5 Local Fall Festivals in 2010
From cotton candy and roasted corn to Midway rides, ring tosses and petting zoos, fall festivals and fairs are always a favorite for kids and kids at heart.
Matthews Alive
When: Sept. 3-6; Fri. 6:30-10:30pm; Sat., 9am-9pm; Sun., noon-9pm; and Mon., 9am-5pm
Where: Downtown Matthews, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews
Cost: Free
Launch into Labor Day weekend at this family festival complete with one of the largest parades in the Southeast, as well as three stages that feature live entertainment, including the Kid’s Stage with every sort of fun-filled children’s entertainment imaginable. Indulge both your curiosity and your taste buds; sift through the products of more than 150 arts and crafts vendors, and savor the creations of 30 food vendors. Proceeds support local nonprofit organizations. For more information, call 704-814-9779 or go online to www.matthewsalive.org.
Yiasou Greek Festival
When: Sept. 10-13; Thurs., 11am-9pm; Fri., 11am-10pm; Sat., 11am-10pm
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd.
Cost: Adults $2; Free for ages 12 and under
Go Greek at this annual cultural celebration of fine food, facts and art. Sample homemade assorted pastries, savor Grecian baked chicken, and snack on a tender souvlaki sandwich while listening to live music and watching students perform tradition Greek dances. This year, there will be an enactment of the traditional Athenian Changing of the Guards and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor fallen fighters. Children can enjoy the mini-Midway with rides, face painting and more. For more information, call 704-344-4771 or go online to www.yiasoufestival.org.
Festival in the Park
When: Sept. 23-26; Thurs., 6-9pm; Fri. and Sat., 10am-9:30pm; and Sun., 11am-6pm
Where: Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd.
Cost: Free
A perennial favorite festival for Charlotteans, Festival in the Park comes to life each year with live music in the band shell, lights in the tents of the Camelot exhibit, kids inflatables and other activities, and 150 artists and crafts people showcasing their creations. For more information, call 704-332-1800 or go online to www.festivalinthepark.org.
Mint Hill Madness
When: Sept. 24-26; Fri., 6-10pm; Sat., 9:30am-10pm; and Sun., 10am-5pm
Where: Downtown Mint Hill, Matthews Mint Hill Road and Lawyers Road
Cost: Free
Entertainment options abound for the entire family with live music, amusement rides, Queen City Dancing performances and a parade. Test your own singing talents at the 107.9 The Link Karaoke Stage. Also look to the sky for a CMC Medical Center Flyover and fireworks. For more information, call 704-545-9726 or go online to www.minthillchamberofcommerce.com.
Denver Days
When: Sept. 29-Oct. 2. Wed. and Thurs., 4-10pm; Fri., 4-11pm; and Sat., 10am-11pm
Where: Triangle Circle, off of NC Highway 16, Denver
Cost: Free admission; $10 parking fee
Reel in a thrill with rides and a midway provided by Cole Amusements. The excitement continues all weekend with concerts by local talents, and craft and food vendors. Proceeds from the festival contribute to the purchase of public land for a permanent park for the Denver community. For more information, go online to www.denvernc.com/denverdays.htm.
Can’t Miss Fall Fairs
Iredell County Fair
When: Sept. 6-11; Mon.-Fri., 5-11pm
Where: Iredell County Fairgrounds, 630 N. Main St., Troutman
Cost: Adults $5; Free for ages 6 and under; Students $1 Mon.-Wed
Enjoyment for the whole family with live entertainment, children’s activities, a petting farm, music, food and commercial vendors, livestock competitions and agricultural exhibits.
For more information, call 704-799-4475 or go online to www.eventcrazy.com.
Cabarrus County Agricultural Fair
When: Sept. 10-18; Weekdays, 4-11pm; Sat., 1-11pm; Sun., 1-10pm
Where: Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, Highway 49, Concord
Cost: $3-$7; Free for ages 5 and under
Enjoy amusement rides, live music and other entertainment, including an illusionist, a variety of vendors, and contests.
For more information, call 704-920-3976 or go online to www.cabarruscountyfair.com.
Dixie Classic Fair
When: Oct. 1-10; Sun.-Fri., 11am-11pm.; Sat., 9am-11pm
Where: Dixie Classic Fairgrounds, 421 27th St. NW, Winston Salem
Cost: Adults $8; Ages 6-11, $4; Free for ages 5 and under
Don’t miss 10 days of amusement rides and entertainment, including magic shows and candle making, contests, cotton candy and funnel cakes at the second largest fair in North Carolina.
For more information, call 336-727-2236 or go online to www.dcfair.org.
North Carolina State Fair
When: Oct. 14-24; Oct. 14, 3pm-midnight; Oct. 15-24, 8am-midnight.
Where: N.C. State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh
Cost: Adults, $8; Ages 6-12, $3; Free for ages 5 and under
Relish games, rides, live bands, a children’s fun park, folk-festival competitions and nightly fireworks.
For more information, call 919-821-7400 or go online to www.ncstatefair.org.
