Another jam-packed weekend in the Queen City is here. Celebrate fall with a full lineup of festivals including Carolina Balloonfest, Fall South End Wine & Hops Festival, Charlotte Chalk Art Festival, a BBQ Fest, and more, plus shopping markets, Charlotte Craft Beer Week, 5Ks, and so much more happening around town.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16
Pearl Pagoda Friends & Family SALE: Weds thru Sat 10/15-10/18. 20% Off purchases of $150 or more. Shop online at the link or in store on Park Rd in Montford W-F 10-6 and Sat 10-4.
‘Something BIG’ Benefit
Thursday, October 16, 2025 6:30p – 9:30p | The Revelry North End
The funds raised at the Congregation for Kids Something Big Benefit and charity auction will help CFK maximize their efforts to impact the lives of our city’s most vulnerable children through training, mentoring, wrap-around care and providing for immediate, tangible needs.
BEDSIDE MANOR has several coveted brand sales happening this weekend:
- 20% off Annie Selke, Pine Cone Hill, and Dash & Albert from 10/10-10/24
- Shop the Yves Delorme Winter Sale from 10/17-11/2 – Enjoy 20% off select Yves Delorme duvet covers, pillowcases and shams for the cozy winter nights ahead.
WICKED
September 24 – October 26
Charlotte’s most popular musical is back for a limited time! Immerse yourself in the wonderful Land of Oz, where there is a young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one good and the other one “wicked.”
Jerseys & Jewels 2025
Thursday, October 18, 6:30 – 10:00p
Get ready to sparkle and shine because Jerseys & Jewels is back and better than ever – on the diamond! Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 18th at the Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights. Link here for your tickets and all the dazzling details.
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.
Scarecrow Hollow at Daniel Stowe
Now through Friday, October 31
The Lost Hollow Children’s Garden transforms to Scarecrow Hollow, a delightful collection of creatively-designed scarecrows crafted by our community. These scarecrows can be silly, spooky or anything in between and visitors can vote throughout the month to crown three scarecrows “Best in Crow”!
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Presents Threads: My Songs in Symphony
October 17 & 18, 7:30p
The country music star’s songs and the stories behind them are on the big screen with Dolly as her personally selected guest vocalists join the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra to perform her beloved hits. You’ll enjoy such favorites as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “I Will Always Love You” and many more, and follow along with Dolly in a visual-musical journey of her songs, her life and her stories. NOTE: Dolly Parton will not make a live appearance during this show. Tickets range from $40 to $170 depending on seat selection.
Pink Bow Gala
Friday, October 17
The 8th annual Pink Bow Gala will take place on Friday, October 17, 2025, at The Casey by BeauMonde. Help fulfill the mission of supporting NICU families and those who have experienced the unimaginable loss of an infant.
Ghouly Gala: A Science Spooktacular
Friday, October 17th, 5 – 8p at Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville
Little goblins, princesses, and superheroes head to Discovery Place Kids for this annual family-friendly Halloween bash. The Ghouly Gala is packed with hands-on activities, playful science tricks, and just the right amount of “spooky” fun—perfect for kids of all ages. Tickets at the link.
17th Annual Ties & Tails Gala
Saturday, October 18, 5:30 – 10p
The 17th Annual Ties & Tails Gala is an evening celebrating compassion, community, and a shared commitment to animals in need. The gala is HSC’s signature annual event, bringing together supporters from across Charlotte to raise critical funds for our life-saving work.
Charlotte Craft Beer Week
October 17 – 26
From neighborhood bar crawls to brewery bazaars, CLT Craft Beer Week has it all. So many events to attend, we can’t even list them all… but you can view the full event calendar here. Don’t forget to get your craft beer week passport to earn free stuff and see every special offer and event during Craft Beer Week.
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.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
CLT Runway 5K
Saturday, October 18th, 7:30a
The 2025 Runway 5K is cleared for takeoff at Charlotte Douglas International Airport at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. Enjoy the only 5K where the route is entirely on the runway and taxiway, with views of planes taking off and landing.
Strides for Shelter 5K Run & Walk
Saturday, October 18th, 8:30a
Strides for Shelter 5K is presented by the Canopy Housing Foundation and will be held at McAlpine Creek Park, Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC. The proceeds from this year’s race will fund from the 2025 Strides for Shelter event will ensure that this organization can transport their mobile shower unit to five area locations providing critical hygiene services annually to 3,500 individuals and families.
Chocolate Cupcake Day at KK BLOOM
Saturday, October 18th
KK Bloom is celebrating Chocolate Cupcake Day with Fairy Kim Sparkles from Fairy Hair 11-4pm. There will be cupcakes, espresso martinis and a $10 gift card with purchase.
2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Saturday, October 18th, 10a
Register to walk, volunteer, or donate and be a part of the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The walk has two route options: 0.5 mile & 2 mile and will be held at Truist Field, located at 324 S. Mint Street, Charlotte, NC. All funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer’s further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Fall South End Wine & Hops Festival
Saturday, October 18
The Fall South End Wine & Hops Festival will feature boundless samples of wine, hops, ciders, and cocktails, plus live music, food, pop-up shops, and more.
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
Saturday, 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!
Haunted Cabaret: Songs From The Shadows
Saturday, October 18, 7:30 – 9p
Get ready for a spooky night of Broadway magic at Haunted Cabaret: Songs from the Shadows, happening Saturday, October 18 at Norfolk Hall @ The Suffolk Punch. Hosted by Jessie Booth, this chilling cabaret brings Broadway hits to life with a Halloween twist, think Wicked, Beetlejuice, Sweeney Todd, and more. Each $30 ticket includes a complimentary mimosa or craft beer, plus access to a full bar. Costumes are encouraged. Every show promises a new lineup of songs and surprises.
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). 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.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
Q Fitness and Wellness 5K
Sunday, October 19, 9a
The Q Fitness and Wellness 5K will be held from 9:00am – 12:00pm at McApline Greenway Park. Lace up your shoes and run (or walk) in support of two local charities. Twirl To The World and OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley; to help them continue in their pursuit to empower and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.
Biketoberfest
Sunday, 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.
Just Us Girls Market
Sunday, October 19, 11a – 4p
is coming to Pine in NoDa on Sunday, October 19th from 11–4 PM. TICKETS HERE for this day for you and your favorite girls. Also presented by Shop Local QC, Just Us Girls Market is a day made for the girlies, by the girlies. Celebrate girlhood with a curated lineup of local women-owned businesses, unique shopping experiences, custom mocktails, fresh flower bouquets, interactive photo stations, and more. Grab your besties and head over for the ultimate girls’ day out—fun, feel-good, and full of local love.
The Pig Pickin’ at Mac’s Speed Shop
Sunday, October 19, 12 – 4p
It’s time to get your BBQ on at this year’s Carolina BBQ Fest, courteously hosted by Mac’s Speed Shop. From brisket to whole hog, this festival is all about celebrating some of the best American food out there – good ol’ fashioned BBQ. Get your tickets here.
Dogwood Flea Vintage Market at Armored Cow Brewing
Sunday, October 19, 1 – 5p
Vintage lovers, mark your calendars! The Dogwood Flea Vintage Market returns to the University City area on Sunday, October 19, from 12–5 p.m. at Armored Cow Brewing Co. Shoppers can browse over 15 vintage clothing vendors, sip on local brews, and grab bites from on-site food vendors. Admission and parking are free, making it the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon supporting local businesses and finding one-of-a-kind treasures.
