Lucky you. You just found CLTtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout the Queen City each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst... Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
Now buckle up for some of the biggest events happening this October.
Sports
Carolina Ascent FC vs. DC Power FC | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 7 p.m. | American Legion Memorial Stadium | $18+ | Fill the stands as Charlotte’s only professional women’s soccer team fights for a win.
Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins | Sunday, Oct. 5 | 1 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $65+ | Fill the Panthers’ den as they look to send the Dolphins splashing back to Florida with a loss.
Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 | Sunday, Oct. 5 | 2 p.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord | $65+ | Enjoy a pre-race concert before drivers take 109 laps around the speedway.
Carolina Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys | Sunday, Oct. 12 | 1 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $150+ | Cheer on the Panthers as they look to tame the Cowboys.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Iowa Wild | Friday, Oct. 17 + Saturday, Oct. 18 | Hours vary | Bojangles Coliseum | $22+ | The Checkers are hitting the ice for the first home games of the season — be there to ring the cowbells.
Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union | Saturday, Oct. 18 | 6 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $40+ | Cheer on The Crown as they race to send Miami home with a loss.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets | Wednesday, Oct. 22 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $24 | Uptown will be buzzing for the Hornets’ season opener on their home court.
Theater and comedy
“Journey to Oz” | Saturday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Oct. 5 | Various times | Children’s Theatre of Charlotte | $26+ | Be transported to Kansas and the Emerald City during this immersive theatrical experience.
“Wicked” | Wednesday, Sept. 24-Sunday, Oct. 26 | Various times | Belk Theatre | $46+ | Follow Elphaba’s journey through Oz as she attends school, befriends Glinda, and becomes known as the “Wicked Witch.”
Disney on Ice | Thursday, Oct. 2-Sunday, Oct. 5 | Various times | Bojangles Coliseum | $36+ | Watch your favorite Disney characters perform on ice.
Neil deGrasse Tyson: Search for Life in the Universe | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $48+ | The famed astrophysicist will discuss the wonders of space.
“Ben Davis: Watch Him Fly” | Friday, Oct. 10-Sunday, Oct. 12 | 7 p.m. | The Arts Factory | $20+ | Watch this one-man show that chronicles the life of Ben O. Davis Jr., an American trailblazer.
Adventure Town: A DND Experience | Saturday, Oct. 18 | 6 p.m. | Stage 1 at Blume Studios | $31+ | Try your hand as a wizard, barbarian, or cleric in this immersive dice game experience.
Donna Washington: Of Blood and Bone | Thursday, Oct. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $23+ | Spend an evening getting a good scare at this captivating show.
Concerts
Falling in Reverse | Wednesday, Oct. 1 | 6:15 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $40 | Get ready to rock at this show in North Charlotte.
The Wailers | Wednesday, Oct. 1 | 7 p.m. | Neighborhood Theatre | $58+ | Move to the rhythm as this reggae band brings the groove.
Papa Roach + Rise Against | Friday, Oct. 3 | 7 p.m. | Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre | $35+ | There’s something about singing “Last Resort” at the top of your lungs that makes for a memorable evening.
Lily Rose | Friday, Oct. 3 | 7 p.m. | Coyote Joe’s | $58+ | Sing along with the viral country music singer.
“Pirates of the Caribbean” in Concert | Friday, Oct. 3-Saturday, Oct. 5 | Various times | $65+ | Watch the swashbuckling film as the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra plays the score.
JJ Grey and Mofro | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 7 p.m. | The Amp Ballantyne | $60+ | JJ Grey and Mofro return to the South Charlotte venue for a rockin’ Saturday night.
Twenty One Pilots | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 8 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $67+ | No one will feel “Stressed Out” at this live show.
The 502s and Arts Fishing Club | Thursday, Oct. 9 | 6 p.m. | The Fillmore | $25+ | The 502s return to the Queen City with their indie folk sounds.
“The Witcher” in Concert | Friday, Oct. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $47+ | Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the critically acclaimed game as its score is brought to life on stage.
Felipe Esparza | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 7 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $30+ | Get ready to laugh at this comic’s reflections on life growing up in Los Angeles.
Jon Pardi | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 7 p.m. | Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre | $160+ | Get ready to jam as this country singer brings his tour to the Queen City.
Tom Braxton & Michael Fields Jr. | Sunday, Oct. 12 | 6 p.m. | Middle C Jazz Club | $33+ | Get ready to “Get Down On It” at this tribute show to Wayman Tisdale.
Noah Cyrus | Monday, Oct. 13 | 8 p.m. | The Fillmore | $25 | No one will feel “Young and Sad” during this live performance by the singer-songwriter.
PlayStation: The Concert | Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $56+ | Games and live music collide at this performance with the scores from iconic games like “God of War” and “The Last of Us.”
Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! | Thursday, Oct. 16 | 6 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $50+ | Bring the family to the live performance featuring characters from the popular show.
Seether + Daughtry | Friday, Oct. 17 | 6:30 p.m. | Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre | $42+ | There’s something about hearing “Home” or “Remedy” live that makes for a rockin’ good time.
Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony | Friday, Oct. 17 + Saturday, Oct. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Knight Theater | $45+ | Follow the life of Dolly Parton through song.
Eric Johnson | Friday, Oct. 17 | 8 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $45+ | There’s no “Trail of Tears” when this guitarist plays “Cliffs of Dover” on stage.
Billie Eilish | Sunday, Oct. 19 + Monday, Oct. 20 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $235+ | Get ready to sing “Bad Guy” at the top of your lungs.
Stevie Nicks | Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $134+ | Channel your inner “Gypsy” as this legend takes the stage in Uptown.
The Voltage Brothers | Thursday, Oct. 23 | 7 p.m. | Middle C Jazz Club | $37+ | Feel the rhythm from the top jazz, pop, and disco hits during this electric jazz show.
DOECHII | Thursday, Oct. 23 | 8 p.m. | Bojangles Coliseum | $92+ | There’s no “Anxiety” when this chart-topping performer takes the stage.
Tate McRae | Friday, Oct. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $175+
| Sing along to “You Broke Me First” and other hits from this emerging artist.
Aly & AJ | Friday, Oct. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $37+ | You’re going “Into the Rush” as this iconic duo perform new songs and some of their greatest hits.
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 | Friday, Oct. 24-Sunday, Oct. 26 | Various times | Knight Theater | $49+ | The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will captivate as they play one of the most iconic works in classic music.
Lainey Wilson | Saturday, Oct. 25 | Spectrum Center | $81+ | The country singer is bringing her biggest hits to Uptown — get ready to sing along to “Things a Man Oughta Know.”
NBA Youngboy | Sunday, Oct. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $409+ | The emerging rapper is taking Uptown by storm during his live show.
Renee Rapp | Wednesday, Oct. 29 | Spectrum Center | $60+ | The Charlotte native is closing out the US leg of her tour in the Queen City.
Jesse & Joy | Friday, Oct. 31 | 8 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $62+ | The Mexican pop duo is bringing their Spanish hits to West Charlotte.
Festivals
Black’s Peaches Fall Festival | Every Saturday in October | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Black’s Peaches, York, SC | $12 | Enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkin chunkin’, and live animals.
Charlotte Coffee Festival | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | $19+ | Enjoy coffee from 35+ vendors, live music, and food.
Charlotte Kids Fest | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Shoppes at University Place | Free | Spend the day enjoying live performances, hands-on activities, and interactive experiences for kids of all ages.
Hola Charlotte Festival | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 12-6 p.m. | Tryon Plaza | Free | Join the largest Hispanic Heritage festival in the Queen City with live music, food vendors, art installations, and family-friendly fun.
East Side Sol | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Charlotte Museum of History | Free+ | Celebrate the East Charlotte community with live performances, local vendors, art, food, and more.
Laketoberfest | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 4-9 p.m. | Bailey Road Park, Cornelius | Free+ | This annual event features live music, local beer and wine, a variety of food trucks, games, and crafts.
Charlotte Chalk Art Festival | Saturday, Oct. 18 + Sunday, Oct. 19 | 12 p.m. | NoDa Brewing Co. | Free | Check out the works of chalk masters at this friendly competition.
The Pig Pickin’ | Sunday, Oct. 19 | Mac’s Speed Shop, South End | $25+ | Savor bites from Mac’s Speed Shop, Midwood Smokehouse, Sweet Lew’s BBQ, and Jon G’s Barbecue — it’s an event celebrating the heritage of whole hog barbecue.
Whiskey, Wine, and Fire Festival | Saturday, Oct. 25 | 4-9 p.m. | Ballantyne’s Backyard | $66+ | Enjoy the heat from the fire gardens while savoring fire-kissed barbecue and cocktails.
Seasonal + family-friendly
Funny Bus Halloween Tours | Wednesday, Oct. 1-Friday, Oct. 31 | Various times | 301 E. 7th St. | $35 | Take a tour through Charlotte history as special guests Beetlejuice and Wednesday Addams bring the laughs.
Carolina Renaissance Festival | Weekends, Saturday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Nov. 23 | 16445 Poplar Tent Rd. | $26+ | Prepare to feast at the annual Renaissance Festival, transporting visitors to a time of medieval mayhem.
Charlotte Knights Pumpkin Palooza | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Truist Field | $10+ | Pick the perfect pumpkin when the outfield turns into an Uptown pumpkin patch.
WDAV’s Small Batch: Theatre Charlotte’s Halloween Spooktacular | Thursday, Oct. 16 | 7 p.m. | Free Range Brewing | Free+ | Theatre Charlotte singers will perform the spookiest tunes.
Ghouly Gala: A Science Spooktacular | Friday, Oct. 17 | 5 p.m. | Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville | $15+ | Bring the family to the annual Halloween bash packed with hands-on activities, playful science tricks, and fun for kids of all ages.
Trick or Treat in The Park | Friday, Oct. 24 | 4:30-9 p.m. | Harrisburg Park, Harrisburg | Free | Expect to find inflatables, games, food trucks, a costume contest, and plenty of candy at the park during this family-friendly event.
Goodies & Goblins 2025 | Friday, Oct. 24 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Promenade On Providence | Free | Bring the family to trick or treat around the Promenade before enjoying “Harry Potter” on the big screen outdoors.
Boneyard Bash | Friday, Oct. 24 | 7-11 p.m. | Discovery Place Science | $34+ | get ready for a night of spooky science as the museum transforms into an immersive Halloween experience.
The Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall | Sunday, Oct. 26-Saturday, Nov. 1 | 6:45 p.m. | 2017 Greenway Ave. | Free | The Elizabeth neighborhood will light their annual display every night through Halloween.
Haunted Rooftop Halloween Party | Friday, Oct. 31 | 9 p.m. | Fahrenheit Charlotte | Free+ | Don your best costume and celebrate at this adults-only party with cocktails, live music, and skyline views.
Cause
5th Annual Pink Cupcake Walk | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Truist Field | $40+ | Break out your best pink outfit to walk or jog across Truist Field to raise funds for breast cancer survivors.
Witches Night Off | Monday, Oct. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Booth Playhouse | $46+ | Enjoy this one-night-only cabaret benefiting RAIN and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS with the cast of “Wicked.”
4th Annual Walk for Pink Challenge | Saturday, Oct. 18 | 8 a.m. | Kirk Farm Fields Park | $30+ | A run through the park helps fund mammogram screenings for 200+ women.
Claudia’s 5K: Call Out for Courage | Saturday, Oct. 18 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Lake Forest Church, Huntersville | $33+ | Take steps to raise awareness and proceeds for local mental health programs.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s | Saturday, Oct. 18 | 10 a.m. | Truist Field | Free+ | Lace up the sneakers for a walk around the field to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
My Breast Friend’s Wedding | Thursday, Oct. 23 | 5-9 p.m. | Hyatt Centric | $50 | Don your best wedding attire to join this ladies-only celebration to benefit the Go Jen Go Foundation.
A Night Under the Sea | Saturday, Oct. 25 | 8 p.m. | The Duke Mansion | $150 | Mermaids and sea kings come to life during this themed party and fundraiser for the historic Duke Mansion.
Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:
- Go to our Events page.
- Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
- Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
- Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.