CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Bank of America 400 returns, UNCF Walk for Education and a new way to experience CLUE.
9 things to do in Charlotte this weekend is part of our new newsletter The Go Guide! Every week, get the scoop on the latest events and happenings around Charlotte right in your inbox. To subscribe, make sure to check “The Go Guide” in our newsletter page.
Here’s a list of things to do the weekend of Oct. 9-11, 2026:
Charlotte BookPalooza (Truist Field), Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Returning for its third year, bookworms of all ages are invited to discover new adventures at BookPalooza in a brand-new location. Meet and greet dozens of local authors, hear stories from a wide range of genres and take part in engaging discussions with fellow fans. Come dressed up as your favorite character and enter the cosplay contest. Guests will also find plenty of photo ops, activations and bookish activities. The first 250 attendees through the door receive a Bookie Swag Bag. Admission is $5 for adults 18 and over, and free for under 18.
CLUE: Murder on the Menu (Blume Studios), opening Friday: The classic whodunnit board game comes to life in an all-new immersive dinner experience. Step inside the Black Family Tudor Mansion for a dinner party shrouded in mystery. Boden “Boddy” Black has been murdered, and all the usual suspects have been invited: Was it Mrs. Peacock? Or maybe Colonel Mustard. Could it be you? Discover what secrets lurk inside the mansion that will keep you guessing until the end. Tickets start at $114.59 and include a three-course dinner.
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UNCF Walk for Education (Park Road Park Park), Saturday 8 a.m.: Get those laces ready for the third annual UNCF Charlotte Walk for Education to kick off the HBCU homecoming season. Funds raised will help benefit local students attending HBCUs in North Carolina. Help build better futures one step at a time. WBTV is a proud sponsor of the UNCF Walk for Education. Meet WBTV’s Shevaun Bryan and Darrell Greene who will be emceeing the 5K. Registration is $35.
Fall for Matthews Festival (Stumptown Park), Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: It’s time to “fall” in love with the Matthews community. You’ll find live entertainment, local vendors selling art, homemade goods and food, as well as a pumpkin patch to decorate your home with. For the kids there will be arts and crafts, as well as face painting. New this year is the NextGen Village where students sell their own handmade goods, artwork and entrepreneurial projects. Admission is free.
Fall Festival (Tipsy Pickle), Saturday 12 to 5 p.m.: Soak in those autumn vibes with the return of Fall Festival at Tipsy Pickle. Head to Camp North End’s pickleball center for activities for the whole family including petting zoos on the courts, a pumpkin patch, ax throwing, plus a vendor market with some of your local favorites like Thrift Pony and That’s Novel Books. Make sure to check out Tipsy Pickles’ fall coffees, cocktails and even drinks for the kids. Admission is free.
Charlotte Veg Fest (Victoria Yards), Saturday 12 to 6 p.m.: Celebrate and learn all about the healthy, sustainable and compassionate lifestyle with a festival filled with goodness. You can find dozens of vendors selling pre-packaged foods, beverages, jewelry, clothing, handmade goods, services and nonprofits showcasing the best of local veganism. You won’t want to miss the cooking demos, speakers, and free fitness classes. Whether you’re vegan or vegan-curious, head to Victoria Yards in Uptown for all the fun. Admission is free.
Parada Dominicana de Charlotte (Camp North End), Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m.: Experience the cultures and flavors of the Dominican heritage at the 2nd annual Parada Dominicana de Charlotte. Celebrate the rich traditions with live music, dancing, food and art. From bachata to merengue, everyone is invited to the dance floor to move, grove and soak up that island flavor. Admission is free.
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Bank of America 400 (Charlotte Motor Speedway), Sunday 3 p.m.: Ready, set, go. Catch the sixth race of The Chase series as NASCAR gets closer to crowning its Cup Series champion. The Bank of America 400 is back at the Charlotte Motor Speedway returning to the classic oval layout this year. Catch the Tyler Hubbard before the race and grab autographs from your favorite racers. Tickets start at $57.87 for ages 13 and over and start at $11.25 for 12 and under.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks (Spectrum Center), Sunday 7 p.m.: Buzz City is so back. The preseason game is fans’ first look at the roster before the official home opener on Friday, October 23rd against the Atlanta Hawks. Get ready for a great season of basketball with the Charlotte Hornets. Tickets start at $22.75.
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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