CHARLOTTE — This weekend is chock-full of fun things to do. With cooler weather on the way, the weekend’s plethora of fall festivals fit right in. From the state fair and Carolina BalloonFest to arts and apple festivals, 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.
While not technically in our area, both the North and South Carolina state fairs kick off this weekend. Take a trip to Raleigh or Columbia for rides, fair food, shopping, entertainment and much more.
Head to SCarowinds for haunted mazes, spooky rides and more this weekend.
[ Horrifying haunted attractions near you ]
The Carolina Renaissance Festival continues. From live shows and artisan marketplaces to jousting and giant turkey legs, there’s something for everyone.
The annual Carolina BalloonFest is also going on this weekend in Statesville.
See The Smashing Pumpkins at the Spectrum Center Friday night.
Check out Pineville Fall Fest this weekend at Jack D. Hughes Park . It actually kicks off Thursday and will feature carnival rides, music, a dog show, contests and more.
Arcángel will perform at Ovens Auditorium Friday night as part of the “La 8va Maravilla World Tour.”
The Charlotte Checkers will take on the Hartford Wolf Pack Friday and Saturday at Bojangles Coliseum.
The Mint Hill Madness Family Fun Festival will be held this weekend at Mint Hill Veterans Park.
Shop the Thrift Pony After Dark market Friday night at Camp North End for late-night shopping, drinks and more.
Chrissi Poland will perform at Middle C Jazz Friday night.
Clutch will play The Fillmore Friday night.
It’s Charlotte Craft Beer Week, and there are tons of festivities going on around the city.
See Five Finger Death Punch at Truliant Amphitheater Friday evening.
Bring a furry friend to the Charlotte Corgi Club Racing Championship Saturday morning. Cheer on the speedy contestants and enjoy local vendors, a live DJ, activities and more.
The Lincoln County Apple Festival will also return this Saturday.
Enjoy magical sounds straight out of Hogwarts with the Charlotte Symphony’s “The Music of Harry Potter.” The orchestra will perform Saturday at the Knight Theater.
VTGCLT is popping up at Camp North End Saturday for a Fall Vintage Market.
Check out the Carolina Clay Matters Fall Pottery Festival Saturday.
The Charlotte Chalk Art Festival also starts Saturday with two days of events at NoDa Brewing Company.
See retro horror films at retro prices at Ayrsley Grand Cinemas through Nov. 5.
Head to the Lake Norman Diwali Festival Saturday at Veteran’s Park.
The South End Wine & Hops Festival will be held Saturday.
Dive into Charlotte’s rap scene at DUPP&SWAT for “Made’s Playlist: An Ode To Rap” Saturday night.
Rodrigo y Gabriela will perform at The Underground Saturday night.
Trampled By Turtles will play The Amp Ballantyne Saturday night with Futurebirds.
Waylon Wyatt will play The Fillmore Saturday night.
Head to That’s Novel Books Silent Book Club Sunday morning.
Carve pumpkins on the patio at Monday Night Garden Co. Sunday. Fall beers and specialty cocktails will also be available.
There will be a Fall Harvest Market Sunday afternoon at Traust Brewing Company in Mount Holly.
Ed Sheeran will play Bank of America Stadium Sunday night.
See an original theatrical dance performance of “CHOLITA” at Central Piedmont Community College’s Parr Center Theater.
Chad Gray will perform at The Underground Sunday night.
Gabriel Iglesias is bringing his comedy tour to Bojangles Coliseum Sunday.
Teddy Swims will play the Spectrum Center Sunday night.
See The Story So Far at The Fillmore Sunday evening.