Goodbye September and hello to a brand new month! To kick off October, the Queen City will be filled with festivals, shopping markets, fall beer events, and more. Fill your schedule by stopping by the new The Amp in Ballantyne, attending an art show in South End, getting spooked at Scarowinds, and taking in the final days of The Charlotte International Arts Festival.
THINGS TO DO THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Charlotte Film Festival
September 27 – October 1
Charlotte Film Festival is back with screenings of more than 130 films. Throughout the Festival, there will be screenings, filmmaker talkbacks, panel discussions, and numerous opportunities for film lovers to interact with like-minded individuals, directors, producers, actors, and more.
SouthPark After 5
Every Thursday from September 7 – October 12
Free live music, food trucks and drinks, and hands-on art experiences are coming to Symphony Park six times this fall at SouthPark After Five, a weekly free entertainment and happy hour series happening every Thursday from September 7-October 12.
This week’s event will feature live music from @shelleyruffinmusic from 5:30-6:30, then Chicago Rewired will begin playing your favorite Chicago hits at 7pm.
☀️ Enjoy free caricatures of pets and people with Charlotte based artists, @rebeccalippsart and @mangumjeff.
☀️ See the larger than life Birdmen, part of @cltartsfest .
☀️ Help shape the future of SouthPark with a community engagement exercise led by SouthPark Community Partners
☀️ Come early to grab a free SouthPark tote bag, freebee, light wand, koozies, and more.
☀️ Outside food is permitted, pre-order a picnic box from @reidsfinefoods for pickup before the event or check out nearly 100 neighborhood takeout options. Or, grab some grub from on-site food trucks @oooweebbq_, @librettosstreetpizza, @holycitywaffles, @nachotacosllc, and @mistergreek alongside beer, wine, and craft cocktails.
☀️ Outside beverages and coolers will NOT be permitted inside the park.
☀️ Admission is free, and there is plenty of free on-site parking. Come prepared with a blanket or chairs.
☀️ SouthPark After Five is family friendly, and leashed pups are welcome.
Ballantyne Bash 2023
Thursday, September 28, 4:30 – 7:30p
Come spend the evening supporting local businesses at the Ballantyne Bash, presented by South Charlotte Partners. Enjoy food from local vendors, network with other professionals, and learn more about local restaurants. Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door and include two drink tickets from The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and food samples from area restaurants.
Bundles & Bluegrass
Thursday, September 28, 5:30 – 7:30p
Baby Bundles will celebrate their 11th annual, Bundles & Bluegrass, this September at The Ruth. This festive evening is complete with a bluegrass band and live auction, drawing a crowd of 500+ guests from the Charlotte area. All funds raised on this festive evening go to support the mission and the continued impact of Baby Bundles. Tickets can be purchased here.
Don’t forget $11 Botox, $15,000 in Prizes, BOGOs and More Super Savings in the Week of Beauty which ends tomorrow at at Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery.
Big Bold Brass & Bourbon at BAR ONE Lounge
Thursday, September 28, 7 – 9p
Enjoy live, big bold brass music and craft bourbon cocktails every Thursday from 7 – 9 p.m. at BAR ONE Lounge.
THINGS TO DO FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Coco Live-to-Film Concert on Tour at The Amp in Ballantyne
Friday, September 29, 7:30p
Sponsored by Novant Health and presented as part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival, Disney Pixar’s Coco Live-to-Film Concert on Tour features a screening of the complete film with Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México.
Breakaway Music Festival
September 29 & 30
The Breakaway Carolina Music Festival is coming back to zMAX Dragway on September 29th and 30th with an impressive lineup including Flume, Austin Millz, Rossy, and many more. Don’t miss the official after-parties to keep the fun going.
The Carolina Jubilee at VanHoy Farms in Harmony NC
September 29 – 30, 2023
Carolina Jubilee, a weekend of music and farm-to-festival food and beverage 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. Carolina Jubilee will feature local and national music acts, farm-to-table restaurants that support local, sustainable farms, and a variety of NC breweries, distilleries and vineyards. All participating vendors are local or regional businesses.
Oktoberfest at Gilde Brewery
September 29 – October 1
The second weekend of Oktoberfest at Gilde Brewery is here! Oktoberfest events will be every Friday through Sunday until October 8, including live music, stein holding competitions, keg taps, outdoor inflatable axe throwing, and more.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
September 30 – November 19, 2023 (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. The annual Carolina Renaissance Festival returns Saturdays and Sundays, from September 30 through November 19, 2023. The Festival day kicks off with a pre-Opening Gate Show at 9:10 a.m. and gates are open from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
THINGS TO DO SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Team Cameron Gray Walk for St. Jude
Saturday, September 30, 8:30a
Walk for a good cause and support Team Cameron Gray at Romare Bearden Park on Saturday morning. Team Cameron Gray began in 2021 when Cam was in the middle of intense treatment for medulloblastoma at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. The walk includes a 5k, 1-miler, a kid’s dash, and all the pomp and circumstance St. Jude survivors deserve. Gates open at 8:30 a.m., opening remarks at 9:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m.
Midwood Mile
September 30, 2023 Plaza Presbyterian Church
Event Timeline:
Women’s Open: 4:00pm | Men’s Open: 4:17pm | Family Mile: 4:34pm
Women’s Competitive: 4:54pm | Men’s Competitive: 5:00pm
Davidson Lands Conservancy Run for Green 5K/10K/Half Marathon
Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023
This course is in the beautiful small town of Davidson, North Carolina, and it winds its way through lovely little neighborhoods with long stretches out in the woods on the greenway where you can take in the serenity of nature. Expect to encounter a hill or two, this is not what one would call a flat course. At the Town Green in Davidson.
Phillips Place Fall Market & Shopping Stroll
Saturday, September 30, 11 – 2p
Celebrate fall season with exclusive offers, seasonal treats and beverages, activations, kids’ crafts, and more at this center-wide event. Take a look at all the fabulous store promotions and shopping offers here.
Charlotte Wine & Food Festival
September 30, 12 – 6p
- 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.
Charlotte Fall Beer Festival
Saturday, September 30, 1 – 5p
Beer lovers, unite! The Charlotte Fall Beer Festival features an unlimited sampling of beer and cider made by 25+ national, regional, and local craft breweries. Discover your new favorite beer, cast your vote for the best Fall Beer and Fall Cider, enjoy live music, food from food trucks, and a variety of fun activities to participate in. Tickets can be purchased here.
Concord International Festival
Saturday, September 30
Enjoy a world mosaic of different countries and cultures at the Concord International Festival on Saturday, September 30th, 2023, in Downtown Concord. 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 our kids’ corner with internationally-inspired attractions. Fun for the entire family. Free admission.
All My Heart Art Show
Saturday, September 30, 6 – 10p
Come experience the new Art Show by Chris Grier and other local artists hosted by All My Heart Studio.
Taste of Hope Charlotte for American Cancer Society
Saturday, September 30, 2023 Le Meridien – Sheraton Charlotte, Symphony Ballroom, 555 S. McDowell St TICKETS HERE. $235 pp
The night kicks off with an Interactive Cocktail Reception: Bourbon Tasting, jewelry pull presented by Kendra Scott, creative appetizers, music by Persona Bell and 360 photo booth. Followed by Dinner from Chef David Burke, a Live Auction, and Entertainment by Rev O & The Carolina Barn Burners.
THINGS TO DO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1
Last Day of Charlotte International Arts Festival
Sunday, October 1
The Charlotte International Arts Festival annually celebrates imaginative visual and performing arts from the most creative international and local minds. Fun for everyone, from families to individuals ~ stay awhile, play, and welcome curiosity. With over 200 attractions, many for free, this festival has something for everyone.
Front Porch Sundays
Sunday, October 1, 11a – 4p
Grab the girls for some Sunday Funday shopping. There will be over 70 local vendors offering everything from dog toys to handmade jewelry to fresh spices, grab food from surrounding restaurants and food trucks, and listen to live music all along the Rail Trail at Atherton Mill.
Farm to Fork Picnic at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
October 1, 4 – 7p
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.
Comedy Open Mic at The Royal Tot
Sunday, October 1, 6:30p
Don’t miss out on this laughter-packed extravaganza that promises to make your Sundays unforgettable. Invite your friends, bring your sense of humor, and get ready for a night of uproarious fun at The Royal Tot.
Talking Walls
October 1 – 8, 2023
Talking Walls returns after two years October 1st-October 8th. Five new murals will be painted during this week from National, Regional, and local artists @senkoeone@risingredlotus @jasonnaylor@wing.chow @icantbelieveitsnotpino Check their IG here for map of all the mural locations is coming soon. Closing party on October 8th from 4-9PM @optimisthallclt. Poster designed by @sirwilltheartist
