Waxhaw's biggest annual festival is off. The Town of Waxhaw canceled Autumn Treasures on Friday, Oct. 9, one day before the street festival was set to fill downtown with vendors, live music and barbecue.

Hurricane Isaias forced the decision. The Category 2 storm, packing 105-mph sustained winds as it churned toward the Gulf Coast on Thursday, is expected to push heavy rain and gusty winds into the Carolinas by Saturday, NPR reported. Some North Carolina locations could see 1 to 3 inches of rain Saturday into Sunday, according to CBS 17.

The town posted its cancellation announcement at 9:33 a.m. Friday, citing its weather policy and calling attendee and vendor safety the top priority. The town said it shares in the disappointment of vendors, staff, volunteers and downtown businesses.

The festival will not be rescheduled this year. The town pointed to the number of people involved and the logistics required to coordinate the event as reasons a makeup date was not feasible.

Isaias is the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season. National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan told NPR on Thursday, "We are expecting Isaias to be a dangerous hurricane when it makes landfall."

What was planned

Autumn Treasures had been planned as a one-day event running 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday across East and West North Main Streets, North Church Street, McDonald Street and Community Corner. The free, family-friendly festival was to feature local artisan and craft vendors, a Kids Zone with carnival rides, food trucks and a main stage lineup of three acts: Dustin Wilson & the Howlers, Haley Mae Campbell and Austin McNeill.

The Grill'n and Chill'n BBQ Cook-Off, set for Community Corner at 115 McDonald St., had $1 sample tickets planned and a 5:30 p.m. winner announcement from the main stage.

Vendor applications had closed with all waitlist spots at capacity.

This year's festival was already scaled back. Waxhaw's Board of Commissioners voted on June 24, 2025, to transition Autumn Treasures from a two-day event to one day to reduce costs, according to the town's festival page.

What's next downtown

The town's next scheduled event is Fright Night on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 4 p.m. Other upcoming dates on the town calendar include a Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11; a Tree Lighting from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21; and the Christmas Parade at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13.