You have landed on an ‘old’ article and the info may not still be accurate. Please link thru here for our latest update.
The month of September kicks off a wide array of fun events and fall festivals in Charlotte. Some have been local favorites for decades, while others are in their inaugural year — either way, they’re all worth checking out. Here are the 14 can’t-miss festivals happening in the Queen City this fall:
Yiasou Greek Festival
September 6 – 9
Since its inaugural year in 1978 the Yiasou Greek Festival has been one of the city’s most cherished events. The four-day festival celebrates traditional Greek dancing, music, food, and art through several cultural exhibits.
Cabarrus County Fair
September 7 – September 15
The Cabarrus Country Fair kicks off on September 7 with a schedule full of family-friendly activities that include Robinson’s Racing Pigs, a petting zoo, butterfly encounter, and Kuriosity Planetarium. There will also be plenty of fair food to indulge in as well as adrenaline-pumping rides, and live music.
Fiddle ‘n Pig Shindig
September 8
Get your fill of barbecue, beer, and live music at the 13th annual Fiddle ‘n Pig Shindig at Anne Springs Close Greenway. Along with several local food trucks serving up delicious ‘que, the event will also feature the Shindig Biergarten, which will have more than 40 beers on tap. Tickets start at $12.
The Great Pumpkin Fest
September 15 – October 28 (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.
Festival In The Park
September 21 – September 23
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 over 150 local artists and craftspeople as well as regional bands, and performers.
Flow Fest
September 22
Mark your calendar for the USNWC’s inaugural Flow Fest — an event that was created to combine health and wellness with the great outdoors. The event will feature several different yoga and meditation workshops, as well as kombucha and wine tastings.
Charlotte Film Festival
September 26 – September 30
Join filmmakers from around the world for the 10th annual Charlotte Film Festival. Over four days the festival highlights independent movies with screenings at Ayrsley Grand Cinemas 14. Prizes will be awarded for categories such as Best Documentary, Best Narrative Short, Best Narrative Feature, and more.
Charlotte Oktoberfest
September 29
Grab your best stein and join other Queen City beer lovers for the 19th annual Charlotte Oktoberfest at Bojangles Coliseum. Tickets to the event include unlimited sampling from more than 75 breweries and cideries, and a commemorative glass. Local food trucks and vendors will also be on site serving all sorts of snacks that pair well with beer like bratwurst and pretzels.
UNC Charlotte International Festival
September 29
This campus tradition celebrates the uniqueness of more than 50 nations with a vibrant marketplace that’s full of booths with crafts, art, costumes, and more from each of the different cultures. There will also be plenty of international food to try, as well as games, live music, and even face painting. Admission and parking for the 43rd annual UNC Charlotte International Festival are free.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
September 29 – November 18 (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. Additionally, there’s an artisan market full of handcrafted items and crafts.
Fall Festival at USNWC
October 6
Welcome autumn at the USNWC’s Fall Festival, which features cider samplings, a build your own boat competition, trail race, multiple yoga classes, and live music.
Fall Frolic
October 13 – 28
There’s something for the whole family to enjoy during the Fall Frolic at Anne Springs Close Greenway starting October 13. The event features many fall favorites like wagon rides, a pumpkin patch, and corn maze, as well as horse rides, gem mining, a petting zoo, and pedal carts. Local food trucks and vendors will also be on site, so you can make a whole day of it.
South End Wine Festival
October 20
Spend the day sipping wine with friends at the South End Wine Festival, where there will be unlimited tastings from more than 25 vineyards from all over the world, live music, and food trucks.
Dilworth South End Chili Cook-Off
November 11
Save your appetite for the 9th annual Dilworth South End Chili Cook-Off where you can eat chili until your heart’s content. The festival will also a feature a corn hole tournament, raffle, bake sale, and a few familiar faces will be in attendance, including Sir Purr and Chubby Checker. Admission is $12 and kids are free.
