Festivals, sporting events happening in and around Charlotte weekend of Sept. 12

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Need something to do this weekend? Here’s a list of the festivals, games, and events happening this weekend in and around Charlotte.

FESTIVAL AND FAIRS

2025 Cabarrus County Fair

It’s the last two days of the Cabarrus County Fair! If you haven’t indulged in family-friendly rodeo fun yet, now’s the time!

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• Date: Sept. 5-13 (Check cabarruscountyfair.com for times)
• Where: Cabarrus Arena and Events Center (4751 NC 49 N., Concord)
• Price: $8 for adults, $3 for military (with valid ID), $6 for children ages 6-11 and seniors 55+. Children 5 and under get in free.
  • The event offers four discount-themed nights.

Charlotte’s Panda Fest

Come out for one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the country, with over 200 street food and merchandise vendors.

• Date: Sept. 12-14 (Check Panda Fest website for times)
• Where: Ballantyne’s Backyard (11611 N. Community House Road, Charlotte)
• Price: $10 (Early Bird, ends Sept. 13), $14 for general admission, $35 for VIP

Charlotte Asian Film Festival

The Charlotte Asian Film Festival is one of the region’s premier cultural showcases. It celebrates the richness and diversity of Asian and Asian-American cinema.

• Date: Sept. 13 at 9:30 a.m.
• Where: Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte’s Uptown campus (320 E. Ninth St.)
• Price: Visit website for ticket prices.

Hickory 2025 KidFest

Kids just wanna have fun… at the annual Hickory 2025 KidFest, which features crafts, bingo, face painting, and more. The Salvation Army of Hickory, the Kiwanis Club and Taylorsville Savings Bank sponsor the event.

• Date: Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: Kiwanis Park (805 Sixth St., Hickory)
• Price: Free

Cornelius Festival of Cultures

This free community event offers people in Cornelius and the surrounding areas the opportunity to experience diverse cultures through dance and food. The festival features live performances, activities for kids, and many food and drink vendors.

• Date: Sept. 13 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Where: Cain Park (21336 Catawba Ave., Cornelius)
• Price: Free

Mooresville B3 Festival

Bands, Brews, and BBQ – what more could you ask for! The annual event showcases mouth-watering BBQ from regional food trucks, in a variety of styles, along with amusement rides and activities for all ages.

• Date: Sept. 13 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Liberty Park in downtown Mooresville (225 E. Iredell Ave.)
• Price: Free
• Check out the event website for full list of vendors, music lineup and parking directions.

Cow Pie Bingo

Word of Life Lutheran Church in Lincoln County will have live music, vendors, food, prizes and more. A large field is divided into squares, and a cow will be released onto the field. Wherever the cow poops, that square owner wins $1,000.

• Date: Sept. 13, 2 p.m.
• Where: Word of Life, 2700 Trinity Church Rd, Vale
• Price: free to attend

CONCERTS AND MUSICALS

Nelly with Ja Rule, Eve and Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour

• Date: Sept. 14
• Where: PNC Music Pavilion (707 Pavilion Blvd., Charlotte)
• Price: Tickets & more information here

Bettlejuice – The Musical

• Date: Sept. 9-14
• Where: Belk Theater (130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte)
• Price: Tickets & more information here

SPORTS

Charlotte FC v. Inter Miami

The Crown brings their near-historic eight-game win streak into Saturday’s match against soccer legend Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.

• Date: Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Bank of America Stadium (800 S. Mint St., Charlotte)
• Price: Tickets SOLD OUT