Your Guide to Charlotte’s Fall Festivals
Fill your autumn calendar with these festivals in the Queen City.
by Arielle Patterson Sep 02, 2024
Fall is the best season for an outdoor festival in Charlotte, and 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. 6-8
Neighborhood: Dilworth
One of Charlotte’s largest cultural events, 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. 13-15, 20-22, Oct. 4-6, 11-13
Neighborhood: Lower South End, Ballantyne
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is celebrating with beer, brats, German music and more over four weekends at both brewery locations.
Charlotte International Arts Festival
When: Sept. 13-29
Neighborhood: Uptown, Ballantyne
The Charlotte International Arts Festival showcases whimsical visual and performing arts from local and international artists at venues across the city.
Charlotte Brunch Festival
When: Sept. 14
Neighborhood: Uptown
Indulge in an array of brunch dishes from local chefs as you sip on brunch cocktails and mocktails on Levine Avenue.
Flow Fest
When: Sept. 14
Area: West Charlotte
Find your zen at the U.S. National Whitewater Center during this free, one-day festival that includes yoga workshops for any skill level as well as wellness vendors to browse.
Lowcountry Culture Festival
When: Sept. 14
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Experience Lowcountry cuisine and culture, through soulful music, art and locally made crafts, as you sip Southern cocktails and learn the history of the Lowcountry at Ballantyne’s Backyard.
Festival of India
When: Sept. 14-15
Neighborhood: Uptown, Ballantyne
This vibrant, two-day event features performances that blend Bollywood glitz with classic Indian dance, along with arts and culture workshops and more, at Belk Theater and Ballantyne’s Backyard.
Oktoberfest at Carowinds
When: Sept. 14-Nov. 2
Area: South Charlotte
Carowinds celebrates Oktoberfest on Saturdays and Sundays with authentic German food, steins of beer, a brat-eating competition and polka bands.
El Grito Festival
When: Sept. 15
Area: Concord
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with live entertainment, authentic Mexican street food, mariachi music, folkloric dancers and more at Route 29 Pavilion.
Festival in the Park
When: Sept. 20-22
Neighborhood: Dilworth
This free, family-friendly festival showcases works from local and national artists in a variety of mediums, as well as food and drink vendors, live entertainment and children’s activities, at Freedom Park.
UNC Charlotte International Festival
When: Sept. 21
Neighborhood: University City
Stop by booths representing more than 35 nations that feature a variety of art, crafts, costumes and food for sale.
Jollof Festival Charlotte
When: Sept. 21
Neighborhood: Uptown
Taste dishes made with Jollof rice from representative countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and more, on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University.
Latin American Festival
When: Sept. 21
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
The rich cultural tapestry of more than 21 Latin American countries is on display through food, dance, music and more at Ballantyne’s Backyard.
University City Wine Fest
When: Sept. 21
Neighborhood: University City
Sample more than 100 wines, as well as cocktails, craft beer and ciders, along the scenic boardwalk at the Shoppes at University Place.
Charlotte Film Festival
When: Sept. 24-29
Neighborhood: NoDa
The Charlotte Film Festival brings innovative cinema to The Independent Picture House, showcasing the works of emerging and established filmmakers.
Breakaway Music Festival
When: Sept. 27-28
Area: Concord
Dance to bass-pumping beats at this EDM festival that features headliners, such as Alesso, Fisher, Marshmello, Knock2 and Loud Luxury, throughout the weekend at zMAX Dragway.
Oktoberfest at Gilde Brewery
When: Sept. 27-29, Oct. 4-6, 11-13
Neighborhood: Lower South End
Charlotte’s authentic German brewery, Gilde, celebrates Oktoberfest over three weekends with stein-holding contests, keg tapping and the brewery’s German cuisine.
Hispanic Heritage Festival of the Carolinas
When: Sept. 28
Neighborhood: Uptown
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Truist Field as you enjoy cultural foods and entertainment, with headliners The Kazzabe Group, Karlos Rose, Porto Baloa and DJ Coroking.
Wine & Food Festival
When: Sept. 28
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Symphony Park is the picturesque setting for this premier wine and food festival, featuring more than 100 wine, beer and spirit tastings, live music, food trucks and more.
BayHaven Food & Wine Festival
When: Oct. 3-6
Neighborhood: West Charlotte
Celebrate Black foodways through multi-course dinners, tasting events, Sunday brunch and more, hosted by Greg and Subrina Collier at Savona Mill in Charlotte’s Historic West End.
Mecklenburg Oktoberfest
When: Oct. 5
Neighborhood: Uptown
Head to Truist Field for the Pink Cupcake Walk, benefiting Go Jen Go, then stick around for a free, day-long Oktoberfest celebration with entertainment, craft beer, local vendors and more.
Hola Charlotte Festival
When: Oct. 5
Neighborhood: 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.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
When: Oct. 5-Nov. 24
Area: Huntersville
Watch jousting knights on horseback, majestic falconry and grab a turkey leg on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival’s multi-week run.
Charlote Vegfest
When: Oct. 12
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Browse local, regional and national veg-minded vendors, as you learn more about vegan living, during this free, family-friendly festival at The Amp Ballantyne.
Carolina BalloonFest
When: Oct. 18-20
Area: Statesville
Dozens of vibrantly decorated balloons dot the sky that you can watch from the ground or book a ride in one yourself.
Charlotte Chalk Art Festival
When: Oct. 19-20
Neighborhood: 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.
Biketoberfest
When: Oct. 27
Neighborhood: Citywide
Pedal your way around Charlotte during this family-friendly scavenger hunt that takes riders to local businesses, collecting stamps in their passport along the way.
Statesville Pumpkin Festival
When: Nov. 2
Area: 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.
Sheepdog Trials & Dog Festival
When: Nov. 2-3
Area: Huntersville
Bring your four-legged friend to Historic Rural Hill to shop pet vendors, watch the sheepdog trials and even compete in the inaugural Huntersville’s Next Top Dog Show.
