With its old-fashioned Southern charm and desirable real estate, what isn’t there to love about Charlotte? The weather is cooling off, pumpkin spice and apple pie are abundant, and flannel is everywhere! There’s no better way to celebrate the Fall season than partaking in the many Fall festivals and events that Charlotte has to offer in 2018. From Balloonfest to wine tastings, there’s plenty to do for the entire family!
Carolina Ballooonfest
From Oct. 19-21, lift off or watch among thousands of spectators as 50+ colorful hot air balloons take flight at the Carolina Balloonfest held just north of Charlotte in Statesville. The event spans decades of the area’s aviation history and offers live entertainment, taste of North Carolina wines and craft beers, delicious festival food, exhibits and activities. Whether you’re an adrenaline junky, foodie, or spectator, this event is sure to excite the entire family.
Learn more about the festival and purchase your tickets here.
The Carolina Renaissance Festival
Enjoy a taste of history at the Carolina Renaissance Festival in Huntersville, Sep. 29 through Nov. 18. This festival features twelve stages packed with entertainment, knights jousting on horseback, and live falconry! Feast on Renaissance-inspired foods such as turkey legs, steak on a stake, and beef jerky. With the holidays just around the corner, check out the local hand-made crafts to shop for unique gifts!
Learn more about the festival and purchase your tickets here.
The Great Pumpkin Fest
Saturdays & Sundays, Sept. 22 through Oct. 28, bring the kids down to the Great Pumpkin Fest. Filled with Halloween attractions, a Charlie Brown-inspired costume parade, foam zone, a bale maze and much more, this festival will get your family in the fall spirit!
Learn more about the festival and purchase your tickets here.
SCarowinds
Get ready to scream at SCarowinds “scream park,” Friday through Sunday, Oct. 5-28th at Carowinds theme park. Experience thrills with terrifying haunted attractions and shows amongst 500 monsters seeking screams! Embrace your Halloween spirit by navigating haunted mazes and scare zones before the scream park closes for the season!
Learn more about the park and purchase your tickets here.
South End Wine Festival
Calling all wine connoisseurs! Enjoy unlimited tastings from 25 different vineyards, live music and food trucks at the South End Wine Festival on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 2-6 p.m. The neighborhood wine festival benefits Classroom Central in its mission to support the education of students living in poverty. Recover on Oct. 21 at the Official Recovery Brunch located at Roots Café.
Learn more about the festival and purchase your tickets here.
GUTS
Check out the pumpkin carving competition, GUTS on Oct. 27 from 2:30 – 4 p.m. at BB&T Ballpark. Watch incredible, talented artists compete for the best pumpkin and cast your vote for “People’s Choice” at any time during the event. The event benefits Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western NC.
Learn more about the event and purchase your tickets here.
Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill
For all of you apple cider lovers, stop into Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill this season, open mid-August until Christmas. Just an hour outside the city, Windy Hill, a family-owned and -operated boutique apple orchard and award-winning hard cider producer, offers a hard cider bar and fresh fried apple cider doughnuts to get excited about!
