Come one, come all, and check out this epic summer bucket list for all the festivals happening around Charlotte from May through August. Yes, we’re starting our Summer countdown this week, despite the weather, #sorrynotsorrry. From art walks to street food to live music, there’s truly something for everyone in Summer ’24.
NOTE: Bookmark / check back on this post, as we will update with more late Summer Fests when they have more info announced!
DID WE MISS SOMETHING? If you know of one we should add, please send us the info using this form.
May 2024 Fairs and Festivals
Dilworth Jubilee
May 18th, 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Come out and enjoy some live music, food trucks, local breweries, a pet parade, and other festivities for all ages in Latta Park! This free family-friendly neighborhood festival has been held every year since 1972 and you don’t want to miss it!
One Fest
May 18th, Doors Open at 9:30 AM
Charlotte’s Annual ONE Fest is happening at Lenny Boy Brewing Co. to celebrate yoga, music, arts, and community all wrapped into a day of festivities. Giveaways, workshops, and vendors will be present along with so much more!
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
May 18th, 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Charlotte’s biggest BBQ Fest is back for its 17th annual affair offering up all those pleasures true Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue. Listen to some Bluegrass and smoke a cigar while you enjoy a vast selection of both beer and barbecue. Plus, your admission buys you a sampling glass to enjoy an all-you-care-to-taste sampling of beer and bourbon!
Pineville Arts in the Park
May 18th, 10:00 – 6:00 PM
Held at the Lake Park located at 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville, NC, this festival focuses on promoting local arts, crafts, entertainment, musicians, and a children’s art show. Come join in on the all creative fun this family-oriented outdoor festival has to offer.
Pop ‘n Pour Charlotte Wine and Beer Festival
May 18th, 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Indulge in a day filled with delicious wine, a wide selection of beer, and fun activities. There will be 30+ varieties of wine to taste and 20+ types of beer to sample! 100% of the proceeds from the event benefit AltruSpirit, a Charlotte non-profit that will provide athletic programming for at-risk/financially disadvantaged youth in our area.
Cheerwine Festival
May 18th, 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Join in on the celebration for the 100th anniversary of Cheerwine. Locals and fans of Cheerwine alike have loved the Cheerwine Festival ever since the first celebration in 2017, and this year will be no different! Enjoy live performances, crafts, food, and of course, Cheerwine!
4th Annual Seltzer World Festival
May 18th, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
At this festival, you will be able to enjoy this one-of-a-kind immersive experience as you sample more than 120 varieties of seltzers. There will be DJ spinning, food trucks, local vendors, craft artisans, entertainment, music, and lots of fun activities & games!
Camden Commons
May 19th, 11:00 – 5:00 PM
Camden Commons isn’t your typical neighborhood hang-out. We are shutting down the streets of South End for three days this season to add shopping, relaxation, and good vibes to your Sunday Funday routine. Come spend your day checking out the local food scene, playing nostalgic games, shopping locally, and discovering the community around every corner. This family-friendly event is free and open to all.
Whitewater Center Memorial Day Celebration
May 25-26th
Start the holiday with a Saturday morning race through the Whitewater Center’s trail system to go with pass activities and yoga. Enjoy live music throughout the weekend and illuminated activities on Sunday evening.
Cola-Cola 600
May 26th, 6:00 PM
Rev up your Memorial Day weekend with the historic 65th running of the Coca-Cola 600, festivities include military appreciation activities, matchbox twenty pre-race concert, and driver appearances!
June 2024 Fairs and Festivals
Bites on Seventh Festival
June 1st
From savory street food to gourmet delights, this festival boasts a diverse array of flavors that any attendee will enjoy. The Bites on Seventh Festival isn’t just a haven for foodies; with an impressive selection of craft cocktails, the festival draws in crowds with an affinity for fine beverages. At the Bites on Seventh festival, the allure extends beyond just the culinary offerings – it’s a celebration of music, vibes, and performances that captivates attendees.
Drink Less Fest
June 2nd, 10:00 – 6:00 PM
Come have a blast at Drink Less Fest, where you can enjoy a day of wellness, community, and learn about mindful drinking. Brands and leaders of the non-alcoholic community from across the world are welcome to join in on this day of transformative and holistic wellness.
Hippie Daze Festival
June 1-2, 12:00 – 7:00 PM
Dallas Lavender Lane, 937 Old Willis School Road, Dallas, North Carolina, is hosting its Hippie Daze Festival on June 1 and 2, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
Tickets are $9.99 for individual day passes and $12.99 for a weekend pass. Kids ages 12 and under are admitted for free.
Taste of Charlotte Festival
June 7th, 8th, & 9th
Taste of Charlotte is a three-day food festival in Charlotte, NC. It features samples from area restaurants and various performances and activities that will surely delight the festival-goers. Aside from that, a large variety of local, regional, and national partners will provide information, coupons, and free stuff! Located in Uptown Charlotte, on Tryon St. in the heart of Center City Charlotte.
14th Charlotte Black Film & Arts Festival
June 13th – 16th
The Charlotte Black Film Festival is an annual event that empowers Black artists and showcases a wide range of entertainment content made by and about people of African descent. The festival brings together Black culture enthusiasts, executives, and content creators from around the world for screenings, workshops, fashion, comedy shows, exclusive parties, and industry networking.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
The 2024 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival themed “Educating, Empowering, Entertaining” will feature over 100 black-owned companies. Crafts, culture, performances, art, kids’ games, information, and more! Free giveaways, discounts, and coupons make the vendor shopping experience like no other. Come support black business and black excellence. This is a family friendly free event!
Camden Commons
June 16th, 11:00 – 5:00 PM
Camden Commons isn’t your typical neighborhood hang-out. We are shutting down the streets of South End for three days this season to add shopping, relaxation, and good vibes to your Sunday Funday routine. Come spend your day checking out the local food scene, playing nostalgic games, shopping locally, and discovering the community around every corner. This family-friendly event is free and open to all.
Juneteenth Art Fest
June 19th, 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Celebrate Juneteenth with local artists showcasing their work, live music performances, dancers, vendors, and free interactive painting activities for all ages. Explore the vibrant art scene in University City and support talented creators while enjoying a fun-filled day outdoors. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic expressions of Juneteenth!
July 2024 Fairs and Festivals
Town of Matthews Independence Day Celebration
July 3 – 4th, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
The town of Matthews is celebrating Independence Day with two fun events on Wednesday and Thursday. The fireworks show takes place Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 9:30 p.m., at the Matthews SportsPlex, 2425 Sports Parkway, Matthews, North Carolina.
On Thursday, July 4, 2024, from 5 to 9 p.m., enjoy a celebration at Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade Street, Matthews, North Carolina. There will be food trucks, kids’ activities, patriotic fun, and a free concert by 20Ride — Zac Brown tribute band. This is also a free event.
CLT Edge Fest
July 13th, 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Join us for a day filled with music, art, and good vibes at NoDa Brewing. Get ready to experience the best of Charlotte’s local talent all in one spot. From live bands to interactive art exhibits, this event has something for everyone. Come out to experience this one of its kind festival with a live paint by local mural artists, DJ, music & dance performances, spoken word, yoga, interactive art experiences, drum circle, fashion show, art scavenger hunt, art vendors, food & beverage vendors, & more!
Charlotte Water Lantern Festival
July 13-14
Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Come experience the magic of thousands of lanterns as the soft lights reflect upon the water in a way you will never forget. This is a family-friendly event held at Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28211.
August 2024 Fairs and Festivals
Carowinds Summer Music Fest
August 3rd
The Paladium at Carowinds will be filled with iconic hits on Saturday, August 3, as Sugar Ray, Better Than Ezra, and Tonic take the stage. This multi-weekend festival merges thrilling rides with live music, offering guests the ultimate summer destination experience. The fest also features performances by local bands and emerging artists throughout the park.
Charlotte Dessert Festival
August 17th, 11:00 – 5:00 PM
Meet us at 615 E. 6th Street in Charlotte, NC for a festival too sweet to miss! The dessert festival tour is making a stop in Charlotte to showcase dessert vendors, music, games, raffles, food trucks, and more. Bring your sweet tooth and come try all the delicious treats this festival has to offer.
Charlotte Pride Festival
August 17-18th
Get ready to slay with Baby Tate, Bob the Drag Queen, and Slayyyter as they bring the house down with their electrifying performances on the Charlotte Pride Main Stage! Experience the vibrant energy of Pride and save the date to join us for a day of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments!
Tacos N Taps Festival
August 24th, 12:00 – 5:00 PM
The Tacos N Taps Festival will take you south of the border for some foodie fun! This all-you-care-to-taste Beer and Tequila Festival offers up some of Charlotte’s Best Tacos and Mexican Food, the best dancing music from Charlotte Area Bands, margaritas, contests, and some other surprises.
