Summer festivals are back in the Charlotte area. Here are the best ones to visit in 2024
It’s time for another Carolina summer, and there is no shortage of fun-filled activities and festivals to check out in Charlotte.
From beloved annual events to new ones for all ages, mark your calendar with these festivals happening around the Queen City this summer. (Be sure to keep an eye on this space as more are added throughout the season.)
June festivals
Bites on Seventh
Date: June 1
Time: 2-7 p.m.
Location: Victoria Yards, 209 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: $10+
Bites on Seventh, formerly known as Eat Black Charlotte, is returning to uptown to highlight some of the best of Charlotte’s Black culinary scene. The block-party style festival will feature over a dozen local Black-owned restaurants and food trucks serving curated bites and beverages.
Japan Fest
Date: June 1-2
Time: 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Urban District Market, 2315 N Davidson St #300, Charlotte, NC 28205
Cost: Free
Urban District Market and Seoul Food Meat Co. are hosting the first annual Japan Fest. Enjoy Japanese traditions, arts and cuisines with games, music, food, contests and more.
Taco Fest Carolinas
Date: June 1
Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Pavilion Route 29, 5650 Sandusky Blvd, Concord, NC 2802
Cost: Free admission
Look for a wide variety of tacos and dishes from Latin American countries, plus family friendly activities and a taco truck flavor challenge competition at this annual event that began in 2022.
Drink Less Fest
Date: June 2
Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: Pine 828, 4100 Raleigh St., Charlotte NC 28206
Cost: $50
The Roaring Social is bringing “a day of mindful drinking and wellness” to the area with its new Drink Less Fest. There will be tasting tours of non alcoholic drinks, workshops of how to craft your own zero proof cocktails, food trucks and more.
Taste of Charlotte
Date: June 7-9
Time: Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: Uptown Charlotte, 101 North Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: Free
Feast on your favorite bites of the Queen City at the annual Taste of Charlotte festival in uptown. The three-day festival will have samples from several local restaurants, along with performances, activities, interactive tours and more.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
Date: June 13-16
Time: Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 12-10 p.m.
Location: Plaza Midwood
Cost: Free
The 27th annual Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas will be held in the heart of Plaza Midwood. All weekend long, there will be speakers and a variety of activities and entertainment, including a drum circle, craft workshops, fashion show, talent show and more.
St. Sarkis Armenian Food Festival
Date: June 14-16
Time: Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 12-8 p.m.
Location: Saint Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, 7000 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210
Cost: Free
Celebrate the culture of Armenia at St. Sarkis’ Armenian Food Festival. The three-day event will have a variety of traditional dishes, drinks, kid-friendly activities, live music and more.
Durag Fest
Date: June 22
Time: 2-10 p.m.
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
Cost: $59+
The “Met Gala of Durags” is returning to Camp North End this year: The annual Durag Fest offers music, food, art activations, pop-up shops and more. This year will also feature a kick-off day before the main event, featuring panels and mixers.
July festivals
4th of July at Birkdale Village
Date: July 4
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: 8712 Lindholm Dr #202, Huntersville, NC 28078
Cost: Free
Birkdale Village is hosting a special 4th of July celebration with a block party and bike parade. The free family-friendly event will have face painting, balloon twisters, magicians and more.
Carowinds Summer Music Fest
Date: July 5-Aug. 10
Time: Varies
Location: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
Cost: Free with park admission
Enjoy an evening of thrill rides and live music at Carowinds’ first ever Summer Music Fest. On select Fridays and Saturdays in July and August, the theme park will have over 30 performances on multiple stages for park guests, including Brett Young, Flo Rida and Carly Pearce.
August festivals
Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade
Date: Aug.t 17-18
Time: Saturday, 12- 8 p.m.; Sunday, 12-6 p.m.
Location: Uptown Charlotte
Cost: Free
The annual Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade is coming back to uptown Charlotte in August. Ahead of the big two-day event, there will also be several events hosted by local businesses and organizations as part of Charlotte Pride Week.
Cornelius Jazz Festival
Date: Aug. 24
Location: Smithville Park, 19710 S Ferry St, Cornelius, NC 28031
Time: 6-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
After rain delayed the original spring date, the annual Cornelius Jazz Festival has been pushed to August. Enjoy performances from local jazz musicians at Smithville Park, along with food trucks, craft beer and local vendors to shop.
Is there a summer festival we missed on our list? Let us know at charlottefive@charlottefive.com.
This story was originally published May 30, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
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