15 can't-miss events in Charlotte this October
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OMB in Lower South End. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
It's peak fall. From Halloween shenanigans to stein-holding competitions, October is one of the best months to get out and about in Charlotte.
What to expect: The month holds 15 major events, including arena concerts, NASCAR races, hot air balloons, cultural festivals and plenty of spooky season celebrations.
🎸 Oct. 2–3: FabFest celebrates the Beatles with live music, trivia, memorabilia and more, including the Tosco Music Beatles Tribute at Knight Theater. | Times vary | Friday is ticketed; Saturday is free | Details
🩰 Oct. 2–17: Charlotte Ballet's Black Box Series opens its season with three contemporary works at the Center for Dance. | Times vary | $30+ | Details
🍺 Oct. 2–4: Mecktoberfest will bring German beer, food, live music and stein-holding competitions to Olde Mecklenburg Brewery in Ballantyne. | All day | Free to attend | Details
🌎 Oct. 3: Hola Charlotte Festival celebrates Hispanic heritage with Latin American music, dance, food, art and cultural performances in Uptown. | noon-7pm | Free | Details
🇰🇷 Oct. 3: K-Fest celebrates Korean culture with food, live music, games, a K-pop dance contest and more at Seoul Food Meat Co. and Urban District Market. | Noon–10pm | Free to attend | Details
🏰 Oct. 3–Nov. 22: Carolina Renaissance Festival returns to Huntersville with jousting knights, falconry, mermaids, performers, artisan vendors and giant turkey legs. | Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30am–5:30pm | Details
🏈 Oct. 3: Charlotte 49ers take on Memphis during Niner Nation Week and Homecoming at Jerry Richardson Stadium. | Time TBA | Details
🎤 Oct. 7–8: Olivia Rodrigo's "The Unraveled Tour" with Wolf Alice takes over Spectrum Center for back-to-back nights. | 7pm | Ticket prices vary | Details
📚 Oct. 10: Charlotte BookPalooza takes over Truist Field with more than 85 authors, bookish vendors, panels, activities and more. | 11am–4pm | $5 for adults; free for kids and teens | Details
🏺 Oct. 10: Carolina Clay Matters Fall Pottery Festival features handmade ceramics from more than 80 local artists, plus food, coffee, flowers and live music on Monroe Road. | 10am–4pm | Free | Details
🏎️ Oct. 11: Bank of America 400 brings NASCAR Cup Series racing back to Charlotte Motor Speedway's 1.5-mile oval, plus a pre-race concert from Tyler Hubbard. | 3pm | $12+ | Details
🎶 Oct. 13: Jonas Brothers bring their "Burning Up Tour All Over Again" to Spectrum Center. | 7:30pm | $56+ | Details
🎈 Oct. 16–18: Carolina BalloonFest fills the skies over Statesville with hot air balloons, drone shows, live entertainment and more. | Times and prices vary | Details
🪩 Oct. 23: QC Swap's 21+ Bad Prom returns to Amos' Southend with a "Forbidden Forest Masquerade" theme. | 8pm | $55 in advance | Details
👻 Oct. 24–31: NoDaWeen brings Halloween festivities to NoDa, including the Freaky 5K costume run, ghost tours, a candy crawl and neighborhood traditions. | Times & prices for events vary (many are free) | Details