CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - It’s the first full weekend of fall, which event will you check out this weekend?
With Hurricane Helene impacting much of the Carolinas, pay attention to First Alert forecasts and double check before heading to each event for plan adjustments.
CharlOZ (various locations), Thursday through Sunday: There’s no place like home this weekend as UNC Charlotte celebrates L. Frank Baum’s classic with art presentations, speakers and experiences. Follow the yellow brick road to the Knight Theater for an opening talk with Gregory Maguire, author of the smash hit Wicked. The Market on 7th will host Oz-themed drink and food specials and vendors on Saturday and Sunday. Don’t miss a special presentation of the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz with the Charlotte Symphony playing the score and music live.
Charlotte Film Festival (Independent Picture House), through Sunday: Get your popcorn buckets ready and get cozy because this year’s Charlotte Film Festival features over 100 films from emerging artists and filmmakers. Showcasing all forms of the media, patrons can find animated, documentaries, shorts and features plus so much more, many from local filmmakers. Individual films are $12 with ticket packs available for purchase.
Breakaway Music Festival (zMAX Dragway), Friday & Saturday: Get ready to dance for a 2-day party at the zMAX Dragway. This year’s headliners include legendary DJs like Alesso, Marshmello and Loud Luxury. Keep the party going at one of the many official afterparties around town. Single day admission passes start at $104 with weekend passes at $189.
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Wine & Food Festival (Symphony Park), Saturday noon to 6 p.m.: What better way to spend your Saturday than an all-you-care-to-taste afternoon with over 100 beers, wines and spirits from around the world. Savor the experience with live music and delicious food trucks to pair with your beverages. Tickets start at $39. Proceeds benefit Spirit of Hope Children’s Foundation.
Hispanic Heritage Festival of the Carolinas (Truist Field), Saturday 2 p.m.: Celebrate Charlotte’s rich Hispanic heritage with an epic party at Truist Field. There will be plenty of food, live entertainment, vendors and activities right in the heart of Uptown. This year’s headliners include The Kazzabe Group, Karlos Rose, Porto Baloa and DJ Coroking. Admission is $20.
Hodges Family Farm Pumpkin Patch, opening Saturday: It’s officially pumpkin season and the Hodges Family Farm is the place to be for fall fun for the whole family. Pick your perfect pumpkin to take home, climb hay bales, meet barn animals and take a hayride. Browse the farm shop for homemade seasonal products and food. Admission is free.
Harvest Festival (Charlotte Regional Farmers Market), Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Get the family together for some fall fun at the farmers’ market. With an abundance of seasonal favorites like pumpkins, apples, sweet potatoes, learn all about these fall staples while having fun. Returning this year is the pumpkin sling where you can watch the gourds explode. There will also be piglets for the kids to take photos with. Admission is free.
Cleveland County Fair (Cleveland County Agricultural Fair), opening weekend: Since 1924, the Cleveland County Fair has been bringing the community together with its fair rides, games, food and exhibits. Celebrating it’s 100th year, the county fair will feature familiar activities along with fireworks, rodeos, demolition derbies and so much more. Admission is $8.
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Charlotte International Arts Festival (various locations), through Sunday: It’s your final weekend to experience the wonder of the Charlotte International Arts Festival. From unique sculptures in Uptown and in Ballantyne, to even more events around the Queen City, soak in the creative atmosphere and discover your own artistic side. Admission is free for most events.
Looking ahead:
UNCF Walk for Education (Symphony Park), October 5: Get those laces ready for the inaugural UNCF Charlotte Walk for Education to kick off the HBCU homecoming season. Funds raised will help benefit local students attending HBCUs in North Carolina.
Have an event you want to submit? I’m always looking for things to do around Charlotte. Send me your event to Carmichael.Cruz@WBTV.com.
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