Your Guide to Charlotte’s Fall Festivals
Fill your autumn calendar with these festivals in the Queen City.
by Arielle Patterson Aug 03, 2026
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.
