Charlotte Fall Festivals and Fairs
Fall festivals feed your need for fried dough, live music and family fun.
Fried turkey legs, funnel cakes and a fried snicker bar always bring back memories of perfect fall nights at the fair. Share these memories with the kids this season by attending a few festivals or fairs in and around Charlotte.
Matthews Alive Festival
Aug. 30-Sept. 2
Enjoy vendors, food, the Kids Connection area, games, rides and four stages of entertainment. Do not miss the parade at 10:30 a.m. Saturday!
Location/Cost: Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St. Free admission.
Hours: Fri., 6-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 1-9 p.m.; Mon. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Matthews Alive
Charlotte Kosher BBQ
Sept. 2
Charlotte Kosher BBQ event features a BBQ contest, watermelon and pickle-eating contests, live music, a kids’ zone and mechanical bull riding.
Location/Cost: Levine Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Road. Free admisson; additional cost for food.
Hours: 11am-3pm
Yiasou Greek Festival
Sept. 5-8
Come enjoy cultural exhibits, food, entertainment, live music, dancing, wine tastings, art and the Kids Playland with rides, face painting and games.
Location/Cost: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd. $3. Children 12 and younger free.
Hours: Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. noon-6 p.m.
World L!t Street Festival
Sept. 7
Enjoy street food and music from around the globe, and shop the marketplace.
Location/Cost: Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave. Free.
Hours: 4-10 p.m.
York County Family Food Truck Festival
Sept. 7
Bring the family out to enjoy a variety of foods, vendors and entertainment including bounce houses, photo booth, face painting, balloon animals, laser tag and trampolines.
Location/Cost: Heritage International Ministries Conference Center, 375 Star Light Drive, Fort Mill. Free.
Hours: Noon-6 p.m.
Cabarrus County Fair
Sept. 6-14
Experience rides, food, entertainment, friendly competitions, a petting zoo and fun! See website for specials and ride ticketing information.
Location/Cost: Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 NC Hwy. 49 N., Concord. $5-$8, children 5 and younger free, additional cost for rides.
Hours: Fri., 4-11 p.m..; Sat. 1-11 p.m.; Sun. 1-10 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs. 4-10 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Cabarrus County Fair
Gripped Festival
Sept. 13-14
This family friendly event will offer carnival rides and inflatables, a climbing wall, food trucks, beverages, and music. Cycling fun at the festival includes a BMX stunt show, bike safety rodeo, vintage bike show, a bike expo and racing action throughout the weekend!
Location/Cost: Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track, 1307 Riverwalk Pkwy., Rock Hill. $5-$10.
Hours: 10am-11pm.
Harrisburg Multi-Cultural Festival
Sept. 14
Discover different cultures through arts, music, fashion, dance and food.
Location/Cost: Harrisburg Park, 191 Sims Pkwy., Harrisburg. Free.
Hours: 11am-5pm.
Fall Kickoff at Springs Farm
Sept. 14
Come for food from Roman's All-Star Cafe, local craft beer from Amor Artis, games, vendors and homemade ice cream.
Location/Cost: Springs Farm, 1010 Springfield Pkwy., Fort Mill.
Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Great Pumpkin Fest
Sept. 14-Oct. 27
Carowinds presents family-friendly Halloween attractions for young children, including a costume parade, hay bale maze, foam zone, pedal tractors and rides.
Location/Cost: Carowinds Amusement Park, 14523 Carowinds Blvd. Tickets start at $48.
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with select Sundays until 7 p.m.
Festival in the Park
Sept. 20-22
Enjoy music, food, vendors, talented artists and a relaxed atmosphere in Freedom Park.
Location/Cost: Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd. Free.
Hours: Fri., 4-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
PhotO: Deborah Young Studio
Carolina Irish Fest
Sept. 21
Come for two performance stages with music and dance, vendors, a kids' area, food, and games.
Location/Cost: Uptown Charlotte, 7th Street and Caldwell Street. $10-$15.
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Downtown Davidson Fall Arts Crawl
Sept. 21
Stroll the historic streets of Downtown Davidson while browsing more than 40 of the area’s best artisans and enjoying live music and an interactive children’s art area.
Location/Cost: Historic Downtown Davidson, 108 South Main St., Davidson. Free.
Hours: 5-9 p.m.
Flow Fest
Sept. 21-22
Flow into a weekend full of yoga. There is one kids' yoga session and one family yoga session. See website for full schedule. There will be vendors and live music in the evening.
Location/Cost: U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center. $6 for parking.
Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Lakefront Hops Fest
Sept. 21
Support the Ace & TJ's Grin Kids with two bands, 12 local breweries, cider, wine, food, style truck and kids' zone.
Location/Cost: The Kilted Buffalo Langtree, 19 Landings Dr STE 101, Mooresville. Free.
Hours: 3-9 p.m.
Latin American Festival
Sept. 21
Festival will feature Latin American food, performances, crafts, art and activities for the whole family. This year’s festival headliners are Nacho and Celso Piña.
Location/Cost: Aldersgate, 3800 Shamrock Drive. Free until 2 p.m.; $10 after 2 p.m.
Hours: Noon-8 p.m.
Mecktoberfest
Sept. 20-22
The 11th annual Mecktoberfest at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. includes games and competitions, plus plenty of room for kids to run.
Location: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road.
Hours: Starts at 11 a.m. each day.
Stand Together Music Festival
Sept. 21
The event raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Cancer research. There will be food, a kids’ zone, music and lots of fun. Darrell Harwood will headline with a total of five bands performing throughout the day.
Location/Cost: Town of China Grove, 333 N. Main St., China Grove. Free.
Hours: 2-10 p.m.
UNC Charlotte International Festival
Sept. 21
Art, crafts, costumes, food, music, dance and games combine to create the experience of traveling the globe in one day.
Location/Cost: Barnhardt Student Activity Center-UNC Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd. Free.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Photo credit: Flickr
Union County Heritage Festival
Sept. 21
Expect live entertainment, food, vendors, educational and creative activities for kids, free talks, art, raffles, a 5K race, and cooking demonstrations. Be sure to also check out the Union County 4-H Expo.
Location/Cost: Union County Agricultural Center, 3230 Presson Road, Monroe. Free.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., race at 8 a.m.
El Grito Mexican Independence Festival
Sept. 22
Enjoy Mexican street food, live music, cultural dances, vendors, lucha libre, outdoor games and bounce houses for the kids. Mexican attire is welcome and encouraged. elgritocharlotte.com.
Location/Cost: Aldersgate, 3800 Shamrock Drive. Free.
Hours: Noon-6 p.m.
Art of Sound Music Festival
Sept. 27-28
A variety of musicians and groups will perform in several different venues with music and fun for everyone. Festival will be will be held in conjunction with the Arts on the Square Arts Festival on Sept. 28. See website for schedule.
Location/Cost: Uptown Shelby. Free.
Hours: See website.
ArtWalk and MusicFest of Matthews
Sept. 28
See the arts and crafts market, live performances, a high school art exhibit and the hands-on children’s area. Adults can enjoy the Sip and Stroll.
Location/Cost: The Green at Matthews Station, 210 Matthews Station St., Matthews. Free.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Dog Gone Good Time Festival
Sept. 28
The festivities include an amazing day with your pooch, sponsors, vendors, family activities, doggy games and more.
Location/Cost: Walter Y. Elisha Park, 345 N. White St., Fort Mill. Free.
Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Gold Hill Founders Day
Sept. 28
Celebrate the history and culture of Gold Hill with arts, crafts, a parade, bluegrass music, food and gold panning.
Location/Cost: Gold Hill Mines Historic Park, 735 Saint Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill. Free.
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Imagine STEAM Festival
Sept. 28
Come for fun, hands-on learning activities, interactive demonstrations and family-oriented entertainment in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) fields.
Location/Cost:Fountain Park in Old Town Rock Hill, 300 E. Main St., Rock Hill. Free.
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Piedmont Pottery and Pickin'
Sept. 28
Shop for pottery, enjoy hands-on activities and historic cooking demonstrations. BBQ will be available for purchase.
Location/Cost: Historic Brattonsville, 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells. $5-$8, children 3 and younger free.
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
'Tawba Walk Arts and Music Festival
Sept. 28
This festival showcases local vendors, two stages of live entertainment, local craft beer, food trucks and kids’ zone with inflatables and more.
Location/Cost: Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St., Cornelius. Free.
Hours: 2-8 p.m.
Denver Days
Oct. 4-5
Come out for food, carnival rides and live music. Blue Monday will perform Friday evening, and La Acoustics and Kelby Costner will perform on Saturday.
Location/Cost: Rescue Squad Park, 7889 Galway Lane, Denver. Free admission.
Hours: Fri., 6-10 p.m.; Sat., noon-10 p.m.
Queen Charlotte Fair
Oct. 4-13
The Queen Charlotte Fair is a major, semi-annual event hosted every spring and fall offering family-friendly entertainment, carnival rides and food.
Location/Cost: Route 29 Pavillion, 5650 Sandusky Blvd., Concord. $5-$10, 4 and younger free.
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 4-10 p.m.; Fri., 4-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m.; Sun., noon-10 p.m.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Oct. 5-Nov. 24
The Carolina Renaissance Festival is filled with charming cottages, castles, kitchens and pubs, all with simulated architecture of a 16th century European village.
Location/Cost: 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville. $15-$26.
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
photo courtesy of carolina renaissance festival
Come see actors dressed up in old time garb and enjoy the Renaissance Festival's games, crafts, food and shows.
Charlotte Kids Fest
Oct. 5
Charlotte Kids Fest will inspire young minds with artistic, creative, playful and educational experiences. Enjoy a Play Zone, activities, performers, food trucks and more.
Location/Cost: UNC Charlotte, 9100 Robert D. Snyder Road. Free.
Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Charlotte UNITE Festival
Oct. 5
The family orientated festival includes live music, food from different cultures, craft beer, a kids' zone and community speakers.
Location/Cost: NoDa Brewing Company, 2921 N. Tryon St. Free.
Hours: Noon-8 p.m.
Family Fall Festival in Indian Trail
Oct. 5
This community festival will feature vendors, rides, performances, games and more at Chestnut Square Park.
Location/Cost: Chestnut Square Park, 320 Chestnut Pkwy., Indian Trail. Free.
Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Gaston Day School FallFest 2019
Oct. 5
Enjoy rides, games and activities for kids of all ages! Stroll through the vendor tents, and fuel up at the food trucks.
Location/Cost: Gaston Day School, 2001 Gaston Day School Road, Gastonia. Free, unlimited ride wristbands $25.
Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Indian Land Fall Festival
Oct. 5-6
The 14th Annual Indian Land Fall Festivalwill feature family-friendly activities and entertainment, such as live music, vendors, trackless train, inflatables, firetruck rides, farm zone and food trucks.
Location/Cost: Indian Land High School, 8063 River Road, Indian Land. Free admission. There is a $5 fee for parking and shuttle. Guests can purchase $15 armbands for kids' activities.
Hours: Sat., 10am-9pm; Sun. 11am-7pm.
Lazy 5 Ranch Fall Festival
Oct. 5-Oct. 27
Try the pumpkin slingshot, and let children play in the giant corn box and the straw castle. Visit the pumpkin patch, and for an additional cost, enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride through the farm to feed the animals, such as giraffes, zebras and bison.
Location/Cost: Lazy 5 Ranch, 15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville. $8-$11; children younger than 2 free. No credit cards.
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Philadelphia United Methodist Church Annual Fall Festival
Oct. 5
Enjoy bounce houses, children’s games and activities, bake sale, BBQ, vendors, bingo, and music from Destination Bluegrass Band. Bluegrass music begins at 2 p.m.
Location/Cost: Philadelphia UMC, 1691 Hwy 160 W., Fort Mill. Free.
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
St. Ann's Family Carnival
Oct. 5
Come out for a day of rides, games, silent auction, bingo, raffle and food.
Location/Cost: St. Ann Catholic Church, 3635 Park Road. Free admission.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tawba Fest 2019
Oct. 5
The 6th Annual Tawba Fest features food, shopping, craft beer and music.
Location/Cost: Riverwalk Carolinas, Riverwalk Parkway, Rock Hill. Free.
Hours: 5-9 p.m.
USNWC Fall Festival
Oct. 5
Enjoy cider sampling and the entertaining BYOB (Build Your Own Boat) Competition. Take part in the trail race, yoga or regular pass activities all while enjoying live music.
Location/Cost: U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. Free admission, $6 for parking, additional fee for activities
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Autumn Treasures
Oct. 12-13
Local crafters display wares on Main Street, while local musicians fill the streets with song. Don't miss the Grill’n and Chill’n BBQ Cook-Off. In addition, the Kids Zone features inflatables, carnival rides, pony rides, petting zoo, children’s entertainment and crafts.
Location/Cost: Downtown Waxhaw.
Hours: Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Charlotte Parent School Fair
Oct. 12
Charlotte magazine and Charlotte Parent invite you to the only place in Charlotte where you can meet one-on one with the representatives of the best public and private Charlotte-area schools — all in one place! Choosing a school for your child is a big decision. As parents, we know you don’t have a lot of time to go visit every school. That is why we are putting on our School Fair to introduce you to the best pre-K through 12 schools all in one family-fun-filled afternoon.
Location/Cost: NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Free.
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Curtin Farms Fest 2019
Oct. 12
Experience a relaxing, family-friendly day on the 100 year-old working farm with live music, antiques, food and crafts.
Location/Cost: Curtin Farms, 407 Paraham Road N., Clover. Free.
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Festival of India
Oct. 12-13
The cultural festival showcases diversity of Indian dance, food, art and music. Guests can enjoy yoga, henna tattoos and a kids' art corner.
Location/Cost: Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. $7, children younger than 10 free.
Hours: Sat., noon-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Hola Charlotte
Oct. 12
Celebrate Latin culture with the Latin American Cultural Village, food, music, artists, performances, Zumba demos and instruction, and fashion displays.
Location/Cost: Uptown Charlotte, N. Tryon St. and W. 6th St. Free.
Hours: Noon-7 p.m.
Huntersville Fall Festival
Oct. 12
This fall festival features local art and craft booths, children's games and crafts, inflatables, scarecrow making, food trucks, a pumpkin patch and live entertainment.
Location/Cost: 13659 Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville. Free.
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Laketoberfest
Oct. 12
Festival features live music, NC beer, food trucks and a kid's zone with crafts and games. Event proceeds benefit Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists.
Location/Cost: Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius. Free.
Hours: 4-9 p.m.
Lost Hollow Music Fest
Oct. 12-13
Enjoy music, food trucks and the scenery. Bands include David Holt and Josh Goforth, Darn and Brooke Aldridge, Stepside Deluxe, Chatham Rabbits, Provence of Thieves, and Tom Eure and Amelia Osborne. Visitors can take advantage of retro admission prices.
Location/Cost: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. $4-$8, includes garden admission.
Hours: Noon-5 p.m.
Pennzoil AutoFair Presented by Advance Auto Parts
Oct. 17-19
Fair features more than 10,000 automotive vendor displays. In addition, kids can enjoy a play zone and eat fair food.
Location/Cost: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. South, Concord. $13, free for children 13 and younger with a paying adult.
Hours: Thurs.-Sat., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Carolina Balloonfest
Oct. 18-20
Bring your cameras, lawn chairs, and blankets to experience a family-friendly festival featuring more than 50 hot air balloons, live music, food, wine and craft beer, kids’ zone, and artisan marketplace.
Location/Cost: Statesville Regional Airport, 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville. $10-$35, children 12 and younger free.
Hours: Fri., 3-8:30 p.m.; Sat., 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sun., 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
photo courtesy of michele's images
BalloonFest features launches of 50 balloons across Statesville's sky.
Pineville Fall Festival
Oct. 18-19
Come enjoy food, music, rides, art and vendors. National country music recording artist, Jake Rose will headline Saturday night.
Location/Cost: Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville. Free.
Hours: Fri., 6-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cramerton Fall Festival
Oct. 19
Come for fun games, awesome prizes, delicious candy and cakewalks. Unlimited game play wristbands are $5. Enjoy food vendors, a costume contest, a bounce house and the judging of the carved pumpkins. Children can trick-or-treat local businesses in Centennial Center.
Location/Cost: 100 Center St., Cramerton. Free.
Hours: 4-6 p.m.
Kaleidoscope Arts and Ag Festival
Oct. 19
This culminating event of the Rowan Arts and Ag Celebration will feature live music and local artisans, breweries, wineries and goods from farmers.
Location/Cost: Downtown Kannapolis, 125 N Research Campus Drive, Kannapolis. Free.
Hours: Noon-4 p.m.
Lincoln County Apple Festival
Oct. 19
Festival attracts more than 60,000 visitors each year to enjoy crafts, food, entertainment, kids’ attractions and plenty of apples.
Location/Cost: Downtown Lincolnton, 115 W. Main St., Lincoln. Free.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Stallings Fest 2019
Oct. 19
Stallings Fest is a community fall festival that has amusements, craft and food vendors, live entertainment and more!
Location/Cost: Stallings Municipal Park, 340 Stallings Road, Stallings. Free.
Hours: 1-9 p.m.
Turkish Festival of Charlotte
Oct. 19
Experience and savor Turkish food and coffee, performances and cultural demonstrations.
Location/Cost: Oasis Shriners, 604 Doug Mayes Pl. $5.
Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Windy Hill Apple Harvest Festival
Oct. 19
Purchase a ticket in advance to see the livestock, shop for goods at the farm stand and purchase some of the delicious apple cider.
Location/Cost: Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill, 1860 Black Hwy., York. $10-$12.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
BooFest and Nightmare on Main Street
Oct. 26
Come to downtown Belmont for the boos, but stay for the brews! After the carnival rides and fun of BooFest, Nightmare on Main Street will continue with adult beverages and live music.
Location/Cost: Stowe Park, 24 S. Main St., Belmont. Free.
Hours: 2-10 p.m.
Fall Crawl
Oct. 26
The whole family will enjoy the costume parade at 11:30 a.m. and the trunk-or-treat for kids, which will take place at The Vine Church, 2101 Belvedere. Midwood Park activities begin at noon and include a full day of food trucks, live music, beer, vendors and children’s activities.
Location/Cost: Midwood Park, 2100 Wilhelmina Ave. Free.
Hours: 11:30 a.m.
Halloween in OTC
Oct. 26
Enjoy a fun-filled scavenger hunt through the street of Old Town before the Block Party Extravaganza, which will include a costume contest, games, creepy crafts, live entertainment, food trucks and local beer.
Location/Cost: Oak Street Mill, 5721 Oak St., Cornelius. Free.
Hours: 2-6 p.m.
Mint Hill Fall Harvest Festival
Oct. 26
Come for a night of family fun with a scarecrow decorating contest, photo opportunities in the pumpkin patch, pumpkin bowling, face painting, inflatables, food and family games.
Location/Cost: Mint Hill Town Hall, 4430 Mint Hill Village Ln., Mint Hill. Free.
Hours: 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Tega Cay Fall Festival
Oct. 26
The event features arts and crafts, vendors, entertainment and kid zones. Do not miss the Children's Halloween Costume Contest and the Hula Hoop Contest for all ages.
Location/Cost: Tega Cay Golf Course, 15083 Molokai Drive, Tega Cay. Free.
Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Statesville Pumpkin Fest
Nov. 2
Compete in the 5K, pumpkin pie-eating contest or cornhole tournament. Enjoy vendors, local food, the craft beer garden, classic cars, live music and the kids’ zone with pumpkin activities and rides.
Location/Cost: Downtown Statesville, Statesville. Free.
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pajama Walk
Nov. 10
The 3rd Annual Pajama Walk at Freedom Park will help make dreams come true. Come for the Pajama Walk, Dreamland Carnival, Ability Fair, Pajama Catwalk, Special Talent Drum Circle and special guests from Charlotte is Creative.
Location/Cost: Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd. Free.
Hours: 12:30-4 p.m.
2019 Queen City Fall Festival
Nov. 16
Enjoy food trucks, entertainment, face painting, bounce house, free giveaways and crafts.
Location/Cost: The Carole Hoefener Center, 615 E. 6th St. Free.
Hours: 1-5 p.m.
Know a festival or fair that we missed? Email us at calendar@charlotteparent.com.
