It’s time for fall festivals in Charlotte. This year is a little bit (well, a lot) different. Most of the festivals have been canceled.

Some organizations are modifying their festivals to be safe for this year, and we’ll list them below.

Many of the events require a registration this year, to keep crowds under control.

Underneath our festival list we are including a big list of special fall and Halloween events around the Charlotte area. This list will be updated every time we add an event to our calendar.

Let us know what you’ve heard about!

Charlotte fall festivals 2020

12th Annual Mecktoberfest at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery has plenty of space to spread out and enjoy its traditional Mecktoberfest celebration. September 25th to 27th. Free to attend.

Fall Flower Festival at Dogwood Farms

Dogwood Farms is about an hour and a half drive from Charlotte, northwest of Greensboro, but folks who have been here say it's worth the drive. The festival goes from September 26th to October 4th, although those dates can be affected by weather and how the crops do. $5 for admission.

Cabarrus Brewing Company's 5th Annual Oktoberfest

This year, Cabarrus Brewing Company is spreading their Oktoberfest over two weekends, September 25th to October 4th, split into three-hour blocks. You'll need to reserve your spot.

Halloween light show in McAdenville

You probably know about the Christmas lights throughout McAdenvile, but did you know that one house also puts on a Halloween light show? Drive by and see thousands of lights, synchronized to eight or nine themed Halloween songs. You can even control the display from their website.

Fall Festival Pre-Holiday Extravaganza Hot Glass Alley

October 10th and 11th. Fall festival at Hot Glass Alley. Enjoy glass blowing demos, apple cider, light refreshments, and an outdoor glass pumpkin patch.

Chinese Lantern Festival at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

The Chinese Lantern Festival will take place from October 15th, 2020, to January 3rd, 2021. Advance tickets are $23.95 for adults and $15.95 for children age 2-12.

South Carolina State Fair drive-thru experience

The South Carolina State Fair is offering a drive-through experience on October 20th and 21st, and it's free. Although there will not be rides, you can enjoy food, exhibits, crafts and animals, all from the safety of your car. Free to attend.

27th Annual Apple Harvest Festival at Windy Hill Orchard

Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill is holding its annual Apple Harvest Festival on October 17th. It includes hayrides, music, and lots of delicious apples and apple products, especially apple cider donuts. This is a ticketed event, and we will update when tickets go on sale. Generally tickets are around $10.