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Best Events and Festivals In Charlotte, NC

Best Events and Galleries in Charlotte, NC - Charlotte SHOUT! Festival
Charlotte SHOUT! Festival

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Immerse yourself in Charlotte, NC‘s vibrant culture with these dynamic events and festivals. Experience a citywide celebration of art, music, and innovation at Charlotte SHOUT!

Indulge in gourmet dinners and wine tastings at Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend. Celebrate community at Festival in the Park, featuring live music and family-friendly activities.

Savor Charlotte’s culinary scene during Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week. Join the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade for a joyous celebration of love and equality.

Groove to the sounds of jazz at the Charlotte Jazz Festival. Experience the magic of cinema at the Charlotte Film Festival. Marvel at illuminated art at the Charlotte Chinese Lantern Festival.

Explore Indian culture at the Festival of India. Raise a stein at Charlotte Oktoberfest for a spirited celebration of beer and camaraderie. Charlotte’s events and festivals offer something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.

RankNC's Top Picks

Charlotte hosts diverse events year-round, from music festivals to cultural celebrations, ensuring unforgettable experiences.

Experience Charlotte’s vibrant culture with these top events showcasing diversity, creativity, and community spirit.

1. Charlotte SHOUT!

Uptown Charlotte

Experience a citywide celebration of art, music, and innovation at Charlotte SHOUT!

This multi-day Festival takes over Uptown Charlotte with live performances, art installations, culinary experiences, and interactive activities that engage and inspire audiences of all ages.

From concerts and dance parties to workshops and street performances, Charlotte SHOUT! Offers a dynamic and immersive celebration of creativity and culture.

Best Events and Festivals In The Charlotte NC Area - Charlotte SHOUT! Festival - Live Music
Charlotte SHOUT! Festival - Live Music - Charlotte, NC

2. Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend

Various Locations

Indulge in Charlotte’s culinary delights at the Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend.

This yearly event unites chefs, winemakers, and food enthusiasts for gourmet experiences across the city.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or love good food and wine, Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend offers a delicious and memorable journey through Charlotte’s culinary landscape.

3. Festival in the Park

Freedom Park

Celebrate the beauty of nature and community at the Festival in the Park, held annually at Freedom Park.

This cherished event offers live music, art vendors, food trucks, and family activities in a scenic park.

With its festive atmosphere and wide array of offerings, Festival in the Park is a cherished tradition that brings people together to enjoy the best of Charlotte’s culture and creativity.

4. Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade

Uptown Charlotte

Celebrate love, diversity, and equality at the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade. This annual event brings together the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a weekend of festivities, including live performances, vendor booths, educational workshops, and a colorful parade through the streets of Uptown Charlotte.

With its message of inclusivity and acceptance, the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade is a joyous celebration of love and unity that welcomes people from all walks of life.

5. Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week

Various Locations

Savor the flavors of Charlotte’s culinary scene during Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week. Held twice a year, this popular event showcases the city’s top restaurants with prix-fixe menus offering special deals and discounts on multi-course meals. 

Whether you’re craving fine dining, international cuisine, or Southern comfort food, Queen’s Feast provides the perfect opportunity to sample the diverse culinary offerings of Charlotte’s vibrant dining scene.

Best Events and Festivals In The Charlotte NC Area - Queen's Feast
Best Events and Festivals In The Charlotte Area - Queen's Feast

6. Charlotte Jazz Festival

Uptown Charlotte

Groove to the sounds of jazz at the Charlotte Jazz Festival. Presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts, this multi-day event features performances by local and nationally renowned jazz artists at venues throughout Uptown Charlotte.

From smooth melodies to upbeat rhythms, the Charlotte Jazz Festival offers a captivating showcase of the genre’s rich history and vibrant contemporary scene, providing music lovers with an unforgettable experience in the city’s heart.

7. Charlotte Film Festival

Various Locations

Experience the magic of cinema at the Charlotte Film Festival. 

This annual event showcases a diverse selection of independent films from around the world, including feature films, documentaries, shorts, and animations, with screenings held at various venues throughout the city.

With its focus on storytelling, creativity, and cultural exchange, the Charlotte Film Festival offers a unique opportunity to discover new voices and perspectives in filmmaking while celebrating the art of cinema.

8. Charlotte Chinese Lantern Festival

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Marvel at the beauty of illuminated art at the Charlotte Chinese Lantern Festival.

Held at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, this annual event features stunning displays of handcrafted lanterns depicting traditional Chinese symbols, mythological creatures, and iconic landmarks.

Visitors can stroll through the garden’s pathways adorned with colorful lanterns, enjoy live performances, and participate in cultural activities that showcase the rich heritage of Chinese art and tradition.

Charlotte, NC - Chinese Lantern Festival
Charlotte, NC - Chinese Lantern Festival

9. Festival of India

Belk Theater

Experience the Festival of India’s sights, sounds, and flavors.

The yearly event at Belk Theater celebrates Indian culture with music, dance, food, crafts, and exhibits showcasing community diversity.

Whether you’re of Indian descent or simply curious about Indian culture, the Festival of India offers a festive and educational experience for all ages.

10. Charlotte Oktoberfest

Bojangles’ Coliseum

Raise a stein and prost to good times at Charlotte Oktoberfest. This annual beer festival celebrates the traditions of Oktoberfest with a wide selection of craft beers from local and national breweries, live music, food vendors, and festive activities.

Whether you’re a beer lover or love a good party, Charlotte Oktoberfest offers a lively and spirited celebration of beer, community, and camaraderie in Queen City.

Charlotte Oktoberfest
Charlotte Oktoberfest

Conclusion

In summary, Charlotte, NC‘s dynamic array of events and festivals encompasses an eclectic mix of music, culinary delights, cultural showcases, and community gatherings.

Each event enriches Charlotte’s cultural fabric, from music festivals to foodie extravaganzas and cultural celebrations.

Regardless of your interests or passions, Charlotte’s calendar offers opportunities to immerse yourself in the city’s infectious energy and vibrant spirit.

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The Doirons

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