The second weekend of October is quickly approaching and it's the season for all things pumpkin (despite Christmas decorations already popping up in stores).
It's also a time many of us associate with a trip to the North Carolina mountains, but the western part of our state is still recovering from flooding and devastation brought on by Hurricane Helene.
There are plenty of volunteer and donation opportunities available to help the people and communities in western North Carolina. Many local schools, businesses and churches are gathering supplies to send to those affected by Helene. Things like medicines, bottled water, non-perishable food, personal care items, baby formula, diapers, wipes, blankets and more are being collected.
Related article: From donations to volunteer work, how to help those affected by Helene
All state parks west of Interstate 77 are closed through at least Oct. 31, according to park officials, and most October events at all state parks across the state have been canceled. Click here for a map of closures.
For those in parts of the state not impacted by Helene, we've put together a list of things happening across the state this weekend.
Charlotte's oldest brewery is holding its traditional Mecktoberfest, and this year they're adding another location.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, a German brewery, will have German cuisine, live music in their biergartens and contests.
The event is being held at the brewery's Ballantyne location this weekend, Oct. 11-13.
OMB’s famous one-liter glass boots will be available for purchase too so you can fill your boot with Mecktoberfest Märzen Lager, Copper Altbier, Captain Jack Pilsner, unFOURseen West Coast IPA or Hornets Nest Hefeweizen.
"DAS BOOT is always in high demand, so come get one before we sell out!" event organizers said.
"Dust off your lederhosen and dirndls and dress to impress! On Saturday, you can be nominated for best dressed by our OMB team. The top 3 nominees will take home a prize!" event organizers said. The top prize is a $50 gift card.
The brewery will be open from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Brunswick County Intercultural Festival
Celebrate the cultures in and around Brunswick County this weekend with the county's intercultural festival. Be ready for dance and music performances, international food and an international village with vendors.
The festival is free.
"Its mission is to create, coordinate a comprehensive global learning environment which provides a place for cultural education, artistic enhancement and shares the music, dance, food of the diverse cultures of members of the community," event organizers said.
Click here for a schedule of events Saturday.
NASCAR Fall Weekend in Cabarrus County
Head to the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord to celebrate fall with cars, music and food. The NASCAR Xfinity Series Drive for the Cure 250 will be held Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. Kids 12 and under are free. Click here for tickets.
On Sunday, Oct. 13, the track will hold the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 at 2 p.m.
"Which drivers will make the cut and who will see their championship hopes dashed? Be here to find out!" event organizers posted. Tickets start at $10 for kids 12 and under.
Enjoy music from the Eli Young Band and Tim Dugger on Sunday.
Tickets for the entire weekend are also available.
Grab a turkey leg and take a step back in time! The Carolina Renaissance Festival is going on in Huntersville Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 24., from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. The festival opened last weekend.
"Adventure awaits with games and rides, valiant jousting knights on horseback, majestic falconry, beautiful mermaids and fairies, friendly dragons, feasting, and so much more," event organizer posted.
With over 140 vendors, there's jewelry, arts and crafts available at the event's open-air market, and the opportunity to rent a costume for the day. Event-style food, like bread bowls, and beverages are available too. From tomato-tossing to a jousting show, entertainment is scattered through the park.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time, since event organizers say they often sell out. Children under age 4 are free.
If you love stargazing, there's a free astrology event happening at the Carolina Beach State Park Visitor Center Saturday.
"The Cape Fear Astronomy Society will have telescopes set up for viewing the night sky, planets, stars and lots of other things not usually visible with urban area light pollution," event organizers posted.
The program will begin around sunset, around 8:20 p.m., and end at about 9:45 p.m.
There are also plenty of corn mazes to get lost in! One in Shelby has a haunted maze on weekends in October.
The Shelby Fall Festival has an 8-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, U-pick flowers, farm animals and more than 40 attractions.
Expect food, fun and family entertainment.
Tickets start at $15 for those age 3 and older.
Here are some other corn mazes cropping up around the state:
McKee Cornfield Maze - Rougemont, N.C.
Hubb's Farm Corn Maze - Clinton, N.C.
Naylor Family Farm & Corn Maze - Fuquay Varina, N.C.
Carowinds transforms into a haunted amusement park at night with haunted houses, mazes, "scare zones," roaming monsters and live performances.
"Hungry hordes of zombies and bloodthirsty vampires lie in wait, ready to turn unsuspecting guests into their next macabre feast. Their sinister screams echo throughout the park, an inescapable chorus of terror," SCarowinds organizers posted.
Carowinds recommends only those age 13 and older attend. Gates open at 6 p.m. and close at midnight.
For younger kids and for those who prefer more family-friendly activities, the park has "Tricks and Treats" and Oktoberfest events during the day on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month. Rides are open and there's pumpkin decorating, a pumpkin patch where children can choose a pumpkin, a parade, and a Halloween costume contest. Kids are encouraged to bring something to hold their candy in if they want to participate in the "trick or treat trail." The event is 12-6 p.m. The park opens at 10 a.m. both days.
Tickets vary in price and are free for those who hold certain season passes.
The park is at 14523 Carowinds Blvd. in Charlotte.