Your Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun Around the Queen City

Crisp air, apple picking, spooky nights, and back-to-back festivals—fall in Charlotte hits different. Whether you’re sipping cider at a pumpkin patch or dancing at a street festival, this season is packed with cozy, colorful adventures. Save this list and get ready to make the most of fall in the Queen City.

Charlotte International Arts Festival

When: September 1–30
Where: Citywide
Website: charlotteartsfest.com

This month-long celebration transforms Charlotte into a living canvas—featuring installations, music, interactive performances, and international art. From Uptown stages to park pop-ups, creativity is everywhere.

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Yiasou Greek Festival

When: September 5–7
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Website: yiasoufestival.org

Gyros. Baklava. Dancing in the streets. The annual Yiasou Greek Festival is one of Charlotte’s most beloved food events, bringing Greek culture, music, and flavors to the heart of Dilworth.

Scarowinds

When: September 12–November 2
Where: Carowinds
Website: carowinds.com

This haunted version of Carowinds is not for the faint of heart. With scare zones, haunted mazes, creepy actors, and late-night rides, Scarowinds is a Halloween staple.

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Festival in the Park

When: September 19–21
Where: Freedom Park
Website: festivalinthepark.org

A Charlotte tradition, Festival in the Park blends art, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly fun in the iconic Freedom Park setting. Free to attend and full of local charm.

Carolina Renaissance Festival

When: Weekends, October 4–November 23
Where: 16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville, NC
Website: carolina.renfestinfo.com

Step into a storybook village filled with jousting knights, turkey legs, medieval markets, and costumed characters. The Ren Fest is a must for families and fantasy lovers alike.

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Carolina BalloonFest

When: October 17–19
Where: Statesville Regional Airport
Website: carolinaballoonfest.com

One of the most magical weekends of the season. Carolina BalloonFest features hot air balloon launches, live music, food trucks, and glowing night shows.

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Fall Farm Visits & U-Pick Adventures

Nothing says fall like pumpkins, apple cider, and corn mazes. These nearby farms are perfect for weekend day trips:

• Union Exchange (Monroe, NC) – Farmers market & seasonal fun
• Wise Acres (Indian Trail, NC) – Organic U-pick farm with sunflowers & pumpkins
• Carrigan Farms (Mooresville, NC) – Apple picking & hayrides
• Hall Family Farm (Lancaster, SC) – Pumpkins, corn maze & donuts
• Hodges Family Farm (Charlotte, NC) – Farm animals & classic pumpkin patch
• Windy Hill Orchard (York, SC) – Hard cider, apple picking & hayrides

Charlotte Oktoberfests

Raise a stein and toast to fall at one (or more) of Charlotte’s local Oktoberfest events:

• Mecktoberfest at OMB – LoSo: Sept 12–14 & Sept 19–21
• Mecktoberfest at OMB – Ballantyne: Oct 3–5 & Oct 10–12
• Oktoberfest at Gilde: Sept 19–21, Sept 26–28, Oct 3–5
• Mecklenburg Oktoberfest at Truist Field: October 4
  Expect steins, bratwurst, live German music, and Charlotte’s best fall beer energy.
  

Fall Winery Day Trips

Spend a weekend afternoon sipping local reds and whites surrounded by vineyard views:

• Treehouse Vineyards (Monroe, NC) – Treehouse tastings & live music
• Veronét Vineyards (Kings Mountain, NC) – Sweeping mountain views
• Daveste Vineyards (Troutman, NC) – Scenic vibes & local art pairings

Charlotte Fall Sports Lineup

Cheer on your favorite home teams this season:

• Carolina Panthers (NFL at Bank of America Stadium)
• Charlotte Hornets (NBA at Spectrum Center)
• Charlotte Checkers (AHL hockey at Bojangles Coliseum)

Tailgates, buzzer-beaters, and fall sports energy? Count us in.

Plan Your Fall Adventures

Whether you're sipping cider in a pumpkin patch, cheering at a festival stage, or floating under balloon-filled skies—Charlotte is stacked with fall things to do this season. Save this list, tag your crew, and start checking off your CLT Fall Bucketlist.

Follow @CLTBucketlist for more seasonal adventures, event guides, and hidden gems around the city.

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