September in Charlotte means fall festival season. The month of September used to be designated Charlotte Shout and even though that's not the case in 2009, there are still plenty of events going on all around town. Here is a listing of some of Charlotte's best fall festivals that you and your family will not want to miss.
Matthews Alive
Sept. 4-7, 2009Historic Downtown Matthews
Matthews, NC 28105
The annual festival in Downtown Matthews features arts, crafts, rides and live music along with games and carnival rides for the entire family. But, this weekend is usually hot so be sure to drink plenty of fluids while you walk the streets of Matthews.
Charlotte Literary Festival
Sept. 5-6, 2009Various locations in NoDa
The Charlotte Literary Festival is a two-day event with different events happening at different venues in NoDa. This year's featured authors are Terri McMillan and Nikki Giovanni.
Yiasou Greek Festival
Sept. 10-13, 2009Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
600 East Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28203
The Yiasou Greek Festival enters its 31st year as one of Charlotte's most beloved festivals. The Greek Festival takes place in Dilworth at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and provides the community with an opportunity to sample homemade Greek delicacies as well as live music and entertainment for the entire family.
Blues, Brews & BBQ
Sept. 11-12, 2009Uptown Charlotte
The seventh annual Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival features national and local BBQ teams, along with blues acts, BBQ demonstrations, beer sampling and more.
Charlotte Sunset Jazz Festival
Sept. 19, 20091-10 p.m.
Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall
4400 Sharon Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28211
The Sunset Jazz Festival is a free event featuring Marion Meadows, Matt Marshak, Bryan Anderson, 5th and York, Innertwyned and Unique Blend
Charlotte Film Festival
Sept. 21-27, 2009EpiCentre Theatres, Park Terrace Stadium 6, and Sykes Auditorium (Queens University)
704-644-8650
The 4th Annual Charlotte Film Festival features over 70 independent films.
Festival in the Park
Sept. 24-27, 2009Freedom Park
1409 East Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28203
Known as the Grandfather of the Charlotte festivals, Festival in the Park is an arts and crafts festival featuring local and regional artists, musicians and activities for kids of all ages to usher in the fall.
What is Festival in the Park?
Charlotte Pop Fest
Sept. 24-26, 2009Dana Auditorium at Queens University of Charlotte
1900 Selwyn Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28274
This three-day music fest features over 20 acts with the alternative rock back The Smithereens headlining.
International Festival
Sept. 26, 2009Barnhardt Student Activity Center, UNC-Charlotte Campus
704-687-7781
Over 50 nations are represented in this day-long celebration of diversity featuring food, crafts and information about different cultures. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Great Grapes! Wine, Arts & Food Festival
Oct. 3, 200911 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall
4400 Sharon Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28211
The wine town that is Charlotte is home to several wine festivals throughout the year, but Great Grapes! is one of the most beloved. Enjoy the day at Symphony Park sampling some of the nation's best wines.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Oct. 10 - Nov. 22, 2009Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
16445 Poplar Tent Rd.
Huntersville, NC 28078
Take a step back in time with the Carolina Renaissance Festival which features a medieval amusement park, a 10-stage theater, a 20-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast.