Crisp fall evening in Uptown Charlotte with amber autumn leaves in the foreground and the city skyline behind
Weekly Events Roundup

Things to Do in
Charlotte This Week.

October 19 through October 25, 2026. This is a packed week in Charlotte: the Hornets host two home games at Spectrum Center against the Hawks and Heat, Dave Chappelle brings his Karmageddon tour to the arena, Katseye headlines on Tuesday, and the Carolina Renaissance Festival celebrates Celtic Music Weekend in Huntersville. Add in JPEGMAFIA at The Fillmore, the free Whitewater Film Series, Boo at the Zoo as a day trip, and peak fall farmers markets, and there is no shortage of things to do in Charlotte this week.

Updated October 21, 2026 · by Tracey De Simon

There is a distinct pre-Halloween buzz across Charlotte this week. The big draws are two Charlotte Hornets home games at Spectrum Center (the Hawks on Friday, the Heat on Saturday), Dave Chappelle's Karmageddon stand-up tour on Wednesday night, and Katseye's arena show on Tuesday. If you are looking for things to do in Charlotte this weekend, the Carolina Renaissance Festival in Huntersville celebrates Celtic Music Weekend, and Boo at the Zoo makes a great day trip to Asheboro. Add in JPEGMAFIA at The Fillmore, the free Whitewater Film Series, haunted attractions, corn mazes, and peak fall farmers markets, and you have a wonderfully golden week in the Queen City as Halloween weekend approaches.

01
This Week

Monday through Friday.

The Charlotte Hornets host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, Dave Chappelle brings Karmageddon to Spectrum Center, Katseye headlines on Tuesday, JPEGMAFIA plays The Fillmore, Scene Queen rocks The Underground, the free Whitewater Film Series screens at the Whitewater Center, and the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market is at full fall peak.

Tuesday, October 20
Evening show
Concert

Katseye at Spectrum Center

Spectrum Center - 333 E Trade St, Uptown

The global pop group Katseye brings their high-energy show to Spectrum Center on Tuesday night. Fresh off a breakout year that turned them into one of the most talked-about new acts in pop, the six-member group delivers a slick, choreography-driven set built for a big arena. It is a fun midweek night out in Uptown Charlotte, with plenty of restaurants and parking garages within a short walk of the arena. Tickets through Ticketmaster.

Thursday, October 22
8:00 PM
Concert

Scene Queen: METALICIOUS Tour

The Underground - 820 Hamilton St, Charlotte

Scene Queen brings her METALICIOUS Tour to The Underground on Thursday night, blending pop-punk, metal, and a theatrical stage show. Known for her playful, genre-bending sound and devoted fanbase, she is one of the most exciting rising acts in the modern rock scene. An energetic midweek show at the intimate venue in the Music Factory district.

Friday, October 23
7:00 PM
NBA

Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks

Spectrum Center - 333 E Trade St, Uptown

The Charlotte Hornets host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night at Spectrum Center in a big early-season Southeast Division matchup. With the NBA regular season in full swing, this is a prime chance to experience the electric Uptown game-night atmosphere at the fully renovated arena. Grab dinner in Uptown or South End before tip-off. Tickets through the Hornets and Ticketmaster.

Wednesday, October 21
7:30 PM
Comedy

Dave Chappelle: Karmageddon

Spectrum Center - 333 E Trade St, Uptown

Dave Chappelle brings his Karmageddon stand-up tour to Spectrum Center on Wednesday night. One of the most celebrated comedians of his generation, Chappelle packs arenas with his sharp, unpredictable storytelling and fearless social commentary. It is a big-ticket comedy night in Uptown Charlotte, and arena shows this size sell out fast, so grab seats early. Tickets through Ticketmaster.

Friday, October 23
8:00 PM
Concert

JPEGMAFIA: The Experimental Rap Tour

The Fillmore Charlotte - 820 Hamilton St, Charlotte

JPEGMAFIA brings The Experimental Rap Tour to The Fillmore on Friday night. The boundary-pushing rapper and producer is known for his confrontational, genre-defying sound and high-octane live shows that blur the line between hip-hop and punk. An intense, can't-miss night for fans of adventurous music in the Music Factory district.

Friday, October 23
Evening, free outdoor screening
Outdoors

Whitewater Film Series at the U.S. National Whitewater Center

U.S. National Whitewater Center - 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy

The Whitewater Center's free outdoor film series continues Friday evening, screening adventure and outdoor films against the backdrop of the Catawba River. Bring a blanket and a jacket, grab food from the on-site vendors, and settle in for a crisp fall night under the stars. Free admission, $12 parking.

Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24
Evening sets
Jazz

Paul Taylor at Middle C Jazz

Middle C Jazz - 300 S Brevard St, Uptown

Smooth-jazz saxophonist Paul Taylor headlines Middle C Jazz in Uptown on Friday and Saturday night. The Grammy-nominated artist is a mainstay of the contemporary jazz scene, and the intimate club setting lets his warm, melodic playing shine up close. A classy, low-key evening option in the heart of Uptown.

Wednesday, October 21 (open Wed-Sun)
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Farmers Market

Charlotte Regional Farmers Market - Fall Peak at the Yorkmont Market

Charlotte Regional Farmers Market - 1801 Yorkmont Rd

The year-round Charlotte Regional Farmers Market at Yorkmont Road is at full fall peak this week. October brings crisp local apples, pumpkins, gourds, winter squash, pecans, muscadine grapes, and the last of the season's peppers and tomatoes. It is the largest wholesale-to-retail market in the region, with a covered pavilion open Wednesday through Sunday. A great midweek stop to stock up for fall baking, pumpkin decorating, and harvest tables.

Friday, October 23
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Halloween Film

Practical Magic: An Immersive Halloween Experience

Independent Picture House - 2424 Park Rd, Charlotte

The Independent Picture House on Park Road hosts a one-night immersive Halloween experience built around the cult-classic film Practical Magic on Friday evening. Expect themed decor, photo-worthy moments, and a screening in one of Charlotte's favorite indie cinemas. A creative, grown-up alternative to the haunted-house circuit, and a lovely cozy way to open Halloween weekend.

02
This Weekend

Saturday & Sunday.

Charlotte Hornets vs the Miami Heat on Saturday, HRVSTLAND Festival at Steele Creek Church, Carolina Renaissance Festival Celtic Music Weekend in Huntersville, Boo at the Zoo day trip, fall farms with corn mazes and pumpkin patches, Saturday farmers markets, and Blake Whiten at The Underground.

Saturday, October 24
6:00 PM
NBA

Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat

Spectrum Center - 333 E Trade St, Uptown

The Charlotte Hornets host the Miami Heat on Saturday night at Spectrum Center, a marquee Eastern Conference matchup on the weekend slate. Two home games in three days this week means plenty of chances to catch NBA basketball in Uptown Charlotte. It is a fantastic weekend night out: dinner in South End or Uptown first, then walk over for the game. Tickets through the Hornets and Ticketmaster.

Saturday, October 24
Afternoon to evening
Fall Festival

HRVSTLAND Festival at Steele Creek Church

Steele Creek Church - 15421 Steele Creek Rd, Charlotte

HRVSTLAND, the annual fall festival at Steele Creek Church in southwest Charlotte, fills Saturday with family-friendly fall fun. Expect carnival-style games, inflatables, food trucks, live music, and a warm community atmosphere that has made it a favorite Steele Creek tradition. It is a great free-to-attend option for families in the 28273 area.

Saturday, October 24 & Sunday, October 25
Ticket entry starts 9:30 AM, village until 5:30 PM
Festival

Carolina Renaissance Festival: Celtic Music Weekend

16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville

The Carolina Renaissance Festival in Huntersville celebrates Celtic Music Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, with special guests CRAIC, Magnus & Maggie, and The Reelin Rogues joining the usual jousting tournaments, artisan shops, comedy acts, and period performers. The 25-acre village of Fairhaven is at peak fall color, and the festival runs weekends through November 22. The big Halloween Daze & Spooky Knights weekend arrives October 31 through November 1.

Saturday, October 24
Evening show
Concert

Blake Whiten at The Underground

The Underground - 820 Hamilton St, Charlotte

Rising artist Blake Whiten takes the stage at The Underground on Saturday night in the Music Factory district. An emerging name with a growing local following, his live show brings a fresh, energetic set to one of Charlotte's favorite intimate venues. A good option for music fans looking to discover something new this weekend.

Saturday, October 24 & Sunday, October 25
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (wristband required)
Day Trip

Boo at the Zoo - North Carolina Zoo

North Carolina Zoo - 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro (a 90-minute day trip from Charlotte)

For a memorable fall day trip, head to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, about 90 minutes east of Charlotte, for Boo at the Zoo. The family Halloween favorite features trick-or-treating through the zoo, games, a costume contest, and pumpkins scattered through the animal habitats. It runs the final two weekends of October, with wristbands sold same-day only on top of zoo admission.

Saturday, October 24 & Sunday, October 25
Daytime hours
Fall Family Fun

Falls Festival Weekends on the Farm: Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches

Hodges Family Farm - Charlotte; Patterson Farm - Mt Ulla

East and west of Charlotte, the region's fall farms are in their final stretch of prime season with corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and seasonal photo spots. Hodges Family Farm on the east side of Charlotte offers a giant corn maze and fall activities close to town, while Patterson Farm in nearby Mt Ulla is a favorite for mazes and farm animals. With Halloween just a week away, this is a prime weekend to go, so arrive early to beat the crowds.

Saturday, October 24
Uptown 8 AM - 12:30 PM; Cotswold 8 AM - Noon
Farmers Market

Uptown Farmers Market & Cotswold Farmers Market

Uptown at 300 S Davidson St; Cotswold at 4921 Randolph Rd

October is peak fall-harvest season at Charlotte's Saturday markets. The Uptown Farmers Market at 300 S Davidson Street brings fresh produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and food trucks to a walkable spot near the Rail Trail. The Cotswold Farmers Market at 4921 Randolph Road runs through October with local farms, honey, and seasonal goods. Look for crisp apples, pumpkins, and plenty of winter squash as the season winds down.

Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25
Fri & Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 3:00 PM
Classical Music

Charlotte Symphony: Schubert Symphony No. 9

Knight Theater - 430 S Tryon St, Uptown

The Charlotte Symphony performs Schubert's sweeping Symphony No. 9, nicknamed "The Great," at Knight Theater for three concerts this weekend. It is a towering, golden hour of Romantic-era music and one of the most beloved symphonies in the repertoire, played in an intimate Uptown hall with restaurants and parking close by. A polished evening out for a date night or a slow Sunday matinee.

Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25
Evening hours
Family Halloween

Matthews Playhouse 8th Annual Haunted Trail

Matthews Playhouse - 100 McDowell St E, Matthews

Matthews Playhouse hosts its 8th annual Haunted Trail this weekend, a family-friendly Halloween festival with a not-too-scary trail walk, carnival games, trunk-or-treat, and a DJ keeping the energy up on the grounds. It is one of the warmest, most community-driven Halloween events on the east side of the metro, and it pairs well with dinner at one of downtown Matthews' restaurants after the fun.

Saturday, October 24
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fall Festival

Blakeney Fall Fest & Makers Market

Blakeney Shopping Center - 9820 Rea Rd, Charlotte

Blakeney's free fall festival on Rea Road fills Saturday with local makers, live music, seasonal activities for the kids, and easy access to the shopping center's shops and restaurants. It is a relaxed Ballantyne-area family outing, held on the same grounds as the free Blakeney splash pad that runs each summer, so families who know the spot for summer water play will feel right at home.

03
Also Happening

Ongoing & recurring.

Carolina Renaissance Festival

Huntersville - 16445 Poplar Tent Rd

Open Saturdays and Sundays through November 22. Celtic Music Weekend runs this weekend, with Halloween Daze & Spooky Knights arriving October 31 through November 1.

Charlotte Hornets 2026-27 Season

Spectrum Center - Uptown

The NBA regular season is underway. Catch home games all season at the fully renovated Spectrum Center.

Fall Farms, Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches

Across the Charlotte metro

Hodges Family Farm, Patterson Farm, and more open on October weekends with mazes, pumpkins, hayrides, and harvest photo spots.

Charlotte Symphony Fall Season

Belk Theater & Knight Theater - Uptown

The Symphony's fall Masterworks, Pops, and Halloween family programs run through the season at the Blumenthal venues.

Charlotte Regional Farmers Market

1801 Yorkmont Rd

Open Wednesday through Sunday year-round. Fall brings apples, pumpkins, squash, pecans, and muscadine grapes.

Haunted Attractions & Halloween Events

Across the metro

SCarowinds in Fort Mill and local haunts run nightly through Halloween. Book online for peak nights.

04
Tracey's Picks

Don't miss these.

Charlotte Hornets home games (Fri & Sat)

Two home games in three days at Spectrum Center: the Hawks on Friday and the Heat on Saturday. If you love the energy of an Uptown game night, this is the week to catch the new-look Hornets.

Dave Chappelle: Karmageddon (Wed)

A big-ticket comedy night at Spectrum Center. Chappelle is one of the most in-demand stand-ups in the world, and an arena show like this does not come around often in Charlotte.

Carolina Renaissance Festival - Celtic Music Weekend (Sat & Sun)

The can't-miss family pick of the weekend. Celtic bands CRAIC, Magnus & Maggie, and The Reelin Rogues headline, and the 25-acre village of Fairhaven is at peak fall color. It is one of the biggest Renaissance festivals in the country, right in our backyard, and Halloween Daze & Spooky Knights follows October 31 through November 1.

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I publish a weekly events roundup plus neighborhood guides, market updates, and lifestyle content. If you are thinking about making a move to Charlotte, I would love to help you find your place in the Queen City.

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