Big Events in Charlotte
Major happenings 3–6 months out
November 2026
NoDa Dia de los Muertos Festival
NoDa neighborhood
NoDa's annual Day of the Dead celebration is a vibrant community event honoring Latin American culture and traditions. The neighborhood comes alive with colorful altars (ofrendas), face painting, traditional Mexican food, live music, and dancing. The arts district setting in NoDa adds to the creative and festive atmosphere.
Charlotte Diwali Festival
Charlotte area venue (TBD)
Charlotte's Diwali Festival celebrates the Hindu festival of lights with traditional Indian dance and music performances, authentic food vendors, henna art, fireworks, and cultural exhibitions. The event serves the growing South Asian community in Charlotte and welcomes attendees of all backgrounds. It has grown significantly in recent years and typically draws several thousand visitors.
Charlotte Veterans Day Parade
Tryon Street, Uptown Charlotte
Charlotte's annual Veterans Day Parade marches through Uptown to honor military veterans and active service members. The parade features marching bands, military vehicles, veteran organization floats, and community groups. It's one of the largest Veterans Day observances in the Carolinas and draws thousands of spectators along the route.
Charlotte Marathon & Half Marathon
Uptown Charlotte (Start/Finish)
The Charlotte Marathon is an annual fall road race that takes runners through some of the city's most scenic neighborhoods including Dilworth, Myers Park, and Uptown. The event includes a full marathon, half marathon, and relay options. Thousands of runners participate and the course provides a tour of Charlotte's tree-lined streets and skyline views.
Charlotte Christmas Village
Romare Bearden Park
Charlotte's Christmas Village is a European-inspired holiday market held in Uptown, featuring vendor booths selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and holiday décor alongside traditional seasonal food and drink like hot cocoa and mulled wine. Live entertainment, carolers, and visits with Santa round out the festive experience. It has become a holiday staple in the city.
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Speedway Christmas is one of the largest drive-through holiday light displays in the Southeast, featuring over four million lights across the Charlotte Motor Speedway grounds. Visitors drive through miles of themed light displays, and the event also includes a Christmas Village with rides, food, and visits with Santa. It runs nightly throughout the holiday season.
Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Race - Thunder Road Marathon & Half Marathon
Uptown Charlotte
The Thunder Road Marathon and Half Marathon is Charlotte's premier fall road race, drawing thousands of runners through the city's scenic neighborhoods. The race typically features a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and kids' fun run with crowds of spectators cheering along the course. It serves as a major running event in the Southeast and often sells out.
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Speedway Christmas is one of the largest holiday light displays in the Southeast, with over four million lights spread across Charlotte Motor Speedway. Visitors drive through miles of light displays, and the event also features a Christmas Village with rides, food, and holiday shopping. It has been an annual tradition for over a decade and is a major seasonal draw for families in the Charlotte area.
Charlotte Turkey Trot
Uptown Charlotte
Charlotte's annual Thanksgiving Day 8K and 1-mile fun run, one of the largest Turkey Trot events in the Southeast. Thousands of runners and walkers participate in the race through Uptown Charlotte streets before heading home for Thanksgiving dinner. The event benefits local charities and has become a beloved holiday tradition for families.
Thanksgiving Day Parade - Charlotte
Uptown Charlotte
Charlotte's annual Thanksgiving Day Parade winds through Uptown streets and features floats, marching bands, local performers, and a visit from Santa Claus. The parade has become a beloved holiday tradition for families across the region, drawing tens of thousands of spectators. It marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in Charlotte.