Charlotte FC playoff game, CiderFest and more events the weekend of Nov. 7

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.

Charlotte Autism Speaks Empower Walk/5K

This year’s event will bring together autistic people, families, and allies across Charlotte to celebrate differences and promote acceptance and advocacy nationwide.

• DATE: Nov. 8 at 7:30 a.m.
• WHERE: Symphony Park South Park (4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte)
• PRICE: Donate and register here.

Monroe Warbirds Air Show

• DATE: Nov. 8-9 at 9 a.m.
• WHERE: Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport (3900 Paul J. Helms Drive, Monroe)
• PRICE: Visit website for tickets.
  • Adults: $20
  • Ages 12-18: $15
  • Current/Former Military Members: $5

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 Celtic Music Weekend! Musicians Magnus & Maggie present a bevy of Celtic music! Hunky Highlanders are encouraged to show their stuff in the Men of Skills Competition! Contests include a Test of Strength, a Test of Confidence, and a Test of Skill.

• 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.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library EpicFest

The 9th annual EpicFest at ImaginOn is a free literary festival that connects kids and families to books and people who write them. Eight nationally recognized children’s and young adult authors and illustrators will share their latest books, experiences and passion for libraries with kids of all ages. The authors and illustrators will visit select CMS campuses on Nov. 7 to speak with students before headlining the daylong literary festival at ImaginOn the next day.

• DATE: Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• WHERE: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center (300 E. Seventh Street, Charlotte)
• PRICE: Free

Gaston County Writers Expo

Gaston County is celebrating its first annual Writer’s Expo. The event celebrates storytelling, creativity, and community by bringing together local authors, artists, creators, and readers. There will be author meet-and-greets, book signings, live performances and crafts for kids.

Over 30 authors are expected to attend, including bestselling inspirational author Amy Clipston, award-winning journalist and mystery writer Michael Banks, bestselling romance author Tina Martin, local community connector R. Dwayne Burks, and local singer/songwriter and children’s author Beth Gatlin.

• DATE: Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• WHERE: Gaston County Main Library (1555 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia)
• PRICE: Free

Statesville Homecoming at the Hangar

In honor of the community and volunteers who showed up in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a special event will be held to honor volunteers, local WNC artists and businesses and more. The event features live music, food, a car and bike show, and raffles.

• DATE: Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• WHERE: Statesville Airport (321 Hangar Drive, Statesville)
• PRICE: Free (Donations accepted)

Matthews 12th Annual Paw-sitively Event

The Town of Matthews is hosting a pet festival, featuring pet-friendly vendors, live music, food trucks and more. Over 40 vendors are slated to attend the event, including local pet stores, veterinarians, treat bakeries, groomers, pet sitters, and more!

There will also be dogs available for adoption from several local rescue groups and a beer “Pawvilion” hosted by Seaboard Brewing. The Matthews Police Department will also hold a K9 unit demonstration at 11:30 a.m.

• DATE: Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• WHERE: Stumptown Park (120 South Trade Street, Matthews)
• PRICE: Free

Charlotte Cider Festival

The fourth annual CiderFest in Charlotte celebrates the vibrant array of local, regional, and national ciders. There will also be food trucks, a DJ and local vendors. This year’s festivities will take place at a new location. Ticket holders will receive a 5-oz souvenir tasting glass for sampling all the craft and artisanal ciders.

• DATE: Nov. 8 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• WHERE: Armored Cow Brewing (8821 J.W. Clay Blvd, Charlotte)
• PRICE: $40 – visit website for tickets.

SPORTS

Charlotte FC v. New York City FC: Game 3 of Best-of-Three Series

Charlotte FC won on NYCFC’s home turf, and now the ‘win-or-go-home’ match will take place back at The Bank. A win tonight would send The Crown to the next round of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.

• DATE: Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.
• WHERE: Bank of America Stadium
• PRICE: Visit website for tickets.

Carolina Panthers v. New Orleans Saints

After a thrilling upset win over Green Bay, Carolina is playing host to New Orleans, which is 1-8 in the South. The Saints haven’t won since early October against the Giants (26-14). The Panthers are the favorites this weekend after being cast as the underdogs all season.

• DATE: Nov. 9 at 1 p.m.
• WHERE: Bank of America Stadium
• PRICE: Visit website for tickets.