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.
FabFest: Charlotte’s Beatles Festival | Friday, Oct. 3-Saturday, Oct. 4 | Knight Theater + CPCC’s Parr Center | Free+ | Build community over the music that changed the world — from live music to memorabilia, themed yoga to songwriting contests, and much more.
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.
Charlotte International Arts Festival | Sept. 1-30 | Citywide | Experience 30 days of cultural events, live performances, and free interactive exhibits across the Queen City.
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.
Potters Market at the Mint | Sept. 27 | The Mint Museum Randolph | $25+ | Shop from dozens of potters, watch live demonstrations, dance to live music, and support artists from across NC.
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.
Taste of Charlotte Festival | June 6-8 | Uptown | Charlotte’s largest food festival features samples from area restaurants + live performances, activities, and free swag.
Panda Fest Charlotte 2025 | Sept. 12-14 | Various times | Ballantyne’s Backyard | This three-day festival is considered to be the biggest outdoor Asian food festival.
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.
Charlotte Coffee Festival | Oct. 4 | Victoria Yards | Sample coffee blends from over 35 local roasters and brands, all in the heart of the Queen City.
Moo, Brew & ‘Que Music Fest | Oct. 10-12 | 817 Hamilton St. | Ignite your senses with the annual barbecue, beer, burger, and music festival.
The Pig Pickin’ | Sunday, Oct. 19 | Mac’s Speed Shop, South End | $25+ | Savor bites from Mac’s Speed Shop, Midwood Smokehouse, Sweet Lew’s BBQ, and Jon G’s Barbecue — it’s an event celebrating the heritage of whole hog barbecue.
Whiskey, Wine, and Fire Festival | Oct. 25 | Ballantyne’s Backyard | Enjoy the heat from the fire gardens while savoring fire-kissed barbecue and cocktails.
Celebrating heritage
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.
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.
Hola Charlotte Festival | Oct. 4 | Tryon Plaza | Join the largest Hispanic Heritage festival in the Queen City with live music, food vendors, art installations, and family-friendly fun.
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.
Carolina Renaissance Festival | Saturdays + Sundays, Oct. 4-Nov. 23 | Enter Renaissance times by shopping the open-air marketplace before watching a joust or seeing birds of pray in action.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know so we can add them to the list.
