16 Charlotte area fall festivals to put on your calendar

Matthews Alive

Dates: September 2-5
Location: Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St.
Details: Admission is free. Festival offers family games, rides and activities as well as food and entertainment. All proceeds support Matthews-based schools and nonprofits.

Yiasou Greek Festival

Dates: September 8-11
Location: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd.
Details: Tickets are $3, but kids 12 and under are free. One of Charlotte’s premier festivals for good reason. Step inside for choral performances, lectures and cathedral tours or stay outdoors for food, entertainment, rides and games.

Cabarrus County Fair

Dates: September 9-17
Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 N.C. Highway 49 North
Details: Tickets range from $3.25 to $7.50, and children 5 years old and younger are free. Rides, fair food, petting zoo, a youth horse show and chainsaw art are among the attractions.

Eat From a Truck Festival

Dates: September 10
Location: AvidXchange Music Factory, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
Details: Billing itself as the largest food truck festival in the Carolinas, more than 100 local and regional food trucks will converge. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $25 for VIP. Trucks will be offering a $4 food option.

Downtown Davidson Arts Festival

Dates: September 17
Location: Downtown Davidson
Details: Free. Browse work by local artists, sample beer/wine, enjoy live music. Kids art area included.

Festival of India

Dates: September 17-18
Location: Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St.
Details: Children younger than 10 are free. Tickets are $6 in advance or $7 at the door. Sponsored by the India Association of Charlotte, it features performances, art and a “Charlotte Idol” contest.

Festival in the Park

Dates: September 23-25
Location: Freedom Park
Details: Admission is free. A can’t-miss festival that includes work from local artists, performances, children’s rides and festival food.

Denver Days

Dates: September 23-24
Location: Rescue Squad Park, Denver
Details: Free. Rides, entertainment, food, local craft and artisan vendors and a corn hole tournament.

UNC Charlotte International Festival

Dates: September 24
Location: Free. UNC Charlotte Student Activity Center, 9201 University City Blvd.
Details: Browse booths that represent cultures from more than 50 nations. Arts, crafts and costumes are featured.

Indian Trail Cultural Arts Festival

Dates: September 24
Location: Chestnut Square Park, 320 Chestnut Parkway
Details: Free. Artists, food and family activities.

Hola Charlotte Festival

Dates: October 1
Location: North Tryon Street and West 6th Street
Details: Free. Charlotte’s official Hispanic Heritage Festival. Cultural exhibits, food and other displays.

Pineville Fall Fest

Dates: October 14-15
Location: Downtown Pineville
Details: Music, craft vendors, rides, food, games and a pie eating contest are all featured.

Apple Harvest Festival

Date: October 15
Location: Windy Hill Orchard, 1860 Black Highway, York, S.C.
Details: Check back for ticket information. This 23rd annual festival includes hard and regular cider, hayrides and apple doughnuts.

South End Wine Fest

Date: October 15
Location: 308 W. Carson Blvd.
Details: General admission is $35 for four hours. (Designated drivers are $10.) Wine samplings, food trucks and live music.

Carolina Book Fest

Date: October 15
Location: Marriott City Center, 100 W. Trade St.
Details: Not all festivals are outdoors. This one is for the book worms. Tickets are $15 for general admission or $25 to also gain entrance to the Monster Mash costume party.

Carolina Balloon Fest

Date: October 21-23
Location: 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville, N.C.
Details: Tickets range from $5 to $25 (includes premium parking), and packages are also available. Celebrate and watch hot air balloons, browse vendors and eat food.

Cover image via the Matthews Alive Facebook page