This Fall Festivals Feature is Brought to You by the NC Apple Festival in Hendersonville over Labor Day Weekend.
Your 2025 Fall Festival Calendar has arrived, and this year’s line-up will not disappoint. Beach, Brunch, Books, Wine, Oktoberfest, Yoga, Art Walks, Apples and more… Stay tuned for additional fun to come- we will be updating this list with all the latest details.
August Festivals
Hummingbird Festival, August 11 – 17, 2025
This week-long festival offers a series of events for learning, observing, and creating with everyone’s favorite tiny birds. The Hummingbird festival is mostly held at the Quest and Reedy Creek Nature Centers, but check out their event calendar now to enroll before these nature-inspired activities fill up.
Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade, August 16 – 17, 2025
Charlotte’s largest street festival and parade returns to Uptown Charlotte on August 16th. Check out the entertainment line up here to see what’s happening during Pride Week! This year’s fest includes a variety of national, regional, and local entertainers, musicians, bands, and hundreds of participating vendor booths, including art exhibits, local nonprofits, retailers, a food court, and more, along with Flourish: A Celebration of LGBTQ Arts & Culture in the Wells Fargo Atrium – Uptown.
NC BeachBlast Festival in Kings Mountain, August 23
Yes it’s a drive, but it was awarded “Event of the Year” by Carolina Beach Music Awards, so if You Love Beach Music, you’ll want to make the trek to this one. Check out the music line-up at the link and head to Kings Mountain for live music, food trucks, local vendors, and more!
Taco N Taps Festival, August 23
This all you care to taste Beer and Tequila Festival offers up some of Charlotte’s Best Tacos and Mexican Food, the best dancing music from Charlotte Area Bands, margaritas, contests, and some other surprises. Held at a new location in 2025, you can find all the tacos and taps at Symphony Park, South Park Mall.
Ukraine Festival, August 24
In honor of Ukrainian Independence Day, the Ukrainian Congress Committee is hosting a free family-friendly festival with music, food, kids’ activities, and more. The festival will go from 12 – 5 pm on Sunday, in the Kettle Room of Cabarrus Brew Company.
Matthews Alive Labor Day Festival, August 29 – September 1, 2025
The Matthews Alive Festival is a Labor Day weekend celebration that continues nearly 50 years of tradition in downtown Matthews, North Carolina. The festival is packed with family activities, great food, arts, and fantastic entertainment spread over four days.
The NC Apple Festival in Hendersonville NC
Join our sponsor on August 29th through September 1st for the 2025 NC Apple Festival in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina, for a fun-filled celebration of apples, local culture, and community spirit. Whether you go for the delicious apple-inspired treats, the exciting street fair, or the family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!
NC Apple Festival Street Fair Hours:
- Friday, August 29: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday, Aug 30-31: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
- Monday, September 1: 10 AM – until the parade ends
Entertainment & Food vendors run until 9:30 p.m. on Friday – Sunday. The majority of the craft vendors and the Children’s Activities close at 8:00 p.m. on Friday – Sunday.
K-Pop Stan Fest, August 30
The first ever K-Pop Festival will be held on August 30th, at Seoul Food, located at 421 E 26th Street A, Charlotte, NC. Expect music, dancing, merch, DIY, stations, and more. All ages are welcome at this free festival celebrating all things K-Pop.
OMB Sausage Fest, August 30
Join OMB for a mouthwatering weekend full of sizzling sausages and bratwursts, live music, and classic biergarten games. Grab your crew, raise a stein, and come celebrate the wurst (and best) time of the year.
Belmont Book Festival, August 30
Make your plans now to celebrate the first and only literary festival taking place on August 30 in Downtown Belmont with author readings, story times, book signings, panel discussions, community fundraising, games, prizes, contests, and live entertainment. General admission to the festival is free, but you can buy author panel tickets or VIP bookshop experience here.
“Mimosa Land” Mimosa Festival, August 30, 2025
Come groove at the Mimosa Land Music Festival in the Romare Bearden Park. Get ready for a day filled with soulful tunes, good vibes, and of course, plenty of mimosas. Join us for delicious food trucks, and a chill atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this epic event that will have you dancing all day long. Grab your friends and let’s make some memories together.
September Festivals
Yiasou Greek Festival, September 5 – 7, 2025
The Yiasou Greek Festival began in 1978 and since then has become one of Charlotte’s largest cultural events. The Yiasou (the Greek word for Hello, Goodbye, and Cheers) Greek Festival features Hellenic cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine and homemade pastries, entertainment, live music and dancing, wine tastings, art, shopping, and more.
Yiasou Greek Festival patrons and volunteers may park free after 5:00 PM Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday. Take advantage of the “2-blocks stroll” to the Yiasou Greek Festival! Side street parking is available on nearby Dilworth neighboring streets, adhere to posted parking guidelines.
Charlotte Soul Fest, September 6, 2025
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and vibe to a nonstop lineup of live performances from Charlotte’s hottest local talent on the Music Stage. All completely FREE and open to the community!
Cabarrus County Fair, September 5 – 13, 2025
In the land of sugar and smiles, you will find live music performances, thrilling rides, exciting games, a ranch-style petting zoo, delicious food, racing pigs, karaoke, sporting events, and memories to last a lifetime. The fairgrounds are located at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center on Highway 49 in Concord. Opening day will commence on Friday, September 5th, doors will open at 4:00 PM.
Charlotte International Arts Festival
The Charlotte International Arts Festival is an annual celebration of 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 that will be sure to leave you feeling inspired.
Mecktoberfest at OMB, September 12-14, 19-21, October 3-5, October 10-12
Get ready for double the fun and festivities at OMB’s 2025 Mecktoberfest! This year, OMB is spreading the excitement across FOUR weekends, including events at both Ballantyne and LoSo to continue the tradition. Dive into delicious German cuisine, enjoy live music in our Biergartens, and test your strength in our thrilling stein-holding contests.
Panda Fest, September 12 – 14, 2025
Panda fest is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcase the vibrant food, art, and cultural traditions from Asia.
Charlotte Brunch Festival, September 13
Charlotte’s Brunch Festival returns this year alongside the Charlotte International Arts Festival. The full line-up will be announced soon, but in the meantime, you can expect brunch bites, bunch-inspired cocktails, live entertainment, photo ops, and of course, all the brunch vibes.
Cornelius Festival of Cultures, September 13
This event is a great opportunity for people to experience the many cultures that make up Cornelius and the surrounding areas. Attendees can enjoy delicious food, drink, and beer/wine vendors, handmade items from various arts and craft vendors, live performances from local groups, kids’ crafts, and more.
Tricks and Treats at Carowinds, September 13 – November 2
Everyone in the family is sure to have a boo-last with this brand new fest offering spooky, kooky Halloween activities, live shows, a costume contest, seasonal food and drinks, and, of course, candy.
- Pick the perfect pumpkin at the patch, win prizes at themed games, create a mask at the craft station and go trick-or-treating around the park.
- Live Entertainment – Families and friends can enjoy fun around every corner with live shows, dance parties, costume contests and more.
- Tricks and Treat Parade – Returning for its third season, featuring Halloween-themed floats, kicks off at 6:00 p.m. in the County Fair area of Carowinds.
- Fall Food and Drinks – Guests will find a bounty of delicious fall foods and drinks—some with mischievous twists. Older ghosts and ghouls can enjoy bewitching local brews.
If that’s not fang-tastic enough, you will also enjoy your favorite rides and attractions throughout the park.
Davidson Fall Arts Festival, September 13, 2025
The annual Fall Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, September 13 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Over 50 participating local artists will be set up in Historic Downtown Davidson. In addition to the fine art, attendees will be able to purchase handmade gifts, food at local restaurants, and live music. Greggie & The Jets (Elton John Tribute Band) will perform on the Green (119 S. Main Street) at 6:00 p.m.
Festival In The Park in Freedom Park, September 19 – 21
Welcome to Festival in the Park’s 61st annual event that you surely do not want to miss. Situated in Freedom Park with string lights reflecting over the lake and live music drifting across the way, the relaxing atmosphere of this artistic festival is the perfect place to enjoy beautiful artists, band performances, and a variety of food.
Flow Fest, September 20
Flow Fest is an annual one-day festival centered around the practice of yoga and wellness. Whether you are an experienced yogi or just getting started on the mat, Flow Fest offers more than 40 different practices to engage guests of all experience levels. Embrace a day dedicated to mindfulness while enjoying speciality workshops, local vendors, kombucha, live music, and of course, the great outdoors. Flow Fest is free to attend, but does require registration.
Latin American Festival, September 20
The Latin American Festival is known for its authentic Latin cuisine, cultural villas, and sensational performances by Eddy Herrera that will lead to an unforgettable day. Don’t miss out on this unique experience to celebrate the Latin American culture and connect with the community.
Festival of India, September 20 – 21
The vibrant and colorful Festival of India is a cultural attraction boasting performances with traditional Indian dances, exhibits, visual arts, souvenir bazaar, Indian food court, and an art pavilion hosting a kid’s art competition. The core mission of the festival is to highlight and share the rich cultural diversity of the land of India with friends and neighbors at large around the Carolinas.
Charlotte Film Festival, September 23 – 28
The Charlotte Film Festival strives to bring the most innovative independent cinema to Charlotte, NC for their festival patrons and film enthusiasts from neighboring states. Join in on the festival fun from September 23rd – 28th at the newly expanded indie cinema for this year’s festival.
Breakaway Music Festival, September 26 – 27
The Breakaway Music Festival comes to Charlotte at zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway with live and in-person music LINE UP HERE.
UNC Charlotte International Festival, September 27
Charlotte Fall Beer Festival, September 27
From the hosts of Charlotte Brewfest comes a fall party you won’t want to miss. Enjoy UNLIMITED tastings from 20+ breweries featuring beer, cider, and seltzer, and vote for your favorites. Expect delicious food trucks, live music, games, local artisans and vendors, and our famous stein-holding competition. Grab your crew and join the party — all for a great cause benefiting AltruSpirit, a local nonprofit providing sports programs for financially disadvantaged youth.
Charlotte Wine & Food Festival, September 27
ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE Program with 100+ International Wines, Beer, and Spirits in your Souvenir glass. Great food from some of Charlotte’s Pop-Ups and Food Trucks. Great live music selection with bands to keep you dancing through the day.
6th Annual Charlotte Mimosa Festival, September 27
The Charlotte Mimosa Festival offers a wide variety of mimosas, musical entertainment, food trucks, and vendors for patrons to experience. General admission and VIP packages, including food and upgraded drinks, are available so that patrons can customize their experience. All tickets include admission, 7 mimosas, and a souvenir cup.
October Festivals
FabFest Charlotte’s Beatles Festival, October 3 – 4
FabFest is a weekend celebration of Beatles music that you won’t want to miss. Two nights and one day of a fully immersive Beatles journey: from live music to memorabilia, Beatles Yoga to Beatles Contests and much more… you won’t want to miss this multi-generational experience.
Carolina Renaissance Festival, October 4 – November 23 | Saturdays & 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 October 4th through November 23th, 2025. 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.
Charlotte Coffee Festival, October 4
Charlotte’s premier celebration of coffee and community is happening on October 4th – featuring 30+ coffee roasters, cafes, live music, food, and more. Hosted at Victoria Yards.
Hola Charlotte Festival, October 4
Hola Charlotte is the largest Hispanic Heritage celebration in Charlotte, highlighting Latin American culture and all its diversity. Latin American bands and artists, family activities, and local talent all come together to make this festival a showcase of authentic tradition and cultural heritage that you don’t want to miss.
Fall for Matthews in Downtown Matthews, October 11
Fall for Matthews will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10 am – 4 pm. “Fall” in love with Matthews during this Fall Festival at Stumptown Park in downtown Matthews. Expect Arts & Crafts Vendors, Business Vendors, Food Vendors, a DJ and Live Music, a Sip & Stroll, a Pumpkin Patch, Animals, and a Children’s Area. The event is FREE and open to the public to attend and will be on, rain or shine.
Bookpalooza, October 11
The annual “everything books” festival is coming to Urban District Market. Bookworms, Book Nerds & Bibliofiles, join in for a fun day of 25+ local & regional authors at Literary Lane, vendors with book art and crafts, kid-zone with face painting and author book signings.
Fall South End Wine & Hops Festival, October 18
Your ticket includes 4+ hours of boundless sampling of wines, ciders, craft brews & cocktails. Local food trucks and pop-up shops will be on-site to make your festival experience an amazing day.
Pineville Fall Fest, October 16, 17, 18
The 26th Annual Pineville Fall Fest encapsulates all the bests part of fall; with live music, carnival rides, pie eating contest, chili cook off, fireworks, arts and crafts vendors, and more. Hosted at Jack D. Hughes Park, located at 513 Main Street, Pineville, NC from 6:00 to 10:00 PM on October 17th and 18th, and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on the 19th.
Mint Hill Madness Festival, October 16 – 18
Mint Hill Madness is a festival to celebrate the founding of the Town. Mint Hill Madness has something for everyone in the family… delicious food, great music ranging from country to rock, a fantastic family carnival, and of course, a spectacular firework show. Mint Hill Events Inc. has been working hard to plan another great event.
Carolina Balloonfest, Statesville, October 17 – 19
Carolina BalloonFest is the second oldest hot air balloon festival in the country. Held annually on the third weekend in October, the festival features breathtaking balloon competitions, mass ascensions, and evening glows.
Fort Mill Fall Festival, October 18
Get excited for an afternoon filled with food, fun, and all things Fall at the annual Fort Mill Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. The event will be held at the Fort Mill Amphitheater & Walter Elisha Park, 345 N. White Street.
Frank’s Chili Fest, October 18
Frank’s Chili community street festival is raising funds for unexplained pediatric death research and family grief support. A $20 donation gets you a wristband for all the chili you can taste!
Charlotte Chalk Art Festival, October 18 – 19
The Annual Charlotte Chalk Art Festival (CCAF) features a friendly competition between local and regional chalk art artists aged 12 to 17 (youth individuals and youth teams of up to three) and ages 18 and over (individual adults). All competitors must APPLY BY SEPTEMBER 30th. This FREE two-day event will be held outside at NoDa Brewing Company North End, 150 W 32nd Street, Charlotte, NC 28206. Festival-goers will be able to see a colorful street art gallery come to life. Various music offerings, family-friendly fun activities, food, beverages, arts, crafts, and retail vendors will be available.
Biketoberfest, October 19
Biketoberfest is more than a ride — it’s a movement. Now in its 11th year, this fun, family-friendly event invites hundreds of people to experience the joy of navigating Charlotte by bike or on foot. Through a lively, scavenger-hunt-style adventure, participants explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, greenways, and small businesses, discovering just how fun and empowering it can be to get around without a car.
K-FEST, October 25
Celebrate Korean culture with K-Fest, your all-in-one festival to enjoy Korean food, games, and performances. Plus, enjoy a karaoke contest and K-pop dance-off as well. Hosted by Seoul Food at Urban District Market, register here.
40th Lexington Barbecue Festival, October 25
More than 250+ vendors, six entertainment stages, street performers, a children’s area, a 50-ton Pig-themed Sand Sculpture, Car shows, a Dinosaur Exhibit, a Bicycle Stunt Show, and much more! Located on Main Street, Lexington, NC – plus free admission and a barbecue menu like no other.
November Festivals
Pawsitively Matthews Festival, November 8
Pet-friendly vendors line the park, along with food trucks, demo areas, and more.
Come hang out with your dog, do some shopping, have a craft beer in the fall sunshine, and spend the day listening to some great tunes in the park! Live music on the Lee Myers Stage.
Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials, November 15 & 16
The Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival at Historic Rural Hill is an annual event that showcases the incredible skill and intelligence of sheepdogs as they compete in a variety of challenges. As well as having a variety of pet vendors and dog adoptions. The Sheepdog Trials feature a series of competitive events designed to test the dogs’ herding abilities, obedience, and agility. Spectators can expect to see the dogs expertly maneuvering through a series of obstacles, responding to their handlers’ commands with precision and speed.
