September 1 to 4, 2023
Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade Street, Matthews, NC
Free (but there's a cost for rides)

This Labor Day tradition features live music, rides, games, an arts and crafts market and a Labor Day parade.

September 1 to 9, 2023
Iredell County Fairgrounds
630 N Main Street, Troutman, North Carolina
$6 (rides are extra)

September 2 and 3, 2023
9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC
Free (parking is $6)

Enjoy live music, yoga, trail races and more. (There's a charge for races, and pass activities are available at the regular rate.)

Saturday, September 2, 2023: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, September 3, 2023: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC
Free

Tons of sausage varieties will be available for purchase. In addition, there will be live music and a "sausage toss" competition. If you bring a dachshund, you get a free beer!

September 2 and 3, 2023
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC
$10 per day for adults; $5 per day for kids (more at the gate)

Historic Rural Hill is presenting its annual Battle of Charlotte Living History Weekend. Besides the battle reenactments it will feature historic cooking, camp life, music, weapons demonstrations, kids' activities and more.

September 8 to 10, 2023
Friday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
$5 (free for children under age 12)

Yiasou Greek Festival features authentic Greek food, music, dancing, a kids' playland, tours of the cathedral and more.

September 8 to 16, 2023
Monday to Thursday: 4 to 10 p.m.
Fridays: 4 to 11 p.m.
Saturdays: 1 to 11 p.m.
Sunday: 1 to 10 p.m.
Cabarrus Events + Arena Center
4751 NC Highway 49 North, Concord, NC
Ages 12+: $8; Ages 6-11: $6; Ages 5 and under: Free; Military: $6; Age 55+: $6

Cabarrus County Fair features rides, entertainment, livestock competitions and lots of fair food. You'll need a FunTagg Digital Card or wristband for rides.

September 9 and 10, 2023
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hot Glass Alley
438 Atando Avenue, Charlotte, NC
Free

Watch glassblowing demonstrations throughout the day. There will also be hundreds of glass pumpkins for sale, a food truck, and beer.

Enjoy many Oktoberfest celebrations in September and October, including Mecktoberfest, Laketoberfest and more.

September 15 to October 1, 2023
Various locations in Uptown Charlotte, as well as Ballantyne's Backyard

Charlotte International Arts Festival is a visual and performing arts festival that will feature large-scale interactive arts installations, as well as performances of all kinds, Many of the events and features are free, but some are ticketed. This annual festival is presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts.

Friday, September 15, 2023
5 to 10 p.m.
Fountain Park
300 E Main Street, Rock Hill, SC
Free

This festival is an expansion of the Food Truck Friday on the same date, so there will be plenty of food options, but also pumpkin carving, wiener dog races and a kids' zone with rides, inflatables and more.

Saturday, September 16, 2023
8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC
Free (parking is $6, and all activities are at their regular price)

The festival celebrates wellness and mindfulness in a natural, outdoor setting. There will be more than 40 yoga practices and workshops, plus vendors, kombucha and more.

September 16, 2023
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Harrisburg Park
191 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg
Free

Discover different cultures through art, music, fashion, dance and food.

Sunday, September 17, 2023
12 to 6 p.m.
Route 29 Pavilion
5650 Sandusky Blvd, Concord, NC
Free (parking is $10)

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with live music, folkloric dancers, authenti food, kids' activities, arts and crafts, and a special civic ceremony with an official from the Consulate of Mexico in the Carolinas.

Thursday, September 21, 2023
6 to 8 p.m.
Embrace Community Sculpture in MoRA
6697 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC
Free

This event features live music from 80s tribute band Kids in America, as well as free inflatable games and a market area with local vendors and artisans.

September 22 to 24, 2023
Freedom Park
1900 East Boulevard, Charlotte
Free

More than 150 artists and artisans will be displaying and selling their work, and there will be live entertainment on several stages.

September 23, 2023
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Barnhardt Student Activity Center
9290 Barnardt Lane, Charlotte, NC
Free

This long-running festival features booths sharing the diverse cultures of 40 nations, dance and music performances, an international game zone, Parade of Nations, and international food.

Saturday, September 23, 2023: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 24, 2023: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC
Adults: $10. Ages 6-10: $5. Seniors: $5.

This event will showcase indigenous culture, with Native American vendors, dancer,s singers and food.

Saturday, September 23, 2023
2 to 8 p.m.
Huntersville Athletic Park
11720 Verhoeff Drive, Huntersville, NC
Free

Huntersville Hay Days event will have something for everyone: children's rides and inflatables, fall carnival games, miniature train rides, live music with local performers, food trucks and much more! Be sure to stay until the clock strikes 8 p.m. for a special evening display — 2023 marks 150 years since the Town of Huntersville was incorporated, and they'll be celebrating in style.

Saturday, September 23, 2023
12 to 8 p.m.
Belk Theater
130 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Free for outdoor activities.
Indoor performances: $6 at the door or $5 online. Free for kids under age 10.

This popular festival includes cultural dances, visual arts, a souvenir bazaar, Indian food, exhibits, henna tattoos, sari draping, turban tying and more.

Saturday, September 23, 2023
12 to 8 p.m.
The Amp Ballantyne
11115 Upper Avenue, Charlotte, NC
Free

This year the Latin American Festival will be part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival. Enjoy live performances, authentic Latin American food, handmade crafts, visual art, and more.

September 23, 2023
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Union County Agricultural Center
3230 Presson Road, Monroe, NC
Free

Union County Heritage Festival includes a vendor fair, kids' activities, live entertainment, a 4-H expo and much more.

September 23 and 24, 2023
12 to 7 p.m.
Dallas Lavender Lane Farm
937 Old Willis School Road, Dallas, NC
$10 (kids 12 and under free)

Live music, line dancing, family entertainment, local vendors, and a BBQ contest.

September 23, 2023: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
September 24, 2023: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
St. Simeon Serbian Orthodox Church
7609 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC
Free

Enjoy live music, authentic food, kids' activities and a soccer tournament. Make sure to check out the cultural displays and the interior of the church, which is filled with beautiful art on every surface.

Saturday, September 23, 2023
10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Gantt Center
551 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Free

This all-day celebration of youth and literacy features engaging storytelling, art-making workshops, a vendor marketplace, and an African drum circle. Win prizes from the festival's partner, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Sunday, September 24, 2023
12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Stumptown Park
120 S Trade Street, Matthews, NC
Free

Music, food, roving entertainers, pasta demonstration, art, even an Italian language lesson! This is an immersive Italian experience, right in Matthews.

Sunday, September 24, 2023
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wow Supermarket
2557 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, North Carolina
Free

The 3rd annual Latin American Festival at Wow Supermarket in Gastonia features lots of live entertainment and more.

Saturday, September 30, 2023
12 to 6 p.m.
Downtown Concord, NC
Free

Live music, cultural displays, international craft vendors, kids' activities and food.

Saturday, September 30, 2023
11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
5210 Carmel Road, Charlotte, NC
$20 for adults, free for kids

Your $20 ticket includes a chance to win $500 at Cow Chip Bingo. The event also includes pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce house, dance contest and more,

Saturday, September 30, 2023
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Carl J. McEwen Historic Village
7602 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC
Free

Stroll the grounds of the historic village and discover the ways of life 100 eyars ago. Museums will be oopen, with demonstrations, throughout the village. There will also be face painting, games, crafts, pumpkin decorating, panning for gold, visits with the blacksmith, shopping at the farmers' market and more.

September 30, 2023
12 to 8 p.m.
Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte
Free

Charlotte VegFest  is a celebration of healthy, sustainable, and compassionate eating, and explores the benefits of vegetarian living. There will be cooking demos, talks, raffles, Vegan Mac & Cheese and Vegan BBQ competitions, and more.

Saturday, September 30, 2023
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
St. Matthews Catholic Church Gym
8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC
Free

Live music, a lottery raffle, kids' area and more, but the highlight is probably the delicious authentic Lebanese food for sale.

Sunday, October 1, 2023
2 to 5 p.m.
Robbins Park
17738 W Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC
Free

Fun contests for dogs (there's a small fee to enter), pet-related vendors, concessions, and more.

Saturday, October 7, 2023
12 to 6 p.m.
Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte
Free

Latin American cultural performances, Latin American bands and artists, family area, more.

Saturday, October 7, 2023
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Leatherman Lane
3330 Odell School Road, Concord, North Carolina
$5. Free for kids

Pony rides, vendors, entertainment, sack races, raffle and more. The event raises money for Go Jen Go, an organization that provides financial assistance to people battling breast cancer.

Saturday, October 7, 2023
11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Truist Field
324 South Mint Street, Charlotte, NC
Free

Enjoy German-style food and music, plus a Biergarten and Wienzelt, plus kids' rides (tickets required), a pumpkin patch and more.

Saturday, October 7, 2023
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eva B. Garber Park
3801 Gossett Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina
Free

Come out and walk through the historic Hoskins neighborhood. There will be food, giveaways, games, music, horse rides, vendors and more.

Saturday, October 7, 2023
3 to 6 p.m.
Cain Park
21336 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC
Free

This is the first year for this festival, which will celebrate the many cultures of the people who make up Cornelius and surrounding areas. There will be art and craft vendors, live performances, and food and drink.

Saturday, October 14, 2023
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
210 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC
Free

Enjoy arts and crafts vendors, business vendors, food vendors, a DJ, a sip & stroll, a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo and a children's area.

Saturday, October 14, 2023
12 to 4 p.m.
Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC
Free to watch ($6 parking)

Watch paddlers navigate the competition channel in their home-made boats. See if they can withstand the rapids.

October 14, 2023
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Catawba Park
2351 New Grey Rock Road, Tega Cay, SC
Free

This free festival features arts and crafts, live music, eating contests vendors, food trucks, a kids' zone and more.

Saturday, October 14, 2023
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Luke Catholic Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, NC
Free

Enjoy live music, games, face painting, food, vendors, a bake sale, a used book sale, and a silent auction.

Saturday, October 14, 2023
3 to 8 p.m.
Park Road and Mockingbird Lane, Charlotte, NC
Free

Enjoy music, food and fun!

Saturday, October 14, 2023
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Camp TN Spencer Park
3155 Foxford Drive, Concord, NC
$5

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. At this unique festival you will learn survival skills, including shelter bulding, campfire cooking, canoeing, candle making archery and more. Enjoy pioneer music, games, crafts and stories.

Saturday, October 14, 2023
2 p.m.
Harrisburg Park
191 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg, NC
Free

Celebrate Harrisburg's 150th anniversary with children's activities, including the "world's largest bounce house," food trucks and more. At 7:30 p.m. there will be a concert by ACM and CMT award-winning country artist, Scotty McCreery, followed by a drone show.

Saturday, October 14, 2023
5 to 8 p.m.
The Longhouse
996 Avenue of the Nations, Rock Hill, SC
Free

This festival is hosted by Catawba Nation and is open to the public. It includes trunk or treat, hayrides, mini-pumpkin painting, costume contest, games, food truck, dessert contest and more.

Sunday, October 15, 2023
12 to 4 p.m.
Village Green
119 S Main Street, Davidson, NC
Free (pay for food)

The Jewish Council of Lake Norman is bringing this celebration of Jewish food and culture to downtown Davidson. Enjoy hard-to-find Jewish delicacies, as well as music, kids' activities, dancing, and more.

October 19, 2023: 4 to 9 p.m.
October 20, 2023: 4 to 10 p.m.
October 21:, 2023: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Park
8500 Fairview Road, Mint Hill, NC
Free (pay for rides, games, etc.)

This annual festival includes concerts, a family carnival, an arts and crafts fair, food, and a fireworks show.

Thursday, October 19, 2023: 6 to 10 p.m.
Friday, October 20, 2023: 6 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, October 21, 2023: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Jack D. Hughes Park
513 Main Street, Pineville, NC
Free

Live music, rides, a pie eating contest, chili cook-off, children's entertainment and more. The event oncudes with a fireworks show.

Saturday, October 21, 2023
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m
Uptown Shelby, North Carolina
Free

Celebrate liver mush with eating contests, recipe contests, and a cook-off. You don't have to love liver mush to enjoy this festival. There will also be live music, kids' activities, and pet activities, including a costume contest and a parade.

Saturday, October 21, 2023
5 to 9 p.m.
Stumptown Park
120 S Trade Street, Matthews, NC
Free

Enjoy music, games, artist exhibits, food trucks, a craft beer tent and more.

October 21 and 22, 2023
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
NoDa Brewing Company, 150 W 32nd Street, Charlotte, NC
Free

At this family-friendly festival, watch a street chalk art gallery caome to live.

Saturday, October 21, 2023
7 to 10 p.m.
Downtown Mt. Holly, NC
Free

This parade features imaginative, brightly lit lanterns created by local artists, students and community members. It's free to participate in as well as to watch.

Saturday, October 21, 2023
12 to 6 p.m.
Baxter Village
940 Market Street, Fort Mill, SC
Free

125+ vendors, live entertainment, inflatables and slides, games, prizes, food and more. The Greg Parrish Band will be performing.

Saturday, October 21, 2023
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
115 W Main Street, Lincolnton, NC
Free

Live entertainment, craft vendors, kids' activities, and lots of apple growers!

Saturday, October 21, 2023
5 to 8 p.m.
C.B. Huss Recreation Center
8 Julian Street, Cramerton, North Carolina
Free

Games, prizes, cakewalks, trick or treating. Buy an unlimited play wristband for $5.

Saturday, October 21, 2023
1 to 4 p.m.
Blakeney Shopping Center
9870 Rea Road, Charlotte, North Carolina
Free

Balloon twisting, glitter tattoos, games and prizes, crafts, free popcorn (while it lasts), photo opportunities, roaming performers and more.

Saturday, October 21, 2023
5 to 9 p.m.
McDowell Nature Center
15222 South York Road, Charlotte, NC
$7 per person.

Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Enjoy live animals, crafts, night hikes, wagon rides, s'mores, popcorn, and interactive booths. Food trucks will be on site.

Friday, October 27, 2023
5 p.m.
The Amp Ballantyne
11115 Upper Avenue, Charlotte, NC
$10

Celebrate an early Halloween!

Friday, October 27, 2023
5 to 7 p.m.
Stowe Family YMCA
196 YMCA Drive, Belmont, North Carolina

Trunk or treat, family game night, bounce house, arts & crats, and more.

Saturday, October 28, 2023
2 to 7 p.m.
Stowe Park
24 S Main Street, Belmont, North Carolina
Free

Enjoy music, activity vendors, arts and crafts vendors, costume contests, games, carnival rides, and trick or treating. The movie, Casper, will be shown at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 4, and Sunday, November 5, 2023
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC
One-day adult tickets: $14-$16. Discount for 2-days and for kids

Watch handlers have their dogs herd sheep through a series of gates and into a pen. There will also be other dog demos, organizations, merchants, food trucks, pet adoptions and more.

Saturday, November 18, 2023
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Catawba Cultural Center
1536 Tom Steven Road, Rock Hill, SC
Free

Celebrate the art, history and culture of the Catawba people, with drumming, kids' activities, traditional dances and more.