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Festival in the Park, now in its 45th year, is a Charlotte tradition designed to stimulate interest in the arts. Held around the lake at Freedom Park - on the edge of Dilworth and Myers Park - it features vendors selling art, entertainment, food and children's activities. Here are some highlights:
More than 150 artisans from across the country have been invited to exhibit and sell their works. You'll see everything from caricature art to fine oil paintings and pottery. You can find local artists in a separate area called the Lake Walk.
Stages will be set up throughout the park to showcase all sorts of performing arts. There's a main stage with a nonstop lineup of everything from honky-tonk music to rock, pop, jazz and R&B. The youth stage features talented area singers and dancers. The magician's stage and Carolinas Clowns stage will appeal to families.
The folk stage is where you'll see acts ranging from storytellers and cloggers to bluegrass and gospel. And a theater stage will be the spot for individuals and groups to show off their acting chops.
The Family Fun Zone is centered around the park's trackless locomotive. There's a merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, climbing wall, large slide, and an inflatable obstacle course. Extra performances and events are scheduled for Kids Day, which is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.
The festival food is also a big draw. Treats include candy apples, ribbon fries, Italian and Polish sausages, plus German bratwurst, funnel cakes, fried onions, corn dogs and barbecue.
