Things to do in the Fall - Charlotte, NC
Things to do for Couples in the Fall near Charlotte, NC
Fall in Charlotte, the foothills and mountains is truly a special time! At Redbird Ridge Estate, you can enjoy the vibrant colors of foliage on Barretts mountain while taking a hike, utilize the shooting range, archery target, or axe throwing targets, relax by the pond, or cuddle with your SO by the firepit. With onsite lodging in the cabin by the woods, couples can enjoy more than a day in the foothills to take in all the great things to do in the fall.
As the temperatures cool and the trees burst into color, there’s a certain magic that fills the air. Whether you’re planning a couples adventure, a relaxing weekend with friends, or just looking for ways to enjoy the seasonal beauty of the area, Charlotte and surrounding areas are packed with activities that will help you make the most of the fall.
Pumpkin Picking at Local Farms
Ready to start your fall with some classic fun? Head to one of Charlotte’s many pumpkin patches! Farms like Carrigan Farms are perfect for a day trip—they let you pick your own pumpkin and enjoy crisp, fresh air. While you’re there, don’t miss out on their charming apple orchards too! You’ll get the full fall experience—with apples, pumpkins, and plenty of great photo ops. Such a great thing to do in the fall for couples.
Apple Picking at Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery
If apples are more your style, Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery (just a short drive south to York, SC) is calling your name. Stroll the orchard, pick your own apples, and treat yourself to delicious apple-cider donuts or a refreshing tasting of hard cider. Wagon rides and tasty apple treats make this spot an autumn favorite for couples.
Get Your Thrills at Scarowinds
Love a good scare? Carowinds transforms each fall into Scarowinds—a haunted theme park adventure with spooky mazes, scare zones, and costumed creepers. Open mid-September through October, Scarowinds is a can't-miss destination for thrill-seekers. Tip: buy tickets early and consider visiting on a weeknight for shorter lines and more chilling fun! For those that enjoy a scare, this is a great thing to do for couples in the fall.
Fall Festivals Around the City
Autumn in Charlotte means festival time! Whether you’re craving delicious food, arts and crafts, or lively music, there’s a celebration waiting for couples.
Carolina Renaissance Festival: Head to Huntersville on weekends for jousting, medieval eats, and entertainment that will transport you and your crew back in time. Open Saturdays and Sundays, from October 4th through November 23rd, 2025.
Festival in the Park: From September 20-22, Freedom Park is the place to be for outdoor performances, local artistry, and fun for couples.
Apple Festival Extravaganza Check out the 35th annual Apple Festival in downtown Taylorsville in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on October 18, 2025. The town transforms for the iconic Apple Festival. With hundreds of vendors, stages of live music, apple recipe contests, crafts, and carnival energy, it’s one of North Carolina’s most beloved autumn celebrations. The aroma of fresh apple pies and cider fills the air as locals and visitors mingle in true Southern spirit.
Marvel at Fall Foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains
One of the best parts of living in Charlotte is how close you are to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Plan a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway for unforgettable leaf-peeping and breathtaking mountain views. Pack a picnic, hit a hiking trail, and enjoy the colors of fall in full splendor.
Enjoy Outdoor Concerts
As autumn breezes in, Charlotte’s live music scene moves outdoors. Venues like PNC Music Pavilion host concerts throughout the season. Look for artists like Hootie and the Blowfish (September 19) or Post Malone (October 7) for an evening of fun under the stars. Check out more concerts on their site. Concerts are so enjoyable for couples to do in the fall.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
Charlotte’s breweries roll out the barrels for Oktoberfest celebrations—don’t miss Mecktoberfest at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, where you can enjoy authentic food, beer, and lively music in a festive outdoor garden. They serve German fare like pretzels w/ bier cheese, sausage, schnitzel, and more.
Mecktoberfest is spreading the excitement across FOUR weekends!
September 12-14: LoSo Location
September 19-21: LoSo Location
October 3-5: Ballantyne Location
October 10-12: Ballantyne Location
Hiking Adventures at Crowders Mountain State Park
For active autumn days, a hike at Crowders Mountain State Park (about 30-minutes from uptown) is hard to beat. Cooler temperatures make for perfect hiking weather, and the gorgeous fall foliage you’ll see from the summit is worth every step.
Haunted Walking Trail at The 13th Acre
Located in Monroe, just east of Charlotte, an eerily silent haunted trail captures the attention of many. Unknown creatures create chaos and mayhem in the area at night, but no one ever dares to enter it to know the truth. Are you brave enough to find out what lies in there? Feel as if you are walking right into your worst nightmare when you and your friends see how far you can go through The 13th Acre. This walking event is not for the faint of heart.
Celebrate Hiddenite’s Arts & Heritage
On September 27, 2025, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, discover Appalachian creativity at Hiddenite’s Celebration of the Arts event. Enjoy artisans, live demonstrations, folk music, and many flavors of homemade food—all in a festive outdoor setting.
Tee Off Amid Autumn Scenery
Golf in the foothills is spectacular in fall! Brushy Mountain Golf Club and Player’s Ridge offer sweeping fairways and the warmth of October sunshine.
Tour Lucas Mansion
If you like art and culture, step into history at the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center’s Lucas Mansion. The period rooms, art exhibits, and fall events invite you to savor a time gone by against a backdrop of autumn beauty.
Experience Linney’s Mill
Visit this historic, working grist mill to learn about local agricultural roots and enjoy picturesque fall surroundings—plus stone-ground cornmeal and grits. Linney’s Mill is a family business, one of the few fully operational and producing mills in existence in North Carolina. You can watch as it works, producing corn meal with water-wheel powered grinding stones. William’s father, W.L. Linney, built a dam and installed the waterwheel on Rocky Creek, north of Statesville, in 1937.
Hunt for Gems at Emerald Hollow Mine
Emerald Hollow Mine is the only Emerald Mine in the world open to the public for prospecting. They are nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Brushy Mountains located in Hiddenite North Carolina. This is recognized as one of the most unique and interesting geological locations in North America. More than 60 different types of naturally occurring gems and minerals have been discovered here. Many of these are very rare and include emerald, aquamarine, sapphire, garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine, rutile, and tourmaline. Hiddenite being the 4th rarest gemstone in the world, can only be found in this small town of hiddenite, North Carolina. Open 7 days a week, 8:30am-6:00pm.
Charlotte in autumn is a welcoming, festive place with so many things to do in the fall, whether you want pumpkin patch photos, spooky fun, crisp mountain hikes, or delicious festival food. So grab your coziest sweater, grab your SO, and celebrate the best of fall in and around Charlotte.
Planning a wedding near Charlotte, North Carolina? Redbird Ridge Estate is a stunning white wedding venue that perfectly combines timeless Southern charm with modern elegance. Set on 72 acres of rolling pastures, creeks, a pond, and breathtaking mountain views at the base of Barrett Mountain, this beautiful estate offers versatile indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for ceremonies and receptions accommodating up to 150 guests. The elegant white venue features stunning white interior and sparkling chandeliers, creating a chic and inviting atmosphere for your special day. Onsite lodging is available for parties as large as 24 people, with charming historic farmhouse and cabin accommodations that blend rustic character with modern comfort. With dedicated bridal and groom suites and attentive, personalized service, Redbird Ridge Estate ensures a seamless and unforgettable wedding experience.
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