The fall is a great time to get out and explore Charlotte! Temps have started to drop, and the foliage is gorgeous. Sports, beer, festivals, and more await you if you're looking for fall fun! Read on for some of our favorite fall festivals and events in the area!

Carolina Renaissance Festival

The bravest knights will face off against each other in the tournament arena three times a day! Cheer them on as they battle for the honor of their Queen. Stroll through the market and admire the creations of over 140 artisans, who demonstrate their skills in a wide range of activities such as blacksmithing, glassblowing, and shoemaking. Enjoy the festival food, too! You'll be able to sample various types of food and drink, and The Cappuccino Inn will provide you with various beverages to keep you warm.

Charlotte Oktoberfest 2023

Charlotte is known for its beautiful fall weather. The leaves are starting to turn, and September 30th is the best day of the year for Oktoberfest. This pub crawl event will feature a variety of great bars and restaurants as you sample some of the best beers and drinks of the season!

Carolina BalloonFest

Carolina BalloonFest will be held from October 20-22 - rain or shine. At Carolina BalloonFest, hot air balloon flights are scheduled to operate twice daily, the first in the early morning and the second in late afternoon. All of the activities related to the festival, such as skydiving exhibitions and hot air balloon flights, are weather-dependent. Tickets are non-refundable.

59th Annual Festival in the Park

The Charlotte Festival in the Park is a yearly event that brings together people from all around the world for good music, art, and fun. It’s held in Freedom Park, and big band music can be heard across the lake. The lighting system allows the festival to continue throughout the evening. The atmosphere at the festival is simple and relaxing, and it’s very different from other festivals. Past visitors also appreciate how the offerings change each year, as they can remember the past festivals. The festival is designed to stimulate and promote interest in the arts, and it features over 150 artists who display and exhibit their work.

Charlotte Vegfest

Charlotte VegFest is celebrating and educating about the benefits of eating vegetarian. It features cooking demonstrations, various discussions, and competitions for all kinds of food.

The Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds

Head over to Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds, where you can dress up in your favorite costume and go trick-or-treating. The event occurs from September 16 to October 9 and is open to the public on select days. In 2023, enjoy their Trick or Treat Parade, which will feature various characters and floats. The Great Pumpkin Fest is a fun and creative way for kids to have a good time during Halloween. 

Charlotte International Arts Festival

The 2nd Annual Charlotte International Arts Festival will take place from September 15 to October 1 at various locations in Uptown and in the Ballantyne area. The festival features over 170 events, including music performances, art installations, and more. There will also be large-scale interactive installations. The Blumenthal Performing Arts is the presenting organization for the festival. Ticketed events are held at the Blumenthal Performing Arts venues. 

Charlotte has plenty of events and activities to enjoy this fall! Which fall festivals and events are you looking forward to this year?