Post Malone, Steve Nicks, and Noah Kahan will be headlining Lovin’ Life Music Fest. | Photos by Tore Sætre, Ralph Arvesen, and u/no_thoughts_kurapika via Wikimedia Commons
In a matter of days, Charlotte will be “lovin’” life. The inaugural Lovin’ Life Music Fest is expected to bring 25,000-30,000 people to Uptown for three days of live music, art, and culture.
The three-day festival will be at First Ward Park (301 E. 7th St., Charlotte), across three stages. “We want Uptown to be a place where people can gather and celebrate,” said Mayor Vi Lyles while providing updates on safety and logistics. Organizers for Lovin’ Life say this is a first for Charlotte. “Charlotte is a special place, we love it, we’re excited to do it here,” said Bob Durkin, co-founder of Southern Entertainment.
Whether you’re planning to attend or not, here’s everything you need to know:
Headliners
Post Malone, Stevie Nicks, and Noah Kahan will headline the festival, performing on the Coors Light Stage. 40+ artists are scheduled through the weekend across two other stages: Northwood Ravin + Music Everywhere CLT. You’ll see familiar names like Charlotte-native DaBaby, Dashboard Confessional, The Chainsmokers, The Fray, Natalie Carr, and more.
Performances begin as early as 1 p.m. on Friday, May 3, on the Northwood Ravin stage.
Organizers recommend downloading the festival’s official app to receive schedule reminders and be alerted of changes throughout the event.
Tickets
The three-day general admission ticket option sold out early, but there are single day, general admission, and VIP tickets still available. Ticket prices range from $129-$1,299. Children under 10 are free to attend but must be accompanied by an adult.
Festival goers should have already received a wristband in the mail if tickets were purchased in advance. “The wristbands are meant to be efficient. Guests will be able to scan their wristbands in and out,” said Durkin.
Wristbands are recommended to be activated prior to arriving to alleviate slowdowns upon entry. If you need a wristband + purchased tickets, they can be found at the Will Call/Box office on site.
Surprise appearances
Are the rumors true? Will Taylor Swift make an appearance?
A Visual Narrative on Mental Wellness: Workshop & Conversation | Tuesday, April 30 | 3-7 p.m. | Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | Free | Create dialogue on mental health stigma in the black community with residency artist Monique Luck.
No Forks Given Cuban Food | Tuesday, April 30 | 5-9 p.m. | King Canary Brewing, 562 Williamson Rd., Mooresville | Cost of purchase | Enjoy a brew + authentic Cuban cuisine at this lake-front brewery.
Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds | Tuesday, April 30 | 6:05 p.m. | 324 S. Mint St., Charlotte | $16-$62 | Bark for the home team as they face off against Memphis during game on Bark in the Park night.
Wednesday, May 1
Immersive Garden Mornings | Wednesday, May 1 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont | $20-$30 | Connect with nature while enjoying a leisurely morning in the garden.
CLT Re-Cyclery Bike Drop-In | Wednesday, May 1 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Hygge Coworking, 330 Camp Rd., Charlotte | Free | Get adjustments on your bike + enjoy breakfast at any vendor at Camp North End.
Mint on the Dot! Talk | Wednesday, May 1 | 6:30-7 p.m. | The Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Rd., Charlotte | Free | Gain a deeper knowledge of the art displayed from museum experts.
The Black Crowes: Happiness Bastards Tour 24 | Wednesday, May 1 | 8 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte | $65-$199.50 | Experience a “Charming Mess” as The Black Crowes bring their tour to the Queen City.
Thursday, May 2
Matthews Chamber Golf Classic 2024 | Thursday, May 2 | 10:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | 7500 Olde Sycamore Dr., Charlotte | $125 | Network + tee off with friends in this day-long tournament.
Pride in Business Expo and Career Fair | Thursday, May 2 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas, 1701 N. Graham St. #100, Charlotte | Free | Build your resume, be registered to vote, + apply to top hiring hubs, hosted by the Carolinas LGBTQ+ Chamber.
Lovin’ Life Music Fest Welcome Party | Thursday, May 2 | 5-11 p.m. | Sycamore Brewing & Taproom, 2151 Hawkins St., Charlotte | Free | Celebrate the lineup before the inaugural Lovin’ Life Music Fest kicks off in Uptown on Friday.
New housing, a re-imagined Stumptown Park, + better parking signage are coming to Matthews. It’s part of Envision Matthews — a plan for future development. The guide was approved last week by the planning board. (WCNC)
Traffic
The bridge over Coffee Creek is undergoing repairs. NCDOT closed a section of Shopton Road near Beam Road. The work is expected to last through the week. (WSOC)
Real Estate
$5.9 million. That’s the price tag for former NASCAR driver Robby Faggart’s Concord mansion. The home is more than 9,200-sqft + features five bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, and private boat dock and pier. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Transit
The intersection at Highway 24/27 and Bethel School Road is changing. NCDOT is improving the area due to a high number of crashes. Construction is expected to wrap in June. (WBTV)
Closing
Fern is closing its doors. The final day of service will be Saturday, May 4, for the vegan + vegetarian restaurant. The restaurant opened in 2011. It did not give a reason for the closure.
Open
Barnes & Noble opened two stores in the Charlotte area — one at 611 River Crossing in Mooresville, the other at 8062 Concord Mills Blvd. in Concord. The chain now has six stores in the region. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Plan Ahead
Mecklenburg County is hosting a resource meeting for small business owners. County staff will be discussing planning resources, small business loans, credit coaching, and more. Registration is free.
State
National Forests officials are warning to be cautious after a coyote attack in the Uwharrie National Forest. Two people were hurt. Wildlife officials say it was an isolated incident. (WCNC)
Sports
The Canes faceoff against the Islanders tonight in Game 5 of the NHL Playoffs. Follow the Carolina Hurricanes on and off-icewith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
The annual Kings Drive Art Fest draws will be rain or shine along Little Sugar Creek Greenway. | Photo provided by Festival in the Park
Expect to see Little Sugar Creekway lined with art this weekend — the 14th annual Kings Drive Art Walk returns Saturday, May 4.
The annual event is a precursor to Festival in the Park. It celebrates the arts and brings 100+ vendors, music, food, and family fun to Kings Drive.
Artists from across the Queen City + eight states along the east coast will be selling all varieties of art: paintings, pottery, metal, stone, wood, and glass works.
You can shop Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, May 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
If attending, there are several nearby parking spots:
Harding Place
South Torrence Street
Baldwin Avenue
Ellison Street
Henley Place
Editor’s note: there is construction near the intersection of S. Kings Drive and E. Morehead Street, blocking pedestrian access to the greenway. Organizers recommend using the sidewalks along S. Kings Drive from East Blvd. and Freedom Park.
A lightweight spring jacket that won’t overheat you during transitional spring months. We’re loving every floral pattern of this women’s quilted jacket and the cut of this men’s cotton bomber jacket.
Last Friday, editor Jack and I spoke with Bob Durkin, the co-owner of Southern Enterntainment. While he said the Taylor Swift rumor is a rumor, he’s expecting magic to happen at Lovin’ Life Music Fest. Does that mean a “magical” appearance for the superstar? Only time will tell.
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