Weekend Events in Charlotte

Charlotte, NC, October 9, 2025

News Summary

Charlotte is brimming with activities this weekend, including the annual Pumpkin Palooza at Truist Field and the Fall for Matthews Festival. Families can enjoy vibrant community events with local vendors, live entertainment, and various activities, while sports fans can look forward to the Panthers game against the Cowboys. The weekend promises something for everyone, from pumpkin picking to engaging literary events and vegan festivities, ensuring a fun and festive atmosphere across the city.

Charlotte is set to host an exciting lineup of events this weekend, offering something for everyone, from pumpkin picking to sports, and vibrant community festivals. On Saturday, October 9, 2025, Truist Field will kick off the annual Pumpkin Palooza at 10 a.m., where attendees can enjoy picking pumpkins from a field filled with thousands of options. Large pumpkins will be available for $20, while small pumpkins can be purchased for $10. Besides pumpkin picking, the event will feature food and drinks, pumpkin painting, and live music. Admission is free, and all proceeds will support the Charlotte Knights Charities Foundation.

Meanwhile, in Downtown Matthews, the Fall for Matthews Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly festival includes live entertainment, local vendor booths showcasing art and food, and a pumpkin patch. Kids can enjoy attractions like a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and face painting, all at no cost.

Another highlight of the weekend, Charlotte’s BookPalooza, will take place at the Urban District Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can meet over 50 local authors, participate in story readings, and engage in discussions. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite book character for a cosplay contest, and admission is free.

For those interested in a healthy lifestyle, the Charlotte Veg Fest will occur at Victoria Yards from noon to 6 p.m. This event aims to promote a sustainable vegan lifestyle and will host numerous vendors offering vegan food, jewelry, handmade goods, and various services, all with free admission.

Simultaneously, Catawba Fest will be held at Catawba Park from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring over 100 local vendors and opportunities for holiday shopping. The festival will also include a children’s entrepreneur market, eating competitions, and live entertainment, with no admission fee.

For adults seeking a unique experience, Grown-Up Play Day at Blume Studios starts at 1 p.m. This event is for individuals aged 18 and older and will showcase activities such as bounce houses, bubbles, a silent disco, and photo opportunities. Tickets for this event begin at $30.97.

On Sunday, October 10, 2025, the Charlotte Panthers will face off against the Dallas Cowboys at the Bank of America Stadium at 1 p.m. The Panthers aim for a three-game win streak at home, with ticket prices starting at $140.

Additionally, theater enthusiasts can look forward to Wicked at the Belk Theater throughout October. This Broadway favorite tells the story of the witches before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz, with ticket prices starting at $46.58.

For those seeking spooktacular thrills, SCarowinds at Carowinds is open through November 2, 2025, featuring five mazes, four scare zones, and various Halloween-themed attractions, including a new interactive maze based on The Conjuring Universe. Admission starts at $55.

Community members can subscribe to “The Go Guide” newsletter to stay informed about the latest events and happenings in Charlotte, with a subscription option available on the WCCB newsletter page. Event organizers can submit details about upcoming events by emailing [email protected].

FAQ

• What events are happening in Charlotte this weekend? Various events including Pumpkin Palooza, Fall for Matthews Festival, Charlotte’s BookPalooza, Charlotte Veg Fest, Catawba Fest, Grown-Up Play Day, and a football game between the Panthers and the Cowboys.
• When and where is Pumpkin Palooza taking place? Pumpkin Palooza will be at Truist Field on Saturday, October 9, 2025, starting at 10 a.m.
• Is there a cost for admission to the events? Most events are free to attend, with exceptions like Grown-Up Play Day, which has ticket prices starting at $30.97.
• What is the purpose of Catawba Fest? Catawba Fest hosts over 100 local vendors for holiday shopping, along with activities like a children’s entrepreneur market and live entertainment.
• When is the Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys game? The game is scheduled for Sunday, October 10, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium.

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Additional Resources

• WCCB Charlotte: Top Events
• WBTV: Things to Do in Charlotte
• Axios: Charlotte’s Biggest October Events
• V101.9: Charlotte Craft Beer Week
• Travel and Tour World: Business Events in US Cities
• Wikipedia: Charlotte, North Carolina
• Google Search: Charlotte Events 2025
• Google Scholar: Charlotte Events
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte
• Google News: Charlotte Events

Author: HERE Charlotte

The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.