Your ultimate summer festival guide: Pride, parks and durags
Charlotte’s summer weather invites a slew of festivals to encourage the community to come together in celebration of art, culture, history and food.
The Winey Grapes Festival at Ed’s Tavern will kick off the summer festival season with Matthews bidding farewell to summer in late August.
Ready to create your summer festival bucket list?
June
Rock the Park
When: June 1. 4 – 10 p.m.
Where: Carowinds. 14523 Carowinds Blvd.
What to expect: Some of the best names in Christian rock music will take over Carowinds, including for KING & COUNTRY, Kari Jobe, We are Messengers, Micah Tyler and more to the stage.
Cost: $61+. Ticket includes admission to Carowinds and Carolina Harbor.
Winey Grapes Wine Festival
When: June 1. 1 – 4 p.m.
Where: Ed’s Tavern. 2200 Park Road.
What to expect: Local and regional wineries will pour their best wines alongside live music, games, local vendors and entertainment in the Ed’s Tavern parking lot.
Cost: $35+. Ticket includes commemorative tasting glass.
Charlotte Mimosa Festival
When: June 2. 12 – 5 p.m.
Where: The Unknown Brewing Co. 1327 South Mint Street
What to expect: Kick off the summer with an afternoon of unlimited mimosa tastings, live music and entertainment, pop-up shops and local food trucks during the first annual Mimosa Festival.
Cost: $35+
We’ve Got the Jazz Fest
When: June 2. 12 – 6 p.m.
Where: Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. 420 South Tryon Street
What to expect: This family-friendly event highlights the importance of jazz culture in the Charlotte community, featuring music by Harvey Cummings II, The X Men, Greg Cox and more. Shop local vendors and food trucks and enjoy beer and cocktails. Hugo, the Charlotte Hornets’ mascot, will accept new and gently-used elementary school books to benefit Promising Pages.
Cost: $7.46
Bach Festival
When: June 7 -15. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Locations vary. See festival page.
What to expect: World-renowned professional musicians will assemble in Charlotte to perform the music of Johann Sebastian Bach with the Bach Akademie Charlotte. Special events include an opening celebration, visiting artist recital series, the Bach Experience and Masterwork.
Cost: $15+
Taste of Charlotte
When: June 7 – 9. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Uptown Charlotte. Tryon Street
What to expect: Six blocks of Tryon Street will come alive with food, entertainment and cooking demos to highlight over 100 local restaurants.
Cost: Free to attend. $10 for a small cup of coins. $20 for large cup of coins.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
When: June 13 – 16. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: 1215 Thomas Ave.
What to expect: Each year, the Juneteenth Celebration draws over 5,500 notable 5,500 notable dignitaries, elected officials, influential young professionals, and a significant media presence. This year’s festival will feature live musical performances, educational exhibits, VIP stations and guest appearances.
Cost: Free
Durag Fest
When: June 15. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.
What to expect: Unofficially coined “The Met Gala of Durags,” this festival serves to protect and preserve black roots while opening new avenues for creatives to express and educate on the beauty of black culture.
Cost: $15
Lobster and Beer Fest
When: June 15. 12 – 11 p.m.
Where: Sycamore Brewing. 2161 Hawkins Street
What to expect: Pair a beer with lobster from Cousins Maine Lobster, Baltimore Crab Cake Company Charlotte, The Feathered Fin and more.
Cost: Free
QC Metal Fest
When: June 15. 6 p.m.
Where: The Fillmore Charlotte. 820 Hamilton Street
What to expect: Rock the Fillmore with popular bands including Black Ritual, Never I, Blackwater Drowning, Divine Treachery and more.
Cost: Free tickets subject to venue capacity. $10 paid tickets skip the line.
Queen City Father’s Day Festival
When: June 15. 1 – 5 p.m.
Where: The Carole Hoefener Center. 615 East 6th Street
What to expect: Celebrate loved ones at a festival dedicated to dad with over 50 vendors from which to choose the perfect gift, as well sports, BBQ, crafts, games and kids activities. Proceeds will benefit the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte.
Cost: Free
Queen City Jazz Festival
When: June 15. 6 – 11 p.m.
Where: Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
What to expect: This music festival bridges culture and community with performances by five-time Grammy winner and former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald as well as Jazz Mainstays, Gerald Albright Music, Jonathan Butler, and more.
Cost: $49+
Charlotte Caribbean Children Carnival
When: June 22. 11 a.m – 3 p.m.
Where: 5471 Central Avenue
What to expect: Children are invited to celebrate National American-Caribbean Heritage Month with an Island Parade and talent show.
Cost: Free
Congo Festival 2019 Welcome Party
When: June 28. 8:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: 6851 Albemarle Road
What to expect: Hope for All (HFA) Charlotte and Global Biz invite the localcommunity to celebrate Congolese Independence with a fashion and hair show as well as live Congolese music, food and culture.
Cost: $10 early bird. $15 general admission.
Charlotte Caribbean Carnival
When: June 29 – 30. 2- 8 p.m.
Where: 5471 Central Avenue
What to expect: Celebrate National American-Caribbean Heritage Month with local artists, drummers, dancers, steel pan players, and an Afro-Caribbean Village. A street parade will show off carnival-inspired fashion, and guests will witness the crowning of Charlotte’s first Carnival Queen. Festivities kick off on Sat., June 22 with a Charlotte Caribbean Children Carnival.
Cost: $10+
Rockstar Energy Disrupt Festival
When: June 29. 1:30 p.m.
Where: PNC Music Pavilion. 707 Pavilion Blvd.
What to expect: This full-day interactive experience will bring fans their favorite bands and pop-up lifestyle brand activations. The Used, Thrice, Circa Survive and other popular bands will play across two stages. Bring an empty 16 oz can of Rockstar Energy Drink to recycle at the main gate for an opportunity to skip the line as well as entry to win a signed festival guitar and a meet & greet with festival headliners.
Cost: $69+
CLT Mimosa & Brunch Festival
When: June 30. 12 p.m.
Where: The Suffolk Punch. 2911 Griffith Street
What to expect: Enjoy mimosas, Bloody Marys, wine and Suffolk Punch Brewing favorites alongside complimentary food and live music. Fitness, jewelry, fashion and lifestyle vendors will offer shopping opportunities as well.
Cost: $30+ ticket includes bottomless sampling of mimosas, Bloody Marys, Skeleton Wine (Red & White), and a selection of some of Suffolk Punch Brewing favorites.
July
Fourth of July Celebration
When: July 3 – 4. 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center. 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy.
What to expect: Head to the Whitewater Center to celebrate Independence Day with live music, yoga practices, a Battle Royale SUP sprint and two days of fireworks.
Cost: Free
Charlotte French Festival
When: July 14. 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: 6000 Statesville Road
What to expect: Food, wine, music and the pétanque initiation and tournament welcome families to celebrate French culture in Nevin Community Park.
Cost: $5
CineOdyssey Film Festival
When: July 18-20. 5 – 11 p.m.
Where: The Mint Museum Uptown. 500 South Tryon Street
What to expect: Diverse contemporary films featuring filmmakers of color from the African, Caribbean, Latino, Asian and Native American diasporas will bridge cultural understanding and encourage artistic development. The festival includes workshops, guest speakers and panel discussions.
Cost: $15+
Charlotte Gets Weird: Music and Art Festival
When: July 20. 5 – 11 p.m.
Where: The Shed Amphitheater at Station House. 4100 Raleigh Street
What to expect: Local musicians, live painting and art installations will invite self-expression in a journey through the “Disco Cosmos” to celebrate humanity. Costumes not required, but suggested.
Cost: $20
Real to Reel Film Festival
When: July 24 – 27. 7 – 10 p.m.
Where: Joy Performance Center. 202 S. Railroad Ave.
What to expect: A celebration of independent film, video and multimedia artists, this film festival gives artists the opportunity to showcase their talents. Vote for your favorite and don’t miss the Kids Fest at 10 a.m. on Saturday (July 27).
Cost: $10+ single-day entry ($8 advance through July 24). $35 festival pass.
Carolina Pickers Festival
When: July 26 – 27. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Rowan County Fair. 1550 Julian Road, Salisbury
What to expect: Buy, sell and trade antiques (pre-1970’s items only) at the third annual Pickers Festival, complete with old rides appearances from the East Coast Cruisers.
Cost: $3. Military (current and past) receive free admission upon showing ID
Festival Colombiano de Charlotte
When: July 27. 12 – 8 p.m.
Where: Symphony Park. 4400 Sharon Road
What to expect: Celebrate South American culture and history with exotic Latin-infused music, authentic cuisine, and plenty of dancing. Look for the top salsa group, GRUPO NICHE!
Cost: $10
Homegrown Tomato Festival
When: July 27. 12 – 4 p.m.
Where: Neighborhood Theatre. 511 East 36th Street
What to expect: This annual fundraising event benefits 100 Gardens, a local nonprofit that implements aquaponics farming schools to provide hands-on learning in tech, science, engineering and math (STEM) with a focus on nutrition and business. The 2019 Homegrown Tomato Competition will feature local contestants vying for the Critic’s Choice award and People’s Choice Award for best overall tasting tomato, and the Homegrown Tomato Cocktail Competition will showcase entries from local restaurants and watering holes to determine the best tomato-inspired cocktail. Local produce, art, canned goods, soil, and clothing/jewelry will also be available.
Cost: $10 includes voucher for tomato sandwich, cocktail, and tomato contestant samples.
August
Confluence: Where Music Gathers
When: August 3 – 4. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Saturday), 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center. 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy.
What to expect: Part music festival, part conference and part platform, this festival seeks to support, showcase and develop the Charlotte music scene. Catch panel discussions highlighting all aspects of the music industry and performances by local bands.
Cost: free
Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade
When: August 17 – 18. 12 – 6 p.m.
Where: Uptown Charlotte
What to expect: Charlotte’s Pride Festival will act as the culmination of Pride Week, complete with a parade, entertainment, and culinary offerings. The festival will celebrate the social, cultural, ethnic, artistic and political diversity of the metro Charlotte area’s LGBTQ community, and will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.
Cost: free
UniverSoul Circus
When: August 21 – September 2. Times vary. See schedule here.
Where: Old Eastland Mall. 5741 Central Avenue
What to expect: A unique blend of circus arts, theater and music, this entertainment production embraces and celebrates the one-of-a-kind and familiar aspects of global cultures and ethnicities with a message that
Cost: $20+
Carolina Corn Fest
When: August 24. 4 – 11 p.m.
Where: Aw Shucks Farms. 3718 Plyler Mill Road, Monroe
What to expect: Enjoy a 1950s soda shop, 40ft grain bin slide, live music, beer and liqour and a corn maze slide at a nearby farm.
Cost: $20
Festival Sneak Peek: Queen City Improve Room
When: August 24. 8 p.m.
Where: Knight Gallery. 345 North College Street
What to expect: A month before the Queen City Comedy Experience, get a sneak peek of some of this year’s featured performers. A family-friendly show will preview at 6 p.m.
Cost: $10
E&A Puerto Rican Festival of the Carolinas
When: August 24. 12 – 9 p.m.
Where: Route 29 Pavilion. 5650 Sandusky Blvd.
What to expect: Dubbed the largest Puerto Rican festival in the Carolinas, this year’s musical lineup will include El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, La Sonora Ponceña and more.
Cost: $10+
SouthEast Crab Feast
When: August 24. 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Park Road Park. 6220 Park Road
What to expect: Embrace the lowcountry tradition of cooking fresh seafood outdoors with blue crabs, snow crab leg platters and fish and chips, complete with music in a family-friendly environment.
Cost: $30+
Queen City Summer Festival
When: August 24. 1 – 5 p.m.
Where: 615 East 6th Street
What to expect: Think you can win a Peach Pie Eating Contest? Head to the The Carole Hoefener Center for food, bounce houses, kids’ activities, face painting and live entertainment from local dance teams.
Cost: Free
Barberville Festival
When: August 25. 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Centerstage@NoDa. 2315 North Davidson Street
What to expect: The first festival of its kind in Charlotte, Barberville will host barbers and cosmetologists from around the world for a networking event featuring educational classes, a vendor market, product demos and food trucks.
Cost: $30+
Matthews Alive
When: August 30 – September 2. Hours vary. See website for daily hours.
Where: South Trade Street, Matthews
What to expect: Downtown Matthews will come alive Labor Day weekend with a carnival, parade, live music and festival food.
Cost: Free to attend. $15 for an all-you-can-ride wristband (Friday)
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story had an incorrect date for the Charlotte French Festival. The festival will be held on July 14.
This story was originally published May 27, 2019 at 10:03 PM.