[ad_1]
Temperatures may be cooling, but Charlotte’s weekends are heating up! This weekend, dive into fall fun with the launch of Mecktoberfest, Scarowinds, Oktoberfests, and more. Plus, check out shopping markets, home tours, a block party, Broadway After Dark, and plenty of other happenings around town.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
$1.50 Oyster Happy Hour at The Waterman
Weekdays from 2-7p
While you’re there, enjoy The Waterman’s rooftop bar theme, Tequilaville on Topside, Wednesday through Sunday from 2pm until close. Expect laid-back vibes, a tropical mural, tequila-forward cocktails, and feel-good tunes.
Plaza Beer Garden in Uptown
Thursday, September 11, 4 – 9p
Brought to life by Resident Culture and Mimosa Grill, this pop-up garden pairs Uptown energy with chill patio vibes. Expect live music, killer bites from Mimosa Grill, fresh Resident Culture draught pours, and a few surprises sprinkled in.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Dilworth Home Tour
September 12 – 13
Step inside Charlotte’s most charming neighborhood during the Dilworth Home Tour, a chance to experience the neighborhood’s iconic front porch lifestyle, and support local businesses. This year’s tour features six beautiful homes showcasing a range of Dilworth living, from historic bungalows and classic colonials to modernized interiors with preserved exteriors. The tour kicks off on Friday, September 12, from 6:00 PM–9:00 PM and continues on Saturday, September 13, from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Panda Fest
September 12 – 14, 2025
Panda fest is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcase the vibrant food, art, and cultural traditions from Asia.

Mecktoberfest at OMB LOSO
September 12-14
Get ready for fun and festivities at OMB’s 2025 Mecktoberfest. This year, the fun spans four weekends, starting at the LoSo location. Guests can indulge in classic German cuisine, enjoy live music in the Biergartens, and take part in festive games. Don’t miss the release of OMB’s iconic one-liter glass boots at the start of the festival!

Opening Night of Scarowinds
Select Nights, September 12 – November 2, 2025
Nothing is as it screams during SCarowinds presented by SNICKERS® at Carowinds. The park has been fully transformed for a terrifying Halloween celebration to commemorate 25 years of fear. Check out the brand new event offerings, like the all-new Defex 2.0 presented by M&M’S®, that give a nod to the haunting legacy of SCarowinds’ past. Plus scary-good live shows, exclusive, pay-to-panic Haunted Mazes, spine chilling Scare Zones, and more.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

South End Shuffle 5k & Mile Run
Saturday, September 13, 8:30 – 11a
Start the weekend off in the heart of South End for the 12th Annual South End Shuffle 5K & Mile Run. This event features both a 5K and a 1 Mile Run in a festival-like atmosphere that brings together merchants, local businesses, neighbors, and friends to celebrate the vibrant South End community. The race starts and finishes on W Summit Avenue in front of Wooden Robot Brewery, making the finish line vibes extra fun. Registration includes a finisher medal and beer (21+) from Wooden Robot Brewery or ice cream for those under 21.

Charlotte Brunch Festival
Saturday, September 13, 12 – 4p
Charlotte’s Brunch Festival returns this year alongside the Charlotte International Arts Festival. The full line-up will be announced soon, but in the meantime, you can expect brunch bites, bunch-inspired cocktails, live entertainment, photo ops, and of course, all the brunch vibes.

Woodland Wonderfest
Saturday, September 13, 2 – 6p
For one magical day, the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens will be transformed into an enchanting realm of forest fairies and mystical creatures. Kids are invited to dress in their favorite fantasy outfits and explore the gardens, discovering magical stops along the way. No costume? No problem. The Elfin Emporium will have wings, wands, and other treasures to complete the adventure. After exploring all the woodland wonders, families can grab a bite from the food trucks parked nearby.

Montford Park Block Party 2025
Saturday, September 13, 2 – 7p
The 6th Annual Montford Park Block Party is back and bigger than ever. Enjoy live performances from Thirsty Horses Trio and Matone Expressway, browse local vendors, and grab bites from a variety of food trucks. Cool off with adult beverages and catch a live King Tiger Taekwondo demonstration at 4 PM. Whether you’re coming with friends, family, or the whole crew, there’s something for everyone.

Davidson Fall Arts Festival
Saturday, September 13, 4 – 8p
Over 50 participating local artists will be set up in Historic Downtown Davidson. In addition to the fine art, attendees will be able to purchase handmade gifts, food at local restaurants, and live music. Greggie & The Jets (Elton John Tribute Band) will perform on the Green (119 S. Main Street) at 6:00 p.m.

Nebel’s Alley Night Market
Saturday, September 13, 5 – 10p
Spend the evening doing some open-air shopping, tasting, and lively entertainment at Nebel’s Alley Night Market. Find 30+ local vendors gathering under the Design Center water tower in South End every second Saturday of the month from April through November.

Movies in the Park: 27 Dresses
Saturday, September 13, 8p
Catch 27 Dresses at Wilmore Centennial Park this Saturday for Movies in the Park. The movie kicks off at sunset (around 7:30 p.m.), but it’s worth coming early to claim a good spot, grab some food, or check out the snack vendors. Bring a blanket or chair and get comfy for a fun night under the stars.

Farewell to Summer Barn Dance
Saturday, September 13, 8p
Say goodbye to summer at Chasers in NoDa with a night full of line dancing, two-stepping, and all the country fun you can handle. Cover charge is $10, free to SCC Members.

Tricks and Treats at Carowinds
September 13 – November 2
Carowinds is bringing Halloween fun for the whole family with a brand-new fall festival full of spooky and kooky activities, live entertainment, seasonal eats, and plenty of candy. Guests can pick the perfect pumpkin at the patch, create masks at the craft station, win prizes at themed games, and trick-or-treat throughout the park. Entertainment includes live shows, dance parties, costume contests, and the fan-favorite Tricks and Treats Parade, returning for its third season with Halloween-themed floats at 6:00 p.m. in the County Fair area. Seasonal food and drinks will also be available, from festive treats to local brews for adults, all alongside Carowinds’ signature rides and attractions.

Oktoberfest at Carowinds
Saturdays & Sundays, September 13 – November 23, 2025
Oktoberfest at Carowinds is back for a one-of-a-kind festival experience, where guests can chase the thrill of roller coasters and savor authentic Bavarian brews all in one visit. Enjoy festive drinks, delicious food, and the lively atmosphere of a Munich-style celebration. Oktoberfest is included with park admission.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

The Comunidad Hispanic Heritage Month Market
Sunday, September 14, 11a – 5p
Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month at The Comunidad Hispanic Market with delicious food, local shopping vendors, a piñata-making class, Venezuelan baile, and more. Admission is free.

CLTure’s CIAF Day + Night Market
Sunday, September 14, 12 – 8p
CLTure, Blumenthal Arts, and the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce are teaming up for the free Charlotte International Arts Festival Day + Night Market at Blume Studios’ festival grounds (1001 S. Clarkson Street) in The Iron District. The event will feature 25+ food and drink vendors, 40+ local makers, live performances, art displays, vintage video games (including a Tekken 8 tournament), caricatures, and specialty cocktails.

The 2nd Annual Historic Home Tour
Sunday, September 14, 1 – 5p
Join Historic Rock Hill for the 2nd annual Historic Home Tours this Sunday, starting at 1p.m. Tours will begin at the White Home where you’ll pick up an entrance sticker, map and informational booklet, and then you may proceed through the homes at your own pace. At each stop you’ll learn more about the fascinating history of the home, and a bit about Rock Hill’s history, too.

Broadway After Dark: Pop/Rock
Sunday, September 14, 8 – 10p
Broadway After Dark: POP/ROCK is taking over Suffolk Punch for one electrifying night of Broadway’s edgiest hits. From Rent to American Idiot and Moulin Rouge, Jessie Booth and powerhouse theatre artists bring rock and pop anthems to life in an intimate cabaret-style show. Tickets are $30 and include one adult beverage, with a full menu available. Doors open at 7:30 PM, show at 8:00 PM.
[ad_2]
Veronica LeMaster
Source link