The sun is shining, the birds are singing… it’s summer in Charlotte. Here are our top Summer 2019 festivals and outdoor events to hit up and stay cool.
Juneteenth
Various Locations
22nd Annual Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas! For over two decades this cultural celebration has provided a connection between history and the future. Each year, The Juneteenth Festival of The Carolinas proudly schedules events that are carefully selected to maximize the experience for all who attend.
Lobster & Beer Fest!
Eat some of the summer’s best seafood (Lobster Rolls, anyone?) from Cousins Maine Lobster, Baltimore Crab Cake Company, The Feathered Fin and more. Dance the night away to awesome live music, drink some tasty Sycamore Brewing Beer and Wild Blossom Cider.
Brew Dash
Lace up for the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s Brew Dash for a 6K or 12K trail race with a hoppy finish. After the race, enjoy four 4 oz. samples of small-batch craft beer from Sycamore Brewing, Bold Missy Brewery, Amor Artis Brewing, and New Sarum Brewing brewed exclusively for Brew Dash participants over the age of 21.
Anne Springs Close Greenway Summer Concert Series
Enjoy live music at the Comporium Amphitheater complete with food trucks and beverage tents. The line up of musicians and food trucks changes weekly.
Charlotte Symphony Summer Pops
It’s Summer Pops time with three concerts featuring “Star Wars: The Music”, “Best of Broadway” and an Independence Day special, “Celebrate America! With Fireworks”.
Science on the Rocks: Summer of ’69
Discovery Place Science Make this summer last forever at the adults-only night with activities like Tongue Twister and try to unwrap Starbursts in your mouth, discover your Love Language, compete in a retro costume contest with your most rad outfit and celebrate friendship with a make-your-own friendship bracelet.
Charlotte Caribbean Carnival
The week-long celebration of Caribbean Culture will begin Saturday, June 22, with a Children’s Caribbean Carnival and culminate Saturday, June 29 with the Afro-Caribbean Carnival Finale.
Fourth of July Celebration
U.S. National Whitewater Center
USNWC‘s Fourth of July Celebration is a two-day festival featuring outdoor adventure, yoga, live music, and spectacular firework displays.
Charlotte City Fest At The Speedway
Enjoy a full day of fun and festivities at Charlotte City Fest. There will be food trucks, vendors and entertainment from some of Charlotte’s best.
Charlotte French Festival
The 3rd Charlotte French Festival celebrates the rich and entertaining French culture. Enjoy great food, wine, crepes, delicious pastries, music, dance and, of course, the pétanque initiation and tournament. Fun and excitement for the entire family.
Freedom Park Outdoor Jazz Series
You won’t want to miss the smooth jazz sounds that will transcend your heart and soul to mellow moods and happy times – different artists each month. Great music, local food, and crafts brews.
Charlotte Gets Weird Music & Arts Festival
Celebrate the humanities with an all local day festival at The Shed Amphitheater (right next to the Sugar Creek Station on the light rail). Features a diverse lineup of DJ’s, bands and artists.
Real to Reel International Film Festival
Joy Performance Center Lights, cameras, action! The Cleveland County Arts Council presents the 20th annual Real to Reel International Film Festival, a unique festival celebrating the art of film.
Homegrown Tomato Festival
The Neighborhood Theatre (NoDa)
The festival is a fundraiser for 100 Gardens, a Charlotte based non-profit that provides exciting and engaging learning opportunities by implementing aquaponics programs in schools, institutions and in communities of need.
Charlotte Colombian Festival
Symphony Park
Exotic Latin-infused music from both internationally acclaimed and local acts, artisans, authentic (and tasty) cuisine plus plenty of dancing are all part of the mix at this showcase of Colombia’s rich heritage. Family friendly.
The 10th Annual Joedance Film Festival
Joedance Film Festival screens award winning, original films created by directors, producers, writers, and actors with a North Carolina or South Carolina connection and raises funds for Atrium Health Levine Children’s for pediatric cancer research.
Bubble Day 2019
President James K. Polk State Historic Site (Pineville) Activities including arts + crafts, bubble-making areas, and a water play table for very little ones. Light, cooling refreshments and take-home treats will be provided while supplies last. Bring the family and test out the giant bubble wand, splash around with the rubber duckies, and make your very own bubble art.
Carolina Bohemian Jam
Rowan County Fairgrounds, Salisbury
Don’t miss the most cosmic event of the year. There will be live music on multiple stages featuring tribute bands from the 1960s and 1970s, such as The Who, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane and more.
OrthoCarolina 10K Classic
The OrthoCarolina Classic features a challenging 5K run/walk and a kid’s dash plus The Rookie Run, designed for beginners to take away the anxiety of a typical 5k. Enjoy one of the best courses in Charlotte and enjoy the expo presented by UnitedHealthcare – sample beer from local breweries and food trucks.
Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade
Uptown
Click here for more information on the parade and other upcoming events including commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots & Uprising.
SouthEast Crab Feast Park Road Park Take a seat at the low country coastal heritage of outdoor cooking of fresh seafood. All you can eat fresh blue crabs, one side of fish & chips, snow crab legs platter (optional), music and more. Family friendly.
Queen City Summerfest
615 East 6th St
Featuring more than over 50 vendors with the latest products, brands, giveaways and more. There will be food, bounce house, kid activities, face painting, coupons, discounts, entertainment and more.
Matthews Alive!
The Matthews Alive! Festival is a Labor Day weekend celebration dedicated to the support of local non-profit organizations through music, arts and community involvement.
NC Apple Festival
Hendersonville The Apple Festival is held on Labor Day Weekend each year (Friday through Monday) to recognize the importance of the apple and the apple industry to Henderson County and North Carolina.
*Images sourced from Facebook/ websites of events listed and free sources
