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🎈 Up, up, and away
You’ll want to grab a seat early to watch dozens of hot air balloons launch into the sky. | Photo by Alexander Novikov via Wikimedia Commons
Prepare for a soaring event. More than 40,000 people will be in Statesville to attend the 49th Carolina BalloonFest. The annual event pulls in $100,000+ in economic impact and provides a unique and unforgettable sight, as dozens of hot air balloons fill the sky.
This family-friendly event is the second oldest hot air balloon festival in the country. It features artisan vendors, live entertainment, a children’s play zone, artists, festival food + NC wines and craft beers.
Oh, did we mention the festival is only 45 minutes north of Uptown? The balloons will be launching from the Iredell County Fairgrounds at various times over the weekend.
Friday, Oct. 18 — 4:30-6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 19 — 7:30-9 a.m. and 4:30-6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 20 — 7:30-9 a.m. and 4:30-6 p.m.
Editor’s note: On Friday and Saturday evenings, the balloons will return to the ground for the evening balloon glow.
Ever dreamed of taking a ride? For $400 per person, you can soar in the (tethered) basket as the balloons take flight. Tickets are still available but you must first purchase an event ticket to book a ride.
Pro tip: Optimal flying conditions are within a two-hour window of sunrise and sunset. Plan accordingly for the best photo op.
The annual BalloonFest is more than a festival. National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc. DBA Carolina BalloonFest is a nonprofit and has donated more than $1 million to the local community.
Tickets are on sale to attend the festival (with parking included). Bring lawn chairs, blankets, cameras + unopened bottled waters and snacks for a soaring good time.
Events
Events
Thursday, Oct. 17
Black Lagoon Pop Up Bar | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 5 p.m. | Backstage Lounge | Cost of purchase | Order creepy cocktails and spooky snacks in this themed pop-up with Halloween vibes.
2024 Induction Ceremony | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 6-10 p.m. | Charles Mack Citizen Center, Mooresville | $100 | Sing along as North Carolinians are inducted into the NC Music Hall of Fame + savor a four-course meal.
Friday, Oct. 18
Morgan Wallen: One Night at a Time | Friday, Oct. 18 | 6 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $65+ | We “Thought You Should Know” this country star will rock BofA Stadium.
Iliza: The Get Ready Tour | Friday, Oct. 18 | 7 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $40+ | Prepare to laugh as this comedian brings her tour to the Queen City.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Cleveland Monsters | Friday, Oct. 18 | 7 p.m. | Bojangles Coliseum | $25+ | Cheer on the Checkers as they hit the ice for the season home opener.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Vicious Cycle | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 7 a.m.-7 p.m. | US National Whitewater Center | $12 | Cheer as racers sped around a multi-lap relay trail or pay $75 to participate.
Fall Fest at Sycamore Commons | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | 10530 Northeast Pkwy., Matthews | Free | Enjoy the cooler temperatures in this festival celebrating the autumn season.
Rock House Birthday Party | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Charlotte Museum of History | $15 | Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the historic Rock House with games, cake, and more.
Dessert Wars National Championship | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 3-7 p.m. | The Park Expo and Conference Center | $40+ | Watch as 48 dessert vendors compete to make the best sweet treat.
Fall for new styles at this retailer’s grand opening
Presented by Palmetto Moon
The Rock Hill store will feature popular brands like Local Boy, Stanley, Free People Movement, Southern Marsh, Old Row, and YETI, along with exclusive Palmetto Moon products. | Photo provided by Palmetto Moon
Get in, Charlotte — we’re going shopping. Palmetto Moon is coming to Rock Hill Galleria (about a 30-minute drive from Uptown). The South Carolina-based store is your one-stop shop for women’s and men’s fashion, kids’ apparel, gifts, collegiate gear, drinkware, and more.
Join Palmetto Moon for its grand opening celebration on Saturday, Oct 26-Sunday, Oct. 27. The first 200 attendees each day will receive a free custom 20 oz. YETI tumbler with a $50 purchase (while supplies last).
New Palmetto Perks members also stand a chance to win 1,000 Perks Points ($75 reward).
On Saturday, enjoy fun festivities like:
Door prizes
Spin-to-win and hourly grand prizes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Simply Southern giveaways, sweet treats, and a free tote with any $50 purchase (from 2 to 5 p.m., while supplies last)
We’ve raised $16,000+ for BeLoved Asheville from readers across North and South Carolina — thank you. 100% of donations go toward supporting food and water distribution, clothing and supply deliveries, and debris cleanup across the region.
Community
Boone and Watauga counties are cautiously welcoming tourists for the fall season in the aftermath of Helene. The storm hit ahead of the High Country’s busiest season and top month for tourism spending. (WCNC)
Weather
More than one inch of snow fell on Beech Mountain Tuesday night. In Charlotte, there are zero chances for rain with temperatures lingering in the 60s-70s. See the forecast. (WCNC)
Civic
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization board approved the public-private plan to build express lanes on I-77 in south Charlotte. A task force will be created to work with NCDOT on the project’s priorities before issuing a request for bids from developers. (WCNC)
Plan Ahead
Early voting in North Carolina begins today. Same-day registration is available during the early voting period, which ends Saturday, Nov. 2. In South Carolina, early voting begins Monday, Oct. 21.
Trending
IKEA’s newest point and plan shop is now open in south Charlotte. Shoppers can meet with on-site designers to plan and order items for their bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom.
Open
Night Swim Coffee opened a new cafe at 4612 Gilead St. The shop is one of the fastest growing chains in Charlotte. Take a peek at this two-story space with a sleek modern design perfect for your next coffee date.
Shop
The Charlotte Vintage Market will return to Optimist Hall on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. The popular market features vintage clothing and nostalgic items curated by local vendors.
Travel
American Airlines will no longer offer a nonstop flight to Spokane, WA from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The airline did not give a reason behind stopping the seasonal route. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Sports
Should the Panthers move away from their defensive coordinator? Go beyond the front office for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Staying hydrated is easy (and delicious) with NativePath’s Hydrate drink mix. Each serving includes essential amino acids + electrolytes that foster optimal hydration with zero added sugar.*
Community
Community
⚽️ Supporting Helene relief + soccer = winning
Team Captain Vicky Bruce scored the first goal ever for Carolina Ascent in their inaugural home opener. | Photo via Carolina Ascent
Carolina Ascent FC, Charlotte’s newest and only women’s professional sports team, remains undefeated in its inaugural season. The team is not only making waves on the pitch but in the community. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the team has announced several community-focused initiatives to contribute to relief efforts in Western North Carolina.
Donation drives
During home games for the remainder of the season, the team will be collecting supply donations at American Legion Memorial Stadium.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Saturday, Nov. 9
Saturday, Nov. 23
Ticket donations
For every ticket sold for the remainder of the home games this fall, the team will be donating $10 to hurricane relief initiatives.
Blanket drive
Temperatures are starting to drop and the need for winter items is increasing in WNC. The Ascent will be hosting a blanket drive on Saturday, Nov. 9 where fans can bring a blanket and, in return, receive a custom Ascent stadium blanket.
The Buy
The Buy
This Tommy Hilfiger men’s faux leather jacket — it’s a warm layering option perfect for date nights + evening get togethers during the changing seasons.
ICYMI, Gastonia Baseball Club has a new name: the Gastonia Ghost Peppers. Personally, I was hoping they would be the Gastonia Garden Gnomes. The team made the announcement with major fanfare last night at CaroMont Health Park. Regardless of the name, I’m sure they’ll knock it out of the park next season.
