Want to skip uptown Charlotte crowds this weekend? Here’s where to go instead
Are you ready, Charlotte? Uptown is about to see one of its busiest weekends of the year. The Lovin’ Life Music Fest, Kendrick Lamar and SZA performing at Bank of America Stadium, and the Charlotte Knights are playing against Norfolk Tides at Truist Field — all in one weekend. (Yes, you heard me right.)
The only downsides of these huge events? Traffic, huge crowds and limited parking spots.
If you’re looking for other activities that don’t involve big uptown crowds, a way to celebrate Cinco de May a little early or even just a quieter scene, here are some events you can head to instead:
Friday, May 2
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Location: Sycamore Brewing, 2151 Hawkins St, Charlotte, NC 28203
When: 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
With Cinco de Mayo around the corner, celebrate the holiday early with Sycamore Brewing. This celebration will have live music, food and drink specials, and more.
Asian Night Market at Urban District Market and Seoul Food Meat Co.
Location: Urban District Market, 2315 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
When: 5-11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Looking to try something new? Head to Urban District Market for authentic Asian cuisine and local vendors, plus a karaoke sing-along.
South Carolina Strawberry Festival
Location: Walter Elisha Park, 345 N White St, Fort Mill, SC 29715
When: 5-10 p.m., May 2; and 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. May 3
Cost: Free
Spend Friday afternoon at the 16th annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival, where you can find berry-fun activities, live music and even a Taylor Swift Sing-Along tribute show (for my Swifties out there).
First Fridays Pineville — Cinco De Mayo Style
Location: Downtown Pineville, 303 Main Street, Pineville, NC
When: 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
It’s fiesta time, Pineville! Join an early Cinco De Mayo celebration with First Fridays Pineville. Snack on authentic Mexican treats, enjoy live music and shopping with pop-up vendors.
Downtown Mooresville Uncorked & Artsy
Location: Downtown Mooresville, 215 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115
When: 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Want to avoid Charlotte completely? Head to Downtown Mooresville for a celebration of the arts featuring 30+ artists, wine and craft beer tastings, and live music.
Friday Nights at Camp North End
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Friday Nights at Camp North End is coming back. Celebrate Friday night with some tunes from Charlotte’s music scene, plus a DJ. Pair the music with some bites from nearby restaurants, and shop your way around local businesses.
Saturday, May 3
Art in the Garden Tour 2025
Location: Various locations
When: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Cost: $35
Looking for quiet and relaxing plans this weekend? Wander through private gardens with the Art in the Garden tour, where each is transformed into a living gallery. Casual attire is recommended.
Town Day in Davidson
Location: Town Green, 119 S. Main St., Davidson NC 28036
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Town Day started in Davidson as a day of service and fellowship, and it has grown into a family-friendly celebration with educational activities, as well. The annual Lake Norman Bike Expo will take place from 10 a.m.- noon as part of the festivities, where you can join a guided 10-mile community bike ride at 10:30 a.m. or a 2-mile family bike ride at 11 a.m.
The Bowl in Bloom
Location: The Bowl in Ballantyne, 15119 Bowl Street, Charlotte, NC 28277
When: 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Head to a pop-up market at The Bowl at Ballantyne with a live DJ, local vendors and a chance to make your own flower bouquet with Bentley’s Flower Truck.
Kings Drive Art Walk
Location: Little Sugar Creek Greenway, 600 South Kings Drive, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. May 3; and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. May 4
Cost:
Rain or shine, the Kings Drive Art Walk by Festival in the Park allows you to stroll through spring gardens and stop at restaurants and boutiques while you browse fine art pieces and work done by emerging artists.
RiverFest at the River Room
Location: The River Room, 102 Main Street, McAdenville, NC
When: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
If you’re looking for family-friendly activities, head over to RiverFest, where you can hop on your kayak (or rent one) to listen to a floating concert on the river. You can also expect live music, art competitions and vendors.
Derby Days 2k25
Location: The Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
When: 3-6:30 p.m.
Cost: $65 for non-members, $50 for members, $75 day of event
Dress in your finest derby attire and head to Derby Days 2k25, hosted by Young Affiliates of The Mint. Enjoy live music, contests and food trucks in honor of the 152nd anniversary of the Kentucky Derby.
¡Fiesta Crawl! in NoDa, Plaza Midwood and South End
Location: Various neighborhoods
When: 4-11:30 p.m.
Cost: $13.35 per neighborhood
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with ¡Fiesta Crawl! bar crawls in NoDa, Plaza Midwood and South End. Tickets will get you into 30+ participating venues, food and drink specials, a check-in party and more.
Sunday, May 4
Cinco De Mayo Festival
Location: Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
When: 1-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Cinco De Mayo Charlotte is returning to Symphony Park, near SouthPark Mall. The festival includes live performances, international acts and a dog costume contest. Did I mention there will also be michelada stations?
KinderMourn Hope Floats Duck Race
Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
When: 2-5 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend, $12 parking fee
KinderMourn is hosting its 21st Annual Hope Floats Duck Race at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Each rubber duck allows KinderMourn to continue its mission of hope and healing through supporting bereaved parents, grieving children and teens.
This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
