We missed a lot last year. Festivals. Concerts. Shows. Fairs. We have some serious making up to do. Let’s go here. Let’s do that. We are going to be at it all.
Gather your friends. Your neighbors. That partner-in-crime. Pull all the cute outfits. The new sandals. Those wedges you didn’t get to wear last year. All of it. Get ready girls – Charlotte (and beyond) summer 2021 fun is awaiting.
May
Best of the Best? Not all earn that title outright. But this fest has it right. Best fest? Definitely going. May 13-16
Surrounded by the Sound Music & Arts Festival is coming up on May 15th at Pinhouse. You had us at two stages of live music.
A festival with pre-order gear? Smart. The Savannah Music Festival is May 23rd – 30th. Order quick before the road trip to Savannah. We love the old world charm/music vibe. Drinking on the street is also a selling point.
The annual Spoleto Festival in Charleston is a music lovers weekend away. The festival was founded in 1977 based on Charleston’s charm and likeness to Spoleto, Italy. It gathers both established and emerging artists for 17 full days of performances. Grazie, Charleston, Grazie!
June
Summit Seltzer’s opening in 2020 was refreshing in itself — marking Charlotte’s first Seltzery in the books. So its 1st Annual Seltzer Festival should be equally enjoyable. Pace yourself as you sample 12 varieties. Non-alcoholic and gluten-free options as well. Two available times… TIX here.
A week long celebration of food and Black owned restaurants. Plan on attending Eat BLK CLT June 4-12th. A week of food is what we all need. We love this.
Oh, as info, you aren’t a Charlottean unless you’ve experienced Taste of Charlotte in Uptown like the Uptown Girl you are. June 11-13th. Kid area and 36 food booths. If you see us at more than a few, please no judgment.
In its 24th year — we feel this one deeply. Plaza Midwood hosts Juneteenth for what’s undoubtedly the most important outing of the summer.
A little bit country… a little bit Bluegrass. Head to Cherokee, NC June 10-12th for The Cherokee Bluegrass Festival. Who has an RV we can borrow?
Birmingham seems like we’d like her. Let’s go for the Euphonious 2021 Festival in June. Meaning ‘pleasing to the ear’ – you have us intrigued. 10×10 lawn squares for family style seating is smart. Is that Sister Hazel? Very cool.
July
Dance. Shop. Eat. Bourbon. Beers. Uptown is a total smokeshow once again with its epic Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Fest. All the yes on July 24th. TIX.
Celebrate the global impact of African culture — in Charlotte. One Africa Fest on July 18th will be here before we know it. Put in calendar pronto.
Luke Bryan is Charlotte’s second favorite Luke. This guy right here is headed our way on July 23rd ladies. *blushes while buying tix*
August
We are big fans of feel-good events. And the annual Joedance Film Festival is a much welcomed-back event. Highlighting short films from around the region, proceeds benefit rare pediatric cancer research. That’s music to our ears.
September
Apple season will be here before we know it. NC Apple Fest is planned for September 3-6 to the west of us in Hendersonville. Car show, pancake breakfasts, and orchard tours? Sounds delicious. They are expecting a huge crop of apples this year due to low (Covid) picking numbers last year. Hendersonville here we come.
Be Greek! Delicious food and dancing at Yiasou Greek Festival each year is the ultimate. Take the entire family for some of the most authentic fun currently planned for end of summer (September 2-5 currently). Waiting will be tricky.
SHOUT! Uptown welcomes the rabbits and the see-saws back! Focusing on regional creativity — poets, artists, dancers, chefs, musicians, storytellers, photographers and more light Charlotte up with the ultimate family friendly multi-day event. September 17th-October 3rd
Head to south Charlotte for another Labor Day option at Matthews Alive. Traditional parade and rides will be back this year. Fair supports local non-profits — to be announced.
She’s back! The prettiest little festival we ever did see is back for year #57. September 24-26th. Artists, performances, all the good food.. Freedom Park, per usual. As we do.
Normally Summer This Year Fall
Charlotte’s Wine and Food Festival is back, baby! Saturday, October 2nd at Symphony Park for 100+ wine, beer and spirts for ours for the ‘tasting. Say no more.
Shop ONLINE or IN PERSON again October 14-17, The Southern Highland Craft Fair 2021 is featuring Artist Teresa Hays this time around. We always hear Asheville calling for one reason or another, especially shopping.
Charlotte Asian Festival & Dragon Boat Race – Cornelius October 16th, 2021. Promotes team-building, wellness, and culture awareness. Normally earlier in the season, we welcome another reason to head up to the lake anytime of year.
Oh, Speed Street you’ve moved! October (not in May) will have to do. Keeping our hearts racing like always. Details are still being worked out but keep checking here!
MOOOOOO and Brew. Yep. One of our favs. Only a few VIP TIX left. Get them now for October and mark it task complete.
Feels good to have that calendar filling back up, now doesn’t it?
Thankful.
