5 festivals near Charlotte, if the NC State Fair seems too far away
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
The N.C. State Fair kicks off on Oct. 15 in Raleigh and runs for ten days — but if you can’t make it, don’t worry.
Read more Former Wells Fargo tower readies for redevelopment after historic designation
Here’s a list of other fairs and festivals near Charlotte. The State Fairgrounds are an hour and a half from Charlotte give or take – but probably give, because the fair causes traffic, as do rush hour, accidents and construction. These fall festivals and fairs are all also under two hours.
Driving times are calculated from Uptown. They do not account for road conditions, small children experiencing car sickness or produce stands on the side of the road.
If you are interested in moseying on over to Raleigh for the N.C. State Fair, Amtrak has added a station outside the event and extra stops.
This local festival offers a lot of autumnal fun – carnival rides, food trucks and of course, a pie-eating contest. While it’ll be more low-key than the pulsing lights of the state fair, there will be fireworks.
The big apple this is not, but the apple festival draws crowds of tens of thousands each year to downtown Lincolnton. In keeping with the whimsy of the event, the festival will also elect an apple queen.
This isn’t a traditional fall gathering of the rollercoasters, cider and fried Oreos sort, but it is a fun, low-key option. Unless you are a chalk artist, for whom it may be a little more cutthroat. Applications have closed to compete, but go check out the ephemeral art of regional children and adults, as well as local vendors and food.
Read more Union County team returns to The Observer’s Sweet 16 high school football poll
Just across the border in Spartanburg, the Piedmont Interstate Fair is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2026. It offers fair food, rides and contests for children and adults, ranging from cars to tablescapes.
The distance to Columbia, South Carolina from Charlotte is very similar to the distance from Charlotte to Raleigh. The dates are the same, but it might be more convenient for someone with friends and family to visit in the other Carolina, or with barbecue preferences that disturb the author.
The News & Observer and Charlotte Observer cover the N.C. State Fair each year. Visit newsobserver.com/ncstatefair for our most up to date coverage, including:
Make sure to keep up with more writings on the games, rides, empanadas and unusual fried goodies of the State Fair in 2026.
Questions about life in North Carolina? Or have a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.
Read more Brian Austin Green Nominates ‘90210’ Costars for ‘Celebrity Name That Tune’
You can submit your question by filling out this form.
