Things to Do in
Charlotte This Week.
Sep 28 through Oct 4, 2026 — The transition from late summer to fall in Charlotte is spectacular, and this week proves it. Saturday Oct 3 is the standout day with Weezer, The Shins & Silversun Pickups at Spectrum Center, Dermot Kennedy at Skyla Amphitheatre, the Charlotte Symphony performing "Back to the Future" live at Belk Theater, the opening weekend of the Carolina Renaissance Festival, FabFest 2026 Beatles Festival, K-FEST Korean Culture Festival in NoDa, Charlotte Kids Fest, and FOODEESFEST at Premium Outlets. Plus: Queen City Zine Fest on Monday, Jollof Festival, Disney On Ice on Thursday, and the final days of the Charlotte International Arts Festival. One of the most event-packed weeks of the year in the Queen City.
Something shifts in Charlotte when October arrives. The humidity finally breaks, the evenings get crisp, and the city's social calendar goes into overdrive. This week marks that transition perfectly. Monday and Tuesday offer a warm-up with the Queen City Zine Fest at Knight Theater, the Jollof Festival, and the Southern Guitar Festival at Stage Door. Thursday brings Disney On Ice to Bojangles Coliseum and Saint Levant to The Underground. But Saturday October 3 is the main event: Weezer headlines Spectrum Center with The Shins and Silversun Pickups, Dermot Kennedy plays Skyla Amphitheatre, the Charlotte Symphony performs "Back to the Future" live at Belk Theater, the Carolina Renaissance Festival opens for its season, FabFest celebrates the Beatles at Tosco Music, and K-FEST brings Korean culture to NoDa. That is eight major events on one Saturday. Plus the first Saturday farmers markets of the fall season with NC apples and pumpkins, FOODEESFEST at Premium Outlets, and Charlotte Kids Fest for families. If you have been waiting for the perfect Charlotte weekend to show visiting friends what makes this city special, this is it.
Monday through Friday.
Queen City Zine Fest and Jollof Festival on Monday, Southern Guitar Festival Monday and Tuesday, Disney On Ice and Saint Levant on Thursday, the Charlotte Symphony plays "Back to the Future" on Friday, and FabFest kicks off Friday night. Plus the final days of CIAF and late-season farmers markets.
Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF) — Final Days
Uptown Charlotte & Ballantyne — multiple venues
The Charlotte International Arts Festival wraps up its month-long run with final performances, immersive installations, and cultural experiences throughout Uptown and Ballantyne. Presented by Blumenthal Arts, CIAF features over 200 events including live music, dance, visual art, and food experiences from international and local artists. Many events are free. Don't miss the final days of Levine Avenue of the Arts installations and Ballantyne's Backyard programming. Check charlotteartsfest.com for the full calendar before it closes.
Queen City Zine Fest
Knight Theater — 430 S Tryon St, Uptown
The annual Queen City Zine Fest returns to Knight Theater for a day celebrating independent publishing, zines, comics, and handmade art. Browse tables from dozens of local and regional zinesters, attend workshops on bookbinding and self-publishing, and connect with Charlotte's vibrant DIY creative community. Free admission — a perfect Monday outing for art lovers and collectors of unique printed ephemera.
Jollof Festival — West African Food Celebration
Uptown Charlotte — venue TBA
Charlotte's Jollof Festival returns for a celebration of West African cuisine centered around the beloved one-pot rice dish. Local chefs compete for the title of best jollof rice, with vendors serving up suya, puff-puff, plantains, and other West African street food favorites. Live Afrobeat and highlife music, dance performances, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Tickets from $10. A delicious way to spend Monday evening exploring Charlotte's growing West African food scene.
Southern Guitar Festival
Stage Door Theater — 130 N Tryon St, Uptown
The Southern Guitar Festival brings two evenings of world-class guitar music to the intimate Stage Door Theater in Uptown. Featuring classical, flamenco, blues, and contemporary guitarists from across the Southeast, the festival showcases the versatility and artistry of the instrument in all its forms. Individual tickets from $34.50. A must for music lovers and guitar enthusiasts.
On Tap @ NoDa with the Charlotte Symphony
NoDa Brewing Company — 150 W 32nd St, NoDa
The Charlotte Symphony keeps its On Tap brewery series going with a relaxed Tuesday evening of fanfares, serenades, and craft beer at NoDa Brewing Company. Chamber musicians perform in the taproom, where you can sip a local pour and enjoy low-key orchestral favorites up close. A wonderfully casual way to experience the symphony, and a fun NoDa night out.
Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic!
Bojangles Coliseum — 2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte
Disney On Ice brings Spotlight Magic! to Bojangles Coliseum for a single Thursday performance. Join Mickey, Minnie, and a cast of beloved Disney characters including Moana, Elsa, Anna, and the princesses as they glide across the ice in a dazzling musical production. A perfect family outing for little ones — expect sing-alongs, sparkling costumes, and the kind of joy that only Disney can deliver. Tickets through Ticketmaster.
Saint Levant — Live at The Underground
The Underground at AvidXchange Music Factory — 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd
Palestinian-French singer-songwriter Saint Levant performs at The Underground, bringing his genre-blending sound of alternative R&B, Arabic pop, and multilingual songwriting. Known for songs like "Very Few Friends" and "Deira," Saint Levant delivers an intimate, emotionally charged live show that reflects his diaspora identity. The Underground's standing-room floor is the perfect setting for his atmospheric, groove-heavy set. Tickets available through Live Nation.
Charlotte Symphony: Back to the Future in Concert
Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center — 130 N Tryon St, Uptown
The Charlotte Symphony performs the complete score to the classic film "Back to the Future" live as the movie plays on the big screen. Alan Silvestri's iconic theme music, "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News, and the entire orchestral soundtrack come to life under the symphony's direction. A must-see for fans of the film, movie music lovers, and anyone who wants to experience cinema in a completely new way. Tickets from around $35 at charlottesymphony.org.
FabFest 2026 — Charlotte's Beatles Festival
Tosco Music — 4335 Stuart Andrew Blvd, Charlotte
FabFest 2026 returns for a two-day celebration of all things Beatles. Presented by Tosco Music, the festival features live tribute performances by top regional bands covering every era of the Beatles catalog — from early mop-top hits like "I Want to Hold Your Hand" through the psychedelic "Sgt. Pepper" period to the meditative "Let It Be." Vendors, Beatles memorabilia, an art contest, yoga sessions, and kids' activities round out the weekend. A joyful event for every generation of Beatles fans.
Weezer, The Shins & Silversun Pickups
Spectrum Center — 333 E Trade St, Uptown
An incredible triple bill at Spectrum Center: Weezer headlines with The Shins and Silversun Pickups opening. Weezer brings their catalog of alt-rock anthems — "Buddy Holly," "Say It Ain't So," "Island in the Sun," "Beverly Hills" — plus tracks from their latest albums. The Shins deliver their indie-pop gems ("New Slang," "Australia"), and Silversun Pickups bring the heavy shoegaze-rock energy ("Lazy Eye," "Panic Switch"). One of the best rock lineups of the fall season at the arena. Tickets from around $49.
Dermot Kennedy at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre — 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd
Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy brings "The Weight of the Woods Tour" to Charlotte's Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre. Known for his emotional, cinematic folk-pop — "Outnumbered," "Something to Someone," "Giants," and "Power Over Me" — Kennedy's live shows are powerful and deeply moving. The outdoor amphitheatre setting on a crisp October evening will be perfect for his anthemic, heartfelt sound. Openers TBA. Tickets available through Live Nation.
Charlotte Kids Fest 2026
9048 N Tryon St, Charlotte (near University City)
Charlotte Kids Fest returns for a free family festival with Create, Dance, and Discovery zones packed with interactive activities. Kids can try hands-on art projects and take them home, join dance workshops with professional instructors, and explore the Discovery zone with science experiments and educational exhibits. Free admission — a perfect Saturday outing for families with young children. Food vendors on-site.
K-FEST 2026 — Korean Culture Festival
Seoul Food Meat Co. & Urban District Mill District — 421 E 26th St, NoDa
K-FEST 2026 brings Korean culture to the NoDa neighborhood for a full-day celebration. Enjoy authentic Korean street food, K-pop dance performances, taekwondo demonstrations, traditional hanbok fashion shows, and a marketplace of Korean-owned vendors and artisans. The Urban District Mill District provides a vibrant industrial backdrop for this cultural festival. Free admission with food and drink available for purchase. A wonderful way to experience Charlotte's growing Korean community and culture.
Hola Charlotte Festival
Tryon Street between Brooklyn Village Ave and 4th St, Uptown
The largest Hispanic Heritage celebration in Charlotte returns to Uptown for a free afternoon of live music, dance, and culture. Expect nationally recognized entertainers on the main stage, a Latin American cultural village with booths from roughly 15 countries, Latin cuisine from local vendors, an artisan market, and a parade down Tryon Street. Festival goers park at nearby decks and walk over, and the whole family is welcome. Free admission.
Carolina Renaissance Festival — Opening Weekend
Carolina Renaissance Festival Grounds — 16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Concord (25 min from Uptown)
The Carolina Renaissance Festival opens for its 2026 season on the first weekend of October, running Saturdays and Sundays through November 22. Step back in time with scheduled jousting tournaments, theatrical street performances, artisan craft demonstrations, and full-contact armored combat. Over 100 artisans sell handcrafted wares, and festival food includes giant turkey legs, meat pies, and ale. Adult tickets from around $28, children 5-12 $17, kids under 5 free. A beloved Charlotte-area tradition that draws over 300,000 visitors each season.
FOODEESFEST Charlotte 2026
Charlotte Premium Outlets — 5404 New Fashion Ln, Monroe
FOODEESFEST returns to Charlotte for a day of food, music, and community at Charlotte Premium Outlets. Sample dishes from local restaurants, food trucks, and specialty vendors while enjoying live music and entertainment. A great Saturday outing for food lovers looking to discover new flavors just outside the city. Tickets and details available through the festival organizers.
Vitamin String Quartet & Girl Named Tom
Carolina Theatre — 1228 E 11th St, Uptown
An elegant Sunday evening at the historic Carolina Theatre: Vitamin String Quartet performs their signature classical covers of popular songs, joined by the harmonically rich vocals of Girl Named Tom, winners of NBC's "The Voice." The program blends string arrangements of contemporary hits with Girl Named Tom's three-part harmonies in a setting that showcases the restored Carolina Theatre's beautiful acoustics and vintage charm. A sophisticated way to close the weekend.
Arnez J — Live Comedy
The Comedy Zone — 900 Seaboard St, Charlotte
Comedian Arnez J brings his high-energy, physical comedy to The Comedy Zone for a Sunday evening show. Known for his animated facial expressions, spot-on impressions, and relatable observations about family, relationships, and everyday life, Arnez J has performed on "The Tonight Show," "Def Comedy Jam," and Comedy Central. The Comedy Zone's intimate setting in the Seaboard Station complex makes for a perfect Sunday night wind-down. Tickets through the Comedy Zone box office.
Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions
Bank of America Stadium, 800 S Mint St, Uptown
The Panthers return home to Bank of America Stadium for an early-October NFC matchup against the Detroit Lions. Game day brings the full Uptown spectacle: tailgates around the stadium, the team store buzzing, and bars across the city packed before and after kickoff. Grab tickets through the Panthers, or turn it into a watch-party day at your favorite sports bar. A great weekend capstone for football fans.
Saturday & Sunday.
The busiest Saturday of the fall season: Weezer at Spectrum Center, Dermot Kennedy at Skyla, Charlotte Symphony at Belk Theater, Renaissance Festival opening weekend, FabFest, K-FEST in NoDa, Charlotte Kids Fest, FOODEESFEST, and farmers markets. Sunday winds down with Vitamin String Quartet at the Carolina Theatre and Arnez J at The Comedy Zone.
Weezer, The Shins & Silversun Pickups
Spectrum Center — 333 E Trade St, Uptown
An incredible triple bill: Weezer headlines with The Shins and Silversun Pickups opening at Spectrum Center. Weezer brings "Buddy Holly," "Say It Ain't So," "Island in the Sun," and more alt-rock anthems. The Shins deliver indie-pop gems, and Silversun Pickups bring shoegaze energy. Tickets from around $49.
Dermot Kennedy at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre — 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd
Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy brings his emotional, cinematic folk-pop to the outdoor amphitheatre. "Outnumbered," "Giants," and "Something to Someone" in the October evening air. Tickets through Live Nation.
Charlotte Symphony: Back to the Future in Concert
Belk Theater — 130 N Tryon St, Uptown
The Charlotte Symphony performs the complete "Back to the Future" score live as the film plays on the big screen. A unique cinematic musical experience at Belk Theater. Tickets from $35.
FabFest 2026 — Beatles Festival
Tosco Music — 4335 Stuart Andrew Blvd, Charlotte
Two shows on Saturday: matinee and evening performances celebrating the complete Beatles catalog. Beatles memorabilia, vendors, kids activities, and sing-along fun for all ages. Presented by Tosco Music.
Charlotte Kids Fest
9048 N Tryon St, Charlotte
Free family festival with interactive Create, Dance, and Discovery zones. Hands-on art, dance workshops, science experiments, and educational exhibits. Food vendors on-site. Free admission.
K-FEST 2026 — Korean Culture Festival in NoDa
Seoul Food Meat Co. & Urban District Mill District — 421 E 26th St, NoDa
Korean street food, K-pop dance performances, taekwondo demos, hanbok fashion shows, and artisan vendors. Free admission. A full day of Korean culture in the NoDa arts district.
Carolina Renaissance Festival — Opening Weekend
16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Concord, NC
Opening weekend of the beloved Carolina Renaissance Festival. Jousting tournaments, artisan crafts, street theater, giant turkey legs, and over 100 vendors. Runs weekends through Nov 22. Adults from $28, kids 5-17 $17, under 5 free.
FOODEESFEST Charlotte 2026
Charlotte Premium Outlets — 5404 New Fashion Ln, Monroe
A day of food, music, and community at Charlotte Premium Outlets. Local restaurants, food trucks, and live entertainment. Great for food lovers looking to explore new flavors.
Saturday Farmers Markets — Early Fall Season
Multiple locations across Charlotte
The farmers markets shift into early fall mode. Charlotte Regional Farmers Market (8 AM–5 PM, 1801 Yorkmont Rd), Kings Drive Farmers Market (7 AM–3 PM, 939 S Kings Dr), South End Farmers Market at Atherton (8 AM–1 PM, 2000 South Blvd), and Uptown Farmers Market (8 AM–12:30 PM, 300 S Davidson St). October brings NC apples, pumpkins, late-season tomatoes, muscadine grapes, sweet potatoes, and the first fall squash and ornamental gourds. The Uptown and Kings Drive markets are the largest and most walkable.
Vitamin String Quartet & Girl Named Tom
Carolina Theatre — 1228 E 11th St, Uptown
Vitamin String Quartet performs classical covers of popular songs alongside Girl Named Tom, winners of NBC's "The Voice." A refined Sunday evening at the historic Carolina Theatre. Tickets at the box office.
Arnez J — Live Comedy
The Comedy Zone — 900 Seaboard St, Charlotte
High-energy physical comedy from Arnez J of "The Tonight Show" and Comedy Central fame. An intimate Sunday evening show at The Comedy Zone. Perfect for ending the weekend with laughs.
Ongoing & recurring.
Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF)
Uptown Charlotte & Ballantyne
Final days through Sep 30 — over 200 events, many free. Immersive art, live performances, and cultural experiences.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Concord NC
Opens Oct 3 — runs weekends through Nov 22. Jousting, artisan crafts, food, and entertainment. Tickets from $28.
Charlotte Film Festival
Independent Picture House — 4237 Raleigh St, Plaza Midwood
Runs through Sep 27 — independent cinema, filmmaker Q&As, and the "Carolina Crafted Films" series.
River Jam at the Whitewater Center
U.S. National Whitewater Center — 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
Free live concerts Thursday through Saturday evenings through late September. Parking $12. Final River Jam weekends of the season.
Breakaway Music Festival
Charlotte Motor Speedway — Concord NC
Saturday, Sep 27 featuring Tiësto, John Summit, and more. Final weekend push for EDM fans.
Don't miss these.
Weezer, The Shins & Silversun Pickups at Spectrum Center (Saturday, Oct 3)
This is the rock show of the season. Three bands that defined different eras of alternative rock on one bill at Spectrum Center. Weezer's catalog spans 30 years of hits, The Shins defined 2000s indie, and Silversun Pickups bring the heaviness. The Saturday night arena show is the kind of concert that reminds you why live music matters.
Charlotte Symphony plays "Back to the Future" (Friday & Saturday, Oct 2-3)
A live symphony playing the score to "Back to the Future" while the film plays on the big screen at Belk Theater. This is one of those experiences that works on every level — musical, nostalgic, cinematic. And it is the perfect date night for anyone who grew up with the trilogy.
FabFest 2026 — Beatles Festival at Tosco Music (Friday & Saturday, Oct 2-3)
Tosco Music's annual Beatles celebration is one of the most joyful events on the Charlotte calendar. Two days of tribute performances covering every era of the Fab Four, plus vendors, yoga, and kids activities. It is the kind of multi-generational community event that makes Charlotte feel like a small town in the best possible way.
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