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Festivals are Back Baby. We count 50 at publication time, between mid August and early November, and that’s just the ones within short drives of Charlotte. Find them below, sorted by date, as best we can cipher by digging through the inter-webs. We’ll update as more info rolls in and please email us if you know of something we missed!
Hummingbird Festival
August 15 – 21, 2022
Mostly at the McDowell and Reedy Creek Nature Centers, a series of Hummingbird related activities, in person and virtual, fill the calendar for a week of learning, observing and creating.
Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade
Aug. 20-21, 2022
Celebrating 20 years of Charlotte Pride and 40 years of Pride legacy in the Queen City on August 20 — 21 in Uptown Charlotte. After two years of a pandemic hiatus, Charlotte’s largest street festival and parade returns to Uptown. From their roots 50 years ago, when early gay rights leaders first attempted organizing in Charlotte, to the first Gay Pride Day in 1981, to the founding of Charlotte Pride and their first event in 2001 — Charlotte Pride will finally celebrate in-person this year all the ways this community has grown and triumphed. From 2,000 attendees in 2001 to more than 200,000 at the last in-person event in 2019, the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade makes its grand return to the streets of Uptown Charlotte to celebrate 20 years of Charlotte Pride and more than 40 years of Pride legacy in the Queen City.
Charlotte Pride’s two-day cultural festival includes a variety of national, regional, and local entertainers, musicians, bands, and hundreds of participating vendor booths, including art exhibits, local nonprofits, retailers, a food court, and more! Don’t miss the several festival ticketed events here and the festival entertainment on stage, deets here. Finally, there’s the Pride parade, on Sunday, Aug. 21, 1-4pm on N. Tryon Street, Uptown.
Charlotte’s largest annual parade returns to Uptown with more than 180 contingents, 40+ floats, and 10,000 marchers who’ll make their way down a rainbow-filled Tryon Street. Get a spot on the parade route early, and head to Tryon & 4th Sts. to get an early pre-parade show.
Tacos ‘N Taps Festival
Saturday, August 20, 2022
This ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE Beer and Tequila Festival at Ballantyne’s Backyard offers up some of Charlotte’s Best Tacos and Mexican Food, the best dancing music from Charlotte Area Bands, margaritas, contests and some other surprises. The fest has doubled up on beer portions from last year’s event. Plus:
- Souvenir Glass for an ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE experience with over 60+ craft beers, mezcals, margaritas, and tequilas.
- The festival will feature over 15 Taco Trucks, Taquerias, and Mexican Restaurants with Over 30 different types of tacos. Each taco vendor will offer a wide variety of tacos and Mexican inspired dishes available.
- Dueling Margarita Bars | Mariachi Bands | Hot Pepper Eating Contest | Lawn activities and games
Festival of India
Saturday, August 27, 2022
Prepare to be dazzled by the richness of Indian Culture! This annual cultural festival showcases the diversity of Indian dance, food, art, music, and Bollywood entertainment. Don’t miss out on fun for all ages including a yoga demo, getting a henna tattoo, dancing on the street to live pulsating music and so much more. $6 at the gate or $5 online Parking: Belk Theater does validate parking and there will be parking found nearby
First Annual Monroe Fall Festival
Saturday, August 27, 2022 10 am – 2 pm
Join Monroe Parks and Recreation Department for its’ First Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 10:00am-2:00pm at Parks Williams Athletic Complex (2011 Ashton Ave. Monroe, NC 28110).
Matthews ALIVE
September 2 – 5, 2022
The Matthews Alive! Festival is a Labor Day weekend celebration dedicated to the support of local non-profit organizations through music, arts and community involvement. http://www.matthewsalive.org
Best Wurst Fest @ OMB
September 3 & 4, 2022
They’re giving you the very best of their wurst on September 3rd & 4th! This will be the best sausage party around these parts on Labor Day Weekend, guaranteed. Grab a cold beer, compete in the Sausage Toss Game, enjoy the Live Music, and get ready bask in the glory of all that is sausage. There’ll be an array of smoked & grilled sausages cookin’ in the Biergarten.
Yiasou Greek Festival
September 9 – 11, 2022
Since its inaugural year in 1978 the Yiasou Greek Festival has been one of the city’s most cherished events. The Yiasou (the Greek word for Hello, Goodbye and Cheers) Greek Festival features Hellenic cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine and homemade pastries, entertainment, live music and dancing, wine tastings, art, shopping and more.
Cabarrus County Fair
September 9 – 17
The Cabarrus County Fair features music performances, midway rides, games, food, a petting zoo, agriculture education, business and community exhibits and more. The fair grounds are located at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center on Highway 49 in Concord.
Charlotte Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 10
Grab your lederhosen and dirndls and head to Symphony Park at SouthPark this year for live music, local vendors, great food, and, of course, some amazing beers and ciders. With over 50 breweries and cideries and over 100 beers to sample, you’ll have your tons of local, regional, national and international breweries and cideries to choose from. Local entertainment and vendors, and competitions throughout the festival:
- Masskrugstemmen (The Stein Holding Contest)
- Hammer-Schlagen (The Hammer Striking Game)
- The Keg Contest (Throwing, rolling and more…)
- The Stein Racing Contest
- Bavarian Food Eating Contests
- Oktoberfest Trivia Contest
- Best Traditional Bavarian Dressed Contest
Charlotte International Arts Festival
September 16 – October 2
The inaugural annual celebration to magnify the Queen City’s artistic soul for creation and innovation brought to you by Blumenthal Performing Arts. The inspiring multi-week festival features curated artistic and immersive experiences from around the world and locally that celebrate diversity and culture.
With exhibits and events in Uptown and Ballantyne, C.I.A.F. celebrates a spirit of playfulness by bringing together artists from around the globe and around the corner through both visual and performing arts. Fun for everyone, from families to individuals, with imaginative arts’ experiences throughout the city over the course of 17 days. With over 200 attractions, many for free, this festival has something for everyone.
The Carolina Jubilee at VanHoy Farms in Harmony NC
September 16 – 17, 2022
Carolina Farm Trust presents The Carolina Jubilee, a weekend of music and farm-to-festival food and beverage. The two-day festival will take place at the gorgeous VanHoy Farms Family Campground, with over 100 rolling peaceful acres of land with full camping facilities and amenities: hiking, water activities, pool, event coliseum and more. BAND LINE UP HERE! Info on the pre-festival Urban Soul on the Farm dinner on Thursday 9/15 here.
The festival supports CFT’s work to foster an ecosystem of sustainable farming, reduce the environmental impact of the food we eat, and build adaptable systems that create and sustain a level playing field for all to achieve their own destinies.
Festival In The Park
September 16 – 18, 2022
Freedom Park’s Festival In The Park has been a Charlotte staple since it began in 1967. The three-day event highlights the works of hundreds of local artists and craftspeople as well as regional bands, and performers. All the info you need is on their handy InfoGraphic HERE.
Younger Festival-goers can experience the thrill of riding their first Merry Go Round, rising over their friends on a Ferris Wheel, climbing through an inflatable Obstacle Course, Climbing Mt Everest in Myers Park, clanging the bell of a trackless train or challenging their parent on a dual slide.
Mecktoberfest at OMB
September 16 – 18 AND September 23 – 25
TWO WEEKENDS OF MECKTOBERFEST! Charlotte’s premiere Fall beer festival runs two weekends in a row.
OMB’s super-famous one liter glass boots will be released at the start of Mecktoberfest on Friday, September 16th. Get your boot filled with our multiple award-winning Mecktoberfest Märzen Lager, Copper Altbier, Captain Jack Pilsner, 704 Hazy Session Ale, or Hornets Nest Hefeweizen. DAS BOOT is always in high demand, so come get one before we sell out!
We’ll have pretzels w/ bier cheese, sausages, all the festival favorites, and a few surprises ready for you to chow down on when you get hungry. Stay tuned for an updated menu posted here right before the festival.
The Holzhackern Tyrolean Band will be here performing their spirited versions of all the traditional Octoberfest songs and interacting with all the festival goers each day.
Union County Heritage Festival
Saturday, September 17, 2022
The Union County Heritage Festival is an annual free, family-friendly celebration of life in Union County with kids activities, food, live music, vendors, demonstrations, story tellers, educational talks, the Wild Turkey 5K Trail Run, 4H Expo, and more.
The Great Pumpkin Fest
September 17 – October 30 (Saturdays and Sundays only)
Get into the Halloween spirit during Carowind’s The Great Pumpkin Fest, where there will be plenty of family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy, including costume parades, a hay bale maze, tractor tour, and several live shows.
Charlotte VegFest
Saturday, September 17, 2022
Expect our city’s finest vegan cuisine and businesses, lots of entertainment, and a day filled with all the plant-based fun you could ever imagine! Follow their FB page for coming details on speakers, chef demos, vendors, sponsors, goodie bags, amenities & more.
Flow Fest
Saturday, September 17
Flow Fest is a one day festival centered around health and wellness located at the Whitewater Center on Saturday, September 17th, 2022. The festival is intended to enrich and educate guests of all experience levels from first-timers to the most experienced yogis. Flow Fest offers more than 40 yoga practices and workshops, vendors, kombucha, and live music. Flow Fest requires registration and is free to attend. The Whitewater Center has a daily parking fee of $6 per vehicle or an annual parking pass available for $60 per pass per calendar year.
Latin American Festival
Saturday, September 17, 2022
As usual, the event promises to have incredible live performances, a diverse and authentic selection of Latin American food, handmade crafts, visual artists, and an interactive street festival atmosphere with activities for the whole family.
8th Annual Huntersville Fall Festival
Saturday, September 17, 2022 10 AM – 4 PM
Welcome back to The Annual Huntersville Fall Festival. Please note that this annual event has outgrown our previous location of Barnette Elementary and we will now be hosting at Historic Rural Hill. Come join in the fun at the 8th Annual Community Huntersville Fall Festival. Enjoy local art and craft booths, children games and crafts, inflatables, scarecrow making, food trucks, pumpkin patch and ALL DAY live entertainment. This event is free to attend. Wrist bands are available for children’s area.
UNC Charlotte International Festival Postponed until 2023
8th Annual Fall South End Wine & Hops Festival
Saturday, September 24, 2022, 2 pm
Spend the day sipping wine with friends at the South End Wine Festival, where there will be unlimited tastings from lots of vineyards from all over the world, live music, and food trucks.
‘Tawba Walk Arts and Music Festival
Saturday, September 24, 2022
The ‘Tawba Walk is a multidimensional, eclectic art crawl, which snakes through the heart of Cornelius, featuring dozens of local vendors, live street performances, shopping, amazing food and more, showcasing the best Cornelius and the surrounding areas have to offer.
No Filter Coffee Fest at Camp North End
Sunday, September 25, 2022
It’s back and bigger than ever! After a two year hiatus, No Filter Coffee Fest– formerly known as the twice sold out POUR Coffee Festival– Hosted at Camp North End, this home-grown, day-long tasting event will feature over three dozen Southeastern coffee roasters, tea purveyors, local food artisans and more, for a coffee lover’s ultimate “Sunday Funday”.
Farm to Fork Picnic at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Sunday, September 25, 2022, 4 – 7 pm
Farm to Fork in the Garden will have a lineup of some of the area’s best culinary professionals and amazing farms. Enjoy over 25 different tasting stations, where chefs and farmers have been paired together to create and craft a dish for you featuring one of the many delicious locally sourced ingredients available in our region.
Throughout the beautiful grounds at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens(DSBG) you will find not only tasting tables, but North Carolina crafted beverages from the state’s top distillers, wineries, and brewers. Bring a blanket to relax on the lawn and listen to live music. Bring the kiddos, as they can enjoy exploring and playing at Lost Hollow, DSBG children’s garden. The event is a celebration of our local food community and the people who work so hard to bring delicious local foods to our plates year-round.
Charlotte Film Festival
September 28 – October 2, 2022
The Charlotte Film Festival returns Sept. 28 – Oct. 2. More Info coming soon.
The Charlotte Film Festival is a celebration of the most relevant independent movies available from around the world. The CFF encourages filmmakers and audiences to join them in their mission to DISCOVER DIFFERENT.
Breakaway Music Festival
September 30 and October 1, 2022
The Breakaway Music Festival comes to Charlotte starting September 30 at zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway with live and in-person music from The Kid LAROI,Illenium, Tiësto, Quinn XCII, John Summit, Tai Verdes, GAYLE, ACRAZE, Gordo, Sullivan King, J. Worra, Nurko and more.
Taste of Charlotte
September 30 – October 2, 2022
Taste of Charlotte is a three-day food festival at Truist Field, featuring samples from area restaurants and various performances and activities. Admission to Taste of Charlotte is FREE, but you need to purchase festival coins to use for restaurant samples, beverages and kid’s activities. You can purchase your coins on site at booths located throughout the festival or or go contactless with the new Taste of Charlotte App.
- Friday and Saturday 11am-11pm
- Sunday 11am-4:30pm
Moo & Brew Fest
Saturday, October 1, 2022
The Moo & Brew Fest is Charlotte’s annual craft beer, burger and music festival featuring unlimited sampling of amazing beers from over 60+ local, regional and national breweries carefully curated by our beer gurus and 15 Queen City restaurants competing for burger bragging rights and the “Best Burger Trophy”. This event is 21+ and rain or shine.
Montford Park Block Party
Saturday, October 1, 2022 3-8pm
Join them for a great day of music, food, and fun! This event is free to the public. The block party will be located near the intersection of Park Road and Mockingbird Lane. Event will be held in the parking lots next to the OrthoCarolina building and across from the Novel Montford Park apartments. Parking is available across the street at 1515 and 1520 Mockingbird Lane (behind the Pfeiffer building and at Novel Montford Park apartments).
Charlotte Wine & Food Festival
Saturday, October 1, 2022
The Fest has gone INTERNATIONAL. While it has been a NC Only wine festival for over 17 years, this year they are going to offer not only NC wineries but other local, National, and International wines along with beers and spirits for you to taste.
- ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE Program with 100+ International Wines, Beer and Spirits in Your Souvenir Cup. Sample and buy from local North Carolina Wineries who will still have product to sell on-site.
- You can buy wines by the glass and bottle while at the show
- Great food to taste and to buy from some of Charlotte’s hottest restaurants and Food Trucks.
- Great LIVE MUSIC selection with bands to keep you dancing through the day.
Family Fall Festival in Indian Trail
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Visit vendors and get a jump start on holiday shopping, explore the large Kids Zone or eat a delicious meal at one of the many food trucks.
Concord International Festival
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Be amazed by colorful ethnic performances, enjoy arts and crafts from around the world, taste exquisite international food, experience cultural booths and education, and have your children play at the kids’ corner with internationally-inspired attractions. Fun for the entire family! Free admission!
Inaugural Charlotte Chalk Art Festival
Saturday and Sunday, October 1 & 2, 2022
CCAF2022 will feature a Chalk Art Competition for Cash Prizes. It’s free to attend the festival ~ No Pets. No Smoking or Vaping. Wheelchair Friendly. We’ll have food and beverage and arts and crafts vendors along with music and performances each day from 11am to 3pm. More info and how to sign up to participate here.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
October 1 – November 20, 2022 (Saturdays and Sundays)
Take a step back in time at the Carolina Renaissance Festival, where there’s no shortage of medieval-themed entertainment, including jousting, falconry, games, and rides. Plus there’s an artisan market full of handcrafted items and crafts. Several CHANGES to note for this year 2022:
BIG CHANGES!
- New! Gates Open at 9:30 AM! Arrive Early!
- New! Tickets are date specific and limited in availability while supplies last! Reserve Your Date!
- New! Improved Parking & Traffic Management! Click for Must Know Driving Info!
HEARTest Yard FitFest 2022
Thursday, October 6, 2022
Save the date for the third annual FitFest hosted by Greg and Kara Olsen at the Atrium Health Dome at Bank of America Stadium on Thursday, October 6, 2022. Tickets go on sale on August 18th – so mark those calendars, set a reminder, and be sure to grab your tickets for the funnest fitness event of the year before they sell out. They’ll kick things off with an hour of fitness led by three awesome local fitness studio instructors in the Dome, then stick around after for a Block Party with all your favorite local food trucks, beer vendors, and shops.
Davidson Fall Art Festival
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Stroll the historic streets of Downtown Davidson while browsing the area’s best artisans and enjoying live music and an interactive children’s art area.
Pioneer Day in Concord
Saturday, October 8, 2022 10 am – 2 pm
Discover what it was like to be a pioneer back in time and learn basic skills such as shelter building, campfire cooking, canoeing, candle making, archery and more. At Camp TN Spencer Park in Concord.
Dogtoberfest at Rescue Ranch in Statesville
Saturday, October 8, 2022
A dog friendly event at Rescue Ranch with Food trucks, a beer garden, live music, doggy costume contest, ‘Barking Lot’ filled with local pet vendors, dog agility course demos, nature trails and more. There’s even going to be a doggy treat truck. All dogs must be leashed, friendly and up to date on vaccines. $5 per human, dogs are free.
Charlotte Dragon Boat & Asian Festival at Ramsey Creek Park
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Spend a day at the lake celebrating the rich history and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Events include Dragon Boat racing and performing arts.
Hops & Hogs Fest
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Hops & Hogs Festival is an outdoor beer, BBQ, and music festival for all ages. Music featuring Collective Soul and Default. Individuals, friends, and families can lay their blankets on the grass and enjoy an array of activities including a BBQ competition.
Carolina Balloonfest, Statesville
October 14 – 16, 2022
National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc. DBA Carolina BalloonFest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which hosts an annual balloon festival, the Carolina BalloonFest, known as the second oldest hot air balloon festival in the country. Always occurring during the third weekend in October, the festival features hot air balloon morning competitions, mass ascensions, and evening balloon glows in addition to live entertainment on two stages, a kids’ zone, marketplace and artisan village, NC wine and craft beer garden, plus aerialist circus performances and skydiving exhibitions.
Pineville Fall Festival
Friday, October 14, 2022
More details soon, check at the link.
Fall for Matthews in Downtown Matthews
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Expect Arts & Crafts Vendors, Business Vendors, Food Vendors, a DJ and Live Music, a Sip & Stroll, a Pumpkin Patch, Petting Zoo and a Children’s Area.
Hola Charlotte Festival 2022
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Uptown on Tryon between Brooklyn Village and 4th Street, you’ll find Latin American cultural and artistic dance performances. Acclaimed Latin American bands and artists. Family activities to share traditions with new generations. Rising local talent displaying their craft through their music and dancing.
Ballantyne’s Das Best Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Hundreds and Hundreds of ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE craft beers, wines, ciders, and schnapps will fill up your souvenir glass as you enjoy this day-long festival in beautiful Ballantyne’s Backyard.
Oktoberfest in Old Town Rock Hill
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Head to Fountain Park in Rock Hill for an Oktoberfest celebration including live music, German food and drink and a wiener dog race for the ages.
BayHaven Food & Wine Festival
October 19 – 23
The inaugural Bayhaven Food & Wine festival in 2021 featured more than 60 chefs and 2,000 attendees vibing out at Camp North End over three joy-filled days. It wasn’t a question of if there would be a second iteration, but when and how. Chefs and culinarians already signed on to participate in BFWF 2022 include: Matthew Raiford, Tanya Holland, Kristi Brown, Keith Rhodes, Ederique Goudia, Lawrence Weeks and Adrian Lipscomb, among others. Charlotte talent will be represented too, including chefs Greg Williams and Jamie Barnes, co-owners of What The Fries.
Mint Hill Madness Festival
October 20 – 22, 2022
Mint Hill Madness is a festival to celebrate the founding of the Town. Mint Hill Madness has something for everyone in the family; delicious food; great music ranging from country to rock; a fantastic family carnival; the Miss Mint Hill Scholarship Pageant, the Mint Hill Lion’s Club 5K and of course, a spectacular firework show.
A Taste of Davidson
Saturday, October 22, 2022
This annual event is a fall festival to celebrate the flavors of Davidson and will feature food and beverages from local restaurants as well as music by ACE Party Band. Admission to the event is free. Local restaurants will offer tastes of some of their most popular menu items for a small fee.
Fort Mill Fall Festival
Saturday, October 22, 2022 4 to 8 p.m.
Experience Fall in Fort Mill at the Town’s Annual Fall Festival at the Amphitheater in Walter Elisha Park on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. The event begins at 4 p.m. with music from Chewbacky, followed by Whit’s End and Matt Tucker hitting the Amphitheater Stage. The evening will continue until 8 p.m. with trick or treating at our vendor booths, costume contests, photo ops and food trucks.
Frank’s Chili Fest
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Head to Plaza Midwood for an afternoon of chili-tasting and support the mission of Frank McLean Forever. End the evening watching the Charlotte skyline turn yellow in honor of the organization and its families.
Biketoberfest
Sunday, October 30, 2022
From the casual rider to experienced cyclist, everyone is welcome to join Sustain Charlotte and learn how easy it is to get around the Queen City on two wheels. Registration is required.
Whiskey, Wine & Fire Fest
Saturday, November 5, 2022
In Ballantyne’s Backyard, Whiskey Bars, Elegant Wines & Cocktails, Great Music, Tented Food Stations, Food Trucks, & Restaurants and Intimate Firepits throughout. Relax Around the Fire Gardens and enjoy an inspired take on fire-kissed BBQ, specialty grilling, and drink pairings. Enjoy the firebreathers and artists set the night ablaze.
