Welcome to fall in North Carolina, when the heat and humidity subside and the autumn colors pop. Because everyone is eager to get out and enjoy the gorgeous weather, local fall festivals offer exciting weekend plans and a way to connect with the best of what Lake Norman has to offer.
SEPTEMBER
Here are a few of our favorite fall festivals in September, small town gatherings and major annual fests alike!
Huntersville Hay Days | September 23
Huntersville Hay Days celebrates the town’s 150th anniversary! Activities for the whole family – inflatables, carnival games, miniature train rides, live music, food trucks, and more!
‘Tawba Walk Arts and Music Festival | September 30
An eclectic art event in the heart of Cornelius, featuring dozens of local vendors, live street performances, shopping, and amazing food.
Renaissance Festival | September 30
The most unique festival in Huntersville opens every weekend until Thanksgiving! You’ll find music, comedy and theater, food and drink, hand-made arts and crafts, artisan demonstrations, games, and rides as well as hundreds of costumed characters re-creating a 16th-century European marketplace.
Charlotte Fall Beer Festival | September 30
This fall beer festival in Charlotte offers unlimited sampling of beer and cider made by 25+ national, regional, and local craft breweries. There will be delicious food from some of Charlotte’s most popular food trucks. Listen to incredible live music, and enjoy a variety of activities. Tickets required.
OCTOBER
From Oktoberfest to Halloween, there are a lot of reasons to celebrate around the lake in October!
Mooresville Motorsports Celebration | October 3
The Mooresville Motorsports Celebration is a racing fan’s ideal event showcasing race cars, current and vintage hot rods, food trucks, live music, and the greatest names in auto racing history.
2nd Fridays Street Festival | October 13
You’re sure to enjoy this monthly gathering in downtown Cornelius where you’ll find live music, food trucks, breweries, vendors, and kids activities. This last event of the season celebrates Oktoberfest!
Laketober Music & Brew Festival | October 14
An annual favorite in Lake Norman! Laketober Music & Brew Festival is a family-friendly festival in Cornelius featuring live music, beer from local NC breweries, a variety of food trucks, a kids’ zone with crafts and games, and axe throwing. Admission and parking are free. Pets are not allowed.
A Taste of Davidson | October 14
Celebrate the flavors of Davidson with food and beverages from great restaurants as well as live music. Admission to the event is free. Local restaurants will offer tastes of some of their most popular menu items for a small fee.
Davidson Fall Art Festival | October 21
Davidson Fall Art Festival on Main Street will feature 40 local artists selling fine art and handmade gifts. Live music and crafts for kids make this a fun event for the whole family.
Halloween March | October 27
Starting at 5:00 pm with a parade along Main Street, receive treats from merchants and local organizations.
Halloween in Huntersville | October 28
Halloween in Huntersville will feature vendors, food trucks, a costume contest (starting at 5:30pm) and a Movie in the Park at Veterans Park.
WHERE TO STAY
Whatever may bring you to the Lake Norman area, be sure to make the most of it by getting outside and discovering our local communities. Fall festivals in North Carolina give you the perfect opportunity to do just that! Afterwards, return to your cozy retreat and soak up the lake’s natural beauty at these StayLakeNorman vacation homes:
