This week’s events, in your region, on one page.
Rural Hill Corn Maze & Autumn Festival 2026
Lost in Historic Rural Hill’s Scottish-themed Amazing Maize Maze—tractor hayrides, pumpkin patch, bounce houses, food trucks, and Saturday live music on the 265-acre farm.
WHO Family
WhenWeekends Sep 5–Oct 31, 2026 · Day maze Fri–Sun 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 3:30 p.m.); night maze Oct Fri–Sat from 5:00 p.m.
WhereHistoric Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
CostSee organizer website for details
SCarowinds
Snickers presents Carowinds’ after-dark haunt: mazes, scare zones, and a new Jason Voorhees maze. Not recommended under 13.
WHO Everyone
WhenSelect nights, Fri Sep 11 – Sat Nov 7, 2026 · Contact organizer for hours
WhereCarowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
CostSee organizer website for details
Cabarrus Art Guild Fall Judged Show 2026
ClearWater’s Main Gallery hangs the Cabarrus Art Guild fall judged show, with the opening reception Sunday afternoon, Oct 4.
WHO Everyone
WhenSat Oct 3–Sat Nov 21 · gallery drop-in Wed–Fri 12:00–5:00 p.m., Sat 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; opening reception Sun Oct 4, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
WhereClearWater Arts Center & Studios, 223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord, NC 28025
CostSee organizer website for details
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Carolina Renaissance Festival — A 25-acre 16th-century marketplace—140+ artisan shops, 16 stages, jousting, falconry, mermaids, and themed weekends—gates 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., free parking.
WHO Family
WhenSaturdays & Sundays Oct 3–Nov 22, 2026 (list through Oct 31) · Gates 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; pre-opening gate show 9:05 a.m.
Where16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
CostAdults 13+ $37.99 + tax; Children 5–12 $23.99 + tax; Ages 4 & under Free; Parking FREE
Paul C. Rhyne Art Competition 2026
Lincoln Cultural Center hangs the Arts Council’s Paul C. Rhyne juried show — painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, printmaking, and fiber — with an awards reception Oct 29.
WHO Everyone
WhenWed Oct 7–Sat Nov 28 · opening reception Thu Oct 29, 6:00 p.m. · Contact organizer for gallery hours
WhereLincoln Cultural Center, 403 East Main Street, Lincolnton, NC
CostSee organizer website for details
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby runs Belk Theater for a six-day Broadway series stretch.
WHO Everyone
WhenTue Oct 13–Sun Oct 18 · Contact organizer for hours
WhereBelk Theater, 130 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
CostSee organizer website for details
Hodges Family Farm Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patch season at Hodges Family Farm, open daily through October 31.
WHO Everyone
WhenWed Oct 14–Sat Oct 31, 2026 · Daily 9 AM–6 PM through Oct 31 (gate closes 5:30 PM)
WhereHodges Family Farm, 3780 Rocky River Road, Charlotte
CostNo entry fee; weekend parking $5/car; hayrides $5 (2 and under free)
Mint Hill Madness 2026
You celebrate Mint Hill’s founding weekend at Veterans Memorial Park—main-stage concerts, carnival atmosphere, children’s zone, and Saturday 9:30 p.m. fireworks from Mint Hill Events.
WHO Family
WhenThu Oct 15 · 4:00–9:00 p.m.; Fri Oct 16 · 4:00–10:00 p.m.; Sat Oct 17 · 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
WhereMint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, 8500 Fairview Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227
CostFREE admission (food/games/carnival rides paid)
28th Annual Pineville Fall Fest
You spend three evenings-into-Saturday at Jack D. Hughes Park—live music, artisan vendors, carnival rides, chili cook-off, children’s stage, costume contests, and Saturday fireworks from Pineville Parks & Recreation.
WHO Family
WhenThu Oct 15 · 5:00–9:00 p.m.; Fri Oct 16 · 5:00–9:00 p.m.; Sat Oct 17 · 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
WhereJack D. Hughes Park, 513 Main Street, Pineville, NC 28134
CostFREE admission (rides/activities may be ticketed)
Charlotte Ballet: Black Box Series
Charlotte Ballet's intimate Black Box Series at the McBride-Bonnefoux Center for Dance.
WHO Everyone
WhenThu Oct 15–Sat Oct 24, 2026 · Thu Oct 15, Fri Oct 16, Sat Oct 17, Sat Oct 24 · 7:30 PM
WherePatricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance, 701 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte
CostSee organizer website for details
Bush-N-Vine Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins
Pick your own pumpkins off the vine and pay by the pound, then grab lunch at the farm café. There are no hayrides this year.
WHO Everyone
WhenThu Oct 15–Sat Oct 31, 2026 · Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM; Sat 8 AM–4 PM; closed Sundays (through Oct 31)
WhereBush-N-Vine Farm (York Stand), 1650 Filbert Hwy, York (York County)
CostSee organizer website for details
Cotton Hills Farm Fall Fun
A corn maze, a straw maze, farm games and a u-pick pumpkin patch at Cotton Hills. Saturdays add unlimited hayrides and tractor-train rides.
WHO Family
WhenThu Oct 15–Sat Oct 31, 2026 · Mon–Sat 9 AM–7 PM (last maze ticket 6 PM); Saturdays add unlimited hayrides & tractor train
WhereCotton Hills Farm — The Market, 2575 Lowrys Hwy, Chester (Chester County)
CostWeekdays $6; Saturdays $12; ages 1 & under free
Fort Mill Scarecrow Crawl
Downtown Fort Mill fills with one-of-a-kind scarecrows built by local shops, schools and families. Walk the crawl and vote for your People's Choice favorite.
WHO Everyone
WhenThu Oct 15–Sat Oct 31, 2026 · Displays throughout October · Contact organizer for hours
WhereDowntown Fort Mill (Scarecrow Crawl), Clebourne Street / downtown corridor, Fort Mill (York County)
CostFree
Arcangel
Arcangel headlines Ovens Auditorium for a Friday reggaeton night.
WHO Everyone
WhenFri Oct 16 · Contact organizer for hours
WhereOvens Auditorium, 2700 East Independence Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
CostSee organizer website for details
CLUTCH: US Fall Tour
CLUTCH’s US Fall Tour hits The Fillmore Charlotte at 7:30 p.m.
WHO Everyone
WhenFri Oct 16. Event starts 7:30 p.m.
WhereThe Fillmore Charlotte, 820 Hamilton Street, Charlotte, NC
CostSee organizer website for details
David Nihill: Taking Tangents Tour
David Nihill’s Taking Tangents Tour brings stand-up to Booth Playhouse.
WHO Adult
WhenFri Oct 16 · Contact organizer for hours
WhereBooth Playhouse, 130 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
CostSee organizer website for details
The Smashing Pumpkins: The Rats in a Cage Tour
You hear two unique sets celebrating Mellon Collie at 30 plus catalog hits—named Spectrum Center arena bill with venue Buy Tickets path as publisher.
WHO Everyone
WhenFriday, Oct 16, 2026 · Event starts 8:00 p.m.
WhereSpectrum Center, 333 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
CostSee organizer website for details
E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest 2026 (51st)
You watch mass ascensions, morning flyovers, and evening balloon glows at Statesville Regional Airport—plus drone shows, kids’ zone, marketplace, wine garden, and live entertainment from National Balloon Rally Charities.
WHO Family
WhenFri Oct 16 · gates 3:00–8:30 p.m.; Sat Oct 17 · gates 6:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Sun Oct 18 · gates 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
WhereStatesville Regional Airport / festival field, 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville, NC 28677
CostAdvance adult Fri $15 / Sat $25 / Sun $20; weekend pass $50; children 6 & under FREE; +$5 at gate on event days
Fright Nights at McGirt Auditorium
A different scary movie plays every Friday night in October and on Halloween, with free popcorn and Kona Ice. Films are PG-13.
WHO Everyone
WhenFri Oct 16–Sat Oct 31, 2026 · Fridays in October and Halloween · 7:30 PM
WhereMcGirt Auditorium, 825 Crawford Road, Rock Hill (York County)
CostFree (popcorn and Kona Ice)
2026 NC Liver Mush Festival (Mush, Music & Mutts)
Uptown Shelby’s liver-mush day stacks an eating contest, live music, 80-plus vendors, and RollOver Pets’ mutt parade.
WHO Family
WhenSat Oct 17 · 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
WhereUptown Shelby (118 South Washington Street), Shelby, NC 28150
CostFree
Black Girl Therapy
Black Girl Therapy fills Booth Playhouse for a Saturday night.
WHO Everyone
WhenSat Oct 17 · Contact organizer for hours
WhereBooth Playhouse, 130 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
CostSee organizer website for details
Charlotte Symphony: The Music of Harry Potter
Charlotte Symphony plays The Music of Harry Potter at Knight Theater.
WHO Everyone
WhenSat Oct 17 · Contact organizer for hours
WhereKnight Theater, 430 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
CostSee organizer website for details
2026 Fort Mill Fall Festival
You spend a free afternoon at Fort Mill Amphitheater & Walter Elisha Park—food and craft vendors, live music, Touch-A-Truck, costume contests, and roving entertainment from the Town of Fort Mill.
WHO Family
WhenSaturday, October 17, 2026 · 2:00–6:00 p.m.
WhereFort Mill Amphitheater & Walter Elisha Park, 345 N. White St, Fort Mill, SC 29715
CostFREE
Gastonia Fall Festival
Gastonia Fall Festival — Downtown Gastonia for food trucks, beer garden, live music, vendors, and a free KidsZone with mechanical rides, inflatables, and carnival games—City of Gastonia host.
WHO Family
WhenSaturday, Oct 17, 2026 · 3:00–7:00 p.m.
WhereRotary Centennial Pavilion / downtown Gastonia, 202 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052
CostFREE (free KidsZone / free entertainment printed)
Halloween Happenings
Downtown Monroe’s Halloween day adds a business trick-or-treat trail, bounce houses, a gaming truck, and a 1 p.m. costume contest.
WHO Family
WhenSat Oct 17 · 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · costume contest 1:00 p.m.
WhereMain Street, Downtown Monroe, NC
CostFree
34th Annual HILLarity
Gadsden Street in downtown Chester fills with a kids zone, a doughnut-eating contest, and food and artisan vendors — rain or shine.
WHO Family
WhenSat Oct 17 · 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
WhereGadsden Street, Historic Downtown Chester, SC 29706
CostSee organizer website for details
Lincoln County Apple Festival
You walk downtown Lincolnton for 100+ handmade craft vendors, 50+ food vendors, two stages of live music, Kids Orchard, and gem mining—alcohol-free, no dogs.
WHO Family
WhenSaturday, Oct 17, 2026 · 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
WhereDowntown Lincolnton (Intersection Aspen & Main; GPS 115 W Main St), Lincolnton, NC
CostSee organizer website for details
ourBRIDGE 13th International Fall Fest
ourBRIDGE’s 13th International Fall Fest is free 2–6 p.m. at the East Site on Willard Farrow Drive.
WHO Family
WhenSat Oct 17. 2:00–6:00 p.m.
WhereourBRIDGE East Site, 3925 Willard Farrow Drive, Charlotte, NC
CostFREE
Rodrigo y Gabriela - OurHome Tour
Rodrigo y Gabriela’s OurHome Tour lands at The Underground.
WHO Everyone
WhenSat Oct 17. Event starts 8:00 p.m.
WhereThe Underground, 820 Hamilton Street, Charlotte, NC
CostSee organizer website for details
United Way Bed Race 2026 (20th Running)
United Way’s 20th bed race sends five-person teams down Main Street after a Parade of Beds, theme Full Speed Ahead.
WHO Family
WhenSat Oct 17 · check-in from 2:00 p.m. · Parade of Beds 3:00 p.m. (races follow)
Where700 Block of Main Street, Lancaster, SC
CostFree for spectators
Charlotte Chalk Art Festival (CCAF2026)
You watch youth and adult chalk competitors fill NoDa Brewing North End’s lot, join the community chalk zone, and catch all-ages open mic—FREE shine-or-rain weekend from Creative Canvas Productions.
WHO Family
WhenSat Oct 17–Sun Oct 18, 2026 · 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. each day
WhereNoDa Brewing Company North End, 150 W 32nd St, Charlotte, NC 28206
CostFREE
NCGCA Statesville Gun Show
NCGCA’s fall Statesville Gun Show fills the Civic Center — Sat 9–5, Sun 9–3; $10, kids under 10 free.
WHO Everyone
WhenSat Oct 17–Sun Oct 18. Sat 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sun 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
WhereStatesville Civic Center, 300 South Center Street, Statesville, NC
Cost$10; kids under 10 Free
Cherry Place Farm Fall Festival
Corn maze, hayrides and barnyard animals fill the last two October weekends at Cherry Place Farm, with free popcorn on the way out.
WHO Family
WhenSat Oct 17–Sun Oct 25, 2026 · Sat Oct 17 & 24 10 AM–6 PM; Sun Oct 18 & 25 1–6 PM
WhereCherry Place Farm, 1950 Oakdale Rd, Rock Hill (York County)
Cost$12 ages 2+ (all activities included)
Black's Peaches Fall Festival
October Saturdays at Black's Peaches mean a hayride, a corn maze, the farm playground and skee-ball. Leave the dog at home.
WHO Everyone
WhenSat Oct 17–Sat Oct 31, 2026 · Saturdays in October 10 AM–4 PM
WhereBlack's Peaches, 1800 Black Highway, York (York County)
Cost$12 + tax; ages 2 and under free
16th Annual Metrolina Theatre Association Gala
Metrolina Theatre Association’s 16th annual gala fills Booth Playhouse.
WHO Everyone
WhenSun Oct 18 · Contact organizer for hours
WhereBooth Playhouse, 130 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
CostSee organizer website for details
Gabriel Iglesias: The 1976 Tour
Gabriel Iglesias’ The 1976 Tour hits Bojangles Coliseum.
WHO Adult
WhenSun Oct 18 · Contact organizer for hours
WhereBojangles Coliseum, 2700 East Independence Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
CostSee organizer website for details
Teddy Swims
Teddy Swims brings The UGLY Tour to Spectrum Center with St. Paul & The Broken Bones and MarcLo.
WHO Everyone
WhenSun Oct 18. Event starts 7:00 p.m.
WhereSpectrum Center, 333 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
CostSee organizer website for details