Check out these 25+ festivals across the Charlotte area this summer
Summer is here, and there is no shortage of festivals throughout the season in the Charlotte area.
From family friendly gatherings with games and face painting to food-oriented fairs and even catfish racing, numerous events are spread throughout June, July, August and September.
Here are festivals to check out for Summer 2023 in and around Charlotte:
(Know of more festivals in the area worth visiting? Email Mary Ramsey at mramsey@charlotteobserver.com)
June
Charlotte Spring Carnival
Location: 4525 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28215
When: Open daily through June 11
Cost: $5 admission, wristband deals available starting at $25
What to know: This family friendly carnival will include rides, a petting zoo and classic “fair food.”
Taste of Charlotte
Location: 101 N Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28246
When: June 9-11
Cost: Free admission. Coins for sale “to use for restaurant samples, beverages and kid’s activities.”
What to know: Taste of Charlotte brings together “samples from area restaurants” as well as “various performances and activities.” Download the Taste of Charlotte app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to purchase coins and get more details. The festival is family friendly but not pet friendly.
Festival on the Green
Location: The Horseshoe at the North Carolina Research Campus, 150 N. Research Campus Dr., Kannapolis, NC 28081
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 10
Cost: Free
What to know: This festival from the city of Kannapolis will feature more than 75 vendors, including jewelry, candles, pet accessories and food.
Mess Fest
Location: Chestnut Square Park, 320 Chestnut Parkway, Indian Trail, NC
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 13
Cost: Free
What to know: Let your kids make a mess you don’t have to clean up at this festival hosted by MacaroniKID Union, Fort Mill, South Charlotte and Indian Trail Parks and Rec. Kids will get to participate in “messy activities” such as “slime-making, painting, shaving cream, hair spray, face paint and more.”
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
Location: Plaza Midwood neighborhood
When: June 15-18
Cost: Varies by event
What to know: This multi-day festival celebrates Juneteenth, the national holiday marking the end of slavery in America. It will bring various events to the Plaza Midwood area, including a Gospel Fest, drum circle, peaceful march and a day camp for kids. Families should register kids in advance for the Youth Culture Camp at juneteenthofthecarolinas.com/culture-camp-registration.
Gaston All-American Fair and Carolina Catfish Festival
Location: Eastridge Mall, 246 N. New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC 28054
When: June 16-25
Cost: Free admission
What to know: This 10-day event includes rides, live music, food, crafts, jewelry, games, art, music, entertainment, eating contests, a motorcycle show and a swap meet. This year’s fair will also include the Carolina Catfish Festival and its catfish races.
NC Transportation Museum Fire Truck Festival
Location: 1 Samuel Spencer Dr., Spencer, NC 28159
When: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 24
Cost: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (62+) and military, $6 for kids ages 3-12
What to know: This event includes a parade, multiple demonstrations and a chance to meet with firefighters from across North Carolina. It also features an obstacle course, costume contest and inflatable games.
July
‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival
Location: Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St., Cornelius, NC 28031
When: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 1
Cost: Free
What to know: This festival “in the heart of Old Town Cornelius” will include two stages with live bands as well as more than 100 local artists, craftsmen and vendors, multiple food trucks, a kid zone and local craft breweries.
Viva Venezuela Festival
Location: 5650 Sandusky Blvd., Concord, NC 28027
When: 3 p.m. July 1
Cost: $30-$300
What to know: This celebration of Venezuelan culture will include live music, folk dancing, food and art exhibitions. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.
Whitewater Center Fourth of July Celebration
Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214
When: July 3-4
Cost: Free
What to know: This year’s Fourth of July festival at the Whitewater Center will include “live music, races, multiple yoga practices” and more. Outside food and beverage aren’t allowed, and all pets must be kept on leashes.
Water Lantern Festival
Location: South Park Mall Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
When: 6 to 10 p.m. July 8
Cost: $26.98 to $55.99
What to know: This event gives people of all ages a chance to make and float their own lantern while raising money for water.org. Ticket price includes admission to the event, a lantern kit and LED candle and more. Tickets get more expensive closer to the date of the event. Buy your ticket online at waterlanternfestival.com/charlotte.php.
Pageland Watermelon Festival
Location: Downtown Pageland, South Carolina
When: July 14-15
Cost: Free
What to know: This festival about an hour outside of Charlotte features a variety of events, including a parade, family bingo night, rodeo, comedy show and the “watermelon brawl.”
CLT Edge Fest
Location: Charlotte Art League, 4237 Raleigh St., Charlotte, NC 28213
When: 3 to 9 p.m. July 15
Cost: Free
What to know: This event by the Charlotte Street Art Collaborative “a live paint by local mural artists” in addition to DJ performances, spoken word, yoga and more. Food and beverage vendors will be on hand too. Reserve your free ticket ahead of time at Eventbrite.
Charlotte Peruvian Festival
Location: Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: July 23
Cost: Free admission
What to know: Started in 2018, this festival “spotlights Peruvian cultural, musical and gastronomic offerings.” It is a family friendly event.
BLK Summer Fest ‘23
Location: 835 Gesco St., Charlotte, NC 28208
When: 2 to 9 p.m. July 29
Cost: Early bird tickets on sale for $25
What to know: Black Greek Festival is bringing its Summer Fest to Charlotte for the first time in 2023. The event will include “music, interactive activations, live hosts, bars and Black-owned vendors and food trucks.” Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
August
Real to Reel Film Festival
Location: 202 S. Railroad Ave., Kings Mountain, NC 28086
When: Aug. 9-12
Cost: $8 to $50
What to know: This film festival from the Cleveland County Arts Council “includes screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, workshops, and other events.” Get tickets online at ccartscouncil.org/realtoreel/index.html.
Family Jeep Love Ride & Festival
Location: 3301 Freedom Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208
When: 8 a.m. Aug. 12
Cost: $20
What to know: Jeep owners will take a ride to Eastridge Mall for a festival with music and food. You can preregister online via Eventbrite. Proceeds go to the nonprofit Legacy Builders, “designed to serve at-risk-youth in the Metro Charlotte and Gastonia areas who have interest in Arts, Entertainment & Media.”
Good Hair Fest 2023
Location: Mosaic Village, 1601 W. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28216
When: August 12-14
Cost: $80 to $350
What to know: This multi-day event will include a “Hip Hop Jazz Welcome Party,” a fashion show and more. Get your ticket now via Eventbrite.
NC BeachBlast Festival
Location: Patriots Park, 220 S. Railroad Ave., Kings Mountain, NC 28086
When: Aug. 18-19
Cost: Free admission
What to know: This festival in Kings Mountain was previously named the “Event of the Year” by Carolina Beach Music Awards. The 2023 lineup will be announced soon, according to the group’s website as of May 30.
Wheelin’ On The Rock
Location: 158 W. White St., Rock Hill, SC 29730
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 19
Cost: $5 to $150
What to know: This festival and fundraiser will include a “Jeep Show n’ Shine Contest,” vendors, a kids play zone, live music and food and beverage vendors. Proceeds benefit the LessThan3 Foundation, founded in memory of Gavin “Goop” Guffey. Buy your ticket on Eventbrite.
Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade
Location: Uptown Charlotte
When: Aug. 19-20
Cost: Free admission, VIP passes available
What to know: Charlotte Pride is the city’s “largest street festival and parade,” organizers say. In addition to the parade and festival, there’s also a drag pageant and various vendors.
Dessert Wars Charlotte
Location: Park Expo Center, 2500 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28205
When: 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 26
Cost: $45 to $65
What to know: Satisfy your sweet tooth at this festival where multiple vendors will battle to be named the “Dessert Champion.” The event will include “a wide array of desserts ranging from cupcakes, cookies, ice cream and doughnuts.” Tickets must be purchased in advance via Eventbrite.
September
Outlaw Music Festival
Location: PNC Music Pavilion, 707 Pavilion Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28262
When: Sept. 9
Cost: Tickets start at $35.
What to know: This musical festival is headlined by Willie Nelson and Family. Other acts include Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack and Particle Kid. Get tickets via Live Nation.
Hispanic Heritage Festival of the Carolinas
Location: Truist Field, 324 S. Mint St., Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Sept. 23
Cost: $20. Free for kids age 8 and younger
What to know: This celebration of Charlotte’s Hispanic community includes food, live music and crafts. Pets are allowed, but you cannot bring food, liquids, tents, chairs or umbrellas. Get tickets online at milb.com/charlotte-knights/tickets/hispanicheritagefestival or at the Truist Field box office.
Festival in the Park
Location: Freedom Park, 1908 E. Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203
When: Sept. 22-24
Cost: Free, but donations can be made at festivalinthepark.org/get-involved/friends-of-the-festival
What to know: In its 59th year, this festival includes art exhibitions and big band music. Dogs, skateboards and rollerblades aren’t allowed, and “scooters and bikes must be walked.”
Breakaway Music Festival
Location: zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway, 6570 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord, NC 28027
When: Sept. 29-30
Cost: $30 to $999
What to know: This music festival features a variety of acts, including Flume and Alison Wonderland. Get tickets via Universe.
Wine & Food Festival
Location: Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 North Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 30
Cost: $42 to $75
What to know: Enjoy food, wine, beer and spirits from across North Carolina this festival. The event will also feature a gaming area. To get tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
