Finally, a beautiful fall weekend. Use it wisely with our guide to where to go and what to do around the lake this weekend:
Huntersville Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 17
Barnette Elementary
It’s a full day of fall fun at the Huntersville Fall Festival! The free event features live music,local food vendors, Â a visit from the Huntersville Fire Safety and police department, a silent auction and art vendors. Kids activities include games, bounce houses, hay rides, pony rides, and a visit to the pumpkin patch.
Laketoberfest Brew & Music Festival
Saturday, Oct. 17
Bailey Rd. Park
Beer: check. Music: check. The only thing missing is you! Join in on the fun at this year’s Laketoberfest. Sip on the best of local beer from six local breweries and bottle shops, feast on options from 15 food trucks, challenge a friend in cornhole, enjoy live music and an art display. Last but not least, kids can get in on the fun with a new Kid Zone. All event proceeds benefit the Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists.
Fall Plant Sale at the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
Friday, Oct. 16- Saturday, Oct. 17
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
Don’t let the cooler temperatures fool you, Fall is a great time to plant Spring blooms. Stop by the Fall Plant Sale this weekend to shop a selection of shrubs, perennials, wildflowers, annuals and native plants. All proceeds support the operations of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens and greenhouse.
2015 Lake Norman Open Fishing Tournament
Saturday, Oct. 17
9124 Unity Church Rd Denver, NC 28037
Enter in to win big or support the American Cancer Society at Lake Norman’s only multi-species, multi-division charity fishing tournament. Whether you’re a  Cancer Survivor, Cancer Patient, Youth Angler or a Lady Angler, there is a division for you and a chance for you to win cash awards or prizes. Net proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society through Relay For Life of East Lincoln.
Carolina BalloonFest
Statesville Regional Airport
Friday, Oct. 16-Sunday, Oct. 18
Get carried away at this year’s Carolina BalloonFest. Watch as over 50 colorful hot air balloons fly overhead and enjoy live entertainment and fun activities for all ages.  The two day festival includes a KidsZone with inflatables and a walk-in balloon, Piliot meet and greet and a Wine & Craft Beer Tasting Garden. View the full schedule and get your tickets here.
Celebrating 2 years at Waterbean Coffee
Waterbean Coffee
Saturday, Oct. 17
Rise and shine with Waterbean’s two year anniversary party. Whether you’re an early birth or a night owl, they’ve got two ways for you to celebrate. From 9 AM-12 PM, they’ll have kids activities, an inflatable pirate ship and a DJ at their Cornelius location. Then from 7-10PM, live music will fill their Huntersville location, so bring your dancing shoes!
Don’t Cry for Me, Margaret Mitchell by Davidson Community Players
Davisdon Community Players
Thursday, Oct. 15-Saturday, Oct. 17
Catch a laugh and some local talent at this weekend’s performance of Don’t Cry for Me, Margaret Mitchell. The witty and faced-paced comedy set in 1939 chronicles the story of three Hollywood characters race against the clock to re-write the script for Gone with the Wind. Hurry and get your tickets now!
BrewFest Weekend
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Saturday, Oct. 17
Raise a glass to the time-honored tradition of craft beer brewing. While you’re having a blast at the Renaissance Festival, stop by and taste pours from the hopefuls competing in the 2015 Gambrinus Cup Homebrew competition and participate in the RenFest Beer Games.
Rescue Me 5K
McAlpine Creek Park
Saturday, Oct. 17
Go for a run in the park, this time for a great cause. The inaugural Rescue Me 5K benefits Operation Sidekick – The newest program of The American Pit Bull Foundation (APBF). APBF is the first organization to bridge the gap and exclusively train rescued pit bulls as service dogs to help our veterans overcome the daily struggle of PTSD and depression.
Mark your calendars! Upcoming events around the Lake:
Halloween Fun at Rural Hill
Saturday, Oct. 24
Historic Rural Hill
Bring the whole family out for a classic Fall day at Historic Rural Hill. There will be children’s games, arts & craft vendors, bounce house, a pumpkin patch, face painting, music, food, costumes & much more!
