The Ultimate Fall Festival Guide

Charlotte International Arts Festival

Neighborhood: Charlotte area
When: September 16-October 2

Take in a variety of visual art installations, live performances and immersive experiences during the International Arts Festival. More than 200 attractions and exhibits will be on display from Uptown to Ballantyne. View our full guide to the Charlotte International Arts Festival here.

Charlotte Oktoberfests

Enjoy a beer and traditional German foods at one of the city’s Oktoberfests.

Mecktoberfest
Neighborhood: LoSo
When: September 23-25

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery returns with its yearly celebration of German beer, music and food. Come celebrate with a Märzen Lager and pretzels.

Oktoberfest at Wooden Robot
Neighborhood: South End
When: September 23-24

Breweries from throughout the region will come together to feature their Oktoberfest beers that use the traditional Fest Malt.

A Petty Oktoberfest
Neighborhood: North End
When: September 25

Petty Thieves Brewery puts their spin on the German festival with custom half- and liter mugs, games, music and food.

Das Best Oktoberfest
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
When: October 15

Choose from hundreds of beers, ciders, wines and schnapps to fill our souvenir cup. In addition, there will be two stages featuring live music and lots of traditional food.

Gilde Oktoberfest
Neighborhood: South End
When: September 23-25, September 30-October 2, and October 7-9

Gilde will bring German heritage to life over three weekends with authentic German beer, food and music.

North Carolina OktoberFEST
Area: Concord
When: October 29

This family-friendly festival will feature a costume contest, face painting, performances and games.

Front Porch Fest

Neighborhood: South End
When: September 24

Head to Resident Culture for family activities, pop up shops, beer and tacos, with special beer releases throughout the day.

Plaza Midwood Art Crawl

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
When: September 24

Browse and purchase works from local artists during this open street festival.

Charlotte International Jerk Festival

Neighborhood: Cotswold
When: September 24

Celebrate Caribbean culture and cuisine at Mama’s Caribbean Grill. There will be food, music and family-friendly activities at the sixth annual event.

Farm to Fork Picnic

Neighborhood: Belmont
When: September 25

Local chefs will pair with regional farmers to create farm-to-table dishes served amidst the beauty of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Local artisans, brewers, distillers and wine producers will also be on site to help foster a magical evening that supports the Piedmont Culinary Guild.

Charlotte Film Festival

Neighborhood: NoDa
When: September 28-October 2

The Independent Picture House will showcase films from all around the world during this five-day festival.

Fall Artisan Market

Area: Fort Mill
When: October 1

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.

Montford Park Block Party

Neighborhood: Montford
When: October 1

Food, music and fun will bring together the Montford Park neighborhood during this free street festival.

Charlotte Chalk Art Festival

Neighborhood: NoDa
When: October 1-2

Enjoy live music and other performances while browsing street chalk art. There will also be contests for best art with cash prizes.

Indian Trail Fall Festival

Area: Indian Trail
When: October 1

Join over 40 vendors for this day of shopping and fun. There will be music, food trucks and pumpkin carving. Be sure to check out the Kid Zone to keep the little ones entertained, too.

Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival

Area: Cornelius
When: October 8

Celebrate Chinese culture with food, music and performances culminating in a traditional Chinese Dragon Boat race on Lake Norman

Barktoberfest

Area: Belmont
When: October 8

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden welcomes you and your pups to this semi-annual event featuring dog-themed vendors, kid-friendly activities, a costume contest and food trucks.

Hola Charlotte Festival

Neighborhood: Uptown
When: October 15

Celebrate Latin culture through food, music, performances, and more, like the Cultural Village celebrating countries including Panama, Ecuador, Venezuela, Dominican Republic and more.

Festival in the Heights

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
When: October 15

Local musicians will provide the tunes while patrons dine at food trucks, enjoy kid’s activities, and shop small business vendors.

Apple Harvest Festival

Area: York, South Carolina
When: October 15

The 29th Apple Harvest Festival at Windy Hill Orchard will include live music, hard cider tastings, hayrides and more.

Nebel’s Alley Night Market

Neighborhood: South End
When: October 15; November 19

Shop under the stars while listening to live jazz music. Small businesses from all over Charlotte come together at The Design Center in South End for this monthly pop-up.

BayHaven Food & Wine Festival

Neighborhood: Camp North End
When: October 19-23

Celebrate the Black foodways at this festival which will feature sit down dinners as well as food trucks and other experiences.

Mint Hill Madness

Area: Mint Hill
When: October 20-22

This family-friendly event will include rides, food trucks, performances, a scholarship pageant and a fireworks show.

Harvest at the Haven

Neighborhood: Myers Park
When: October 29

Wing Haven will host this event in their SEED Wildlife and Children’s garden to welcome the fall season with preparations for a winter crop, crafts and exploration.

Biketoberfest

Neighborhood: Regional
When: October 30

This charity event will send participants on a scavenger hunt culminating in an after-party at Triple C Brewing.

VTGCLT’s Winter Market

Neighborhood: West Charlotte
When: November 19

Don’t let the name fool you – this seasonal pop-up will feature all things vintage and handmade with over 80 vendors at the Savona Mill and is the perfect Fall outing.

HBCU Culture Homecoming Fest

Neighborhood: East Charlotte
When: November 6

This exciting music event will feature six of the country’s most dynamic show bands, including North Carolina A&T, Alabama University and Kentucky State University.

Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival

Neighborhood: Huntersville
When: November 12-13

Rural Hill will host this annual dog event which will feature demonstrations, contests, hayrides and more with Border Collies competing in a variety of events over the two days as well.