pumpkinsWith fall in the air, pumpkins appearing in grocery stores, and kids dreaming up ideas for costume contests, you might be looking for something a little different as you plan this year’s fall festivities. Fortunately, whether you’re looking to enjoy some music, take in an art show or discover your community’s theater talents, Charlotte has plenty of events to choose from that are sure to please.

Restaurant Crawl with the 9th Annual Blues & Jazz Festival

Center for the Arts
Rock Hill, NC
October 4
7 p.m.

Enjoy a crawl of the Old Town restaurants as part of the Annual Blues & Jazz Festival. The restaurants included in this crawl include City Club of Rock Hill, the Court Room of the Gettys, Erin’s Restaurant, Jimmy Johns and McHales Irish Pub. Jazz and blues musicians Carrie Marshall, Bistro Blue with the Oneppo Brothers Band, Thel Patty, Curley White and Willie “Bluesman” Roach will be contributing to the fun.

Fall Farm Festival

Historic Latta Plantation
Huntersville, NC
October 5
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Go back in time and experience life on a 19th century farm, complete with rare and endangered farm animals. You’ll be able to participate in farm activities, chores and much more.

Little Shop of Horrors

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts and Theater at Matthews Community Center
Matthews, NC
October 11 to October 26
8 p.m.

What better way to celebrate Halloween than with this comedy-horror rock musical set in the 1960s? Be sure not to miss this musical if you enjoy dark comedy, early rock and Motown.

Tchaikovsky’s “Pathetique” and Other Classics

Charlotte Symphony at Belk Theater
Charlotte, NC
October 11-12
8 p.m.

What better way to welcome fall than with an evening of lush music presented by the Charlotte Symphony? This evening will feature a spectacular selection of some of classical music’s most impassioned works, including Mozart’s Overture to Don Giovanni. Captivating violinist Karen Gomyo will be featured, who has been praised by the Chicago Tribune as “a first-rate artist of rare musical command, vitality, brilliance and intensity.”

Sunday Fun Day! Step into the Kaleidoscope: New Contemporary Works

Mint Museum Uptown
Charlotte, NC
October 13
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Experience digital installation works as well as contemporary art. Learn to create kaleidoscope crafts. This family-friendly event features artist demonstrations, healthy living activities such as family yoga and much more.

Grand Nights for Singing

Theater Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
October 18
10 p.m.

This night of intimate cabaret singing features works written for the theater before 1965. Directed by Ryan Deal, it includes selections from “Funny Girl” and promises an unforgettable fall evening of entertainment.

Spinning Spiders and Creepy Crawlers

Charlotte Nature Museum
Charlotte, NC
October 26
10 a.m.

This is a great opportunity to learn all about the small creatures that scurry under our feet while enjoying delicious Halloween treats. Children are encouraged to wear costumes.

Bootanical

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Belmont, NC
October 27
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bootanical is an outdoor Halloween-themed festival featuring artists who work with plants, gardens and nature. Guests will find many exquisite items such as handcrafted pottery, jewelry, baskets, handmade soaps and much more. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes and will enjoy ghostly games and other fun activities.