Your Guide to Charlotte’s Fall Festivals

Fall is the best season for an outdoor festival, and in the Queen City, there are countless to choose from. From food and drink events to arts and culture celebrations, here’s your guide to fall festivals in Charlotte.

Yiasou Greek Festival

When: Sept. 11-13
Where: Dilworth

This celebration of Greek culture features exhibits, authentic cuisine, entertainment and live music, shopping and more at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Mecktoberfest

When: Sept. 11-13, 18-20, Oct. 2-4, 9-11
Where: Lower South End, Ballantyne

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is celebrating Oktoberfest with beer, brats, German music and more over four weekends at both brewery locations.

Cabarrus County Fair

When: Sept. 11-19
Where: Concord

Every year, thousands of people gather at Cabarrus Arena and Events Center to see the Southern Rodeo Company’s world-class show during the Cabarrus County Fair.

Charlotte Coffee Festival

When: Sept. 12
Where: South End

Get caffeinated at Lenny Boy Brewing during this celebration of coffee and community, featuring more than 50 vendors including local and national roasters, cafes and coffee brands.

UNC Charlotte International Festival

When: Sept. 19
Where: University City

Stop by booths representing more than 35 nations that feature a variety of art, crafts, costumes and food for sale at UNC Charlotte’s Barnhardt Student Activity Center.

Festival of India

When: Sept. 19-20
Where: Uptown

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Festival of India, a vibrant celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage at Belk Theater.

Charlotte Film Festival

When: Sept. 22-27
Where: NoDa

Get tickets for moving documentaries, animated shorts, student films and more, as well as selections from some of the world's best film festivals, at Independent Picture House.

Breakaway Music Festival

When: Sept. 25-26
Where: Concord

Dance to bass-pumping beats at this EDM festival that features headliners Tiësto, Cloonee b2b Chris Lorenzo and Kettama and more throughout the weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s zMAX Dragway.

Festival in the Park

When: Sept. 25-27
Where: Dilworth

This free, family-friendly festival at Freedom Park showcases works from local and national artists in a variety of mediums. 

FabFest

When: Oct. 2-3
Where: Uptown

Come together to enjoy the music of The Beatles performed by local and regional acts, along with an art contest, open mic and more, at Knight Theater.

Hola Charlotte Festival

When: Oct. 3
Where: Uptown

Charlotte’s largest Hispanic heritage celebration showcases the diversity and range of Latin American cultures through live music, dance performances and more on Tryon Street.

Charlotte Kids Fest

When: Oct. 3
Where: University City

Bring the kids out for a day of play, including arts and crafts areas, science activities, sports, games and more.

Carolina Renaissance Festival

When: Oct. 3-Nov. 22
Where: Huntersville

Watch jousting knights on horseback and majestic falconry, then grab a turkey leg on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival’s multi-week run.

Charlote Vegfest

When: Oct. 10
Where: Uptown

Browse local, regional and national veg-minded vendors at Victoria Yards, as you learn more about vegan living during this free, family-friendly festival.

Laketoberfest

When: Oct. 10
Where: Cornelius

Spend the day at Bailey Road Park enjoying live music, local beer and wine, food trucks, a kids’ zone and more at this free festival.

Biketoberfest

When: Oct. 11
Where: Citywide

Pedal your way around Charlotte during this family-friendly scavenger hunt that takes riders to local businesses, collecting stamps in a passport along the way.

Charlotte Mimosa Festival

When: Oct. 11
Where: South End

Sip a variety of mimosas as you enjoy live music, food trucks and vendors at Lenny Boy Brewing.

Pineville Fall Fest

When: Sept. 15-17
Where: Pineville

Jack Hughes Park is filled with rides and carnival games, plus live music, vendors, a dog show and a fireworks show Saturday night.

Carolina BalloonFest

When: Oct. 16-18
Where: Statesville

Dozens of vibrantly decorated balloons dot the sky that you can watch from the ground or book a ride in one yourself.

South End Wine & Hops Festival

When: Oct. 17
Where: South End

Spend the afternoon sipping wine, craft beer and cocktail tastings from almost 30 vendors at this annual fall festival at Lenny Boy Brewing.

Charlotte Chalk Art Festival

When: Oct. 17-18
Where: NoDa

NoDa Brewing hosts this two-day street chalk art competition. Ages 12 and older can enter to win or simply participate in art-focused activities and crafts.

Statesville Pumpkin Festival

When: Nov. 7
Where: Statesville

Pumpkins dot the streets of downtown Statesville for this festival featuring a classic car show, two stages with live entertainment and plenty of activities for children.

Oktoberfest at Carowinds

When: Nov. 7-22
Where: South Charlotte

Carowinds celebrates Oktoberfest on select days with authentic German food, steins of beer, a brat-eating competition and polka bands.

Sheepdog Trials & Dog Festival

When: Nov. 14-15
Where: Huntersville

Bring your four-legged friend to historic Rural Hill to watch the sheepdog trials and shop pet-related vendors.