We heard a rumor that there’s nothing to do in Charlotte. We’re here to prove that wrong.
There are plenty of local music, food, and arts performances to go around all over the city. Start planning for these festivals now, and you just might be able to make them all.
Music festivals
High Country Jazz Festival | June 12-15 | Appalachian Theatre, Boone | The festival features nationally known artists, and serves as a fundraiser for local arts and education programs.
Boonerang Music and Arts Festival | June 19-20 | Downtown Boone | Visitors can find bands on multiple concert stages + food, beer, crafts, and a kids’ zone. Did we mention it’s free?
Breakaway | Sept. 26-27 | zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway | The traveling bass festival will host two high-energy nights of EDM. Plan early to camp out so you don’t miss a beat.
Arts + poetry
Juneteenth Art Fest | June 19 | The Shoppes at University Place | Support local artists, musicians, and vendors at this event honoring Juneteenth.
Durag Fest | June 21 | Sugar Creek Station | The annual festival will celebrate Juneteenth and Black creativity through art, music, fashion, and food.
Festival in the Park | Sept. 19-21 | Freedom Park | The annual event brings nearly 1,000 entertainers and more than 150 artists and vendors to one of Charlotte’s most popular outdoor spots.
All about the eats
Cheerwine Festival | May 17 | Downtown Salisbury | Celebrate this Southern favorite with samples, live music, and themed foods.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival | May 17 | Ballantyne’s Backyard | Sip beer and bourbon + savor barbecue from several pitmasters.
St. Philip Neri Italian Festival | May 15-17 | St. Philip Neri Church, Fort Mill, SC | Savor homemade Italian favorites like sausages and meatballs + live music, a beer garden, and 50+ vendors and artisans.
Armenian Food Festival | May 30-June 1 | St. Serkis Armenian Apostolic Church | Savor three days of delicious Armenian pastries, kabobs, and family-friendly entertainment.
Taste of Charlotte Festival | June 6-8 | Uptown | Charlotte’s largest food festival features samples from area restaurants + live performances, activities, and free swag.
Yiasou Greek Festival | Sept. 5-7 | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral | Dance, savor Greek cuisine, and shop during one of Charlotte’s largest cultural events.
Wine and Food Festival | Sept. 27 | Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall | Taste hundreds of local, national, and international wines, plus bites from Charlotte’s best food trucks.
Moo, Brew & ‘Que Music Fest | Oct. 10-12 | 817 Hamilton St. | Ignite your senses with the annual barbecue, beer, burger, and music festival.
Whiskey, Wine, and Fire Festival | Oct. 25 | Ballantyne’s Backyard | Enjoy the heat from the fire gardens while savoring fire-kissed barbecue and cocktails.
Let the games begin
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games | July 10-13 | McRae Meadows | Sample Scottish foods, music, costumes, and field games while surrounded by kilts and good vibes.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know so we can add them to the list.