Image courtesy of Carolina BalloonFest

Friday-Sunday

51st Carolina BalloonFest
Statesville Regional Airport
Hours vary

Festival featuring hot air balloon launches, nighttime balloon glows, live music, food vendors, craft vendors and family activities. The event is the second-oldest continuously operated hot air balloon festival in the country and faces an uncertain future with planned renovations to the airport.

Saturday

Girl Scout Food Drive
Corner of Jetton Road and Peninsula Club Drive North
9-11 a.m.

Donations benefit the Ada Jenkins Center NourishUp. All donations are appreciated, but no glass jars. Cash or check donations used to purchase food are also accepted. Make checks out to Meck 1 Girl Scouts.

Shred Event Sponsored by Susan Johnson + Associates
Keller Williams Lake Norman
10 a.m.-noon

Bring old documents, confidential files and no longer-needed important paperwork. Paper, folders, hanging folders, paperclips, elastics, staples and metal clips can all be shredded. Items such as plastic bags (including tall kitchen/trash bags), batteries, three ring binders, cardboard boxes and any other non-recyclable items are not allowed. Free.

Birkdale Restaurant Week
Multiple locations
Hours vary

First day of the week-long event to taste exclusive, limited-time dishes, fixed tasting menus and beverages. Click here for a list of participating restaurants and specials.

Lake Norman Diwali
Huntersville Veterans Park
1:30-6:30 p.m.

Celebrate the magic of Diwali with an evening filled with cultural performances, food, music, shopping, dancing, photo booths and community spirit. This family-friendly festival brings together people of all backgrounds to experience the joy, unity, and traditions of the Festival of Lights. Free to attend.