What you’ll find here: A list of Fall Festivals in Charlotte, NC that are perfect for the kids.
Looking to plan some family fun this fall?
We’ve rounded up the best fall festivals in and around Charlotte that offer plenty of entertainment for kids — from rodeos to hands-on science zones to dance parties in the park. Here’s what to add to your calendar!
Fall Festivals for Families near Charlotte, NC
2026 Charlotte Fall Festivals — Quick Facts
- Season: September – November 2026
- Free festivals: Charlotte Soul Fest (Sept 5) · Festival in the Park (Sept 25–27) · Charlotte Kids Fest (Oct 3)
- Ticketed: Cabarrus County Fair (ages 12+ $8 | ages 6–11 $6 | 5 & under free) · Carolina Renaissance Festival (ages 13+ $37.99 + tax | ages 5–12 $23.99 + tax | 4 & under free)
- Longest run: Carolina Renaissance Festival — every weekend Oct 3 – Nov 22, 2026
- Best for little ones: Charlotte Kids Fest (free, interactive zones) and Cabarrus County Fair (ages 5 & under free)
Charlotte Soul Fest
- Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Location: First Ward Park, Uptown Charlotte, NC
- Details: A free, all-day celebration of music, culture, community, and opportunity featuring live performances across multiple stages, cultural dance, Black art, food, and family-friendly zones including a Family Fun Zone, Health & Wellness Village, and Soul Expressions Art Walk.
- Kid Highlights: Free entry, family-friendly performances, and lots of energy.
- Charlotte Soul Fest Website
Cabarrus County Fair
- Dates: September 11–19, 2026
- Hours: Mon–Thu 4 pm–10 pm | Fri 4 pm–midnight | Sat 1 pm–midnight | Sun 1 pm–10 pm
- Admission: Ages 5 & under free | Ages 6–11 $6 | Ages 12+ $8 | Ages 55+ $6 | Military ID free | CabCo government employees (with badge) free | Parking free
- Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 Old Airport Rd, Concord, NC
- Details: Nine days of rides, games, animals, food, and entertainment, including rodeo performances and themed discount nights.
- Kid Highlights: Rides, petting zoo, fun fair food, and plenty of family shows.
- Cabarrus County Fair Website
62nd Annual Festival in the Park
- Dates: September 25–27, 2026
- Hours: Fri Sept 25: 4 pm–9 pm | Sat Sept 26: 10 am–9 pm | Sun Sept 27: 10 am–5 pm
- Admission: Free
- Location: Freedom Park, Charlotte, NC
- Details: A beloved Charlotte tradition celebrating its 62nd year with local artists, food vendors, music, and community fun since 1964.
- Kid Highlights: Open spaces to run and play, art booths, and free admission.
- Festival in the Park Website
Charlotte Kids Fest
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026 (11 am – 4 pm)
- Admission: Free
- Location: 9048 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28262 (University City area)
- Details: This free festival features interactive zones: Create, Arts, Learn (STEM), Play, and Go (big vehicles!). Rain or shine, no pets allowed.
- Kid Highlights: Hands-on learning, crafts, games, and big vehicles to explore.
- Charlotte Kids Fest Website
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Carolina Renaissance Festival
- Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, October 3 – November 22, 2026
- Hours: Gates open 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (pre-opening gate show at 9:05 am)
- Admission: Ages 13+ $37.99 + tax | Ages 5–12 $23.99 + tax | Ages 4 & under always free | Parking free
- Location: 16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville, NC (just outside Charlotte)
- Details: A 25-acre Renaissance village with 16 stages of entertainment, costumed characters, jousting, falconry, artisan booths, and more. Tickets are date-specific and often sell out — buy in advance.
- Kid Highlights: Mermaids, games, food, performances, and a fairytale-like experience. Children 4 & under always free.
- Carolina Renaissance Festival Website
Get more on the Carolina Renaissance Festival from Kidding Around.
Kanntoberfest
- Date: 2026 date not yet announced — check back for updates
- Admission: Free
- Location: Downtown Kannapolis, NC (West Avenue area)
- Details: A family-friendly Oktoberfest-style celebration with local craft beer, food trucks, and a vendor market with 30+ local vendors.
- Kid Highlights: Free admission, bounce houses, and face painting.
- Kanntoberfest on Explore Cabarrus
Charlotte Fall Festivals FAQ
Which fall festivals near Charlotte are free for kids in 2026?
Several 2026 fall festivals near Charlotte are completely free. Charlotte Soul Fest (September 5) at First Ward Park offers free admission with family-friendly performances and activities. Festival in the Park (September 25–27) at Freedom Park has historically been free to enter — check the festival website to confirm before you go. Charlotte Kids Fest (October 3) in University City is also free, with interactive zones for all ages.
How much does the Carolina Renaissance Festival cost in 2026?
For the 2026 season (October 3 – November 22, weekends only), adult tickets (ages 13+) are $37.99 plus tax. Children ages 5–12 are $23.99 plus tax. Children 4 and under are always free. Parking is free. Tickets are date-specific and limited, so buying in advance is strongly recommended as individual dates often sell out.
When is the Cabarrus County Fair in 2026?
The Cabarrus County Fair runs September 11–19, 2026 at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center in Concord, NC. Gate admission is $8 for ages 12 and up, $6 for ages 6–11, and free for ages 5 and under. Parking is free.
Is Kanntoberfest happening in 2026?
As of August 2026, no official 2026 date for Kanntoberfest has been announced. The 2025 event was held September 27 in Downtown Kannapolis. Check the Explore Cabarrus events page for updates.
Planning Your Fall Fun
Which festivals are going on your list? Let us know your favorites — or if we missed one your family loves, send it our way! Looking for even more things to do this fall? We’ve got you covered with guides to pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and more.
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