It’s no secret that October has some of Charlotte’s favorite seasonal events and (finally) the best weather to go with them. Enjoy both with our day-by-day guide to what to do this weekend:
ALL WEEKEND
Elizabeth Home & Garden Tour
October 19 – 20 | Elizabeth neighborhood
The annual Elizabeth Home & Garden Tour will feature 10 private residences and five public spaces that highlight the architecture and charm of the classic Charlotte neighborhood. Opt to tour the stops Friday from 6 – 9 p.m. or Saturday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. $25 per person.
Carolina Balloon Festival 2018
October 19 – 21 | 260 Hangar Dr, Statesville
Take a drive up to Statesville to see brightly colored balloons take off twice daily at the 45th annual Carolina BalloonFest. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the show. View ticket options, including weekend passes, here.
The Jazz Room: Trick or Treat Edition
October 19 – 20 | Stage Door Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
You’ll have two chances to catch this thrilling performance of Halloween-themed jazz classics, including I Put a Spell on You, The Great Pumpkin Waltz, Mack the Knife and more. Tickets are $14 in advance, $16 at the door.
Music for a Royal Celebration
October 19 – 20 | Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts
In this celebration fit for royalty, Christopher Warren-Green leads this performance of Handel’s Water Music and other selections from royal occasions in honor of Charlotte’s 250th birthday. Before the performance, Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees will lead a pre-concert talk in the Wells Fargo Auditorium lobby.
USNWC Outdoor Market
October 19 – 21 | US National Whitewater Center
Enjoy a taste of the outdoors with this three-day festival at the Whitewater Center. Demo bikes, trail running shoes, kayaks and other outdoor gear from top brands throughout the 1,300 acre facility, plus enjoy live music, beer, food and film.
Pineville Fall Fest
October 19 – 20 | Pineville Lake Park
Celebrate the arrival of fall in Pineville with two days filled with family fun, arts and crafts, a student art show, music, food and more. Don’t miss Friday night’s performance by Too Much Sylvia, plus a full live music line-up on Saturday.
Bootanical
October 20 – 21 | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
At Bootanical, the fun’s not just for the little ones. While they can enjoy crafts, a costume parade, carriage rides and more. adults can enjoy featured craft brews and live music in the beer garden. Free for members or with general admission, children wearing costumes receive free admission.
Charlotte Black Restaurant Week 2018
October 15 – 21 | Various locations
Charlotte’s Black Restaurant Week includes specials from participating restaurants (view all participating restaurants here), plus a week of special events. Don’t miss the Black Food Truck Fridays event on Friday, the The Dining Experience- Harlem Renaissance Style on Saturday or the 2Fish5Loaves CBRW Charity Event on Sunday. View all events here.
THURSDAY
Mint Museum Auxiliary: Trina Turk Grand Opening
SouthPark Mall | 6 – 8 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to help welcome the new Trina Turk Boutique to SouthPark Mall. Enjoy light bites and the latest fall fashions while supporting the Mint Museum.
OrthoCarolina Fun Run
Legion Brewing SouthPark | 6:30 p.m.
Earn your beer by completing a 1, 3 or 5-mile route in support of the American Red Cross Hurricane Florence Relief Fund. Your $10 registration includes a limited edition t-shirt, a beer from the new Legion Brewing SouthPark and an entry into the grand prize giveaways. After crossing the finish line, enjoy your complimentary beer and shop local vendors including Glory Days Apparel, SUM bucha, tread Happy and more.
Girls Night Out with a Purpose
Scout & Molly’s (SouthPark) | 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Grab your girls for a night of skin care and makeup consultations, health coaching, fall shopping and more. A portion of proceeds benefit Go Jen Go.
Charles Craig Trio Re-imagines the Music of West Side Story
Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center | 6 and 8:15 p.m.
Pianist Charles Craig and his trio bring new life to the timeless tunes of Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, including favorites like Maria, America, I Feel Pretty and Somewhere. Tickets are $16 in advance and $18 at the door.
Darioush Wine Dinner
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse | 7 – 9 p.m.
via Facebook
Experience a variety of wines from the three prestigious estates of Darioush and a five-course meal by Del Frisco’s executive chef. View the full menu here. $225 per guest. Call 704.552.5502 to reserve your seat.
Modernism + Film | My Brooklyn
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 6 – 9 p.m.
Follow director Kelly Anderson’s journey as a Brooklyn gentrifier through the neighborhood’s evolution in My Brooklyn. The evening starts with a cash bar reception with free light bites. After the screening, stay for a panel discussion. $10 general admission, $8 for museum members and $5 for students. Purchase online or by calling the admissions desk at 704.353.9200.
Thrive: Camp North End’s Fall Jazz Series
Camp North End | 6 p.m.
Camp North End’s fall jazz series continues with local jazz talent and a headline performance by Harvey Cummings II. Enjoy three hours of music, $3 entry and $3 food and drink specials from participating vendors.
96.9 The Kat Jam
Coyote Joes | 7 – 10 p.m.
The Kat Jam brings Chris Janson, Uncle Kracker, Eric Paslay, Rachel Wammack and more to the stage, all to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. $15+.
Whitewater Film Series – Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey
U.S. National Whitewater Center | 6:45 – 9 p.m.
Explore the drive and achievements of iconic mountaineer Fred Beckey’s 80-year career at a screening of Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey. Free admission.
FRIDAY
3rd Annual Art Show: Mainframe – Closing Party
Mint Museum UPTOWN | 7 – 10 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to view the third annual YAM art show, Mainframe, at the exhibition’s closing party. You’ll hear about the inspiration behind the works from the artists themselves on a special tour, then celebrate with music by DJ Chescov and a cash bar.
Bechtler by Night: Autumn Paint N’ Sip
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 5 – 10 p.m.
Unleash your inner artist at the next edition of Bechtler by Night. Create your own fall masterpiece with guidance from teaching artists, enjoy live music by Dave Haire, Chris Walters and Ryan Persaud, free museum admission and activities, plus a cash bar.
Hands-on Mixology Class – Fall Cocktails
Hygge Coworking | 6:30 p.m.
Delve into the savory flavors of fall with a hands-on mixology class, where you’ll learn to make three cocktails using fresh herbs and spices, fruit, bitters and botanicals. $65 per person.
Wine Dinner by Chef Chris Coleman of Stoke Charlotte
Stoke Charlotte | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Chef Chris Coleman will feature wines from Santa Barbara at this multi-course dinner ahead of Saturday’s South End Wine Fest. Preview the full menu here. $85 per person.
Science on the Rocks: Nightmare on Tryon Street
Discovery Place Science | 5 – 9 p.m.
This adults-only night at the museum isn’t for the faint of heart. Make your own slime, play serial killer trivia, use cockroaches to paint your work work of art, battle it out in the costume contest and more. $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
5th Annual Cider Fest
Rooftop 210 | 6 – 10 p.m.
Sip your way into fall with samples of ciders and a crash course in cider mixology at the 5th annual Cider Fest. $15 – $20.
Maggiano’s Charlotte Tour of Europe Wine Dinner
Maggiano’s (Charlotte) | 7 – 10 p.m.
Maggiano’s and Thirty-Seven Wine Group will team up for this four-course meal featuring wines from around Europe. Preview the full menu here. $45 per person.
SATURDAY
Mimosa Grill 10th Annual Bourbon Dinner
Mimosa Grill | 6:30 p.m.
Chef Thomas Marlow of Mimosa Grill joins forces with Chef Drew Dodd of Stagioni and Mixologist Bob Peters for a multi-course dinner with bourbon cocktail pairings. Preview the full menu here. $125 per person. Reserve your seat here.
Greystar South End Wine Fest
308 W Carson Blvd. | 2 – 6 p.m.
Back for its fourth year, the South End Wine Festival is your chance to sip on unlimited tastings of more than 100 different wines, plus enjoy live music and food trucks. $40 general admission tickets include four hours of unlimited wine tastings and a festival souvenir sampling glass.
25th Annual Apple Harvest Festival
Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The 25th Annual Apple Harvest Festival has all the makings for a fall Saturday well spent. Enjoy the hard cider bar, hayrides, scarecrow making, BBQ, live music and famous cider donuts. $5 parking donation to local charity groups is recommended.
Fall Carnival with Vinaceous Wines
Vin Master Wine Shop | 6:30 p.m.
Taste Vinaceous Wines from Australia, plus enjoy music by a DJ, burlesque dance performance, fire breathers and more in this special carnival-themed tasting. $45 per person.
October Uptown Flea
700 N Tryon Street | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Shop over 80 flea vendors offering handmade and vintage good, plus enjoy live music and food trucks. $1 entry fee.
Making Strides of Greater Charlotte
zMax Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway | Registration at 8 a.m., walk begins at 10 a.m.
The 16th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk offers two route options, 1.7 miles of 2.8 miles, for breast cancer survivors, family, friends and supporters. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
Lenny Boy Starving Artist Market
Lenny Boy Brewing Co. | 1 – 6 p.m.
Lenny Boy’s Starving Artist Market is back and bringing more than 30 handmade artists and vendors to the brewery. Shop bath products jewelry, candles, paintings and more, plus enjoy food from The Hunters Wife.
Hop, Drop ‘n Drool
NoDa Brewing Company | Noon – 6 p.m.
Support Halfway There Rescue at the second annual Hop Drop ‘n Drool, a day that includes adoptable pups, a dog costume contest, raffles, a food truck, games, NoDa brews and more.
Brewing 101: Pour Overs
Undercurrent Coffee | 10:30 a.m.
Specialty Coffee Association-certified coffee educator and Undercurrent’s own Director of Operations, Diana Sapp, leads this hands-on class covering essential home brewing tools, pour over techniques, recipes and more. $45 per person.
2nd Annual Villa Heights Chili Cookoff
Free Range Brewing | 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Win over your neighbors with your favorite chili recipe. Whether you’re cooking or just sampling, the whole community will love the return of this tasty event.
Race4STEAM 5K
Blue Blaze Brewery | 4 p.m.
Explore the historic Seversville neighborhood by foot while supporting the STEAM programs provided by the the Jump-In online learning community. The route starts and ends at Blue Blaze Brewery.
Blues Traveler
The Fillmore Charlotte | 8 p.m.
Sing along to your favorite songs as Blues Traveler takes the stage at The Fillmore. General admission tickets start at $27 each.
Reclaim: Every Piece Matters
945 N College St. | 4 – 7 p.m.
Celebrate with the artists at ArtWorks 945 Studio’s “Reclaim: Every Piece Matters”, an exhibition that honors every moment of life’s journey through art. Half of sales proceeds support the studio, while half go to each individual artist.
Rocktoberfest Half Marathon & 5 Miler
1224 E 7th St. | 6:30 – 10 a.m.
Break out your best air guitar and rock n’ roll hair-do for Rocktoberfest, a half miler and 5K that takes participants through the beautiful Elizabeth neighborhood. $40+.
A Cappella Scary: PITCH DARK!
Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square | 3 and 8 p.m.
Get in the Halloween spirit with a lights-out a cappella performance by Impromptu, featuring spooky tunes and familiar favorites. $20 general admission.
Oktoberfest 2018
Old Town Rock Hill, SC | 4 – 10 p.m.
Raise a stein at Oktoberfest in Rock Hill’s Fountain Park. The day features authentic German fare and brews, live music, kids activities and more.
Bark – Tober Fest!
Blackfinn Ameripub Uptown | 2 – 6 p.m.
Blackfinn Ameripub, Vida Cantina and Adams Beverages team up for a day of dog “trick-or-treating”, adoptable pets, costumes and more to support the mission of the Greater Charlotte SPCA. $1 from each Catawba Brewing Fest Bier sold will benefit the organization.
Baubles and Bowties Gala 2018
The Ballantyne Hotel | 6:30 – 10 p.m.
The third annual Baubles and Bowties Gala offers a night of dancing, a silent auction, a multi-course meal and an open bar in support of Dancers Against Cancer. $125 per person.
8th Annual Brewer’s Ball
Discovery Place Science | 7 – 11 p.m.
The 8th annual Brewer’s Ball is a part upscale beer festival, part gourmet food tasting are to delight the palate. Sample offerings from featured restaurants and bars, mix and mingle with chefs, brewers and owners, plus enjoy a silent auction, guest speaker and live music. $75 general admission.
Eat, Drink & Be Scary! Annual Fundraiser
Howl at the Moon Charlotte | 6 – 9 p.m.
Kids with PossAbilities’ annual fundraiser will feature a silent auction, live entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and more. Don’t forget your costumes! $65 per person, $115 per couple.
Fall Harvest Festival
Mint Hill Town Hall | 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the season in Mint Hill with plenty of fall activities: a scarecrow decorating contest, pumpkin patch, games, inflatables and more.
SUNDAY
Cheers Jen Cheers
The Barrel Room at Triple C | Noon – 5 p.m.
Tailgate for a cause as the Panthers take on the Eagles at Triple C’s Barrel Room. Watch the game on the big screen, enjoy food and beer and enter to win raffle prizes. All proceeds benefit the Go Jen Go! Foundation, an organization supporting local families fighting breast cancer.
Pepperbox Pop-Up
Red Clay Ciderworks | 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Sweeten up your Sunday Funday with treats from PepperBox Doughnuts. Pick your favorite flavor (s) and wash them down with hot mulled cider, a Cidermosa, Beermosa or a South Beach cider drink.
