMAX Dragway. This touring EDM festival will feature headliners Porter Robinson and Flume. Read about even more artists, bands and DJs coming to the Queen City in the fall concert guide.
19. Book a table at award-winning Counter- to explore the latest menu theme: curry. Choose from 10 or 14 courses, complete with fresh ingredients that will bring the flavors of India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, the Gold Coast and the Caribbean to life.
20. Charlotte FC continues its season throughout the fall with home matches against Philadelphia, Toronto and Miami at Bank of America Stadium. If you can’t make it to the stadium, check out this soccer fan’s guide to find out where other CLT FC fans go on game day.
21. Partake in the magic of fairies, dragons and traditions long past at the annual Carolina Renaissance Festival. Running Saturdays and Sundays, from Sept. 30-Nov.19, there is something for everyone at this annual gathering. Special festival programming includes performances with certified American Sign Language interpreters on Deaf Awareness Day, Oct. 28.
22. Come cast your vote for the best beer and best cider at the Charlotte Fall Beer Festival at NoDa Brewing Company on Sept. 30. More than a dozen breweries will be on site, plus live music, great food and a stein-holding competition.
23. Celebrate Charlotte’s Black food scene at the third annual BayHaven Food & Wine Fest, Oct. 4-8. Hosted by husband-and-wife restaurateurs, Greg and Subrina Collier, of Leah & Louise, the festival celebrates the gifts of Black chefs and culture.
24. Appreciate the incredible choreography of Ohad Naharin, best known for his hit show “Minus 16,” through the Charlotte Ballet’s presentation of Breaking Boundaries, Oct. 5-28.
25. Enjoy all of the wonderful things about Latin American culture, including music, dancing, family activities, food and more, at the annual Hola Charlotte Festival in Uptown on Oct. 7.
26. Fulfill your need for speed as the NASCAR playoffs arrive at the sixth annual Bank of America ROVAL 400, Oct. 8 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Grab tickets for a pre-race concert from Riley Green. Tickets for kids 12 and under are just $10.
27. If the summer heat is still lingering into fall, grab a sweet treat as you make your way around town. Two Scoops Creamery, with locations in Plaza Midwood and South End, has “Not Your Mama’s Pumpkin Pie” ice cream featuring pieces of pie crust, Oreos, chocolate and caramel swirls in a pumpkin pie-ice cream base.
28. The Charlotte Checkers will take the ice for the home opener against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Oct. 13. Check the team schedule for chances to watch the action at Bojangles Coliseum October through April.
29. Huntersville’s Birkdale Village has been revitalized with new shops, restaurants and common areas. Explore the culinary offerings at Taste of Birkdale on Oct. 14. Tickets include an open bar, live music and various tastings from restaurants throughout the plaza.
30. Enjoy the magic of Broadway right here in the Queen City. Blumenthal Performing Arts will welcome several classic shows this fall. “Jesus Christ Superstar” comes to the Belk Theater from Oct. 14-15. The musical comedy, “Funny Girl,” follows from Oct. 17-22. Nov. 7-12, The Wiz will light up the stage with the contemporary retelling of The Wizard of Oz highlighting African American culture.
31. Head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center on Oct. 14 for the annual Build Your Own Boat competition. Teams demonstrate their boat-building techniques against the channel’s rapids in this hilarious test of maritime skills. While you’re there, you can check out all the facility has to offer including ziplining, hiking trails and a ropes course.
32. See a different side of Charlotte this autumn with guided tours around town. Funny Bus Charlotte offers irreverent humor through the historical bus tour. Curious about Charlotte’s long-forgotten secrets? Book the Carolina History & Haunt Tour, perfect for spooky season. If you prefer your own wheels, Charlotte Segway Tours offers a variety of routes catered to specific interests, like historical neighborhoods or parks.
33. Get a pumpkin for carving and the perfect photo op at an area pumpkin patch. If DIY isn’t your thing, check out the Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall. This year, the neighborhood will celebrate its 19th year of this tradition and display dozens of carved pumpkins with a unifying theme.
34. Watch the Mexican men’s national team take on Ghana on Oct. 14 during the Charlotte stop of the MexTour International soccer game. This visit marks the third time that Bank of America Stadium has hosted an international soccer competition.
35. Take in the Carolina blue sky from new heights at the Carolina BalloonFest. From Oct. 20-22, dozens of hot air balloons will dot the sky in Statesville. You can book a ride or enjoy the show from the ground. There will also be a kid zone, live music, food trucks and more.
36. Charlotte Craft Beer Week, Oct. 20-29, is the perfect time to take advantage of the Charlotte Brew Badge. Use your Brew Badge to discover all that the Charlotte beer scene has to offer with special incentives at 19 breweries.
37. Speaking of local brews, be sure to head to NoDa Brewing’s taproom for a pint of the brewery’s seasonal ale, Drop Dead Gordgeous, to ring in pumpkin season.
38. The Charlotte Hornets kick off the season at home against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 25. Make an evening of it with dinner before the game at Church and Union and, after the game, celebrate with cocktails at Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo. Check the Hornets schedule to find a date to cheer on the team at Spectrum Center.
39. With multiple shows weekly, Middle C Jazz is home to local and traveling acts, playing from the intimate venue off Brevard Street in Uptown. Enjoy high-end bites and an impressive bar menu as you take in the sounds from the stage. This fall, the venue will host a variety of acts including Oli Silk, Four80East, Landslide- A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac and Veronica Swift.
40. Find some family-friendly scares at the Boollantyne Halloween Experience, Oct. 27 at The Amp Ballantyne. Last year’s inaugural event featured some not-so-scary Halloween fun like a pumpkin-carving contest and costume contest.
41. Take in the beauty of the foliage at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and learn something new at the Sip and Paint event. October’s theme will be “Black Cats and Spooky Hats” on Oct. 28. Enjoy wine and snacks during this painting lesson for all ability levels.
42. Gaze at the starry autumn sky with a night of camping at McDowell Nature Center. Fall is the perfect time to pitch a tent, with seasonal temperatures and beautiful scenery. There are eight miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty, as well as the Nature Center that offers educational programming highlighting the local plants and animals.
43. Explore the city on foot by participating in the Charlotte Marathon. In partnership with Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, this one-day event on Nov. 4 features four races: a full marathon, a half marathon, a relay and a 5k.
44. Nothing says “fall” like a whiskey cocktail. Head to The Goodyear House where Bob Peters, award-winning mixologist, has added the Built on Hospitality Old Fashioned to the restaurant’s menu. The cocktail, made with 1792 bourbon, rich syrup and aromatic bitters, is sure to keep you warm on a cool autumn evening.
45. Find unique gifts and enjoy the seasonal sights at the official Southern Christmas Show, Nov. 9-19. This Charlotte staple, the largest Christmas show in North America, is filled with vendors featuring holiday decor, food, wine, clothing and more.
