As the sweltering days of summer give way to crisp autumn air, Charlotte transforms into a tapestry of vibrant foliage and community spirit. Across the region, local farms roll out the hay bales, breweries tap their pumpkin ales, and cultural institutions open their doors to celebrate everything that makes fall so special. From family-friendly fairs to artisanal harvest markets, these upcoming seasonal celebrations capture the charm and warmth of a Carolina autumn. Mark your calendars—these events are worth making time for.
1. Carolina Renaissance Festival (Weekends in October & November)
Location: Huntersville, NC
Step through the gates of this festival and back in time to a 16th-century European village. The Carolina Renaissance Festival is a beloved fall tradition featuring costumed performers, jousting knights, and stages filled with music, comedy, and dance. Wander through vibrant artisan marketplaces laden with handmade jewelry, leather goods, and period costumes. Bring the family to enjoy turkey legs, hot cider, and a world of merriment that blends history, fantasy, and timeless autumn cheer.
2. Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds (Select Weekends in September & October)
Location: Charlotte, NC
When cooler weather arrives, Carowinds dons its autumn attire for the kid-friendly Great Pumpkin Fest. While the park’s thrilling rides remain a highlight, the festival adds costume parades, spooky-but-not-scary mazes, and interactive shows inspired by the Peanuts gang. Between trips on the roller coasters, treat yourself to candy apples, kettle corn, and a host of pumpkin-flavored treats. The Great Pumpkin Fest is a wonderful introduction to fall festivities for the youngest members of the family.
3. Riverfest Fall Festival (Late September)
Location: Belmont, NC
Set along the banks of the scenic Catawba River, Belmont’s Riverfest Fall Festival is a daylong celebration of local art, food, and music. Stroll through booths showcasing handcrafted ceramics, textiles, and paintings by regional artisans. Kids can enjoy face painting and inflatables, while adults savor craft beers and enjoy live music drifting through the crisp air. The festival’s laid-back, small-town vibe makes it a perfect way to ease into the season.
4. Hodges Family Farm Pumpkin Patch (October)
Location: Charlotte, NC
For many, fall isn’t complete without a visit to the pumpkin patch. At the Hodges Family Farm, you can pick your own pumpkin straight from the vine, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, and snap family photos amidst haystacks and scarecrows. The farm’s stand offers fresh produce and local honey, and on select weekends, you’ll find special events like live music and BBQ. This farm experience is quintessentially autumn, capturing the simplicity and joy of the harvest season.
5. Black Lion Fall Sip & Shop (Mid-October)
Location: Charlotte, NC
If you love a blend of seasonal décor, local crafts, and a touch of indulgence, head to Black Lion’s Fall Sip & Shop event. Here, you can browse through a curated selection of home goods—think plaid blankets, scented candles, and handmade wreaths—while enjoying a warm beverage in your hand. With rotating local vendors, you’ll have the chance to discover unique finds for your home and pick up thoughtful gifts for the upcoming holiday season.
6. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s Lost Hollow Fall Festival (Late October)
Location: Belmont, NC
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden celebrates the season by transforming its lush landscapes into an enchanted autumn retreat. Wander through gardens accented with seasonal flora, enjoy live music, and take part in children’s activities such as crafts and storytelling sessions. At dusk, the gardens glow with illuminated displays that reflect beautifully on the water. Bring a camera—this event is as photogenic as it is family-friendly.
7. Queen City Harvest Fest at Camp North End (Late October)
Location: Charlotte, NC
Camp North End, known for its creative energy, hosts the Queen City Harvest Fest, combining a farmers’ market feel with a cultural block party twist. Expect to find local makers selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to artisanal jams. You can grab lunch from a rotating lineup of food trucks, sip a pumpkin beer at an outdoor lounge, and listen to live music that sets the perfect autumn soundtrack. Equal parts community fair and creative showcase, this event is an ideal spot to support local entrepreneurs and enjoy the season’s bounty.
Embrace the Autumn Spirit
Whether you’re craving historical fantasy at the Renaissance Festival, family fun at the pumpkin patch, or artisanal goods at a neighborhood market, Charlotte’s fall festivals have something for everyone. These events offer more than just seasonal foods and crafts—they celebrate the sense of togetherness that blooms when the air turns crisp. So bundle up in your favorite flannel, grab a warm drink, and let these fall festivities remind you why this season feels so magical.
