Posted on 9/7/2026 by Lisa Deck

Your Guide to Fall Festivals in Lake Norman

View of Lake Norman NC in the fall.

Welcome to fall in North Carolina, when the heat and humidity (finally!) subside and the autumn colors pop. Everyone is eager to get out and enjoy the gorgeous weather, so local fall festivals provide exciting weekend plans and a way to connect with the best of what Lake Norman has to offer.

September

12 | Davidson

Davidson Fall Art Festival on Main Street will feature over 50 local artists selling fine art and handmade gifts as well as food and live music.

12 | Cornelius 

Cornelius Festival of Cultures invites attendees to experience different cultures through delicious food, drinks, handmade items from arts and craft vendors, live performances from local groups, kids' crafts, and more!

19 | Mooresville

Bands, Brews & BBQ in Mooresville features mouth-watering BBQ from regional food vendors, serving up a variety of barbecue styles and Southern-inspired eats plus a curated selection of craft beers from local and regional breweries. There will be rides, games, and activities for all ages as well as a live music lineup featuring high-energy performances.

19 | Huntersville 

Howdy Huntersville Country Festival is a family-friendly event featuring country music, square dancing (beginners welcome!), country-themed carnival games and attractions, a petting zoo, food trucks, and beverage vendors.

26 | Cornelius

‘Tawba Walk Arts and Music Festival is an eclectic art event in the heart of Cornelius, featuring dozens of artists and local vendors, live music performances, kid zones, and amazing food.

27 | Cornelius 

The All-American Dog Show in Cornelius welcomes hundreds of dog lovers and their furry friends to Robbins Park to enjoy pet-related vendors, concessions, and fun contests.


OCTOBER

2 | Mooresville

Symphony Under the Stars in Mooresville this year brings an expanded lineup of live performers together with the Lake Norman Philharmonic for an unforgettable evening of music under the stars. Then, as the music comes to a close, look to the sky for Mooresville’s first-ever drone show!

3 | Huntersville

Renaissance Festival in Huntersville opens (running every weekend until Thanksgiving). You'll find music, comedy, theater, food and drink, handmade arts and crafts, artisan demonstrations, games and rides, as well as hundreds of costumed characters re-creating a 16th-century European marketplace.

10 | Cornelius

Laketoberfest is an annual family-friendly festival in Cornelius featuring live music, beer from local NC breweries, a variety of food trucks and a kids’ zone with crafts and games. Admission and parking are free. Pets are not allowed.

16-18 | Statesville

Carolina BalloonFest in Statesville is the second oldest hot air balloon festival in the country, featuring breathtaking balloon competitions, mass ascensions, and evening glows.

17 | Davidson

A Taste of Davidson celebrates the flavors of Davidson and will feature food and beverages from great restaurants, along with 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.

23 | Davidson

Halloweekend in Davidson starts at 5:00 pm on Friday with the annual Halloween March along Main Street to receive treats from merchants and local organizations. Then, join Davidson Parks and Recreation on the Town Green where you can carve a pumpkin with your neighbors!

25 | Huntersville 

Halloween in Huntersville features trick-or-treat booths, live music and entertainment, food and beverages available for purchase, a costume contest with prizes, and activities for all ages. Guests are encouraged to stay through the end of the event as the night sky comes alive with a special 300-drone Halloween show.

30 | Mooresville

Downtown Mooresville Halloween Candy Grab invites the whole community to show off their best costumes and have a blast collecting candy and other tasty surprises from local businesses and organizations.


where to stay

There’s really no choice other than a luxury lake house when you’re spending time in the Lake Norman area. StayLakeNorman offers vacation rentals with high-end amenities and concierge services that exceed expectations. If your stay leads to falling in love with the idea of living on the lake or investing in a property of your own, our real estate team will be your guide to making that dream a reality.


Cozy meets elegant in Channel Marker. a signature StayLakeNorman luxury waterfront rental.
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