Charlotte, NC, October 9, 2025
News Summary
This October, Charlotte, NC will feature a variety of exciting events for all ages, from a fall festival to sports and arts activities. Highlights include the Pumpkin Palooza, Fall for Matthews Festival, and Charlotte Veg Fest, all offering free admission. Sports fans can catch the Panthers vs. Cowboys game while theater enthusiasts can enjoy ‘Wicked’ at the Belk Theater. With activities for everyone, this weekend promises to celebrate community spirit and local culture.
Charlotte, NC is set to host an exciting array of events during the weekend of October 9-11, 2025, featuring activities for all ages, including a popular fall festival, sports, and arts. With a variety of free and ticketed events, attendees can find enjoyment in culinary delights, entertainment, and community spirit.
Pumpkin Palooza at Truist Field
The Pumpkin Palooza will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2025, starting at 10 a.m. at Truist Field. This festive event offers thousands of pumpkins for selection, with large pumpkins priced at $20 and small pumpkins at $10. In addition to pumpkin picking, attendees can enjoy food, drinks, pumpkin painting, and live music. Admission is free, and all proceeds will benefit the Charlotte Knights Charities Foundation.
Fall for Matthews Festival
Also on Saturday, October 10, 2025, the Fall for Matthews Festival will be held in Downtown Matthews from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly festival features live entertainment, local vendors, and homemade goods. Children can participate in a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and face painting, all at no cost for admission.
Charlotte’s BookPalooza
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2025, the Charlotte’s BookPalooza will occur at the Urban District Market. This literary event will showcase over 50 local authors, providing activities such as storytelling sessions, engaging discussions, and a cosplay contest. Admission to this event is also free.
Charlotte Veg Fest
Another event on Saturday, Charlotte Veg Fest, will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at Victoria Yards, focusing on healthy and sustainable living. Expect to find vendors offering pre-packaged foods, beverages, jewelry, and handmade goods. Entry is free for all attendees.
Catawba Fest
The Catawba Fest will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2025, from 1 to 9 p.m. at Catawba Park. With over 100 local vendors offering their wares, this event is an excellent opportunity for holiday shopping. The festival will feature a children’s entrepreneur market, eating competitions, and live entertainment, all available for free.
Grown-Up Play Day
For adults seeking fun, the Grown-Up Play Day will be hosted at Blume Studios at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2025. This unique event, designed for those aged 18 and over, includes activities like bubbles, ball pits, bounce houses, and a silent disco. Tickets for this event start at $30.97.
Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys Football Game
Football fans can look forward to watching the Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys game on Sunday, October 11, 2025, with kickoff at 1 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers are aiming for a three-game home winning streak. Ticket prices for this sporting event start at $140.
Ongoing Attractions
Throughout October 2025, the Broadway musical “Wicked” will run at the Belk Theater, with tickets starting at $46.58. Additionally, SCarowinds, an ongoing event at Carowinds, is available through November 2, 2025, featuring five scare zones, four haunted mazes including the new “The Conjuring: Beyond Fear,” and various attractions. Admission starts at $55, with additional passes available.
Stay Updated
For those interested in keeping up with local events, the Go Guide newsletter offers updates on happenings in Charlotte. To subscribe, visit the newsletter page. Event organizers can submit requests for inclusion by emailing [email protected].
FAQ Section
What events are happening in Charlotte on October 9-11, 2025?
Charlotte will host various events including Pumpkin Palooza, Fall for Matthews Festival, Charlotte’s BookPalooza, Charlotte Veg Fest, Catawba Fest, Grown-Up Play Day, a Panthers game, and Wicked at Belk Theater.
When is Pumpkin Palooza and where is it held?
Pumpkin Palooza will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2025, starting at 10 a.m. at Truist Field.
Are there any events with free admission?
Yes, events like Pumpkin Palooza, Fall for Matthews Festival, Charlotte’s BookPalooza, Charlotte Veg Fest, and Catawba Fest have free admission.
What time does the Panthers game start on October 11?
The Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys game will start at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2025.
How can I subscribe to local event updates?
You can subscribe to the Go Guide newsletter for updates on local events around Charlotte by checking “The Go Guide” on the newsletter page.
Event Overview Chart
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Palooza | October 10, 2025 | 10 a.m. | Truist Field | Free |
| Fall for Matthews Festival | October 10, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Downtown Matthews | Free |
| Charlotte’s BookPalooza | October 10, 2025 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Urban District Market | Free |
| Charlotte Veg Fest | October 10, 2025 | Noon – 6 p.m. | Victoria Yards | Free |
| Catawba Fest | October 10, 2025 | 1 – 9 p.m. | Catawba Park | Free |
| Grown-Up Play Day | October 10, 2025 | 1 p.m. | Blume Studios | Starting at $30.97 |
| Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys | October 11, 2025 | 1 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | Starting at $140 |
| Wicked at Belk Theater | Throughout October 2025 | Various | Belk Theater | Starting at $46.58 |
| SCarowinds | Through November 2, 2025 | Various | Carowinds | Starts at $55 |
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Additional Resources
- WCCB Charlotte: Top Events This Weekend
- WBTV: 9 Things to Do in Charlotte
- V101.9: Charlotte Craft Beer Week
- Axios: Charlotte’s Biggest October Events
- Travel and Tour World: Business Events in Charlotte

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.


