Day drives outside Uptown can provide glimpses at vibrant fall colors. | Photo by CLTtoday
It’s (almost) time to break out your favorite sweater and hoodie, Charlotteans.
After a hot summer, the start of fall is officially here. Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for October and November.
While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what fall will bring.
Think warm. This fall, Charlotte has a 40-50% chance of temperatures being higher than normal, up from last year’s probability.
Precipitation
Expect plenty of dry days. Charlotte is expected to see average rainfall totals this fall compared to previous years.
Drought
The Charlotte area is not expected to have any drought conditions this season.
Fall foliage in Charlotte typically peaks in late October into November.
|
Photo by CLTtoday
Optimistic about October
Typically in Charlotte, October’s temperatures fluctuate between an average low of 50° and an average high of 73°.
No fear November
Average highs in November drop to 63° while the lows dip into the low 40s with an average of 40°.Daylight saving time will also end on Sunday, Nov. 3, so we’ll have less sunshine each day leading up to Thanksgiving.
Events
Thursday, Oct. 3
North End Farmers Market | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 4-8 p.m. | 1801 N. Graham St., Charlotte | Cost of purchase | Support local farmers and artisans in this weekly outdoor market.
SouthPark After 5 | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 5-9 p.m. | Symphony Park | Free | “Go Your Own Way” at this outdoor concert featuring music from Shelley Ruffin and Landslide, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac.
MAXWELL: The Serenade Tour | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $49-$250 | Be serenaded by the singer/songwriter in the first show at the Spectrum Center following renovations.
Friday, Oct. 4
The Millionaire Mindset Movement Conference | Friday, Oct. 4 | 6 p.m. | Omni Hotel | $40-$50 | Learn how to strike gold in the world of entrepreneurship and wealth building.
Book Marketing Conference: Build Your Author Empire| Friday, Oct. 4-Sunday Oct. 6 | 6-8 p.m. | Charlotte Marriott City Center | $395 | Aspiring authors will learnmarketing training in this three-day workshop about book publication.
Pink Cupcake Walk | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Truist Field | $37 | Go pink for the 4th Annual Pink Cupcake Walk & Breast Cancer Survivor Lap benefiting Go Jen Go.
Parade of Homes 2024 | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Various locations | Free | Explore 35 homes from the finest builders in Charlotte during this self-guided tour.
Charlotte FC vs. CF Montréal | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $12-$172 | Cheer for the team as they play one of their final home games of the regular season.
Marlon Wayans | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 8 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $40+ | Enjoy a night of laughs from the comedian known for “Scary Movie” and “White Chicks.”
Hickory Regional Airport oversaw 50+ evacuations from an assisted living facility in Burnsville following Hurricane Helene. Since the storm, more than 150,000 households have registered for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). That number is expected to increase. (WCNC)
Closed
The Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway is closed throughout North Carolina in the aftermath of Helene. The closure stretches from milepost 271 near the Great Smoky Mountains to 469 at the Virginia state line. There is no date for reopening any parts of the road. (Queen City News)
Community
The HEARTest Yard is hosting a hurricane relief drive today in support of families affected by Hurricane Helene. Baby formula, diapers, baby products, and gas cards will be accepted. Drop offs can be made at the SouthPark office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sports
The Charlotte Checkers announced an online auction featuring team-signed memorabilia, with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross in Helene relief. All $25 donations to the Checkers Charitable Foundation will come with a free ticket to the Checkers’ game on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m.
Watch
Mules are being used to transport food and supplies to hurricane-stricken communities in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Many roads remain impassable after Helene. The mules are provided by Mountain Mule Packer Ranch in Mount Ulla, a small town in Rowan County. (WCNC)
Trending
Questions are circulating about how the iconic Biltmore Estate fared during Helene. WCNC provides facts on the extent of the damage. (WCNC)
Development
The Mooresville Board of Commissioners will meet Monday to discuss potentially bringing 180+ single-family homes across a 65-acre site along Shearers Road. Local developer Mattamy Homes plans to begin sales at “Lanterna” in late 2026. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Drink
Cocktail bar Blue Door debuts this Friday at 5 p.m. in South End. Guests can expect a rotating cocktail menu in a cozy atmosphere in the former Bardo restaurant space. (The Charlotte Observer)
Active
Limited registrations will open today for the 2025 Around the Crown 10K. Early registration for 277 runners begins at 7:04 a.m. and costs $27.70. Next year’s race will be held on Sunday, Aug. 31. The spots are expected to go quick.
Feel Good
Over 50 breast cancer survivors continued a 12-year tradition in painting the pit wall pink at Charlotte Motor Speedway this week. Several NASCAR drivers took part, including Erik Jones, whose mother is a survivor. (WCNC)
Listen
Approaching the NFL’s trade deadline, will the Panthers change up the roster? Go beyond the war room for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Prepare for a festive and spooky season at Carowinds
Trick or treating is meant for the whole family when you visit Carowinds this fall. | Photo by Barry Cantrell via Carowinds
There’s plenty of magic in the air + a few scares at Carowinds this October. The theme park unveiled a festive feast of events and treats to ring in the fall season. CLTtoday recently saw the fun for ourselves. We promise you’re in for a spooky treat.
Bring the kids for an all-new Halloween event with live entertainment, food and drinks, interactive activities + a show-stopping Tricks and Treats Parade.
Experience a taste of Germany’s world-famous festival with the all-new Oktoberfest. Enjoy mouth-watering German food, music, and a wide beer selection.
Face your fears and encounter monsters while exploring Carowinds’ four spine-chilling scare zones, ominous shows, and five mazes. Carowinds’ signature thrill rides will take on new life during this unparalleled Halloween experience.
A. Trick and Treats — family-friendly and I love candy B. Oktoberfest — I want to party like I’m in Munich C. SCarowinds — give me all the thrills and chills
This stretchy knit lounge set. Take this versatile, v-neck tracksuit with you on your next travel adventure or wear at home for maximum comfort and style.
On Wednesday, we asked “What’s your favorite thing about the Carolina Renaissance Festival?”
Jousting is one of the most-attended events at the annual festival, drawing fans of all ages to the outdoor arena.
|
Photo via Carolina Renaissance Festival
Thou hath no fear. The Renaissance Festival returns to Huntersville this weekend.
There will be plenty of medieval mayhem to go around with 40% of voters looking forward to the annual jousts. The other 60% are looking forward to the shopping, costumes, and food.
Speaking of The Renaissance Festival... my personal favorite event is “The Ancient Sport of Falcony” show. Visitors learn about the 4,000-year-old sport. Birds of prey soar over the audience during the demonstration.
I took this photo of a great horned owl during my visit to The Renaissance Festival.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.