Charlotte’s music weekend: Will rain steal the show at Kendrick Lamar or Lovin’ Life?
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Weekend of music: Lovin’ Life Festival and Kendrick Lamar in Charlotte
Enjoying tremendous success as a brand-new musical festival presents an inherent challenge, one that the Lovin’ Life Music Fest now must confront: Can it meet the high bar it established in its debut?
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Update: Fans were temporarily evacuated due to strong thunderstorms on Saturday, May 3.
Showers, thunderstorms and lightning have a better-than-even chance in uptown Charlotte during Kendrick Lamar’s Grand National Tour concert at Bank of America Stadium Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service.
At 4:30 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 5:30 p.m. for Charlotte, Gastonia and Rock Hill. Winds up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail were possible, NWS meteorologists said.
At 4:48 p.m., at the Lovin’ Life Music Fest, the Petey Pablo show was evacuated and fans were encouraged to find shelter because of lightning.
The closest shelter was the parking deck at the Market at 7th Street.
On the heels of his Super Bowl LIX halftime show, Lamar and SZA are scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. — his only tour stop in North Carolina.
How much rain could fall during the concert and the Lovin’ Life Music Fest in Charlotte this weekend is still up in the air.
Still, although nothing “too severe” is expected, it was too early to say precisely when and where showers and thunderstorms could emerge, NWS meteorologist Christiaan Patterson said earlier this week.
“There’s still a lot of uncertainty,” Patterson said. “We say it’s better to be prepared than not.”
Weekend weather forecast
According to the National Weather Service detailed forecast, here’s a look at what could be in store for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday: “A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 3pm and 4pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.”
Saturday night: “Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog between 2am and 3am. Low around 61. South southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.”
Sunday: “A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then a slight chance of showers after 4pm. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 78. Southwest wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.”
Sunday night: “Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.”
Festival and concert storm protocols
The same advice could hold for those attending the Lovin’ Life Music Fest.
Lovin’ Life Music Fest is a rain or shine event, according to the festival website. So in the event that this year’s festival gets soaked in a storm — like last year when fans danced to Stevie Nicks in a downpour — the show must go on.
Given that Bank of America Stadium is an outdoor venue, specific storm policies that could delay Lamar’s concert.
If lightning is seen within an 8-mile radius of the outdoor venue, a Seek Cover protocol will go into effect until there is no more lightning for 30 minutes, the stadium’s website says.
Fans outside should seek cover in the closest vehicle, parking deck or building. Those inside would be directed to the nearest shelter by stadium staff.
Even if it storms, remember that umbrellas are prohibited at Lovin’ Life Music Fest and Bank of America Stadium.
Chyna Blackmon contributed.
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This story was originally published May 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Charlotte’s music weekend: Will rain steal the show at Kendrick Lamar or Lovin’ Life?."
