A new school year has just begun, and fall – a season chock-full of festivals – is only two weeks away.

But you don’t have to wait, and you don’t have to stay in the Charlotte area to find a fun festival.

Whether you are looking for a last-minute day trip with the family or an overnight retreat out of town to wind down after the DNC chaos, here’s a list of festivals and fairs happening within a reasonable drive from Charlotte.

Hopscotch Music Festival

Where: Downtown Raleigh (various venues).

Estimated travel time: 3 hours.

When: Today-Saturday.

Highlights: This musical fest – which started Thursday – features performances by more than 175 national and international bands playing in 15 different venues, all within walking distance. Music genres will include rock, hip-hop, alternative country, heavy metal, dance, punk, classical, folk and everything in between. Festivalgoers can check out performances by various artists at dozens of day parties.

Admission: $34-$110.

Details: www.hopscotchmusicfest.com.

Flatwoods Festival

Where: 451 Peach Tree Road, Bennett.

Estimated travel time: 2 hours.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday-5 p.m. Sunday.

Highlights: This annual festival, which is in its 15th year, features family fun, food, crafts, pony rides and an antique tractor pull. There also will be musical entertainment and a grand parade with vintage cars, trucks, tractors, horse-drawn vehicles, floats, antique farm equipment and more.

Admission: Free Friday; on Saturday, $5 for ages 13 and older.

Details: 919-548-5192; www.visitpittsboro.com.

NC Mountain State Fair

Where: 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher.

Estimated travel time: 2 hours.

When: Various times today-Sept. 16.

Highlights: In celebration of the people, agriculture, art and traditions that make our region great, the family-friendly fair offers performances by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, African acrobatic teams, Las Vegas-style magic acts, comedic hypnotists and even a man who carves artwork with a chainsaw. In addition, attendees can watch live animal births at the fair’s Mooternity Ward or cheer on pigs in the hog races. There also will be live music.

Admission: $7; $3 for kids 6-12 and seniors.

Details: 828-687-1414; www.mountainfair.org.

Jazz Under the Stars

Where: South Carolina State House, 1100 Gervais St., Columbia, S.C.

Estimated travel time: 90 minutes.

When: Sept. 7-8. The event begins each night at 6 and live band sets begin at 7.

Highlights: Enjoy a free jazz concert series and swing dance lessons with Richard and Breedlove along with Southern Grooveline. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Swing.”

Admission: Free. A cover charge may apply to after parties, which will be held at Le Café Jazz at Finlay Park (930 Laurel St., Columbia).

Details: 803-400-1879; www.jazzunderthestars.webs.com.

BOOKMARKS Festival of Books

Where: Downtown Arts District in Winston-Salem (various venues).

Estimated travel time: 90 minutes.

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

Highlights: Authors, illustrators and storytellers will gather to inspire and engage readers and writers of all ages through reading, workshops, storytelling, panel discussions and cooking demonstrations. More than 45 authors – including some from the Charlotte area – will be featured during the event. BOOKMARKS is a nonprofit organization that champions literacy and promotes cultural diversity through reading.

Admission: Free.

Details: 336-460-4722; www.bookmarksbookfestival.org.