Is there anything more comforting than wearing your favorite cozy sweater, taking an evening stroll, and listening to the crunch of leaves under your feet during this time of year? There are so many fun things to do in Charlotte come the fall, from exploring pumpkin patches, local farmers’ markets, to street festivals and art exhibits. If you’re wondering what you can do to (pumpkin) spice up your calendar this season, be sure to keep reading — we’ve selected a few up-and-coming events and places you won’t want to miss.
Fall Artisan Market
Nestled amid beautiful lakes and lush green forests, the Gateway Canteen at Anne Springs Close Greenway is the perfect place to take a break while exploring nature. Discover local handmade pieces, homemade goods, and farm-fresh produce all while supporting local businesses. Plus, with numerous hiking and cycling trails, horseback riding, and kayaking spots around, there’s truly something for everyone here.
Hola Charlotte Festival
The Hola Charlotte Festival in Uptown Charlotte highlights Latin American culture with events for all ages. Be sure to visit Tyron street to experience live musical performances, dancing, face painting, street vendor, traditional delicacies, and more.
Charlotte International Arts Festival
This multi-week festival features immersive experiences from local, national and international artists. Here you can experience larger-than-life bird puppets, bubble and percussion shows, glow yoga, a rock wall, and the coveted El Grito Festival to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade
Come be part of the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved community tradition. Patrons from all over gather on Tyron street in Uptown to enjoy live music, street performers, giant balloon mascots, and more.
The Great Pumpkin Fest
The Great Pumpkin Fest is any kid’s dreamland, with a games corner, mummy pit, candy corn acres, hay bale maze, pumpkin fest trail, and more. This one-of-a-kind Halloween event for kids also hosts a costume contest and live entertainment all in one magical place.
SCarowinds
If you enjoy creepy Halloween decor and aren’t afraid of what’s lurking around every corner, SCarowinds is the place for you. Blood-thirsty vampires and hungry zombies eagerly await visitors to give a good fright to. This world-class theme park offers spooky rides, a wicked carnival, and a scary arcade.
Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery’s
Discover a one-of-a-kind apple picking experience at Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery’s, complete with hard cider flights for grown-ups and delicious apple cider doughnuts for kids. If you need an excuse to take a break from apple picking, they have beautiful fire pits to sit around at and enjoy the crisp evening air.
Aw Shucks
Not only does Aw Shucks have a corn maze and pumpkin patch, but it also features an animal barn to visit farm favorites, cozy fire pits, and more. Don’t get lost in the maze before you have a chance to check out their pumpkin market with sweet and savory treats.
Fall is always a magical time of year when we get to witness the colors changing and experience evenings in the crisp, cool air. If you’re out exploring, check out these local farmers’ markets, then grab a bite to eat at these local favorites in Charlotte.
Images courtesy of: Sunira Moses (Gourds); Jesse Gardner (Cornfield); Steven Aguilar (Jack-O-Lanterns); Old English District (Fall Artisan Market); Hola Charlotte Festival (Hola Charlotte Festival); Capital Analytics (CIAF); QC Exclusive (Thanksgiving Parade); Midwest Info Guide (Great Pumpkin Fest); WCCB Charlotte (Scarowinds); Visit York County (Windy Hill Orchard); Charlotte Sights (Aw Shucks).