Lots of Festivals – 8 and Counting, Dog Show, Bunnies, Pianos, Scarecrows, Gallery Opening and More Things to Do This Weekend 9/30

Fall festivals are in full effect in the Queen City! Whether you like great wine, fancy yourself a foodie, enjoy trips back in time or spend your days in the great outdoors, there is something for you on our list. Celebrate diversity and culture in our community, parade around your four legged friend, check out an art installation and more this week in (and all around!) Charlotte.

EDITOR’S NOTE: At scoop, we believe in being vaccinated and wearing masks to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. Please check the weblinks for the events listed to be sure you understand the safety precautions being taken, and don’t attend a gathering you believe will be unsafe. 

Featured Event: New Dilworth Art Gallery Open House

The new Carolina Fine Art Gallery is open in the same shopping center as Anna’s Alterations and Mere. Carolina Fine Art is artist-operated gallery selling original paintings, pottery, and more by local artists. Join them at their Open House this Friday and follow them on Instagram at @carolina.fineart for views and updates

Featured Event:

7th Annual South End Wine & Hops Fest
Thursday, September 30 – Sunday, October 3
This mostly outdoor event (rain or shine) brings something for every wine & brew-lover. Held at the Alchemy at C3 Lab in South End, enjoy a Friday Happy Hour art opening, the big all-day party on Saturday and a final Sunday Rosé Soiree. Get your tickets now as these events often sell-out. 

Thursday:

Image: #instabeerupCLT

#InstaBeerUpCLT at Free Range Brewing
Thursday, September 30, 6:00p
#InstaBeerUpCLT is back and ready to meet for a well-deserved drink! Stop by the brewery and enjoy a get together with some of your favorite online friends.

Image: Cabarrus Brewing Co.

Oktoberfest at Cabarrus Brewing
Now through Sunday, October 3
The 6th annual installment of Oktoberfest at Cabarrus Brewing includes new beer releases, stein throwing contests, live music and local food trucks. Check the schedule for daily events.

Image: Carowinds

Scarowinds
Select dates now through October 31
Another Charlotte fall favorite is back at Carowinds! Get ready to get scared silly as you make your way through the haunted grounds of Scarowinds. Tickets available now!

Image: Blumenthal Performing Arts

Pianos for Peace
Now through October 4
See, play and enjoy pianos placed all around Charlotte in public parks and other high-traffic locations. After the festival, all pianos are donated to schools and nursing homes in need.

Image: Parer Studios

Intrude Bunnies at First Ward Park
Now through Friday, October 8
Though we were sad to see Charlotte SHOUT! had to cancel the festival this year, there’s something to smile about popping-up at First Ward Park. Brought to Charlotte by Parer Studio, check out the giant bunny art installation on display through next week.

Friday:

Image: Taste of Charlotte

Taste of Charlotte at Truist Field
Friday, October 1 through Sunday, October 3
Head to uptown Charlotte for a weekend of food, music and family-friendly fun. Over 100 restaurants will be on-site offering samples of their favorite menu items.

Image: USNWC

Tuck Fest at USNWC
Friday, October 1 through Sunday, October 3
Celebrate all things outdoors including competitions, exhibitions, demos and more. All are welcome to enjoy the festivities but registration is required to participate in the competitions.

Image: Mint Hill Events, Inc.

Mint Hill Scarecrow Decorating Contest
Friday, October 1
The competition for Mint Hill’s coolest scarecrow begins on Friday. Homemade crow-scaring creations will be posted outside of local businesses and residences for all to see. Get in the Halloween spirit all month long!

Saturday:

Image: Vibes Yoga & Fitness

Vibes for a Cure with Vibes Yoga
Saturday, October 2, 4:00p
Join the team at Vibes Yoga to kick off Breast Cancer Aware for a special class benefitting Carolina Breast Friends. Pre-registration is required.

Image: @davidsonlands

Run for Green with Davidson Lands Conservancy
Saturday, October 2
Grab your running shoes for the 16th Annual Run for Green through the charming neighborhoods of Davidson. Registration is required.

Image: Concord, NC

Concord International Festival
Saturday, October 2, 12:00p – 6:00p
This weekend, watch as Union Street in downtown Concord is transformed to showcase a number of countries and cultures to promote inclusivity in the community. Enjoy live music, displays, food from around the world, a hands-on kids corner and more!

Image: Carolina Renaissance Festival

Carolina Renaissance Festival
Opens Saturday, October 2
Travel back to 16th century Europe and check out some outdoor theater, circus entertainment, jousting and more. The outdoor, open air festival opens this weekend and runs weekends through November 21.

Image: E&A Productions

Puerto Rican Festival of the Carolinas at The Park Expo
Saturday, October 2, 12:00p – 9:00p
Celebrate the rich and vibrant culture of Puerto Rico with live music, dance and authentic food. Headliners include Charlie Aponte, Roberto Roena y su Apollo Sound and Grupo Mania.

Image: Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Oktober Family Fest at Atrium Health Ballpark
Saturday, October 2, 11:00a – 7:00p
Take your family out to the ballpark for an afternoon of fall festivities including craft vendors and a pumpkin patch. Beer and food specials will be available.

Image: Cornelius Parks and Rec

21st Annual All American Dog Show at Robbins Park
Saturday, October 2, 3:00p – 6:00p
Dog lovers unite! Enter your pup into a selection of contests including Best Coat, Best Trick and more. There will be plenty for humans, too, including vendor tents, concessions and activities for the kids.

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scoop team
scoop team
This article was written by one of the many QC women who contribute to our website. They are out and about and around Charlotte digging up the latest & best scoop :)