We’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is that many of the headlining concerts of this spring and summer are already sold out. (Which, at the end of the day, is still good news for Charlotte.)
The good news is, there are plenty of local music + arts performances to go around at festivals all over the city. Start planning now, and you just might be able to make them all.
Music festivals
Moo, Brew & ‘Que Music Fest, 817 Hamilton St., Charlotte
Ignite your senses Friday, April 12-Sunday, April 14 with the annual barbecue, beer, burger, and music festival. Enjoy regional cuisine and 50+ beers, plus live music from acts like Hippo Campus and The Revivalists.
Lovin’ Life Music Fest, 300 N. Bervard St., Charlotte
The inaugural three-day music festival is going down Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 5 with a stacked lineup: Stevie Nicks, Post Malone, Noah Kahan, Maggie Rogers, Mt. Joy, and more.
Breakaway Presents: Another World 2024, 6570 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord
The traveling bass festival will host two high-energy nights of EDM at the zMAX Dragway on Friday, May 3 + Saturday, May 4. Plan early to camp out so you don’t miss a beat.
Music + a little extra
Tuck Fest, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte
Celebrate the outdoor lifestyle Friday, April 19-Sunday, April 21 at the Whitewater Center with dozens of competitions on land and water. Listen to the festival’s 2023 Spotify playlist to get a feel for the live musical acts you can expect.
Earth Day Jam, Bell Tower Green Park, Salisbury
On Saturday, April 20, Happy Roots will host its “party with a purpose” with two stages of live music, local food, craft beer, and activities to elevate environmental awareness for Earth Day. It’s totally free — just plan for a ~45-minute drive if you’re coming from downtown.
Loch Norman Highland Festival, 4431 Neck Rd., Huntersville
Representatives of 50+ Scottish clans will compete in music, dance, and athletic performances in this celebration of Highland culture on Saturday, April 20 + Sunday, April 21. Between longbow competitions and hammer throwing, check out the festival’s historical village and whiskey tastings.
Beachfest Matthews, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews
Pick up an all-you-can-ride carnival pass and vibe to some beachy live music Friday, May 10 + Saturday, May 11. Between rides, stroll through the vendor market, sip craft beer, and try your hand at shag dancing.
Arts + poetry
BOOM Charlotte, 300 Camp Rd., Charlotte
From Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28, experience three days of art at one of the largest multidiciplinary creative gatherings in the city. The outdoor stage at Camp North End will host everything from slam poetry to aerial dancing, plus additional installations around the festival site.
Charlotte Poetry Festival, 301 Camp Rd., Charlotte
Right next door, you can snap along with rising stars in our local poetry scene at this two-day festival, Saturday, April 27-Sunday, April 28. Come for the performances, stay for discussions with the poets — admission is free.
Charlotte SHOUT!, Uptown Charlotte
Uptown Charlotte will transform as local artists, musicians, storytellers, and chefs take to the streets for 17 days, Friday, March 29-Sunday, April 14. Take a stroll or seek out any of the scheduled performances throughout the festival.
Kings Drive Art Walk, 600 S. Kings Dr., Charlotte
The 14th annual art walk brings visitors through the Little Sugar Creek Greenway on Saturday, May 4 + Sunday, May 5 to explore crafts, music, and family entertainment, with a focus on fine and emerging artists.
