Fall is in full swing this weekend, and Charlotte is packed with ways to celebrate! From the Renaissance Festival and pumpkin patches to a Taylor Swift-themed brunch, festive pop-up bars, fall movie nights, markets, Oktoberfests, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Subscribe to keep reading
Join 12,322 Charlotte tastemakers.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2
Harry Potter Pop Up Bar at The Union
October 1 – 31
The Union will be doing a Harry Potter pop-up bar for the entire month of October. Expect fun themed cocktails, weekly events and more. And of course, the entire bar will be decorated to match.
Crossroads Cinema: Halloweentown
Thursday, October 2, 8p
Grab your friends, bring your chairs, and enjoy a fun night of movies under the stars at Fall Crossroads Cinema at Camp North End. This weekend, Halloweentown will be on the big screen. Be sure to grab your favorite Camp bites and drinks and check out the free retro arcade games while you’re there.
Haunted by Black Lagoon at Backstage Lounge
October 1 – November 1
Step into the shadows this spooky season at Haunted by Black Lagoon inside Backstage Lounge! From October 1 to November 1, the bar transforms into a hauntingly cool hideaway with eerie vibes, themed cocktails, mocktails, and shooters that are wickedly good. Open every night of the week, the party really comes alive on Fridays and Saturdays with a live DJ starting at 7:30 p.m.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3
First Friday Gallery Crawl
Friday, October, 5 – 8:30p
Stroll the streets of one of Charlotte’s artsiest neighborhoods and enjoy local art in all forms including galleries, murals and installations. Make a night of it with dinner or drinks at one of South End’s many restaurants and breweries.
Community Pumpkin Patch at Phillips Place
October 3 – 10
Celebrate fall at the Phillips Place Pumpkin Patch, located in the central courtyard. This pumpkin patch is perfect for families and friends to pick pumpkins, honey, jams, and other seasonal goods throughout the week. Pumpkins, florals, jams, honey, and other local goods are grown locally by Cox Brother Acres.
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. Yyou won’t want to miss this multi-generational experience.
Mecktoberfest Weekend Three: Ballantyne
October 3 – 5, 11a – 10p
Get ready for fun and festivities at Weekend Three 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.
Oktoberfest at Gilde Brewery
October 3 – 5
The final weekend of Oktoberfest at Gilde Brewery is here. Expect live music, stein shuffles, steinholding competitions, keg tappings, and more, plus all the incredible German food and bier you love from Gilde.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
Jeepers Creepers 5k and 10k at Daniel Stowe Conservancy
Saturday, October 4, 8a
Bust out those Halloween costumes early for the second annual Jeepers Creepers 5k and 10k at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. Jeepers Creeper participants will get to race in the costume race at the Garden (costumes not mandatory but highly encouraged). Runners and walkers can then enjoy free admission to the Garden to enjoy the fall exhibit: “Scarecrow Hollow”, plus receive fun prizes for those who go all out. After the race, while you cool down and cheer on all the participants, enjoy firepits, smores’, cold beverages, and seasonal competitions at the Trailhead Store.
South End Farmers Market: Pet Adoption Event
Saturday, October 4, 8a – 1p
On Saturday, October 4th, the South End Farmer’s Market is hosting a special pet adoption event at Atherton Mill from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. with adoptable puppies onsite from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. In addition to meeting your new best friend, visitors can snag coupons for free or discounted vet services from LiveWell Animal Hospital and shop all-natural chews and fresh dry food from Pet Wants. Plus, every dollar donated to Give.Match.Feed. will be matched by Pet Wants in fresh food for local shelters and rescues. Come for the farmers, makers, and fresh finds and leave with a new best friend.
Pink Cupcake Walk
Saturday, October 4th, 9a – 1p
The Pink Cupcake Walk Presented by Audi Charlotte is back again this year in Uptown. You’ll enjoy mini cupcakes from four local bakeries while walking laps around Charlotte Knights Baseball Field. You’ll be supporting our partner Go Jen Go, a non-profit that provides financial assistance to families in the greater Charlotte area who are facing the financial burden of breast cancer. The Pink Cupcake Walk starts at 9:00am with gates to the field opening at 8:00am.
Taylor Swift Sycamore Brunch
Saturday, October 4, 10a – 1p
In case you missed it, Taylor Swift’s newest album (The Life of a Showgirl) comes out on October 3rd, so Sycamore is celebrating with brunch on October 4th. Your ticket includes all-you-can-eat brunch + bottomless mimosas, and of course, a DJ spinning the new Taylor Swift album all brunch long.
Phillips Place Fall Market & Shopping Stroll
Saturday, October 4, 10a – 2p
Celebrate fall at Phillips Place on Saturday, October 4, at the annual Fall Market & Shopping Stroll. Enjoy a festive day with a pumpkin patch, local vendors, live music, seasonal treats and drinks, special in-store activations, a flower truck, kids’ crafts and balloon art, exclusive restaurant offers, and more. Bring your friends, family, and fall spirit for a fun-filled day in the heart of Phillips Place!
The Charlotte Coffee Festival 2025
Saturday, October 4, 10a – 3p
The CLT Coffee Festival celebrates Charlotte’s thriving coffee scene in the heart of Uptown! Enjoy a full day of tastings, live competitions, music, and artisan vibes. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just love a good cup, there’s something for everyone. Organized by a passionate team of local coffee enthusiasts, the festival brings back the energy and excitement of Charlotte’s last coffee celebration.
Oktoberfest at Optimist Hall
Saturday, October 4, 11a
Stein-holding competitions, keg-rolling contests, live bands, craft beer, and festive food options make this 4th annual Oktoberfest at Optimist Hall one you won’t want to miss. Family friendly activities will be available as well, making this a great fall activity to bring the whole fam to. Event is free to attend.
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.
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.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5
2025 Queen City Oktoberfest
Sunday, October 5, 1 – 6p
Get ready for the 2025 Queen City OktoberFest at Blush CLT. Expect ice-cold beer, savory bratwurst, live music, and plenty of dancing, all the essentials for the perfect fall day. Grab your crew, raise a stein, and celebrate Oktoberfest in true Queen City style.
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.”
