CHARLOTTE, N.C. The Democratic National Convention opens Monday with free festivities in uptown Charlotte. A traditional Labor Day parade is organized by the Charlotte Labor Day Parade Committee and local labor groups, while CarolinaFest entertainment is sponsored by the Charlotte in 2012 host committee.

Here’s what you need to know to attend.

Parade

Starts at 10 a.m. at Pearl Park and ends at Marshall Park. Details and route: charlottelabordayparade.shutterfly.com

Festival

Gates open at 10 a.m. and events end around 6:15 p.m. Runs along Tryon Street from Stonewall to Trade streets. Public entry points are at all the cross streets along Tryon. Details: carolinafest2012.com

Parking

Because of uptown parking restrictions, organizers encourage participants to park elsewhere and take public transportation uptown. See the website for details.

Music

• Main stage (Trade Street): Opening ceremony with Johnson C. Smith University band at noon. Janelle Monae 12:20 to 1 p.m. Simplified 2:05 to 2:40 p.m. Jeff Bridges and the Abiders 3:40 to 4:25 p.m. James Taylor 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.

•  Carolina stage (between Stonewall and Martin Luther King Boulevard): Blue Dogs 1:05 to 1:50 p.m. Radio Disney 2:45 to 3 p.m. West End Mambo 3 to 3:30 p.m. Chairmen of the Board 4:30 to 5:05 p.m.

For kids

Crafts, fitness and “Kids Convention” activities teaching the democratic process will be featured at The Green, a park just north of Stonewall Street.

Museums

Free admission at the Mint Museum, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture (all within festival area). Reduced admission at several nearby attractions.

Legacy Village

Located at the Stonewall Street end. Several local groups will conduct activities that highlight Mayor Anthony Foxx’s four legacy projects connected with the Democratic National Convention.