Things to Do in Charlotte This Weekend: October 9–11, 2026

Looking for things to do in Charlotte this weekend? October 9–11 brings an outdoor music-festival finale, plant-based food in Uptown, books at the ballpark and a full slate of fall outings. There are free options alongside ticketed evenings, plus two nearby destinations worth planning a little extra travel time for.

Here is Queen City Backstage’s guide to Charlotte events this weekend, with official links to help you choose a day out.

Mecktoberfest at OMB Ballantyne

German food, beer, live music and a Saturday steinholding competition fill the final weekend of OMB’s Mecktoberfest. This weekend’s celebration is at the Ballantyne location, rather than LoSo.

When: Friday–Sunday, October 9–11. Music runs Friday 6–10 p.m.; Saturday 1–4 p.m. and 6–10 p.m.; and Sunday 2–5 p.m. Steinholding is Saturday 4–6 p.m.
Where: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 15025 Bowl Street, Charlotte.
Planning: The brewery’s event page does not list an admission charge. Budget for food and drinks, and check with OMB for any entry requirements. Guests can validate four hours of parking using the parking-area and hostess-stand QR codes.

Confluence Music Fest

Make a night of discovering Charlotte’s music rooms, or head to Saturday’s outdoor finale. Confluence Music Fest brings more than 45 artists across its October 8–10 run, with Friday performances in NoDa, Plaza Midwood and South End.

When: Friday, October 9, with festival programming listed from 7 p.m.; Saturday, October 10, 2–10:30 p.m.
Where: Friday at participating venues; Saturday at Suffolk Punch South End’s festival field.
Admission: Saturday general admission is free with registration. Paid festival passes, individual-show tickets and Saturday VIP upgrades are available. Check the official show schedule for each venue’s timing and age rules; entry is subject to capacity.

Read QCB’s Confluence preview for more about the festival’s connection to Charlotte’s music scene.

Charlotte VegFest in Uptown

For a food-focused Saturday, Charlotte VegFest returns to Victoria Yards. The organizer is offering free entry, making this an easy addition to an Uptown afternoon.

When: Saturday, October 10, noon–6 p.m. VIP early access begins at 11 a.m.
Where: Victoria Yards, Uptown Charlotte.
Admission: Free general entry. Follow the organizer’s RSVP link for registration and VIP details; food and purchases are separate.

Charlotte BookPalooza at Truist Field

The ballpark becomes a gathering place for readers at Charlotte BookPalooza. Books on the House’s third annual festival features more than 85 authors, booksellers, makers and book-themed activities.

When: Saturday, October 10, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Truist Field, 324 South Mint Street, Charlotte.
Admission: A Festival Pass is $5 plus tax for ages 16 and older. Children 15 and under enter free without a ticket. Guests under 18 must enter with a parent or supervising adult.

Build Your Own Boat at the Whitewater Center

Watch handmade boats attempt the rapids at the Build Your Own Boat Festival. Stay after the competition for live music from Boot Juice.

When: Saturday, October 10. Competition noon–4 p.m.; live music 4–5:30 p.m.
Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte.
Admission: No pass is required to enter the property and watch. Daily parking is $13 per car or $25 for oversized vehicles. Boat-competition registration is $50; other pass activities cost extra.

Nearby: Carolina Renaissance Festival

Head to Huntersville for stage entertainment, jousting and artisan shopping at the Carolina Renaissance Festival. Its 2026 season runs Saturdays and Sundays from October 3 through November 22.

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 10–11, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Where: 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville.
Admission: Date-specific tickets are $37.99 plus sales tax for ages 13 and up and $23.99 plus sales tax for ages 5–12; those figures include the $1.99 service fee. Ages 4 and under enter free. Parking is free. Food, rides, games and purchases are extra.

Nearby: NASCAR weekend in Concord

Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts three national-series races over the weekend: the Ecosave 200 on Friday, the Blue Cross NC 300 on Saturday and the Bank of America 400 on Sunday.

When: October 9–11. The Bank of America 400 starts Sunday at 3 p.m.
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord.
Admission: Paid race tickets and weekend packages are offered through the official speedway ticket page. Pricing depends on your selection; check the current total and parking options before purchasing.

Live music around Charlotte

Brian Simpson at Middle C Jazz: The venue lists a Saturday, October 10 show at 8:30 p.m., with doors at 7:45 p.m. Published admission is $61.15 general admission or $50.15 for Baby Grand members. Check the official show page for tickets and availability. For a feel for the room, read QCB’s Curtis Salgado story from Middle C Jazz.

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue: Live Nation lists the show at The Underground on Sunday, October 11, at 8 p.m., with Abraham Alexander on the lineup. This is a ticketed concert; consult the official event page for current prices and availability. Explore the room in QCB’s The Underground venue feature.

Make a weekend of it

Pair BookPalooza with VegFest for an Uptown Saturday, choose Confluence for music discovery, or give the Renaissance Festival a full day of its own. Whatever your pace, leave room for travel and check the organizer’s latest updates before heading out.

Details checked October 7, 2026 against official organizer, venue and ticketing sources. Times are local to the Charlotte area. Schedules, availability and prices can change.

Featured photograph: Charlotte skyline and Truist Field, Ken Lund, April 4, 2019, via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized for web display; the photograph remains under that license.