October is here, and I’m taking Erin’s Bookshelf to six events around Charlotte and Mount Holly. There are fall festivals, evening markets, and two book fairs on the calendar, which means plenty of opportunities to find a new read and make a little outing of it.
One of my favorite parts of September was putting together shelves and collections that felt right for each event. I loved thinking about the books someone might discover, the connections between them, and the conversations they could start. I’m carrying that same care into October, with a mix of fiction, pre-loved finds, and bookish gifts from Erin’s Bookshelf.
Here’s where you can find me this month.
A Ladies Night Out to Start the Month
Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
Local Focal Ladies Night | Local Focal Marketplace
1941 E. 7th Street, Charlotte
I’m kicking off October at Local Focal Marketplace for Ladies Night. It’s an easy excuse to get a friend out of the group chat and into an evening of shopping together.
Local Focal’s Ladies Night Out series includes pop-up vendors, sips, light bites, and giveaways. Stop by my table to browse the books, find a gift for a reader you love, or tell me what you’ve been reading lately. I always want to hear about the book you couldn’t put down.
Fall Festival Season in Mount Holly
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Muddy River Fall Festival | Muddy River Distillery
250 N. Main Street, Mount Holly
For the first Saturday of the month, I’m heading to Muddy River Distilleryfor its Fall Festival. The distillery is housed in the historic Mount Holly Cotton Mill, so there’s a beautiful old building to appreciate along with the opportunity to shop.
With a longer afternoon to visit, this is a good one to work into a day in Mount Holly. Browse the books, stay for food or a cocktail at the distillery, and take home something to read when you get back. A fall outing that ends with a new book sounds pretty good to me.
A Saturday Afternoon in Plaza Midwood
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Noon–3 p.m.
Commonwealth Fall Fest | Commonwealth Plaza Midwood, Charlotte
The following weekend, Erin’s Bookshelf will be at Commonwealth Fall Fest at Commonwealth in Plaza Midwood. This is a shorter afternoon pop-up, so keep that noon-to-three window in mind if you’re planning to visit.
Come before or after lunch, bring someone who shares your taste in books, and give yourself a little time to browse. You don’t need a title in mind. Tell me whether you’re looking for a love story, a mystery, or something your book club will have plenty to say about, and we can look through the shelves together.
A Friday Night at Veil of Visions
Friday, October 16, 2026 | 5–9 p.m.
Veil of Visions Market | Urban District Market
2315 N. Davidson Street, Charlotte
Mid-month brings Veil of Visions Market, hosted by Maker’s Market CLT at Urban District Market. A Friday evening market feels especially fitting for October, and I’m looking forward to bringing the bookstore along.
Make it a dinner-and-shopping night: you can explore the food and drink options, visit the vendors, and pick out your weekend reading. Admission is free, with purchases separate. There’s also free on-site parking shared with Seoul Food’s Mill District location, and the market is scheduled to happen rain or shine.
Coffee and a Cozy Fall Book Fair
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Pumpkin Spice & Book Paradise | Summit Coffee On the Plaza
2501 The Plaza, Charlotte
The next morning, I’ll be at Pumpkin Spice & Book Paradise, a fall book fair organized by Sweetheart Market CLT at Summit Coffee On the Plaza. Coffee in hand and books to browse is a Saturday morning plan I can get behind.
The organizer’s lineup includes indie authors, bookish goods, local makers, custom sketch portraits, and fall coffee specials. Come for a new book and leave a little time to meet the people who write them, too. Summit has indoor and outdoor seating, and its shared parking lot is accessible from Duncan Avenue.
Ending October at the Uptown Book Fair
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 6–10 p.m.
Uptown Book Fair | Victoria Yards
209 E. 7th Street, Charlotte
My final October stop is the Uptown Book Fair at Victoria Yards. If your weekends are already full, this Wednesday evening gives you another chance to come shop in person.
Bring a friend after work or make it a solo book-shopping date. I’ll be there from six until ten, ready to help you choose your next read. If you’re driving, Victoria Yards’ visitor guide has information about nearby parking options so you can plan before heading Uptown.
Come Say Hi
If you’ve been following Erin’s Bookshelf online, please introduce yourself when you stop by. Getting to meet readers in person has been such a lovely part of building this micro indie bookstore, and I’m excited to see familiar faces and meet new ones this month.
You can also shop the current selection online anytime, with local pickup in NoDa and shipping across the United States. Follow @erinsbookshelfclt on Instagram for event reminders and updates before you head out.
Bring your fall reading list, or let’s find something you weren’t expecting to love.