
Jiggy with the Piggy Festival is a longstanding favorite in Kannapolis and returns May 4th to 7th, 2023. It features the Jiggy 5K, over 100 arts & crafts vendors, free concerts, fireworks, and a People’s Choice pork tasting.
Over 100 Kansas City Barbeque Society judges will be here to judge the best barbeque in the land as teams from across the U.S. compete for significant prize monies.
The headlining musical performer will be country artist Travis Denning, with opening act Ryan Perry.
Check out this big list of spring festivals in the Charlotte area!
It takes place in the North Carolina Research Campus Horseshoe, 150 N Research Campus Drive, Kannapolis.
The festival is free, but there are costs for food, rides, etc. The main day for the festival is Saturday, May 6th, 2023, from 9 to 5 p.m. It’s free to attend, but there are costs for rides, food, etc.
Here are the highlights of the festival.
Wednesday, May 3
- 11 a.m. – Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Q’s) Ballgame
Thursday, May 4
- 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. – BBQ Competition Teams Arrive
- 4-7 p.m. Kannapolis Farmers Market Opens for the Season – corner of Dale Earnhardt Boulevard & Vance Avenue
- 6:30 p.m. – Jiggy with the Piggy 5K, part of the Run Kannapolis Series (Dress in a piggy related costume to win prizes)
- 7 p.m.– Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Q’s) – Star Wars Night – May the Force Be With You – Postgame Fireworks
Friday, May 5
- 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. – BBQ Competition Teams Arrive
- 5 p.m. – Festival Opens to the Public – North Carolina Research Campus Horseshoe
Food, Arts & Crafts, Kids Zone, Carnival Rides, and More - 5:30 p.m. – Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Q’s) Ballgame
- 7 p.m. – Travis Denning Concert (Ryan Perry – Opening Act) – North Carolina Research Campus Horseshoe
- 9 p.m. – Festival Closes
Saturday, May 6
- 9 a.m. – Jiggy Festival Opens to the Public – North Carolina Research Campus Horseshoe: Food, Arts & Crafts, Kids Zone, Music, Carnival Rides, and More; Saturday Kids Zone will feature a new Ninja Course
- Noon – 2 p.m. People’s Choice – Pork Tasting (while supplies last) – North Carolina Research Campus Horseshoe; Throughout the day barbeque teams compete for top awards and money prizes.
- 5 p.m. – Jiggy Festival Closes
- 7 p.m. – Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Q’s) Ballgame – Postgame Fireworks
Sunday, May 7
- Throughout the day barbeque teams compete for top awards and money prizes.
- 1 p.m. – Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Q’s) Ballgame

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More Festivals
Check out this list of the biggest fall festivals and Halloween events in Charlotte (or just keep reading for a list of upcoming festivals.)