CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Ed Sheeran, Teddy Swims and The Great Gatsby musical, plus fall festivals.
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. 16-18, 2026:
The Great Gatsby (Belk Theater), through Sunday: The party is roaring on as one of Broadway’s hit musicals comes to Charlotte. The classic F. Scott Fitzgerald tale is transformed to a glitzy Jazz Age spectacle on stage. Catch the glamor of the Roaring Twenties and the mysterious Jay Gatsby as he tries to win the heart of his lost love. Tickets start at $47.02.
Mint Hill Madness (Mint Hill Veterans Park), Thursday through Saturday: Celebrate the founding of Mint Hill with the annual Mint Hill Madness. From carnival rides and games to a nighttime fireworks spectacular, there’s so much to do with the family, and, best of all, it’s free to attend. Check out the children’s entrepreneur market where young members of the community show off their innovation. Novant Health will also be onsite for free vaccines. Headliners this year include Davis & The Love, Chasin’ Aldean (Jason Aldean Tribute) and Gump Fiction. The festival is open Thursday 4 to 9 p.m., Friday 4 to 10 p.m., and Saturday 11a.m. to 10 p.m.
ADVERTISEMENT
Pineville Fall Fest (Jack D. Hughes Park), Thursday through Saturday: It’s a community tradition running 28 years strong. Rock out with Whole Lotta Presence: A Led Zeppelin Tribute Band, Landslide: Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band and On The Border: Eagles Tribute Band on the main stage. Don’t miss the Soap Bubble Circus as well as the Aim High Canines Dog Show. There will be plenty of great food and drinks, and over 70 local vendors, rides and games. Don’t miss the lumberjack show and take part in the chili cook-off or pie eating contest. The festival is open Thursday and Friday 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Charlotte Craft Beer Week (Various locations), starting Friday: Raise a glass to our vibrant local craft beer scene with a week of events, specials and new releases. Starting Friday, over 60 breweries within the Queen City will participate giving you a chance to try out new brews. Check out their website for a full list of events, including neighborhood bar crawls and deals including special release days. Download the Charlotte Craft Beer Passport and earn points to get free stuff while supporting the local businesses.
Charlotte Chalk Art Festival (NoDa Brewing North End), Saturday & Sunday noon to 5 p.m.: It’s one of Charlotte’s most colorful competitions. The streets in front of NoDa Brewing become a canvas for creative and out-of-this-world chalk creations. Local artists will compete for cash prizes, including youth teams and individual adults. Attendees can watch the chalk work come to life while enjoying live music, vendors, food and beverages. Admission is free and for all ages.
North Carolina Liver Mush Festival (Uptown Shelby), Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Celebrate the Western North Carolinian delicacy at the North Carolina Liver Mush Festival. Take part in the liver mush cookoff or the liver mush eating contest. With over 130 vendors, live music, activities for the kids, a pet zone and more, there is something for everyone. New this year is Piggy Bingo. Admission is free.
Gastonia Fall Festival (Rotary Pavilion), Saturday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Head to Downtown Gastonia this Saturday for an afternoon of family fun. Find your favorite food trucks like Kalani’s Italian Ice and King of Fire Pizza. Shop through dozens of local vendors selling baked goods, pet supplies, art, photography and so much more. Head to the pumpkin patch and decorate it before you take it home. Along with the live music and entertainment, there will also be costume and corn shucking contests. Admission is free.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ed Sheeran (Bank of America Stadium), Saturday 6 p.m.: Grammy Award-winner Ed Sheeran is bringing his “Loop Tour” to the Queen City at our biggest stage. The show will be one of the final performances for the U.S. leg of the tour which wraps up in Tampa early November. Opening for Sheeran will be Isaac Slade and Zach Hood. Tickets start at $62.25.
Teddy Swims (Spectrum Center), Sunday 7 p.m.: The Grammy-nominated singer is bringing “The Ugly Tour” to the Spectrum Center, his fifth headlining show. Named after his latest album which features the hit song “Mr. Know It All,” The Ugly Tour includes performances of both classics like “The Door” and his breakout hit “Lose Control,” as well as new songs and covers. He’ll be joined by St. Paul & The Broken Bones as well as MarcLo. Tickets start at $34.05.
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.
Copyright 2026 WBTV. All rights reserved.