The Ultimate Fall Festival Guide
Revel in all things fall at the many festivals happening around the Queen City.
by Jamie Killian Sep 06, 2023
Fall is a great time to get out and about in Charlotte and there is no shortage of festivals over the next few months to keep you busy. From annual favorite events to pumpkin-themed gatherings and Oktoberfests galore, there is an event for everyone this autumn in the Queen City.
Charlotte International Arts Festival
When: Sept. 15-Oct. 1
Neighborhood: Uptown, Ballantyne
Take in a variety of visual art installations, live performances and immersive experiences during the Charlotte International Arts Festival. More than 200 attractions and exhibits will be on display from Uptown to Ballantyne.
Mecktoberfest
When: Sept. 15-17; Sept. 22-24
Neighborhood: Lower South End
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery returns with its yearly celebration of German beer, music and food. Come celebrate with a Märzen Lager and pretzels.
Flow Fest
When: Sept. 16
Neighborhood: West Charlotte
Get mindful this fall with yoga classes, workshops, kombucha tastings, music and more at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
The Great Pumpkin Festival
When: Sept.16-Oct. 29
Area: South Charlotte
Saturdays and Sundays this fall are for the kids. Enjoy trick-or-treating, a Halloween parade, dance parties, photo ops with the Peanuts gang and more at Carowinds. Peppermint Patty’s hay bale maze, Lucy’s Mummy Pit and Linus’ Pumpkin Patch are just a few of the park’s seasonal stops.
Gilde Oktoberfest
When: Sept. 22-24, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Oct. 6-8
Neighborhood: Lower South End
Gilde Brewery will bring German heritage to life over three weekends with authentic German beer, food and music.
Festival in the Park
When: Sept. 22-24
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Stroll Charlotte’s iconic Freedom Park while shopping more than 150 vendors. There will also be live music throughout the park.
Festival of India
When: Sept. 23
Neighborhood: Uptown
The annual Festival of India attracts over 20,000 people. Held at Belk Theater, there will be 27 food vendors, henna tattoos and more in an effort to share art, culture and heritage with Charlotte locals and visitors.
Charlotte Film Festival
When: Sept. 27-Oct. 1
Neighborhood: NoDa
The Independent Picture House will showcase films from all around the world during this five-day festival.
Charlotte VegFest
When: Sept. 30
Neighborhood: Camp North End
Come explore all things vegan at this celebration of healthy, sustainable food at Camp North End. There will be food trucks, cooking demonstrations, nutritionists on site, prizes and more.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
When: Sept. 30-Nov. 19
Area: Huntersville
Travel back in time to enjoy jousting, falconry, fairies and more. The Carolina Renaissance Festival has something for everyone, including an open-air market, games and shows.
BayHaven Food & Wine Festival
When: Oct. 4-8
Neighborhood: Citywide
Hosted by local restaurateurs, Greg and Subrina Collier, this festival celebrates the Black foodways, including history, restaurants and entrepreneurship. Events will feature sit-down dinners as well as food trucks, cooking demonstrations, seminars and other experiences.
Fall Artisan Market
When: Oct. 7
Area: Fort Mill
Stroll scenic Anne Springs Close Greenway while browsing goods from local vendors, including items like candles, homewares and holiday gifts. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase from the Gateway Canteen.
Hola Charlotte Festival
When: Oct. 7
Neighborhood: Uptown
Celebrate Latin culture through food, music, performances and more. Visit the Cultural Village showcasing different countries through apparel, food, crafts and more to help visitors learn about that country’s culture.
Ballantyne Brunch Festival
When: Oct. 7
Area: Ballantyne
This celebration of everyone’s favorite meal will include brunch bites, live music, activities for families and more. Located at The Amp, proceeds from this festival will benefit the Isabella Santos Foundation to fight pediatric cancer.
Laketoberfest
When: Oct. 14
Area: Cornelius
Live music, a kid zone, food trucks and beer from local breweries come together at Bailey Road Park to make Laketoberfest a great time for all ages. With proceeds benefiting Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists, visitors can enjoy all the area has to offer while helping to preserve local wildlife.
Mint Hill Madness
When: Oct. 19-21
Area: Mint Hill
The Town of Mint celebrates its founding with a family-friendly festival at Veterans Memorial Park. This event will include rides, food trucks, performances, a scholarship pageant and a fireworks show.
Carolina Balloon Fest
When: Oct. 20-22
Area: Statesville
Travel up, up and away at this celebration of hot air balloons. Private rides will be available by appointment and there will be plenty to do on the ground, too. Food trucks, a wine and beer garden, live entertainment and a kid’s zone will keep the fun going all weekend long.
VTGCLT’s Fall Market
When: Oct. 21
Neighborhood: Camp North End
This seasonal pop-up will feature all things vintage and handmade with over 90 vendors from across the region in the Ford Building at Camp North End. This is will be the largest market in 12 years.
Das Best Oktoberfest
When: Oct. 21
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Choose from hundreds of beers, ciders, wines and schnapps to fill your souvenir cup. In addition, there will be two stages featuring live music and lots of traditional food, all at Ballantyne’s Backyard.
Charlotte Chalk Art Festival
When: Oct. 21-22
Neighborhood: NoDa
Enjoy live music and other performances while browsing chalk art at NoDa Brewing’s North End location. There will also be contests for the best art with cash prizes.
Biketoberfest
When: Oct. 22
Neighborhood: Citywide
This charity event will send participants on a scavenger hunt culminating in an after party at Triple C Brewing, featuring a limited-release Biketoberfest beer. You can choose from a short route that is great for a walk or run, or bike the longer route.
Statesville Pumpkin Festival
When: Nov. 4
Area: Statesville
This fall festival features a classic car show as well as a kid zone and live entertainment. Visit the Corks, Taps and Barrels Garden for something to sip as you stroll the festivities.
Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival
When: Nov. 4-5
Neighborhood: Huntersville
Rural Hill will host this annual dog event that features training demonstrations, contests and hayrides. This is also an opportunity to watch sheepdogs compete in a variety of skill and intelligence events.