Hey there, neighbors! As a local Waxhaw resident, proud mom of two, and Charlotte portrait photographer specializing in motherhood, graduates, and family photography, I’m so excited to share this South Charlotte Fall Festival Guide with you. Fall is my favorite time of year! The crisp air, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin patches make for the perfect backdrop to create and capture unforgettable family memories. Whether you’re near Waxhaw, Weddington, or anywhere around South Charlotte, I’ve gathered the best festivals and fall events to help you plan the perfect autumn weekends filled with fun, food, and fantastic photo ops.
Your South Charlotte Fall Festival Guide: The Best Family Events
From enchanting Renaissance fairs to lively street festivals and cozy craft markets, this South Charlotte Fall Festival Guide covers something for every family ready to dive into the season’s magic. I’ll share some of my personal favorites to help you make the most of this festive season.
Step into Another World: Carolina Renaissance Festival
📍 Huntersville, NC.
📅 Weekends, October 4 – November 23, 2025
⏰ 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: ~$36 adults, ~$22 kids; purchase by date (carolina.renfestinfo.com)
This is a fall must-do for families and fantasy lovers! My kids still talk about the jousting knights and giant turkey legs from our first visit. With over 140 artisan booths, themed weekends like Halloween Daze, and lively entertainment, it’s truly a day packed with magic.
🎨 Local Music, Art, & Food: Festival in the Park
📍 Freedom Park, Charlotte, NC
📅 September 19–21, 2025
⏰ Fri 4–9 PM | Sat 10–9 | Sun 10–5
🎟️ Free admission!
A Charlotte classic for over 60 years! Every year, my family loves wandering through the artist booths, grabbing delicious food from trucks. Of course their highlight is letting the kids explore the kid zones while we enjoy live music and beautiful park views.
🎡 Small-Town Charm & Carnival Fun: Matthews Alive Festival
📍 Downtown Matthews, NC
📅 Labor Day Weekend – Aug 29 to Sept 1, 2025
🎟️ Free to enter | Rides & food available for purchase
This festival has been a family favorite for years. From carnival rides and BBQ to live performances, it’s a fantastic way to kick off fall with smiles and good eats.
🌽 Farm Fresh Fall Fun: The Hunter Farm Fall Market
📍 13624 Providence Rd, Weddington, NC
📅 Saturday, October 4, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🎟️ Free admission | Wagon rides by reservation
One of my go-to spots for gorgeous photo backdrops! Pumpkins, tractors, and fall flowers make this market a dream for seasonal family portraits.
🍖 BBQ & Handcrafted Vibes: Autumn Treasures in Waxhaw
📍 Downtown Waxhaw, NC
📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Free admission
This is Waxhaw’s biggest fall festival and one close to my heart. With artisan vendors, live music, and mouthwatering BBQ, it’s the perfect way to celebrate community and fall flavors.
🍂 Brews, Bites & Fall Fun: Harvest & Hops Fest – Waxhaw, NC
📍 Downtown Waxhaw, NC
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025
⏰ 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🎟️ Free Admission & Free Parking!
If you love great brews and family-friendly fun, this fest is for you! With live music, 40+ vendors, food trucks, and a kid zone, it’s a full day of harvest vibes that you won’t want to miss.
🌿 Handmade in the Heart of Nature: Fall Artisan Market – Fort Mill
📍 Greenway Gateway, 2573 Lake Haigler Dr, Fort Mill, SC
📅 Saturday, October 4, 2025
⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎟️ Free entry | Parking: $5 members / $15 non-members
Looking for a peaceful, artsy morning surrounded by trails and fall scenery? This outdoor market showcases local artisans and makes for a relaxing family outing.
🧶 Shop Local Indoors: Autumn Craft Vendor Event – Monroe
📍 Monroe Crossing Mall, 2115 W Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC
📅 Saturday, September 13, 2025
⏰ 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Free admission
Cozy and craft-filled, this indoor market is a great backup plan for a rainy day or a chill shopping trip with the kids.
🍁 Family Fun & Festivities: Monroe’s Fall Fest 2025 – Downtown Monroe
📍 Downtown Monroe, NC
📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025
⏰ 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Free admission
With nearly 100 vendors, food trucks, live music, and fun activities like a mechanical bull and axe throwing, Monroe’s Fall Fest is a highlight for families looking for a festive street party atmosphere.
🍁 Crafts, Food & Fall Fun: Indian Trail Fall Festival
📍 Downtown Indian Trail, NC
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Free admission
A cozy community festival with craft vendors, live music, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment — a perfect way to soak in the fall spirit.
🍁 Pumpkins & Family Fun: Stallings Fall Festival
📍 Stallings Community Park, Stallings, NC
📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025
⏰ 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Free admission
With pumpkin decorating, hayrides, bounce houses, and live music, this festival is especially wonderful for families with young kids and tons of photo-worthy moments.
More Can’t-Miss Fall Fun Near South Charlotte
If you’re hungry for even more fall festivities, here are some additional favorites that our family loves and that make great outings for yours. These are perfect for creating those cozy autumn memories and capturing vibrant photos.
🍻 Charlotte Oktoberfest
📍 Uptown Charlotte (The Fillmore or event venue)
📅 Mid-September to early October (dates TBD for 2025)
🎟️ Ticketed event
Celebrate fall the German way with hearty food, live music, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. There’s something for everyone, from steins of cider to a festive kid zone!
🎈 Carolina BalloonFest
📍 Rock Hill, SC (about 30 minutes from South Charlotte)
📅 Late September or early October
🎟️ Free general admission; balloon rides available for purchase
This colorful hot air balloon festival is a magical experience — perfect for families who love vibrant sights and live music. Plus, the balloons make incredible photo backdrops!
🌾 Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch at Hartsell Farms
📍 Matthews, NC
📅 Weekends September through October
🎟️ Pay per activity
Classic fall fun awaits with a giant corn maze, pumpkin picking, hayrides, and more. A fantastic spot for family photos surrounded by autumn colors.
🎨 Fall Festival & Car Show at McDowell Arts Center
📍 Charlotte, NC
📅 Mid-September or October (exact 2025 date TBD)
🎟️ Free or low cost
Art, classic cars, crafts, and live music create a lively community vibe, plus tasty food trucks and kid-friendly fun.
🎃 Pumpkin Festival at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
📍 Belmont, NC
📅 Weekends in October
🎟️ Ticketed event
Surrounded by the stunning gardens and fall blooms, families can enjoy pumpkin picking, wagon rides, and seasonal crafts — a gorgeous setting for memorable portraits.
🥕 Matthews Community Farmers Market Fall Festival
📍 Downtown Matthews, NC
📅 Saturdays in September & October
🎟️ Free admission
Enjoy fresh local produce, crafts, and live music in this charming community market atmosphere. A lovely way to soak in the season.
Local Trick-or-Treat & Halloween Events Around South Charlotte
Looking for fun Halloween outings for the kids? Many towns in and around South Charlotte host safe, family-friendly events filled with candy, costumes, and community spirit. Here’s a quick peek at what’s happening this October! In addition, stay tuned for a full Halloween blog with even more details soon:
- Downtown Waxhaw Fright Night – Sat, Oct 26
- Indian Trail Halloween Spooktacular – ~Oct 24–25
- Monroe Treats on Main – Late October
- Matthews Hallo-Wine Fest & Kids Trick-or-Treat – Mid- to late October
- Promenade on Providence Goodies & Goblins – Fri, Oct 25
- Plaza Midwood Halloween Parade & Trunk-or-Treat – Mid- to late October
- Phillips Place Pumpkin Patch (SouthPark) – Early October
- Carowinds “Tricks & Treats” Fall Festival – Weekends through Oct 27
- Charlotte Halloween Block Party (Uptown) – Late October
- Matthews Halloween Parade – Late October
- SouthPark Mall Pumpkin Patch & Trick-or-Treat – Weekend before Halloween
Bonus: Fall Parades & Seasonal Celebrations
These festive parades and seasonal celebrations bring out the full charm of autumn across South Charlotte:
- Matthews Halloween Parade – Floats and costumes through downtown
- SouthPark Mall Trick-or-Treat & Pumpkin Patch – Indoor fall fun for little ones
- Charlotte Halloween Block Party – A big Uptown street party with live music and family zones
Beyond the Charlotte Fall Festival Guide – It’s the Perfect Time to Capture Memories, Too!
Fall isn’t just for cider, pumpkins, and festivals! It’s one of the best times of year to update your family portraits. Even better for celebrating milestones and capturing the cozy, golden magic of the season. As your local South Charlotte photographer, I know all the best fall portrait spots. Let’s work together to make your fall session feel natural, fun, and totally you.
Whether you’re:
- A family looking for updated portraits before the holidays
- A senior in the Class of 2026 wanting dreamy golden-hour photos,
- Or a mama-to-be planning that perfect fall maternity session…
…I’ve got you covered with styling support, location ideas, and a relaxed experience you’ll love.
Ready to book a session while the leaves are still perfect? Let’s get you on the calendar and make this fall unforgettable.
- Looking for a fun day out with the kids – have you checked out the new park in Waxhaw, NC? Waxhaw Downtown Kids Park: A Playful Day Out (and So Much More!)
- Wonder about the peak fall colors here and in the mountains? Your Guide to the Peak Fall Colors & Scenic Spots Near Charlotte, NC
- Are you getting a live Christmas tree this year? Curious where to find yours? Where to Find Fresh Christmas Trees in Charlotte, NC
- Looking for family photos but not sure what is best for you? Mini Session or Family Session? Mini vs Full Photography: Discover the Perfect Fit for Your Family
