Your704 Weekender: Here’s what’s happening in Charlotte Nov 6-8

CHARLOTTE — It’s the first full weekend of November, and the Queen City is kicking off the month with tons of exciting events. From fall festivals to sports and sneak peeks of the holiday season, here’s what’s going on near you!

Please use the links provided to confirm hours and to check for last-minute updates before you go.

The Carolina Renaissance Festival continues. From live shows and artisan marketplaces to jousting and giant turkey legs, there’s something for everyone.

The Nanioubolo African Dance and Drum Festival will be held this weekend at the Bonnie Cone Classical Academy in Huntersville.

Start your weekend at First Fridays Rock Hill and enjoy art, music, food and pop-up shopping in Old Town Rock Hill.

Head to Urban District Market for the last Asian Night Market of the year Friday.

The Charlotte Checkers will face off against the Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins at Bojangles Coliseum this weekend.

Check out South End’s First Friday Gallery Crawl and take in the local art scene.

See a performance of the award-winning play “Liberation” at Three Bone Theatre’s Arts Factory in Charlotte. The show opens Friday and runs through Nov. 22.

Cheer on the Charlotte Hornets as they take on the Boston Celtics at home Friday night.

Judah & the Lion will perform at The Fillmore Friday night.

See Mountain Grass Unit at The Underground Friday night as part of the “Appalachian Smoke Tour.”

The World of Outlaws World Finals will be held this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Learn more and get tickets here.

It’s time! The Polar Express Train Ride returns to the North Carolina Transportation Museum this weekend.

Head to the Hickory Grove Library from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday for a book sale.

Fall is in full swing. Head to Downtown Statesville Saturday for the 23rd Annual PumpkinFest. The festival features live music, food and regional arts and crafts.

Shop handmade jewelry, home décor, books, clothing, baked goods, art, gifts and more at the 50th Annual Working Fingers Craft Show in Mooresville Saturday.

EpicFest 2026 will also be held Saturday at ImaginOn. It’s a literary festival for kids of all ages, featuring nationally recognized children’s authors and illustrators in Uptown Charlotte.

Grab your furry friend and head to Stumptown Park for the Pawsitively Matthews festival Saturday.

Honor our service members in Charlotte at the Carolinas Veterans Day Festival Saturday. The festival will be held at Romare Bearden Park with a parade in Uptown, starting at 11 a.m.

Enjoy live music, local vendors, food trucks and more at Front Porch Charlotte Market Saturday.

Divine Barrel Brewing in NoDa will host their largest event of the fall season Saturday — the Roastin’ for Research charity oyster roast. Entry is free, but you can buy a ticket to enjoy all-you-can-eat steamed oysters and help raise money for UNC Children’s Hospital.

Head to Harrisburg for the town’s 8th Annual Multicultural Festival on Saturday.

Celebrate young talent and support arts education at The Society, Inc.’s Youth Artists Showcase at The Long Room Saturday afternoon.

Experience the culture of the Philippines at Urban District Market Saturday. The Filipino Food Fest and Tiangge will feature authentic Filipino food, a flea market, music and performances.

The Charlotte Symphony will play alongside internationally acclaimed violinist Joshua Bellin at the Annual Gala concert Saturday night at the Knight Theater.

Little Big Town will play Ovens Auditorium Saturday night.

See Yebba at The Fillmore on Saturday.

Celebrate 20 years of Improv Charlotte at a special anniversary show at Free Range Brewing Saturday night.

Upcycle Arts is hosting the Unlisted Arts Market Sunday at The Mint Museum on Randolph Road. Shop handcrafted goods, art, jewelry pottery and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Not sure what to do with your Halloween pumpkins? Don’t throw them away — bring them to the Town of Davidson’s Annual Pumpkin Smash and Shoot Sunday. The event will be held at Fisher Farm Archery Range, and the pumpkin remains will be composted afterwards.

The Carolina Panthers play the Denver Broncos at Bank of America Stadium Sunday afternoon.

See four of the top-ranked women’s college basketball teams go head-to-head in the Ally Tipoff at Spectrum Center Sunday.

See The Wrecks at The Underground Sunday night.

November may have just started but NarroWay Productions in Fort Mill is ushering in the holiday season with “Martin & Clark’s The Real Christmas Story.” Catch a performance on select dates through Dec. 27.

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