It’s clearly time to gather and celebrate spring, as there are so many festivals happening in the next few months that we can barely keep track. We’ve done our best below though, and will continue to update as more are announced.
Charlotte Area Spring 2022 Fairs & Festivals
MARCH
I Heart Rail Trail: Lights Festival
Through March 20 in South End
I Heart Rail Trail: Lights, presented by U.S. Bank, is back for the third year! From March 4-20th, the Rail Trail will celebrate local art with five never-before-seen interactive light installations. There’s no better way to experience South End. Stroll down the Rail Trail, enjoy one-of-a-kind art, take the perfect photo, grab a bite to eat or a drink and do it all again the next day. See installations at:
- Atherton Mill Plaza (2140 South Blvd.)
- Atherton Mill Lawn (2140 South Blvd.)
- The RailYard (1414 South Tryon St.)
- Dilworth Artisan Station (118 E Kingston Ave.)
- 1100 South Apartments (1100 South Blvd.)
Green River Revival
March 12 at Whitewater Center
Kick off spring festivities with Green River Revival. Watch as the Whitewater Center’s resident leprechaun transforms the river green for St Patrick’s Day. Start the day with the Color Me Green 5K Trail Run before rafting down the river and listening to live music.
Holi COLOR Festival
March 19 at the from 11am-2pm at the Hindu Center of Charlotte
It’s this time of the year we all are looking forward to add colors to our lives. Join the Hindu Center of Charlotte in celebrating holi and play with colors of spring with Live DJ Music, Delicious Food Options, Shopping and Colorful Art Activities for kids.
The Charlotte Fair
March 25 – April 3 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord
The 2022 Spring Charlotte Fair is March 25-April 3 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Admission gives you access to 30+ rides from Dreamland Amusements, your favorite fair foods, and amazing shows.
Hindu Art Festival
March 27 from 11am-5pm at the Hindu Center of Charlotte
The Hindu Center is Celebrating its 7th Annual Art Festival. Visit us for an artful afternoon with your kids, family and friends. Enjoy local delicacies, while strolling artists booths, kids workshops and live music.
Brunch! Spring Food Truck Rally
March 27 from 10am-2pm at Rural Hill
Move your Sunday Brunch to the beautiful scenic setting at Rural Hill.
Mimosas (as well as craft beer and wine) along with delicious eats from your favorite food trucks. Listen to live music, and take a hay ride. Visit our historic cabin, and our fluffy Highland coos.
No admission fee… Parking is $5 CASH. Bar is cash only, many trucks do take cards.
APRIL
Charlotte SHOUT!
April 1 – 17 in Uptown CLT
An aspirational multi-week festival designed to showcase our community by celebrating Charlotte’s creativity and innovation through art, music, food, and ideas. Located primarily in Uptown Charlotte, SHOUT! will feature exceptionally curated programming from around the corner and around the world.
Read more here and stay tuned as we continue to update and detail one of our favorite CLT FESTS ever.
Paws In the Park Festival
April 2 10am-3pm Rain or Shine at Pineville Lake Park at 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville
Paws in the Park is one of the largest dog events in the Charlotte area and features Dog Rescue Groups and Shelters with dogs available for adoption, Food Trucks, Arts/Crafts and Business Vendors, Demonstrations, Kids Playground, Dog Contests, and Entertainment by the Chairmen of the Board. FREE Family Event and
All well behaved dogs are welcome.
Dog Contests at Noon with Trophies & Cash Prizes for:
- Smallest Dog (1 year old & up)
- Largest Dog (Measured around waist)
- Best Dog Trick
- Best Dressed Female
- Best Dressed Male
- Best Themed Group (Max of 5 dogs per group)
Charlotte StrEATs Festival
April 15-16, Uptown
Celebrate Charlotte’s food scene at the first-ever Charlotte StrEATs Festival this April. The two-day festival will take place at Gateway Village Uptown and will serve as the finale of the Charlotte SHOUT! Festival.
Charlotte StrEATs kicks off Friday with a free family night that will feature cooking demonstrations from local culinary students, food trucks, vendors, and kid-friendly activities.
On Saturday festival-goers will walk through a mini-map of the city organized by neighborhoods. Watch multiple cooking demonstrations on the main stage, shop small businesses, enjoy live music, sip on beverages from NoDa Brewing and Summit Seltzer, and purchase food from participating food trucks. While there will be plenty of free entertainment for those who attend Saturday’s festival, if you purchase a Tasting Tickets you’ll be able to “taste your way” through Charlotte’s most iconic neighborhoods.
At 3 p.m., StrEATs will host the first Neighborhood Cook-off, where chefs representing different neighborhoods will each be tasked with preparing a dish that best represents their neighborhood.
Representing NoDa – The Goodyear House and Salud Cervecería
Representing Plaza Midwood – Dish and Supperland
Representing South Park – Dogwood
Representing Dilworth – 300 East
Representing East Charlotte – Manolo’s Bakery
Representing Camp North End – Leah & Louise and Plant Joy
Representing South End – Bardo
Representing Uptown – The Asbury and Sea Level
Representing West Charlotte – Counter- Biblio and Toucan Louie’s Cafe and Roastery
TICKETS: The Charlotte StrEATs Festival is free and open to the public. The restaurant tasting portion of the event on Saturday will require tickets. Tickets start at $85 and go on sale Wednesday, March 16th.
South by South End Spring Music Fest
April 9 2-10 pm, Protagonist Beer
Don’t miss this Spring Music Festival at Protagonist with @badcameomusic @barceradofunk @chadandrewharris. Limited VIP tickets are $30, but give you your own zone by the front of the stage, dedicated bar with spring cocktails on draft, drink pouches, protagonist on tap, drink ticket, swag, and more. General Admission is free, RSVP on EventBrite here.
Loch Norman Highland Games
April 9-10 at Rural Hill
The Loch Norman Highland Games at Rural Hill is a family friendly event presented by Historic Rural Hill. Come and experience all the fun with Highland Dancing, Bagpipe Bands, Highland Athletics, a Giant Kid’s Zone, Scottish Merchants, Haggis, Celtic Rock and Traditional Performers, Historic Reenactments, Scottish Country Dancing, Sunday Church Service, Hearth Cooking, NC Beer and Wine, Whiskey Tastings, Kilted Running Events, Scottish Clan Societies, Shoot Long Bows and Blowguns, Throw a Battle Axe and more.
Queen Charlotte Fair
April 14 – 24 Route 29 Pavilion, Concord
Charlotte’s Favorite Family Fair, the Queen Charlotte Fair is a major, annual event hosted in Charlotte every year at the Route 29 Pavilion. This family friendly event will offer carnival rides, carnival foods, and carnival games and shows for adults and kids of all ages.Enjoy fried turkey legs, funnel cakes and fried sweet treats. Win your sweetie a stuffed animal at one of the many gaming tents. A Local Family Owned & Operated Venue and Attraction.
Charlotte Wine + Food Week
APRIL 18 – APRIL 23, 2023
Charlotte Wine + Food Week presented by Truist returns this Spring their our 35ᵗʰ year of fundraising. The week offers an array of restaurant vintner dinners, a Collectors Gala & Live Auction, their signature walk-around Grand Tasting on Saturday night featuring 100+ carefully selected wines, tastings from Charlotte-area restaurants, and live music, and wraps up on Sunday with the Bubble Brunch and a new closing night event ~ Buenas Noches: A Celebration of Spanish Food & Wine.
Come See Me Festival
April 21-30 in Rock Hill SC
The Come-See-Me Festival is Rock Hill’s annual salute to spring. Each year, this ten-day festival brings over 60 events and activities to over 100,000 attendees. Loaded with frogs, music, and fun, the festival brings together friends, neighbors, and festival-lovers from all over the United States and the world. This year, you’ll be able to enjoy friends and family, flowers, frogs, and fun with dozens of things to do around the city. Some of your favorite events are back along with two new additions, Come-See-Me Movie Night and the Come-See-Me Golf Classic. Visit the Festival Events page and start making plans for this beloved Rock Hill tradition.
Come-See-Me is considered the largest, all-volunteer festival in South Carolina.
Charlotte KIDS FEST
April 23 at UNC Charlotte, University City
One of our favorite family festivals is back this month, in person and better than ever! Charlotte Kids Fest brings us the return of the fun and educational festival on the campus of UNC Charlotte this spring. Children’s Fest attendees can join in creative, informative and kid-captivating activities, and enjoy live performances in 6 different Zones ~ Learn | Discover | Create | Go | Play | and Dance. Some of the subjects and activities in these zones include:
- Reading, math, history, science and technology in LEARN!
- Performing and cultural arts in DISCOVER!
- Arts and crafts in CREATE!
- Exploration of all things on wheels in GO!
- Outdoor activities, exercise and healthy development in PLAY!
- DJ and musical performances in DANCE!
BOOM Charlotte
April 23 in Plaza Midwood
BOOM Charlotte seeks to showcase artists from various disciplines including theater, dance, music, spoken word, comedy, film, visual art, public art installations and more.
BOOM art experiences are a movement that believe in the explosive power of art to unite and strengthen our community. We believe art is transformational and can bridge traditional divides between social classes, races, and nationalities.
BOOM Charlotte is a space where all types of art converge. Expect the usual mix of:
- BOOM Fringe, experimental original art performed in intimate settings.
- BOOM Intersection, a broad range of art performed on a central stage for all to enjoy.
- BOOM Street, various types of art experiences that people happen upon as they walk around the festival.
First Ward Earth Day Festival
April 23 10am to 3pm First Ward Park 301 E 7th St
The Charlotte Earth Day Celebration will be held on Sat. April 23, 2022 with mini-parades, children’s activities and family fun, food trucks, vendors to shop and see, music and performances and more. See the schedule here.
African American Festival
Saturday, April 23 – 10:00 am to 9:00 pm at The Grady Cole Center
The 8th Annual Charlotte African American Festival (CAAF) is a celebration of the rich heritage and accomplishments of African-Americans.
The festival will include exhibits, musical performances, art, literature, food, dancers, drummers, a pageant, speakers, vendors, and special awards and recognition. Proceeds raised by the festival will support African- American educational and cultural programs in Charlotte. Special features will be:
The Brooklyn Showcase, Reunion and Celebration Concert – The Black Wall Street Exhibit – The Black Knowledge Initiative Book Drive – The Motherland Exhibit – The Out of Africa Fashion Shows – – The Underground Railroad – The Black History Walk of Fame -The Ashanti Pageant
Charlotte Kids Fest
April 23 11 am – 4 pm at University City
The 5th Annual Kids festival will consist of six main areas.
- Create Zone will focus on interactive activities such as crafts creation area and workshops. Presented by Walmart
- Dance Zone will be the place to boogie down all day with the Chick-fil-A University Place cows and your favorite Marvel heroes
- Discover Zone will host interactive performing arts experiences from dance to live music performances.
- Learn zone will offer interactive science activities along with other fun educational experiences. Presented by Duke Energy
- Play Zone will focus on outdoor and healthy activities from sports, games and contest. Presented by the Atrium Health Foundation
- Go Zone is set to feature BIG construction and emergency vehicles. Charlotte’s favorite food trucks will be onsite too.
See the full list of participants at CharlotteKidsFest.org. Parking will be free. This event benefits the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.
‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival
April 23 from 2-8 pm at Oak Street Mill
The ‘Tawba Walk & Music Festival puts Lake Norman’s most exceptional talent on full display in the heart of Old Town Cornelius at Oak Street Mill, Town Hall and Catawba Ave. ‘Tawba Walk festivities include:
- 2 stages of Live Bands
- Over 100 local artists & vendors
- Local Craft Breweries
- Multiple Food Truck Courts
- Epic kid Zone
- Street Art & Live Demonstrations
- Games, Give-a-ways, and more
April is for Arts
April 22-24 on Main Street, Davidson
April is for Arts, a celebration of art and culture in North Mecklenburg, features numerous events throughout the month of April in Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville.
This includes Art on the Green, North Mecklenburg’s largest annual multi-artist festival, an event held on the Davidson Village Green which includes artists’ exhibits, demonstrations, food and live music. Art on the Green brings thousands of residents and visitors to Davidson’s Main Street and town green for a juried art show spotlighting many of the region’s finest artists in a weekend-long celebration. Mark it on your calendar. Over 50 artists from the Lake Norman region, North Carolina, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Maine will showcase and sell their creations in all types of media: sculpture, watercolor, photography, wood, glass, ceramics, etc. Patrons can stroll around the green to enjoy amazing art from a wide variety of talented regional artists, listen to live music, and enjoy local cuisine.
- Gallery Crawl– Friday, April 22, 2022 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- Art on the Green– Saturday, April 23, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 24, noon until 4:00 p.m.
- Concert on the Green: Sunday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. featuring the Davidson College Jazz Ensemble
Tuck Fest
Friday, April 29 thru Sunday, May 1 at Whitewater Center
This is one of the area’s biggest festivals in spring, a multi-day festival that celebrates the outdoor lifestyle through competitions, exhibitions, demos, and live music at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The festival features a variety of outdoor competitions, along with 3 days of live music. In six years, Tuck Fest has grown from 1to over 48,000 attendees in 2019. The name “Tuck Fest” comes from the Tuckaseegee Ford and Trail, a historical landmark located at the Whitewater Center.
For guests who are interested in simply experiencing the sights and sounds of Tuck Fest, there is no ticket or registration required (standard parking fees apply). Everyone is welcome to enjoy the live music, demos and view all of the competitions free of charge.
Regional Festival of India at Matthews
Saturday April 30 from Noon to 6PM at Stumptown Park in Matthews
- Dance performances
- Cultural exhibits
- Visual art gallery and kids interactive art corner
- Indian Food Court & Souvenir Bazaar
- Henna Tattoos, Saree wearing & Turban tying
This FREE event is driven by India Association of Charlotte, in active partnership with the Town of Matthews, and is supported by a grant from the Arts & Science Council.
BrightFire Music & Arts Festival
Saturday, April 30 from 4-10 pm at Rural Hill
A kaleidoscopic celebration of Life, Hope, and Renewal through music, art, fire, dance, and nature.
At BrightFire, enjoy concerts, dance and fire performances, indulge in new local art and craftsmanship at the Arts Market, grab a bite to eat at one of the delicious food trucks, kick back at the Midnight Mulligan beer garden, make a flower crown, learn to dance at the maypole, play games in the field, rendezvous with fairies for a tea party, or bid at the silent auction. All ages welcome!
Surround yourself in an imaginative artistic experience at the sunset fire-lighting ceremony, premiering an innovative music and dance collaboration by Anne Harris, Fred Dunlap, & THE MARK dance company.
Silent Auction sales benefit Safe Alliance.
Earth Jam
April 30 at Robbins Park, Cornelius
Each year the town of Cornelius holds its Earth Day celebration at Robbins Park where participants enjoy free “green” activities including crafts, demonstrations, wildlife habitat improvements, nature walks, plus live bands and more. Check the link above for updated info as it is made available.
MAY
Hello Huntersville Music & Arts Festival
May 1 from 2-6pm at Veterans Park in Huntersville
Hello Huntersville is an art and music festival located in downtown Huntersville that highlights local/regional area artist and musicians. Shop local & support artists, local food trucks, enjoy live music and more. This event is FREE to the public.
CRAVE Charlotte Food & Wine Festival
May 3 through 8, various times and locations
Charlotte’s Premier culinary celebration returns May 3-8, 2022 with multiple culinary experiences cross the Queen City. The festival will highlight over 25 of Charlotte’s finest chefs, restaurants, mixologists and winemakers. This year, Crave Charlotte Food & Wine Festival will introduce and host its main event, the Grand Culinary Celebration, at Romare Bearden Park on Saturday, May 7.
The 5/7 Grand Culinary Celebration and restaurant based dinners will offer a variety of high-quality dishes and experiences from top culinary professionals from across the city. Participants will experience wine pairings, exceptional plates, cocktails and craft brews.
Participating chefs and mixologists include:
- Sam Allen–Wentworth & Fenn
- Amari Arrington–Chunk’s Chicken
- Kevin Atkinson–Angeline’s
- Craig Barbour–Roots Café
- Geoff Bragg– The Common Market
- Amanda Britton–Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails
- Chris Coleman–The Goodyear House
- Amanda Cranford–Paper Plane Deli & The Hangar
- William Dissen–Haymaker
- Hau Doan–Banh Mi Brothers
- Kyle Duncan Gaddas– The Wine Loft
- “Chef T” Torrece Gregoire – Former Hell’s Kitchen Contestant
- James Jeffries–Grinning Mule
- Andarrio Johnson–Cuzzo’s Cuisine
- Taylor Kastl–Tayste Catering
- Duke Kroger–Cinder
- Erik Lujan–Nuvole
- Olajuwon Mason–Fine and Fettle
- Tiore McFarland–Ready Prep Eat Catering
- Mariana Ramos–Sweet Mary Gourmet
- Sylvain Rivet–Renaissance Pâtisserie
- Brooke Rush–Food Director of Not Just Coffee, Night Swim Coffee and Undercurrent Coffee
- Ashley Sarkis–Mixologist
- David Schmidt–Fine & Fettle
- Henry Schmulling–Nuvole
- Julia Simon–Plant Joy CLT
- Drew Ward–Brewers at 4001 Yancey
- Evan Wood–Green Coffee Buyer and Director of Coffee at Night Swim Coffee
- Golden Owl Tavern
North Carolina Brewers & Music Festival
May 6-7
Your favorite North Carolina beer festival returns bringing you all your favorite breweries, an exciting music lineup that you’ve been waiting two years to hear, and the idyllic setting of Historic Rural Hill. Kick back for two days, with or without camping, of fun on the farm. Awesome vendors, delicious food, and an atmosphere that can’t be beat!
BeachFest Matthews
Friday, May 13 6pm – 10pm
Saturday, May 14 10am – 10pm
- Live beach music
- Shag dancing
- Carnival rides
- Food vendors
- Arts and crafts vendors
Friday Night: Get a $20 wristband for All-You-Can-Ride Night in the Carnival
No pets are allowed at BeachFest Matthews per Town Ordinance
Pet Palooza
May 14 11am — 3pm at the Humane Society’s New Animal Resource Center
Walk in Person at the annual Pet Palooza Walk and Festival after two years of virtual events!
Pet Palooza, the Humane Society’s annual fundraising walk and community festival, has been a staple of the Charlotte community for over 20 years. Featuring live music, food trucks, pet-loving vendors, and fun for the whole family, Pet Palooza is a mainstay of our organization. While the festival is free to attend, those who participate in the one-mile fun walk must register ahead of time.
ABOUT THE WALK: Join the Pet Palooza Fundraising Walk, kicking off at 11 am on May 14. You can start a team, walk solo, or simply donate to the fundraising walk. This year, they hope to raise over $150,000 to help the people and pets in the community.
New HSC Animal Resource Center
1348 Parker Drive
Charlotte, NC 28208
Cheerwine Festival
May 21 – Salisbury
Last held in person in 2019, when the Cheerwine Festival featured the California pop-rockers Smash Mouth, and downtown Salisbury was flooded with over 50,000 lovers of Cheerwine from the surrounding Charlotte area, North Carolina, and nearby states.
Food vendors sold over 1,800 Cheerwine tacos, 500 Cheerwine floats, 500 bags of popcorn and over 5,000 hot dogs! Afterwards, Cheerwine donated $7,500 from their drink sales to local charity, Meals on Wheels Rowan.
Cheerwine was first created in 1917 in Salisbury, NC by a general store owner named LD Peeler. Cheerwine is a one-of-a-kind soft drink with a unique cherry taste that has been delighting southerners for more than a century. Today the company is prospering as it celebrates over 100 years in business. Cheerwine remains a family-owned business still operated by descendants of the company’s founder.
