BOOM Charlotte is back as a three-day festival in 2026. At BOOM, you can expect a multifaceted and immersive art experience. There will be an eclectic mix of dance, music, theatre, poetry, visual art, film, and more. You can go from ticketed indoor intimate and edgy performances to free outdoor family-friendly performances.
BOOM Charlotte takes place May 1 to 3, 2026, at The Boardwalk at University City (formerly known as Shoppes at University Place), 8931 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Friday: 6 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 12 to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 to 8:30 p.m.
There are three components of BOOM Charlotte:
- BOOM Fringe: Experience ticketed indoor performances that showcase bold, experimental art across intimate venues.
- BOOM Intersection: Enjoy free, family-friendly performances on an outdoor stage and at several pop-up locations throughout the festival. BOOM Intersection is where the community gathers to experience live art in an outdoor setting.
- BOOM Marketplace: an open-air market of vendors selling handcrafted arts and goods around the lake. Marketplace is an opportunity to support local artisans and makers around the city.
All the outside art experiences are free to enjoy, and tickets are required for the inside art experiences. All the venues will be close to each other so you can move between them easily.
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Check out a big list of spring festivals in Charlotte, or take a look at a few upcoming festivals here:
