CHARLOTTE – It’s September, and all things Fall are starting to pop up like pumpkins on the vine! While Autumn officially begins on September 22, you can get a jump on the season while enjoying all things pumpkin spice! We’ve gathered some of the area’s most popular activities and events to help you get into that “Fall Frame Of Mind.”

58th Annual Festival In The Park

Freedom Park in Charlotte turns into an Autumn Wonderland with this long-running tradition! The festival runs from Friday, September 16, to Sunday, September 18. Enjoy live performances throughout the park, over 200 exhibiting artists, a Family Fun Zone, and a Children’s Art area for the youngest artists! In addition, food vendors of every kind will be on site to tempt you with their delicious dishes while you enjoy arts, crafts, music, and family fun! For more information and the most up-to-date event schedules, please visit their Facebook page at “58th Annual Festival In The Park.”

Taste Of Charlotte Festival

Charlotte’s Annual Food Experience Festival runs from September 30 until October 2 at Truist Field in Charlotte. Come to the heart of Uptown Charlotte to enjoy a weekend of food, fun, and music at the Charlotte Knight’s Stadium. One of the area’s largest outdoor family festivals, the Taste Of Charlotte Festival features an eclectic array of restaurant samples that you can enjoy by purchasing festival coins at booths located throughout the event. For more information on the participating restaurants and event updates, please visit their Facebook site at “Taste Of Charlotte Festival.”

We Rock Youth Stage At Festival In The Park

We Rock Charlotte is an inclusive youth organization providing music lessons, summer camps, youth workshops, adult programs, community outreach, and event space for children, teens, and adults. We Rock Charlotte will be hosting a series of inspiring performances for the 58th Annual Festival In The Park. Performances include BabyPunk (an exciting music experience for the youngest music fans), performances by Charlotte Princess, AllTurnatives Drum line, Actors Theatre of Charlotte, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Storytellers and Frontline Puppeteers, IC Transform Marching Band, Breathe Ink Poets, We Rock Band, magic shows, SipJin Taekwondo, Next Generation of Hope, and more! Check them out and follow their Facebook page, “We Rock Youth Stage At Festival In the Park,” for the most up-to-date performance information.

Charlotte VegFest 2022

On Saturday, September 17, starting at noon, enjoy delicious vegan foods, a wide array of food and craft vendors, and tons of entertainment! If you’re interested in exploring a plant-based diet, this is the event to be at! At Camp North End, Charlotte VegFest 2022 will feature the area’s most delicious choices in vegan cuisine, local vegan businesses, exciting entertainment, and a day filled with plant-based fun! For the most up-to-date event information, please visit their Facebook page at “Charlotte VegFest.”

FlowFest At The U.S. National Whitewater Center

On Saturday, September 17 starting at 8:30 am, FlowFest is a one-day yoga and wellness festival with live music, interactive activities, and events. The festival is free to attend but does require pre-registration. In addition to yoga classes and kombucha sampling, the event will also host workshops such as “The Wonder Method,” which focuses on being present through breathwork, hosted by instructor Gao Yang; “Sanskrit: The Language Of Yoga,” which explores yoga’s foundation language of Sanskrit; “Thai Massage And Wellness Workshop;” “Self Love Flow;” “YogaStrology;” and much more. For more information on events, workshops, and class times, please visit their website flowfest.whitewater.org.

Mint Hill Scarecrow Decorating Contest

Running from October 1 to October 31, the Mint Hill Scarecrow Decorating Contest invites individuals and families to sign up to create a one-of-a-kind scarecrow on display in Mint Hill. Cash prizes and bragging rights are given to the best scarecrows selected. Please visit minthillevents.org to sign up and get more information on the event.

Family Fun Night

On September 17, starting at 6:30 pm at Veterans Park in Mint Hill, the last Family Fun Night of the season kicks off. There will be a Kid Zone sponsored by Mint Hill Orthodontics, a fire truck, a concert, and food provided by many of the area’s favorite food trucks. For more information, please visit their Facebook site.

Pumpkin And Apple Picking

Nothing says “Autumn” like apple cider and pumpkins! Visit Wise Acres Farm in Indian Trail to pick pumpkins and enjoy apples and apple cider. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting their website at http://wiseacresorganic.com/.

Witches Night Out Paint And Sip

Kimberly’s Place, a local community shop, will be hosting a “Witches Night Out” paint and sip at their shop located at 5519 Indian Trail Fairview Road in Indian Trail. So get ready for the spooky season with an entertaining night of painting, a complimentary drink, and an evening full of treats! The cost is $40 per person, and registration is available by clicking here or calling Kimberly’s Place at (704) 200-6193.