There’s still time to check out these dozen 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)
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.
This story was originally published June 5, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
