Autumn Treasures
Packs Main Street with BBQ and small-town charm.
Autumn Treasures takes over downtown Waxhaw on Saturday, October 10, from 10 AM to 6 PM, with free admission all day. The anchor is the Grill'n & Chill'n BBQ Cook-Off, and the festival also packs Main Street with a vendor market, a kids zone, a classic car show, and live music. Here is your plan for a perfect fall day in one of the metro's most picture-perfect small towns.
The essentials, fast.
What makes this festival special?
Waxhaw does this festival on its single, picture-perfect Main Street, so everything is within strolling distance: savory smoke from the BBQ cook-off, vendor tents between the historic brick facades, classic cars parked curb to curb, and live music carrying over the crowd.
Grill'n & Chill'n BBQ Cook-Off
Professional and backyard teams fire up their smokers along Main Street, sell plates to the crowd, and compete for barbecue bragging rights.
Vendor & Artisan Market
Local makers line the street with crafts, fall decor, and handmade goods, with food trucks filling the gaps.
Classic Car Show
Vintage and classic cars park along downtown for a show that is half auto show, half street festival.
Kids Zone & Live Music
A free kids zone keeps little ones busy with games while local bands play the afternoon away in the park and on the street.
How much does it cost?
Autumn Treasures is free to attend all day: no gate, no wristband, no ticket. BBQ plates, vendor purchases, and snacks are pay-as-you-go, so come hungry and bring cash or a card. The festival is held annually on the second weekend of October, and in 2026 it runs one day only, on Saturday.
Official Event PageGood to know.
Waxhaw's Main Street is small and the crowd is enthusiastic; arrive by mid-morning to park close and catch the BBQ teams at full fire.
Buy a plate from the cook-off early; the best teams sell out before the afternoon is over.
Bring chairs or plan to wander; the park hosts the music and the street hosts everything else.
It is a great day to pair with a look at Waxhaw itself: historic homes, a walkable downtown, and the state line a few minutes away.
Curious about the neighborhood?
Waxhaw sits in the fast-growing corner where Union County, North Carolina meets Lancaster County, South Carolina, just minutes from the state line. It keeps winning 'best small town' praise for its walkable downtown, historic streets, and strong schools, and Autumn Treasures is the friendliest possible introduction to the place.
More fall festivals.
Fall Festivals Guide 2026
Every festival post in one place, from the Renaissance Fair to the Thanksgiving Eve Parade.
Monroe's Fall Fest
Clover Fall Fest & Classic Car Show
Sources: Town of Waxhaw, KidsOutAndAbout Charlotte, Charlotte On The Cheap. Dates and details were verified against official event pages in September 2026; always double-check the official site before you go, since event details can change.
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