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Fall Festivals are ~ sorta ~ back this year, but with the recent surge of the Covid-19 delta variant, some are being postponed or shifted to accommodate what’s best for the community. This list is all the details we have so far, but things can change rapidly, so be sure to check all event websites and social media before making plans. We did our best to list any and all safety protocols as well as the status of festivals, but if we missed something, please let us know in the comments.
And please remember, effective August 18, the City of Charlotte enacted a new mask mandate that requires all individuals to wear a face mask covering in any indoor public place, business, or establishment in Charlotte and the unincorporated areas of Mecklenburg County.
August
Immersive Van Gogh – In Person
Where: Camp North End
When: Now through October 31
Cost: Tickets start at $39.99 for adults and $24.99 for children.
Fully immerse yourself in Van Gough’s finest work at this virtual exhibit extended thru October.
Covid-19 update: Social distancing circles are in place; increased sanitation protocols; masks are required indoors.
September
Goombay – In Person
Where: Downtown Asheville, NC
When: September 3-5
Cost: Free
Celebrate the diversity found in food, art, and music across the African Diaspora.
Join them on Friday, September 3 for an intimate event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Goombay and formally launch their capital campaign. Tickets are $40, and more information can be found here.
Labor Day Celebration at Whitewater Center – In Person
Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center
When: September 4-5
Cost: Free
Enjoy the holiday weekend with a Labor Day 5K and 15K Trail Race along with SUP yoga, Whitewater Center pass activities, and live music.
Yiasou Greek Festival – Drive thru only
Fun fact: “Yiasou” is the Greek word for Hello, Goodbye and Cheers.
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Boulevard
When: September 9-12
Cost: Free
Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine and homemade pastries without getting out of your car at this year’s drive-thru-only festival.
Covid-19 update: Due to Covid-19, this year will be a drive-thru event only.
Cabarrus County Fair – In Person
Where: 4759 NC Highway 49 N Concord, NC
When: September 10 through 18
Cost: Ages 5 & under: FREE; Ages 6-11: $6.00; Ages 12 & over: $8.00 – Cash only.
Head to the Cabarrus County Fair for rides, local vendors, games, food and drink, adorable animals, and much more.
Covid-19 update: Masks are urged regardless of vaccination status in Cabarrus County. There will be sanitizer stations sprinkled throughout food stands, rides, and games; encouraged social distancing, high touch areas cleaned regularly, along with small layout changes throughout the grounds to assist with traffic flow.
Euphoria – In Person
Where: Greenville, SC
When: September 16-19
Cost: Costs range per event – ticket packages are available here.
Head to Greenville, South Carolina for four event-filled days ranging from food tastings, wine tastings, and live performances. For the full schedule, visit here.
Covid-19 update: When you purchase a ticket to an event, you will receive an event-specific email that will have the Covid-19 protocols & procedures in place for the event(s) you purchased a ticket to. Euphoria will be hosting smaller, seated gatherings like lunches, guest chef dinners, and classrooms this year. Larger events will be held outdoors when possible, and capacity limits will be well below the maximum for each venue. Social distancing and masks are highly encouraged.
Merle Fest – In Person
Where: Wilkesboro, NC
When: September 16-19
Cost: Four-day general admission tickets start at $190, one-day tickets range from $60 – $80.
Covid-19 Update: All festival-goers must provide either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of entering the event. Masks will be required inside the building and are strongly encouraged in areas outside of a high concentration of people.
Celebrate music, moments, and memories this year at Merle Fest, a four-day festival filled with ‘traditional-plus’ music (traditional music of the Appalachian region music), shopping, nature walk, backstage tours, and even a late-night jam session. View the full schedule here.
Fall Fest at Sycamore Brewing
Postponed until Spring Fest, in March 2022.
Scarowinds – In Person
Where: Carowinds
When: Select nights September 17 through October 31 (exact dates to be announced).
Cost: Online tickets start as low as $39
The Carolina’s largest Halloween event is back this year, and even scarier than last. Make your way through haunted mazes, scare zones, and live entertainment. Don’t forget to visit their world-class thrill rides for an extra scare, if you can handle it.
Covid-19 update: In accordance with the City of Charlotte face mask policy, beginning Wednesday, August 18, Carowinds will require all guests age 5 and older to wear a face-covering while indoors unless actively eating or drinking.
Charlotte SHOUT!
Postponed until 2022. Visit their website for more details.
Union County Heritage Festival – In Person
Where: Union County Agricultural Center, Monroe, NC
When: Saturday, September 18
Cost: Free
Head to Monroe for some family fun at the Union County Heritage Festival where there will be a vendor fair, Wild Turkey 5k Run and Walk, 4-H expo, a heritage raffle, activities for kids, and much more. Check back on their website for the 2021 festival schedule and vendor lineup.
Flow Fest – In Person
Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center
When: Saturday, September 18
Cost: Free
Relax with a variety of yoga practices and workshops revitalize both first-timers and seasoned yogi’s.
Annual Cheerwine Festival – CANCELLED
Where: Salisbury, NC
When: Saturday, September 18
Cost: Free
CANCELLATION ANNOUNCED THURSDAY 8/30 🙁 for Salisbury’s annual Cheerwine Festival.
31st Latin American Festival – In Person
Where: Symphony Park (South Park Mall)
When: September 18 & 19
Cost: Tickets for Saturday are $25; Sunday is free, no ticket necessary
Head to SouthPark for a concert Saturday, September 18, and a free cultural festival on Sunday, September 19. The event will feature two days of live performances, visual artists, diverse Latin American food, and handmade crafts. There will also be an interactive street festival with activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The Great Pumpkin Fest – In Person
Where: Carowinds
When: Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 18 – Oct. 31
Cost: Admission ticket to the park. General admission is $29.
Kick off the Autumn season with Halloween themed events around Carowinds, ranging from activities, games, costume contests, live performances, and more.
Covid-19 update: In accordance with the City of Charlotte face mask policy, beginning Wednesday, August 18, Carowinds will require all guests age 5 and older to wear a face-covering while indoors unless actively eating or drinking.
Carolina Catfish Festival – In Person
Where: Eastridge Mall, Gastonia
When: September 24-25
Cost: Free
This two-day festival is dedicated to all things catfish, including catfish races, fish frys, crafters and artisans, a variety of food, games, activities, the Little Miss. Catfish Pageant, BYO catfish contest, and much more. Full schedule can be found here.
Festival in the Park – In Person
Where: Freedom Park
When: September 24-26
Cost: Free
Stroll through Freedom park while celebrating local art, music, food, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Covid-19 update: Use of masks and gloves are required for all; there will be stand-alone hand-sanitizing stations on site along with staff monitoring to ensure that the density of attendees does not get too high. Seniors and more vulnerable patrons are encouraged to shop the early hours and the closing hours of the festival. For more details on their Covid-19 safety protocols, visit here.
26th Annual Festival of India
Cancelled
Alpaca Fiesta – In Person
Where: Huntersville
When: Saturday, September 25
Cost: Free
Come and learn about alpaca products from Lanart Quality Alpaca Products as you hang out with alpacas and meet local vendors that make specialty items in the community.
Good Looks Music Festival – In Person
Where: Summer Seltzer Charlotte
When: Saturday, September 25
Cost: General admission $50; VIP $90
Electronic music lovers, this one’s for you. Good Looks Music Festival is taking over Summer Seltzer in Charlotte on September 25 for live performances from Hook N Sling, Domii, Natalie Carr, and much more.
October
Charlotte Pride – In Person
Where: Various locations around CLT
When: All events in August and September postponed until October
Cost: Prices vary
Charlotte Pride is taking over October after events were postponed due to the rising cases of Covid-19. Most details haven’t been announced yet, so be sure to check their website as event dates get closer.
Full lineup:
Charlotte Pride Drag Pageant
Originally scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28
Postponed, rescheduled as portion of Oct. 16 concert and festival
Charlotte Pride Interfaith Celebration
Originally scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 12
Postponed until Sunday, Oct. 17, 4 p.m.
St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, 1600 Norris Ave., Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Pride Festival & Concert
Presented by PNC Bank and Truist
Originally scheduled for Friday, Sept. 17 and Saturday, Sept. 18
Postponed until Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
AvidXchange Music Factory Festival Grounds, 819 Hamilton St., Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Pride Parade
Will proceed as originally scheduled on Sunday, Oct. 24
Tryon Street, Uptown Charlotte
Covid-19 Update: Admission requirements and pandemic safety measures and protocols will soon be announced on their website.
Breakaway Music Festival – In Person
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 6570 Bruton Smith Blvd, Concord.
When: October 1 & 2
Cost: 2 day general admission $129; Friday general admission $69.99 ; Saturday general admission $69.99.
Breakaway Music Festival is back in North Carolina this year and will be held at a new location: Charlotte Motor Speedway. Enjoy live music performances from special guests along with food and drink vendors. All ages are welcome to the two-day festival.
October 1 lineup includes Martin Garrix, G-Eazy, Swae Lee, Two Friends, Wax Motif, Jahmed, Kossisko, Swiperboy.
October 2 lineup includes The Chainsmokers, Gryffin, Lane 8, Trevor Daniel, Evan Giia, NOTD, Kid Quill, Moonlander.
Taste of Charlotte – In Person
Where: Truist Field
When: October 1-3
Cost: Free to attend. Festival coins for food samples, beverages, and kid activities can be purchased on-site at the various booths or pre-purchased for pick up.
Taste everything Charlotte has to offer at this three-day food festival. Attendees can purchase festival coins and enjoy over 100 samples from restaurants around the area along with various performances, activities, and interactive tours. Free admission.
Tuck Fest – In Person
Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center
When: October 1-3
Cost: Tuck Fest is free to attend; parking is $6. If you would like to participate in a race/competition or all 35+ events, Tuck Fest race registration is a one-time flat fee that grants access to all races and competitions throughout the three-day festival.
This multi-day festival celebrates life outdoors with nearly 150 clinics, races, yoga practices, music performances, and more. There will also be over 100 beers on tap to enjoy, as well as plenty of food options found throughout the Whitewater Center. The schedule will be packed full of things to do, so if you’re wondering how to make the most out of the festival, visit their Insider’s Guide.
Moo + Brew Festival – In Person
Where: 819 Hamilton Street behind the AvidXchange office tower.
When: Saturday, October 2
Cost: VIP tickets are $55; General admission tickets are $45. Both include beer samplings of hundreds of great beers.
Charlotte’s annual craft beer, burger, and music festival is back! Come for the live performances by Mitchell Tenpenny, Jukebox Rehab, Ancient Cities and more, plus over 200 beers to sample from over 75 local, regional, and national brewies along with 15 Charlotte restaurants crafting the perfect burger to win the “Best Burger Trophy”. Full festival schedule can be found here.
South End Wine & Hops Fest – In Person
Where: Main event is at Alchemy at C3 Lab; Rosé & Mimosa Soirée is at Craft Tasting Room.
When: Main event is October 2; Rosé & Mimosa Soirée October 3
Cost: Fest general admission ticket $40.25, early admission $51.75, VIP $63.25, tickets include all-day sampling, souvenir tasting glass, and access to all the wines, ciders and craft brews; Rosé & Mimosa Soirée tickets are $35.
Get your wine on at the 7th Annual Fall South End Wine where delicious wines, ciders, and brews will be paired with live music on Saturday, October 2. The party doesn’t have to stop there with their new Rosé & Mimosa Soirée event Sunday, October 3, where you’ll be able to sample rosé, sparkling wine, and cider while jamming out to a live DJ. Don’t forget to visit the mimosa bar before you leave!
Carolina Renaissance Festival – In Person
Where: 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville, NC
When: October 2 to November 21
Cost: Day passes are $17 for kids and $27 for adults. Season passes go on sale August 15 and are $90 for kids, $160 for adults.
Time travel to the Renaissance as you stroll through the Village of Fairhaven where history comes alive to bring you entertainment, food and drink, jousting, games and rides, arts and crafts, and so much more.
Covid-19 update: The Annual Carolina Renaissance Festival plan to implement required public health guidelines and will post updates here as the date gets closer.
Concord International Festival – In Person
Where: Union Street in Downtown Concord
When: Saturday, October 2
Cost: Free
Celebrate the cultures and diversity represented across Concord and Cabarrus County through live music performances, around-the-world food, cultural displays, vendors, and more.
Speed Street – In Person
Where: Romare Bearden Park
When: October 7-9
Cost: Free
Circle K Speed Street features live entertainment, access to racing stars, interactive displays, giveaways, and overall celebrating the community.
Buildstrong Festival for Autism – In Person
Where: Symphony Park at SouthPark
When: Saturday, October 9
Cost: $15 for a food ticket and $25 food and beer ticket, both include access to festival activities. Special needs children and those 6 and under are free.
Support the Charlotte area’s autism community at the first annual BuildStrong Autism Festival. From 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. (with a special sensory sensitive hour for autism friends from 2 p.m.-3 p.m.) enjoy family-friendly activities, delicious food, an ice cream truck, bounce houses, a cornhole tournament, and so much more. All funds raised by Autism Strong are donated to the local community to give families the resources they need.
Hola Charlotte – In Person
Where: Uptown Charlotte along Tryon Street
When: October 9
Cost: Free
Celebrate Latin American culture by coming together with the community and taking in cultural performances, Nationally acclaimed Latin American bands and artists, cultural dance performances, and a family section to share traditions with.
Charlotte Kids Fest – CANCELLED
Charlotte Kids Fest will be postponed this year due to the rising numbers of Covid-19 infections and hopes to return spring of 2022.
North Carolina Hot Sauce Expo – In Person
Where: First Ward Field, 419 East 7th St.
When: October 9 & 10
Cost: General admission $10; VIP ticket $75
Join North Carolina’s first annual Hot Sauce expo where you can witness insanity at the Stage of Doom, partake in free hot sauce tastings, enjoy a selection of craft beers, speciality cocktails, and food from BBQ to vegan.
Montford Park Block Party – In Person
Where: Parking lots at corner of Park Rd. and Mockingbird Ln
When: Saturday, October 16
Cost: Free
It’s that time of year again – the annual Montford Park Block Party. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. you can enjoy community fun, live music, and delicious food. Parking will be available across the street at 1515 and 1520 Mockingbird Lane (behind the Pfeiffer building and at Novel Montford Park apartments). Stay tuned for the music and vendor lineup which can be found here.
BayHaven Food & Wine Festival – In Person
Where: Camp North End
When: Oct. 22- 24. Camp North End, 301 Camp Road.
Cost: $10-$900
Bayhaven Food & Wine Festival is coming to Charlotte in October to honor the diaspora, educate the community, and create meaningful moments as we celebrate Black foodways and industry members who make it all possible. Full schedule is coming soon.
Covid-19 update: All events will be held in spaces that allow for social distancing; masks and sanitization. They will be practicing any government-mandated rules about gatherings and will postpone if instructed to do so by officials due to any pandemic rules. It is the responsibility of the guests to wear masks according to government mandates if they are instructed to do so.
91st Annual Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church BBQ – canceled for 2021
Where: Mallard Creek Presbyterian Churc
When: 4th Thursday in October
Cost: Free
The ‘Grand Daddy of North Carolina BBQ’s’ organizers explored options like drive-thru only, spaced-out seating, postponement or a scaled-down event. However, the foods served are made from scratch and require close contact among church volunteers for days. The church did not feel they could protect their volunteers and attendees safety.
Next year’s event is currently scheduled for Oct. 27, 2022.
Charlotte Dragon Boat and Asian Festival – In Person
Where: Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius, NC
When: Saturday, October 23
Cost: Free
The Annual Asia Festival is back this year and will feature cultural performances, an Asian dance and music fest, traditional Asian food and crafts, vendor booths, a cultural showcase, and a dragon boat race. The race is an open competition to anyone 15 years old and up. Visit here for the full festival schedule, and to register for the dragon boat race.
Rich & Bennett: Halloween – In Person
When: October 30
Cost: Tickets start at $10 and increase up until the event date. Cost includes drink specials, cover charges, commemorative koozie, and giveaways.
Rich and Bennett’s 20th annual Halloween Pub Crawl is set to happen this Halloween. Check back at their website as the date gets closer for more details.
South End Craft Crawl – In Person
Where: South End
When: Saturday, October 30
Cost: Free trolley rides between South End craft brew spots.
Grab your friends and taste all of the brews of South End at the 2021 Fall South End Craft Crawl. Board the free trolley busses as they take you to all your favorite spots including Suffolk Punch, Craft Tasting Room, Hoppin’, and many more. Check back on their Facebook page for more details leading up to the event.
Kings Drive Art Walk – In Person
Where: Little Sugar Creek Greenway, 600 South Kings Drive
When: October 30 & 31
Cost: Free
Celebrate the arts while strolling the Little Sugar Creek Greenway with entertainment along the way. The event will feature over 100 artists in different media such as glass, jewelry, photography, mixed media, and more.
Covid-19 update: Artists will be asked to limit number of patrons in their tents at one time; artists will sanitize booth surface area periodically; use of masks and gloves encouraged for all; four stand-alone hand-sanitizing stations will be on site; and staff will be monitoring to ensure that the density of attendees does not get too high. For more details on their Covid-19 safety protocols, visit here.
November
Gypsy Farm Fair – In Person
Where: Redbone Willy’s Trading Company, 6533 Fallston Road, Lawndale, NC
When: Saturday, November 13
Cost: Free
Over 100 artisan vendors and antique dealers will come together for this one-day outdoor event. There will also be live music, food trucks, and unique demonstrations and experiences from crafters. Event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. outdoors with plenty of walking to do, so wear comfortable shows. Parking will be $5 per vehicle, $3 per motorcycle.
