
Spring festivals are coming back to Charlotte in 2023.
From cultural festivals to music festivals to kids’ festivals, there will be a lot going on! We are highlighting a few major festivals. But then, read on for a much larger, ever-growing list of spring festivals.
Looking for spring fun with your pooch? Check out Charlotte-Pets’ calendar of pet events!
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Big list of spring festivals around Charlotte
The Hindu Center of Charlotte is hosting its annual Holi Festival on March 19th, 2023. Holi is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates spring. A highlight is the throwing of colored powders. The event is weather-dependent. Please note that this event was originally scheduled for March 12th but was rescheduled due to the weather forecast.
Woodlawn School, at 135 Woodlawn School Loop, Mooresville, is hosting STEAMfest 2023 on March 26th, 2023. This free event features over 100 hands-on activities showcasing science, math, engineering, technology and arts.
Check out this huge list of Easter Egg Hunts and Easter festivals around Charlotte. Events are going on from the end of March to April 9th, 2023. Most are free. There will be multiple opportunities to get a free picture with the Easter Bunny.
The Charlotte Fair brings entertainment, rides, and plenty of fair food to 6558 Bruton Smith Blvd, Concord (across from Charlotte Motor Speedway.) March 24th to April 2nd, 2023. Admission ranges from $5 to $10, and an all-day wristband for rides ranges from $30 to $35.
On March 25th, Gaston MAX will bring musical performers, free family entertainment, food trucks and vendors to Rotary Centennial Pavilion in Gastonia. Free festival.
Charlotte SHOUT! is returning to Uptown Charlotte from March 31st to April 16th, 2023. This festival will include both free and ticketed events. There will be lots of live music and other performances outdoors, as well as large temporary art installations.
Paws in the Park is a free event on Saturday, April 1st, 2023, at Pineville Lake Park. The event features food trucks, dog contests, vendors, music by Chairmen of the Board and more. The festival is a fundraiser for Charlotte Black Dogs.
North Carolina Science Festival is a month-long celebration of science that takes place all over the state all April. Most events are free. Read more to learn about the events in the Charlotte area.
Dallas Lavender Lane is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt and Jeep Festival on April 8th, 2023. Admission is free unless you're entering a Jeep into the show, which is $10. There are trails to ride on the property! ($5 if you've entered your Jeep into the show, and $10 if you haven't.) There will also be an Easter egg hunt, entertainment, petting zoo, vendors, train rides, a playground and more. (Free!)
Enjoy art and music in downtown Cornelius at the 'Tawba Walk Music & Art Festival, on April 8th, 2023. You can expect two stages of live performances, over 100 local artists and vendors, a kids' zone, games, street art, live demonstrations, local craft breweries and multiple food truck courts. Free admission.
Hindu Center of Charlotte is presenting its annual Art Festival on April 9th, 2023. There are charges to enter your art, but it's free to visit. It will feature Rangoli, Henna, and many kinds of art exhibits.
Loch Norman Highland Games is the annual celebration of Scottish Culture at Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville. It takes place April 15th and 16th, 2023.
It features highland dancing, bagpipe bands, a giant kids' zone, highland athletics, historic reenactments and much more.
Early bird tickets range from $10 to $30. Sale of early bird tickets end February 28th, and then prices will go up.
There are at least five different Earth Day festivals taking place in the Charlotte area. Most events are free to attend.
BOOM Charlotte is a fringe arts festival that takes place April 21st to 23rd, 2023, at Camp North End. The festival will include both free and ticketed events.
Come See Me, Rock Hill's signature spring festival returns from April 13th to 22nd, 2023. It takes place in various locations in Rock Hill and features live music, kids' activities, fireworks and more.
Tuck Fest, the U.S. National Whitewater Center's springtime music and outdoor festival, takes place April 21st to 23rd, 2023.
Headliners are Amanda Shires, Moon Taxi and Bahamas.
Admission is free, but parking is $6.
The 10th Annual Charlotte African American Festival takes place April 22nd and 23rd at Second Ward Gym. The free festival includes cultural performances, a fashion show, exhibits, a book drive, food and more.
The very popular Festival of India, which takes place in the fall, is presenting a second festival, the Regional Festival of India @ Matthews. Just like the original festival, it will include dance performances, visual arts, food, cultural exhibits and more.
It takes place April 29th, 2023, at Stumptown Park in Matthews, and is free to attend.
SXSE -- South by South End Music Festival takes place on April 29th at Protagonist Beer, 227 Southside Drive. Admission is free. Artists include WldLfe, Wildermiss, WOAH and Yugo.
Belmont's annual Garibaldi Festival takes place April 29th, 2023, at Stowe Park. This free festival includes live music, local arts and crafts vendors, kids' activities and food.
Jiggy with the Piggy is a longstanding favorite festival in Kannapolis. It returns May 4th to 7th. It features the Jiggy 5K, over 100 arts and crafts vendors, free concerts, fireworks, the People's Choice pork tasting and more. Country artist Travis Denning is the headlining performer.
You'll find many Cinco de Mayo celebrations throughout Charlotte. Check out this list, which includes the Plaza Midwood street festival, a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Camp North End, and more. Most are free to attend.
On May 6th and 7th, 2023, Kings Drive Art Walk returns to Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Browse the art of more than 70 artists and enjoy acoustic music as you stroll.
Goat Island Games return to Goat Island Park in Cramerton on May 6th, 2023. Enjoy a full day filled with events open to the whole family, including live music, yoga, fishing, disc golf, ping pong, and more. Most competitions and activities are free to participate in, and a few have registration fees.
The Town of Huntersville's annual Hello Huntersville festival is back on May 7th, with live music, art, food trucks and more. This is a free festival.
Dallas Lavender Lane Farm, in Dallas, NC, is hosting irst Hippie Festival May 6th and 7th, 2023. Tickets are $12.99 for one day and $19.99 for the whole weekend.
There will be tons to going on, including live music, jugglers, stilt walkers, a VW car show and much more.
BeachFest returns to Matthews on May 12th and 13th. The festival features beach music, shag dancing, carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors and more. Admission is free. There's a cost for rides.
Kaleidoscope Fest is Waxhaw's annual spring festival of the arts. It features a gift market, performances, food and more. It's a free festival, taking place May 13th.
RiverFest takes place May 13th at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park in Belmont. The free event features educational activities, a bounch house, Catawba River Artisans, live music, vendors and more. Kayaking will be available for $5.
Check back soon for details. Plaza Midwood's Midwood Maynia typically takes place May 20th, 2023. It's at Midwood Park, and features live music, a pet parade, kids' activities and more. Free event.
Trail of History Festival is a new festival in Charlotte. It will be an annual, one-day event that celebrates the history, growth and development of Mecklenburg County. It takes place on May 20, at Elizabeth Park. (Rescheduled from April 8.)
The free festival features historical interpreters, children's activities, historical art demonstrations, tours of the bronze Trail of History statues, a biergarten from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and more.
St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Fort Mill, South Carolina, hosts this popular festival from May 18th to 20th. It features artisans, vendors, a children's parade, live music, lots of good things to eat and more. Admission is free.
This free festival at Smithville Park in Cornelius on May 20th will include live music, vendors, beer and wine, art, and children's activities.
Cheerwine Festival returns to Salisbury on May 20th, 2023. This is a free festival for the whole family that celebrates Cheerwine's 106 years in Salisbury. Enjoy live music, a kids' zone, vendor booths, the Rowan Museum's Cheerwine exhibit, Cheerwine-inspired food, Cheerwine-infused craft beer and more.
The second annual Empanada Fest takes place May 27 (rescheduled from April 8) at Camp North End. Admission is free, and there will be live music, dancing and a DJ. The highlight will be tons different kinds of empanadas for purchase.
The U.S. National Whitewater Center's annual Memorial Day celebration takes from May 27th and 28th, 2023. It features a trail race, yoga and live music. It's free to attend, but parking is $6.
Taste of Charlotte returns to Tryon Street June 9-11. Admission is free. Buy festival coins for food and kids' activities.
Gaston All American Fair takes place outside of Eastridge Mall in Gastonia June 16th to 25th. Admission is free, and you pay for rides. The festival also features catfish races and a veterans appreciation event.
There will be tons of Juneteenth celebration in Charlotte, including at least two large festivals.