Charlotte weekends just keep getting better, and this one’s packed with fall fun. From sipping mimosas at the Apex SouthPark Mimosa Market to raising a stein at Mecktoberfest, shopping markets, Laketoberfest, a ribs and whiskey event, and more, there’s no shortage of things to do.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9
Wing Haven’s Fall Plant Sale
October 9 – 11
Plant lovers, get ready to shop. Wing Haven is having their annual Fall Plant Sale where you can shop local favorite and unusual plants, Wing Haven legacy plants, trees, shrubs and more assisted by their knowledgeable staff and volunteers. All proceeds benefit Wing Haven’s gardens, programs and educational outreach. Member’s Day on Wednesday, October 8. Open to the public October 9-11. Admission to Wing Haven’s gardens is free during the plant sale, but donations are appreciated. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather with a stroll through the gardens after shopping plant favorites.
Autumn Elegance Beauty Event at Dermatology, Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas
October 8 – 9
From some of the best prices all year on injectables to big discounts on treatments including Botox and Filler, surgical procedures, lasering and cosmeceuticals, you do not want to miss the last day of this event at DLVSC. Click here for the full list of discounts and call in today for your savings.
Ribs and Whiskey Event
Thursday, October 9, 6 – 9p
Join Triple C Brewing for a mouthwatering evening featuring an allocated bourbon tasting and beef ribs with Izzy’s and special guest Ron Martinez with Little Havana Humidor. Expect seven amazing, rare and hard to find bourbons for you to taste along with a perfectly paired beef rib (1 or 2) , sides, and dessert from Izzy’s. Each ticket enters you into a raffle to win a freshly dumped Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10
Movie Night At Rea Farms: Mufasa The Lion King
Friday, October 11, 6:30p
Head to Rea Farms for a weekly outdoor movie at Rea Park. This week, Mufasa The Lion King will be on the big screen. Don’t forget to bring your lawnchairs and blankets, and grab some takeout while you enjoy the movie.
Night Owl 5K
Saturday, October 10, 7p
The Night Owl 5K is back at Lake Haigler! Start and finish at the entrance, grab food and drinks from Gateway Canteen, roast marshmallows at the fire pits, shop for gear, and enjoy the Greenway trails. Want to make it a weekend? Race registration includes Friday night camping, and you can add more nights or extra campers if you want. Not feeling the run? Try the Hike Challenge and explore the 5K course at night, no timing, just fun.
Mecktoberfest Weekend Four (Ballantyne)
October 10 – 12
Get ready for fun and festivities at the last weekend of OMB’s 2025 Mecktoberfest at the Ballantyne location. Guests can indulge in classic German cuisine, enjoy live music in the Biergartens, and take part in festive games.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
Apex Southpark Mimosa Market
Saturday, October 11, 10a – 2p
Celebrate fall and support a great cause at the Apex Southpark Mimosa Market on Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Enjoy exclusive shopping discounts, local artisan finds, tasty bites, and bubbly mimosas, plus fresh flowers, live music, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Your $20 ticket gets you in and supports Carolina Breast Friends. Check in at SouthPark Church (Apex Drive & Element Way) and spend the day sipping, shopping, and celebrating with friends, all for a good cause.
Carolina Clay Matters Fall Pottery Festival
Saturday, October 11, 10a – 4p
The Carolina Clay Matters Fall Pottery Festival is back on Monroe Road! Explore the ceramic creations of 60+ local artists from across the Charlotte area, ranging from seasoned professionals to up-and-coming talent. You’ll find everything from kitchenware and dining pieces to wall art, garden décor, and more. If it can be made from clay, it’ll be there! Admission is free, however, if you RSVP you’ll be entered to win a raffle of $50 to spend at the festival.
Fall for Matthews in Downtown Matthews
Saturday, October 11, 10a – 4p
“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.
Mint 2 Move for Kids
Saturday, October 11, 11a – 12p
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a special family-friendly event at Mint Museum Randolph. Kids and their families can enjoy a free bilingual (English-Spanish) program led by Latin American artists and educators from Criss Cross Mangosauce, exploring Latin music, stories, and instruments. This edition of Mint 2 Move for Kids also features the exhibition Art of Devotion: The Santos de Palo Tradition of Puerto Rico, connecting culture, art, and heritage in a fun and interactive way.
Charlotte BookPalooza Festival
Saturday, October 11, 11a – 4p
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.
Second Saturdays Market in SouthPark presented by Shop Local QC
Saturday, October 11, 11a – 4p
ShopLocalQC introduces their new Saturday Market location, in SouthPark, with their SECOND SATURDAYS in SouthPark next to Legion Brewing. shopping with 25+ incredible vendors, fun activities, photo stations, and more. Every second Saturday | 11 AM – 4 PM (Sept-Nov), you can enjoy a rotation of new vendors and returning favorites each month.
Charlotte VegFest 2025
Saturday, October 11, 12 – 6p
Charlotte Vegfest 2025 is a celebration of all things vegan, featuring delicious food, shopping in our vendor village, inspiring speakers, and community. Activities will include: free fitness classes, kid-friendly activities, live entertainment, panel discussions and more.
QS Discover Master’s & MBA Fair
Saturday, October 11, 2p
Unlock your future with a post-graduate degree. QS Discover’s FREE grad school fair allows you to meet 30+ top-ranked universities, including Duke, NC State, Johns Hopkins, UNC, USC, Yale and more, all under one roof! Learn more about graduate school admissions, financing options, and attend career and personal branding panels. Get a step ahead of your competition and meet admissions representatives face-to-face. You’ll also become eligible for exclusive scholarships, a free professional headshot, free resume review, and discounted test prep services, just for attending! The networking event is free, but spots are limited, so make sure to register now.
Laketoberfest in Cornelius
Saturday, October 11, 4 – 9p
The annual Laketoberfest is back for another year of food trucks, local beers and ciders from NC breweries, kid zones, and a festival that will be sure to get you in the spirit of Oktoberfest. Don’t forget your chairs or blankets to enjoy the show, no pets allowed.
Latin Night at Camp North End
Saturday, October 11, 5 – 10p
Come and celebrate the end of the Hispanic Heritage Month, with live music, dance, and Latin bites! Free fun for the whole family.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12
Miles That Matter 5K
Sunday, October 12, 8a
Miles That Matter 5K isn’t just a race – it’s a call to the community to care deeper, to step forward, and to run with heart. Every registration helps create kits for unhoused neighbors. This year, their goal is to deliver 100 care kits directly into the hands of those who need them most.
Panthers Bud Light Backyard Tailgate
Sunday, October 12, 10:30a – 12:30p
Cheer on the Panthers at the Bud Light Backyard Tailgate before each home game this season. Panthers Fans will have access to food trucks, a DJ, cornhole, football toss, photobooth, and more. General Admission is free and a gameday ticket is NOT required to enter.
