From annual traditions to new events, your guide to 2023 spring festivals in Charlotte
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2023 Charlotte Spring/Summer Guide
Spring has sprung! There’s so much to see and do in and around the Queen City it’s hard to keep track. We’re here to help with a handy guide.
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From annual traditions to new events, your guide to 2023 spring festivals in Charlotte
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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
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.
April
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: Charlotte Wine + Food Week is an annual fundraiser and event series pairing wine industry experts with top Charlotte chefs to create special experiences for food and wine enthusiasts, ranging from intimate dinners and tastings to large gala dinners and live auctions. Since its inception, Charlotte Wine + Food Week has donated nearly $6 million to local charities. This year, proceeds from the events will benefit four local children’s charities: A Child’s Place, Augustine Literacy Project, GenOne and The Learning Collaborative.
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.
Cornelius Jazz Festival
Location: Smithville Park, 19710 South Ferry St., Cornelius, NC 28031
When: Saturday, 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 20 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:
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.
Editor’s note: Pet Palooza was April 1. An earlier version of this story had an incorrect date for that event and the Cheerwine Festival.
This story was originally published March 16, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
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