Carolina RenFest, Panthers v. Bills game and more happening the weekend of Oct. 24

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

SPORTS

Charlotte Checkers v. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

The Checkers have back-to-back home games against the Penguins. The team is coming off two losses against the Iowa Wild.

• DATE: Oct. 24-25
• WHERE: Bojangles’ Coliseum (2700 E. Independence Blvd, Charlotte)
• PRICE: Visit website for tickets.

Charlotte Hornets v. Philadelphia 76ers

The Hornets will be traveling for their first two away games of the season. Don’t you fret, because you can still partake in the action right here with fellow Hornet fans. The Tipsy Pickle is throwing a party, with giveaways, live music and entertainment for the Philadelphia 76ers game on October 25.

• DATE: Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. (Tip-off at 7:30 p.m.)
• WHERE: The Tipsy Pickle (201 Camp Road, Suite 120, Charlotte)
• PRICE: Free

Carolina Panthers v. Buffalo Bills

Riding high on a three-game win streak, the Panthers prepare to face off against the Buffalo Bills, who are currently 2nd in the AFC East and 4-2. Carolina remains undefeated at home.

• DATE: Oct. 26 at 1 p.m.
• WHERE: Bank of America Stadium (800 S. Mint Street, Charlotte)
• PRICE: Visit website for tickets.

FESTIVALS

Strange Fringe Festival

Looking for something a little weird, a little strange, and a little wild. The Strange Charlotte Fringe Festival debuted on Oct. 23 at the Arts Factory. The event brings three days of strange and wonderful performances — from unserious PowerPoint presentations to haunted storytelling and more.

• DATE: Oct. 23-25
• WHERE: The Arts Factory (1545 W. Trade Street, Charlotte)
• PRICE: Visit website for tickets.

Norwood Fall Festival

If you didn’t already know what a “hootenanny” is, well, a perfect example would be the Norwood Fall Festival in Stanly County. This day-long Fall Fest features a BBQ cook-off, pumpkin painting, bull riding, live music, vendors and more.

• DATE: Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• WHERE: Campbell Street, Norwood
• PRICE: Free

Carolina Renaissance Festival

This month-long event features an abundance of arts and crafts, live entertainment, and adventure. Be prepared to see brave knights on horseback, mythical creatures come to life and so much more.

This weekend is Halloween Daze and Spooky Knights. During the event, children ages 12 and under get in free! Children and parents will enjoy trick-or-treating with free treats to be found at over 100 locations throughout the Festival Village.

• DATE: Oct. 4 – Nov. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• WHERE: Caroline Renaissance Festival (16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville)
• PRICE: Visit website for tickets.

Oktoberfest at Camp North End

Hosted by Cork & Cap and the Kerswick District, come enjoy some fall fun at Camp North End. The Camp’s Kerswick District will be transformed into a Bavarian-inspired “beer hall” with long tables, vendor booths and fall decor. Guests will get to enjoy seasonal beers and local food.

• DATE: Oct. 25 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• WHERE: Kerswick (701 Kerswick Avenue, Charlotte)
• PRICE: Free

CONCERTS & THEATRE

WICKED

Soooo much happened before Dorothy dropped in.

It’s the last weekend of the production of Broadway sensation, WICKED, at the Belk Theater in Charlotte. Don’t miss it before it’s gone!

• DATE: Oct. 23-26
• WHERE: Belk Theater at Bluementhal Arts Center (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte)
• PRICE: Visit website for prices.

The Invisible Boy at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

Brian is no stranger to feeling invisible. But all of that changes through a simple act of kindness and a new friendship.

“The Invisible Boy” is the latest musical at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. It runs every weekend until November 2.

• DATE: Oct. 11-Nov.2
• WHERE: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte)
• PRICE: Visit website for tickets.

Tate McRae – Miss Possessive Tour

• DATE: Oct. 24
• WHERE: Spectrum Center (333 E. Trade Street, Charlotte)

Aly & AJ – Silver Deliverer Tour

• DATE: Oct. 24
• WHERE: Ovens Auditorium (2700 E. Independence Blvd, Charlotte)

Lainey Wilson – Whirlwind Tour

• DATE: Oct. 25
• WHERE: Spectrum Center (333 E. Trade Street, Charlotte)

NBA Youngboy – MASA TOUR

• DATE: Oct. 26
• WHERE: Spectrum Center (333 E. Trade Street, Charlotte)

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Indian Trail Spooktacular

Come dressed in your spooky best for an evening of trick or treating and other spooky activities at Chestnut Square Park!

• DATE: Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• WHERE: Chestnut Square Park (320 Chestnut Lane, Matthews)
• PRICE: Free

Hickory Trick or Trot 5K

Runners come dressed in their best Halloween costumes to compete for prizes, as well as the award for best costume. Presented by Frye Regional Medical Center, the Official Healthcare Provider of the Hickory 5K Series.

• DATE: Oct. 25 at 9 a.m.
• WHERE: Stanford Park (1451 8th Street Drive NE, Hickory)
• PRICE: Free
• Visit website to register.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Hickory

The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Hickory residents to join the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s event, hosted by the Western Carolina Chapter.

On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. During this moving ceremony, walkers hold pinwheel flowers of various colors representing their personal connection to the disease.

The last event in Charlotte raised over $812,000.

• DATE: Oct. 25 at 10 a.m.
• WHERE: LP Frans Stadium (2500 Clement Blvd, Hickory)
• PRICE: Visit website to donate and register for the walk

Charlotte Pup Crawl

Ready for some paw-some afternoon with your best furry friend? This dog-friendly festival helps to support the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control, who will be on-site with adoptable dogs and offering microchip updates for your furry companion.

There will also be dog obstacle courses, splash pools and a vendor village stocked with treats, gear and other pet-friendly items.

• DATE: Oct. 25 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• WHERE: HopFly Brewing Company (1327 S. Mint Street, Charlotte)
• PRICE: Free

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