Sep 30, 2025 - Things to Do

From "Wicked" to the Renaissance Festival: 16 must-do October events in Charlotte

McKenzie Rankin

Arched entrance to a Renaissance Festival with a banner in blue text reading "Renaissance Festival" and a colorful crest in the center, flowers in window boxes, and a clear blue sky. — The 32nd Annual Renaissance Festival will run Oct. 4 through Nov. 23 in Huntersville. Photo: Axios Archives

Charlotte's temps may soon cool down — but the fun won't.

Why it matters: October in the city means the RenFest is back, hockey season is here, and big-name artists (hello, Stevie Nicks and Billie Eilish) will perform at Spectrum Center.

Here are 16 of the biggest events to know:

🎭 Now through Oct. 26: "Wicked" at Belk Theater. | Times vary (best chance of availability on weeknights and Sunday evening performances).

💪 Oct. 4: South End's Fitness in the Park in Wilmore Centennial Park. | 8am-2pm

⚽️ Oct. 4: Carolina Ascent vs. D.C. Power at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The team's only home match in October. | 7pm

🎉 Oct. 4: Hola Charlotte Festival in Uptown (Tryon Street). | Noon-8pm

🏰 Oct. 4-Nov. 23: The 32nd Annual Carolina Renaissance Festival in Huntersville (16445 Poplar Tent Road). | Saturdays & Sundays 9:30am-5:30pm

🏁 Oct. 5: Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. | 3pm

🎃 Oct. 11: Pumpkin Palooza at Truist Field. | 11am-4pm

🏒 Oct. 17: Charlotte Checkers home opener vs. Iowa Wild at Bojangles Coliseum. 7pm

⚽️ Oct. 18: Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union. It's Charlotte FC's regular-season finale. They'll head to the playoffs later this month. | 6pm

🎤 Oct. 19: Billie Eilish: "Hit Me Hard and Soft" tour at Spectrum Center. The concert is sold out, but resale tickets may be available. | 7pm

🎸 Oct. 21: Stevie Nicks at Spectrum Center. | 7pm

🏀 Oct. 22: Charlotte Hornets season opener vs. Brooklyn Nets at Spectrum Center. It's the home team's first game back after renovations of their home arena. | 7pm

🎶 Oct. 23: DOECHII: "Live From the Swamp" tour at Bojangles Coliseum. | 8pm

🎵 Oct. 24: Tate McRae: "Miss Possessive" tour at Spectrum Center. | 7:30pm

🏈 Oct. 26: Panthers vs. Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium. | 1pm

🎤 Oct. 29: Reneé Rapp: "BITE ME" tour at Spectrum Center. | 8pm

Bonus: The 50th Carolina Balloon Fest runs Oct. 17-19 in Statesville (260 Hangar Dr.), about an hour drive from Uptown. | Gates open 3pm Friday

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From "Wicked" to the Renaissance Festival: 16 must-do October events in Charlotte

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