Things To Do in Charlotte This Weekend: October 17-October 19

The weekend activities in Charlotte this October deliver a vibrant mixture of color, flavor, and community. From the beautiful views at the Carolina BalloonFest to the hometown feel of the NC Liver Mush Festival and Pineville Fall Fest, there's no shortage of celebration and pride in our local culture this weekend. It's the perfect time to experience the season's best traditions across the Carolinas.

Carolina BalloonFest is a long-running celebration of hot-air ballooning in Statesville, North Carolina. The event features mass balloon ascensions, evening balloon glows, live music, local food and wine, artisan vendors, and family-friendly entertainment, including a kids' zone and craft beer garden. Organized by a nonprofit organization, the festival provides funds for local charities and projects to benefit the community, while offering the splendor and tradition of ballooning in a fun, family-friendly event.

The NC Liver Mush Festival: Mush, Music & Mutts celebrates a beloved Western North Carolina delicacy — liver mush, a savory blend of pork liver, cornmeal, and spices that has been enjoyed for generations. Since 1985, this community tradition has honored local food heritage with live music, family-friendly fun, pet events, and over 100 vendors.

Pineville's Fall Fest is the town's signature autumn celebration, bringing the community together with food, entertainment, carnival rides, harvest-themed fun, and lively music. Staged by the Parks and Recreation Department, the event features family-friendly activities, market vendors, and playful seasonal charm under the crisp fall sky.

As communities and college culture celebrate, the Charlotte events this weekend offer the excitement of fall. Festival and fun await with campus events, hometown festivals, and spirited sports competition this weekend: