10 Popular Festivals In Charlotte, North Carolina

festivals in charlotte nc
Aarti
Aarti 
Updated
| 4 min read

A major commercial hub and a city in North Carolina, Charlotte, also known as the city center, is beautifully nicknamed as the Queen City. There are many things that draw tourists to this wonderful city - be it the attractions, culture, or food, Charlotte will surely cater to all. Some of the attractions that are notable here are Discovery Place, NASCAR Hall of Fame, The Billy Graham Library, and lots more. Surely there are many awesome places to visit to soak in the culture of Charlotte. But what makes it more special are the fun events that the city hosts. Charlotte takes pride in hosting some of the most anticipated cultural and musical events throughout the year. And because of this, we’ve listed some of the popular festivals in Charlotte, North Carolina. Check them out below.

1. Yiasou Greek Festival

Greek Festival
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user annachok used under CC BY 2.0

The Yiasou Greek Festival is the ideal place to visit with the whole family if you are looking for fun, entertainment, and good food. Since it began in the year 1978, it has grown to be one of the largest cultural activities in Charlotte. The Yiasou festival usually features authentic Greek cuisine, live music, Hellenic exhibitions, homemade pastries, wine tasting, shopping, art, dancing, and lots more. This is the best event to experience the sight of Greece.

Yiasou Greek Festival

Website: Yiasou Greek Festival

Takes place: September

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2. Festival in the Park

Family festival in the park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cupofjoy used under CC0

The scent of multi-cuisine fills the air as kids showcase their artwork. The sound of big-bang music echoes over the lake of Freedom Park as first-time visitors enjoy good music and art. Since 1964, this festival has brought art, music, and fun to Charlotte residents and visitors alike. This event, Festival in the Park, is designed to stimulate and promote interest in art as visitors get to see over 150 artistic works from different people. Nearly 1000 entertainers provide free performance.

Festival in the Park

Website: Festival in the Park

Takes place: September

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3. Charlotte Jazz Festival [Last event in 2019]

Jazz
Source: Pixabay

No need for a reservation, a ticket, or planning! All you need to do is to come along with your friends and family to discover some of the best treasures of music in Charlotte’s free events. Re-live your youth with the orchestra from Wynton Marsalis, and feel the amazing solemn and triumphal orchestra from the Broadway songstress, Patina Miller. The Leon Levine Foundation is responsible for organizing this festival from late April to early May.

Charlotte Jazz Festival

Website: Charlotte Jazz Festival

Takes place: April

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4. Charlotte Film Festival

Film festival
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jordysny used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Created back in 2006, the Charlotte Film Festival is a place to visit if you wish to view the work of emerging filmmakers, as these filmmakers showcase their work to the public. This festival has since grown to include a state-of-the-art building that attracts filmmakers from around the world, as well as professionals. The event spans a week to provide a great experience and quality facilities to the audience and filmmakers alike. Charlotte cinema arts create a hub for cinema history.

Charlotte Film Festival

Website: Charlotte Film Festival

Takes place: October

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5. Carolina Renaissance Festival

Carolina Renaissance Festival
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Greg Douglas used under CC BY 2.0

Over 140 merchants, artisans and crafters work to create and market different wares in this 25-acre (10-hectare) themed amusement park. Carolina Renaissance Festival is held in a village of a fictional story called “Fairhaven”. The outdoor stages bloom with nonstop theater music, comedy, dance, swimming mermaids, and lots more. Hundreds of villagers in costumes roam around to provide more entertainment to visitors. The festival also features horseback riding knights, and visitors can shop, sit back, and enjoy the different shows.

Carolina Renaissance Festival

Address: 16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078

Website: Carolina Renaissance Festival

Takes place: October to November

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6. Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade

Thanksgiving Day
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jazz Guy used under CC BY 2.0

Previously known as the Carolinas, Novant Health Thanksgiving Day parade is usually held in uptown of Charlotte, North Carolina, every November. Since the year 1967, this program has been a scholarship program for students, which aims at recognizing distinct and unrivaled achievement in academics along with the involvement of the community. Scholarships are awarded to students who perform in a marching band, and the Carrousel queen title is given to the girl in her high school senior year, who outperforms others.

Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade

Address: 200 S Tryon St #1600a, Charlotte, NC 28202

Website: Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade

Takes place: November

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7. Tuck Fest

Music festival
Source: Pixabay

Tuck Festival is an amazing three-day festive celebration that features competitions, demos, exhibitions, and live music. It is usually hosted at the US National Whitewater center around April and features no less than 10 musical bands annually. Admission is free, so you need not worry about paying to attend. Other classes that are conducted include bike maintenance, clinics, workshops, and yoga classes to list a few.

Tuck Fest

Website: Tuck Fest

Takes place: Usually held in April

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8. N.C. Brewers and Music Festival

Irish Craft Beer Festival
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user infomatique used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Looking for festivals with great wine tasting, camping, and amazing outdoor jam? N.C. Brewers and Music Festival offers it all. It is ideal for all who value quality crafted brews from the heart of North Carolina. New and old brew crafters seeking adventure can learn new techniques for crafting delicious beer. It is usually hosted at the historic rural hill and also features live music to get your groove back on as the local band showcases their mastery all night.

N.C. Brewers and Music Festival

Website: N.C. Brewers and Music Festival

Takes place: May

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9. Taste of Charlotte

 Street Performer during Taste of Charlotte
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Defi22 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This three-day food tasting festival in the city of Charlotte features more than 100 samples of food on display from local restaurants, coupled with other delightful performances and activities for festival-goers. Many national partners, regional and local sponsors, offer coupons and other free items for this event. No fee is required for admission is free, but a festival coin is needed for tasting restaurant samples and delicious food as you explore the festival site and have fun.

Taste of Charlotte

Address: 101 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Website: Taste of Charlotte

Takes place: Usually held in June

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10. CLT New Years Eve

Fireworks
Source: Pixabay

Hosted by Ally, the CLT New Year’s Eve is a popular tradition in Charlotte for food vendors to showcase their cuisines. If you’re a food lover who likes to enjoy some great music from the DJ and live bands alongside numerous other artists, then this is a must-attend festival. Hundreds of fireworks are set to display at midnight to commence the festival annually. Some of the popular food vendors include the Hunter’s Wife, Smokn’ Aces truck, Rue 72, and lots more.

CLT New Years Eve

Website: CLT New Years Eve

Takes place: December

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Experience the fun festivals of Charlotte

Charlotte is a major commercial hub that’s also known for its culture, history, and heritage. Yes, it has numerous beautiful attractions in the city, but what makes it even better are the annual festivals that are hosted here throughout the year. The events are full of life, just like the people attending. Don’t miss attending these amazing festivals when you’re in Charlotte.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Born in Mumbai and brought up in Bangalore, India, Aarti is a full-time freelance writer by profession. She is a lover of everything the ‘blue dot’ offers—world cultures, off-the-beaten tracks,...Read more

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