Matthews Alive Labor Day Parade - Charlotte On The Cheap

The very popular festival Matthews Alive is returning in 2024! It will take place at Stumptown Park, at the corner of John and Trade Streets in Historic Downtown Matthews, from Friday, August 30, to Monday, September 2, 2024.

The annual festival, a Charlotte area Labor Day weekend tradition, is dedicated to the support of local non-profit organizations through music, arts and community involvement.

The festival features three stages of live music, rides, games, the Small Shops (formerly Arts & Crafts Pavilion), food and drink vendors, a kids’ zone, and a Labor Day parade.

Admission is free. Tickets are required for the carnival rides, games, and inflatable attractions, and can be purchased on-site. An “all you can ride” wristband is available on Friday, starting at 4 p.m.

Hours of Matthews Alive

Friday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (rides open at 4 p.m., with “all you can ride” wristband)
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (parade at 9:30 a.m.)
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Monday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kids Connection

There will be kid-friendly entertainment on the kids’ stage, and, surrounding the stage will be plenty of fun, including a ninja mobile course and fun size equipment.

Friday Highlights

Beach Night on the Main Stage
Live music: Randy Clay Band
Live music: Too Much Sylvia
All-you-can-ride wristband night at the carnival (starting 4 p.m.)

Saturday Highlights

The Labor Day Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. It’s one of the largest Labor Day parades in the Southeast.
Kids’ Connection, Kids’ Stage and Small Shops open
Mixtape Side A — various genres of music on the Main Stage
Headliner: Forever Seger, a Bob Seger tribute band

Sunday Highlights

Mixtape Side B — various genres of music on the Main Stage
Headliner: Don Jovi, a Bon Jovi tribute band

Monday Highlights

Low-Key Vibes on the Main Stage, with Asheville Junction and Wonder Free
Music in Matthews Community Center, with Letron Brantley, Colby Dobbs and Dante Lewis

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However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.

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