From annual traditions to new events, your guide to 2023 spring festivals in Charlotte
Charlotte’s jam-packed spring festival season is already in bloom.
Annual favorites including BOOM Charlotte, Tuck Fest, Paws in the Park and more are back again, along with some new additions, such as the Trail of History Festival at Elizabeth Park.
From animal lovers and foodies to history buffs, outdoor adventurers and more, this year’s diverse spring festival lineup will offer something for everyone. Check out our comprehensive guide below to see the events announced so far, and start planning your fun now.
Keep an eye on this page as we’ll continue to update our guide as more spring festivities are announced.
March
Baxter Village/Fort Mill Spring Fest and St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Location: Baxter Village Town Center, 900 Market St., Fort Mill, South Carolina
When: March 18 from 2-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: The largest running Spring Festival & St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the Charlotte region, the annual event will feature more than 125 vendors, Irish dancers, floats, pro sports mascots, live entertainment and the city’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. To participate in the parade, go to the Baxter-Close YMCA North Lot by 4:15 p.m.; no sign-up required.
The Charlotte Fair
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 6558 Bruton Smith Blvd. Concord, NC 28027
When: March 24-April 2
Cost: Tickets start at $3.50 + fees for kids ages 4 and over, $7.50 + fees for adults
What to know: Admission includes access to over 30 rides, live shows, an animal petting zoo, carnival fare and more.
April
Spring Fling Eggstravaganza
Location: Rescue Ranch, 1424 Turnersburg Hwy., Statesville, NC 28625
When: April 1 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: $5 for adults; $5 per egg hunt, per child
What to know: Multiple egg hunts for various ages and abilities will take place from 10:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m. An egg hunt for exceptional children will be at 12:30 p.m. in a quieter designated location to help participants focus and not feel overwhelmed. Advance registration and payment are required to participate in the egg hunt. Sign up online.
Paws in the Park
Location: Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Dr., Pineville, NC 28134
When: April 1 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: Hosted by the nonprofit Charlotte Black Dogs, the annual festival is one of the largest dog events in the Charlotte area. This year, you can expect to find adoptable dogs from local shelters, human and canine circus performances from Circus Stella, music by Chairmen of the Board, dog contests, food trucks, a kids’ playground and more.
Charlotte Kids Festival
Location: UNC Charlotte, 9100 Robert N. Snyder Road, Charlotte, NC 28262
When: April 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: All ages are welcome, however, most activities are geared toward children 12 and under. The festival will feature six main areas with different focuses, including dance, interactive science activities, crafting and more.
Spring South End Wine & Hops Fest
Location: Lenny Boy Brewing Co., 300 South Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28217
When: April 1 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $40
What to know: This annual festival features over 75 wines, 20 local craft breweries and live music. Admission includes unlimited wine, cider and craft brews tastings and a festival souvenir sampling glass.
Trail of History Festival
Location: Elizabeth Park, 101 N Kings Dr., Charlotte, NC 28204
When: April 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: This new annual festival celebrates Mecklenburg County’s history and growth with art, music, food, local history and more to be announced.
‘Tawba Walk Music & Arts Festival
Location: Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St, Cornelius, NC 28031
When: April 8 from 2-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: The event includes two stages for live music, over 100 local artists and vendors, street art, live demonstrations, games, local craft beer, food trucks, kid zone and more. For updates, keep an eye on its Facebook page.
Art Festival at Hindu Center of Charlotte
Location: Hindu Center of Charlotte, 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte, NC 28212
When: April 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: This family-friendly festival features multiple art contests, henna art demonstrations and more.
Charlotte SHOUT!
Location: Uptown Charlotte (multiple locations)
When: March 31-April 16
Cost: Free
What to know: Festival will take place all around Uptown and include live music, outdoor performances, art installations and more, along with special ticketed events. Tucked within Charlotte SHOUT! is the Charlotte StrEATs Festival, with a lineup of food-and-beverage events that include a tasting tour and a guest appearance from Food Network’s Alex Guarnaschelli.
Come-See-Me-Festival
Location: Rock Hill (multiple locations)
When: April 13-22
Cost: Tickets start at $12 for kids (5-12) and $25 for adults
What to know: What started as a two-day event in 1962 has evolved into a 10-day festival attracting over 100,000 participants annually. This year’s festival features a wide range of activities for all ages and interests, including barbecue cook-offs, cornhole competitions, road races, coloring contests, live music, Teddy Bear Tea Party, beach bash and more.
Charlotte Earth Day Celebration
Location: First Ward Park, 301 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28202
When: April 15 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: The family-friendly Earth Day Celebration returns for its second year with an opening performance by the Metrolina Native American Association, plus a puppet show and parade, food trucks, sing-a-longs, live artist performances, activities for kids, a closing dance party and more.
Loch Norman Highland Games
Location: Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
When: April 15-16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day
Cost: Tickets start at $12 for kids (5-12) and $25 for adults
What to know: Experience Scottish heritage with activities including highland dancing, bagpipe bands, Scottish merchants, historical re-enactments, kilted running events, hearth cooking, whisky tastings, ax throwing and more. Tent and RV camping are available.
BOOM! Charlotte 2023
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: April 21-23
Cost: Free
What to know: The annual fringe artist-led festival and performance arts showcase celebrates art, creativity and diversity. A full schedule of events will be announced.
Charlotte African-American Festival
Location: Brooklyn Village, 710 East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28202
When: April 22-23 from 10 a.m. to 6 pm.
Cost: Free
What to know: Now in its 10th year, the annual festival celebrates the rich heritage and achievements of African Americans with music, art exhibitions, live performances, speakers, vendors, a pageant and more.
Art on the Green Festival
Location: Downtown Davidson, 216 South Main St., Davidson, NC 28036
When: April 29-30
Cost: Free
What to know: Davidson’s largest annual arts festival includes a juried art show that will spotlight over 50 local and visiting multimedia artists selling their creations.
Charlotte Wine + Food Week
Location: Restaurants and venues around Charlotte
When: April 18-23
Cost: Tickets start at $195 per person per event. Purchase tickets online.
What to know: The annual Charlotte Wine + Food Week brings together wine industry experts from all over the world paired with top Charlotte chefs for intimate dinners and tastings to large gala dinners and live auctions. Tickets are sold separately for each event and should be purchased in advance online. All events are 21+.
Tuck Fest
Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
When: April 21-23
Cost: Free to enjoy; $6 to park; pre-race registration: $35 for kids (age 9 and under), $45 for adults (age 10 and older); day-of registration onsite: $40 for kids; $50 for adults
What to know: Named after the Tuckaseegee Ford and Trail, a historical trading route that once passed through the current Whitewater Center property, Tuck Fest is an annual festival celebrating the outdoor lifestyle with competitions, exhibitions, live music and more. Pay a one-time fee to participate in any, or all, of the races and competitions taking place over the three-day event. Pre-registration is available until April 19.
May
Carolina BBQ Festival 2023
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: May 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $75 for general admission or $150 for VIP admission.
What to know: Festival and fundraiser celebrating the whole hog tradition, featuring pitmasters from across the Southeast, plus live music, vendors and more.
Hello Huntersville Music & Arts Festival
Location: Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078
When: May 7 from 12-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: This Lake Norman art and music festival in downtown Huntersville highlights local and regional artists and musicians.
BeachFest Matthews 2023
Location: In and around Stumptown Park, 120 S.Trade Street Matthews NC 28105
When: May 12 from 6-10 p.m. and May 13 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend; $20 for Friday All-You-Can-Ride Night in the Carnival wristband
What to know: The annual festival brings beachy vacation vibes to downtown Matthews with shag dancing, ax throwing, kids’ activities, carnival rides, street food, live beach music and more. No pets allowed.
North Carolina Brewers & Music Festival
Location: Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078
When: May 12-13
Cost: Multiple ticket options starting at $10 for kids and $20 for adults
What to know: This two-day North Carolina craft beer celebration hosted at a historic non-profit farm just outside of Charlotte featuring more than 40 breweries, live music, food vendors, optional camping and more. Tastings will be offered on Saturday only. Brewers lineup to be announced soon.
Charlotte Dragon Boat Race and Asian Festival
Location: Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Rd., Cornelius, NC 28031
When: May 13 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: The annual festival celebrates Asian culture and the over 2,000-year-old traditional Chinese watersport of dragon boat racing. The race is an open competition for anyone 15 or older. In addition to dragon boat races, the event includes live music, dance performances, signature dishes from various Asian countries and more.
Pet Palooza Walk & Festival 2023
Location: HSC Animal Resource Center, 1348 Parker Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208
When: May 14 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend; $10 HSC donation to register for one-mile fun walk
What to know: This annual fundraising walk and festival features live music, food trucks, pet-focused vendors, pet costume contests and more. All registrants who raise $75 or more will receive a Pet Palooza t-shirt and swag for their pup.
Cornelius Jazz Festival
Location: Smithville Park, 19710 South Ferry St., Cornelius, NC 28031
When: May 20 from 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: The family-friendly event featuring live jazz, local craft beer and food, children’s activities and more.
The Cheerwine Festival
Location: Downtown Salisbury, 217 S Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144
When: Saturday, May 23 from noon-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: Enjoy ice-cold Cheerwine in the town where it originated, along with Southern cuisine, family-friendly activities, local craft vendors, live music and more.
Circle K Speed Street
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027
When: May 26-28
Cost: Tickets to any of the weekend’s three NASCAR events May 26-28 are required you can buy online or call 800-455-FANS (3267). Races are:
Friday, May 26, 8:30 p.m.-midnight: North Carolina Education Lottery 200. Tickets start at $20 for adults, and kids 12 and under are free. Saturday, May 27, 1-5 pm.: Alsco Uniforms 300. Tickets start at $25 for adults, and kids 12 and under are free. Sunday, May 28, 6 p.m.: Cola-Cola 600. Tickets to the Coca-Cola 600 start at $49 for adults and kids 12 and under are $10.
What to know: The festival blends motorsports and music. AC/DC cover band Dirty Deeds will kick off the weekend with classic rock tunes after the race on Friday night. On Saturday, country star Jake Owen will take the stage after the Xfinity Series race and Coca-Cola 600 qualifying.
