10 Festivals in Charlotte, NC, You Need to Check Out

If you happen to’re contemplating residing in Charlotte, NC, you’ll discover that the town hosts a variety of festivals and occasions that showcase the varied cultures and communities that decision Charlotte residence. Get able to expertise Charlotte bursting with power, tradition, and a dynamic calendar of annual occasions. 

From colourful festivals to sports activities extravaganzas and every part in between, Charlotte presents a various vary of experiences that may make you’re feeling proper at residence. Whether or not you’re trying to lease an house in Charlotte or buy a house within the space on Redfin, we discover ten annual festivals in Charlotte, NC, highlighting the distinctive options and points of interest that make each a must-see occasion and helps outline the spirit of Queen Metropolis.

1. Pageant within the Park

Be a part of a world of enchantment and creativity on the Pageant within the Park, a cherished custom held within the picturesque Freedom Park of Charlotte. This three-day competition is a celebration of artwork, music, and group that captivates guests of all ages. Wander by means of a kaleidoscope of vibrant artwork shows, showcasing the abilities of native and regional artists and craftsmen. Be serenaded by the melodious tunes of dwell musicians performing a wide range of genres, making a harmonious ambiance all through the park. Discover the varied array of delectable meals from a variety of distributors, satisfying each palate. The Pageant within the Park will certainly go away you with cherished recollections and a renewed appreciation for the humanities.

2. Carolina Renaissance Pageant

This whimsical Carolina Renaissance Pageant is an annual occasion that magically transports guests to a Sixteenth-century European village, immersing them in a world of knights, jesters, and honest maidens. Put together to be dazzled by thrilling jousting tournaments the place armored knights conflict in epic battles. Theatrical performances convey the village to life with colourful characters, hilarious comedy, and charming storytelling. Stroll by means of the streets, encountering artisans showcasing their crafts, from intricate jewellery to handmade leather-based items. Take pleasure in delectable Renaissance fare, feasting on large turkey legs, hearty stews, and candy treats. 

3. Charlotte Delight Pageant & Parade

The Charlotte Delight Pageant & Parade is a vibrant and inclusive occasion that embraces variety, love, and acceptance. This iconic annual celebration brings collectively the LGBTQ+ group and allies from all walks of life. Spanning a whole weekend, the competition creates an environment of pleasure, empowerment, and unity. 

The spotlight of the occasion is the full of life and colourful parade that winds its manner by means of the streets of Charlotte, showcasing the colourful spirit of the group. Attendees can get pleasure from dwell music performances, electrifying dance routines, and charming exhibitions that spotlight the abilities and contributions of LGBTQ+ people. The competition serves as a strong platform for training, advocacy, and celebration, fostering an surroundings the place everybody can specific their genuine selves and really feel embraced by the town’s inclusive nature.

Pride Festival

4. Queen’s Cup Steeplechase

Expertise the epitome of magnificence and pleasure on the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase, an occasion that mixes thrilling horse racing with Southern attraction. This extremely anticipated annual gathering attracts hundreds of spectators who come to enjoy a day of refined leisure. When you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the sight of completely manicured grounds adorned with glamorous marquees and vibrant tailgate events. 

Because the races start, really feel the thundering hooves and the adrenaline rush as expert jockeys navigate the difficult steeplechase course. Take pleasure in connoisseur picnics, sip on refreshing cocktails, and have interaction in pleasant wagering, creating an environment of pleasure and camaraderie. The Queen’s Cup Steeplechase guarantees an unforgettable day of horse racing that may go away you with cherished recollections.

5. Charlotte Wine & Meals Weekend

Put together your style buds for a tasty journey on the Charlotte Wine & Meals Weekend, a culinary extravaganza that celebrates the colourful restaurant scene and native vineyards. This occasion presents a feast for the senses, with a plethora of experiences tailor-made to fulfill even probably the most discerning palates. 

Get pleasure from wine tastings, the place you possibly can pattern a wide selection of beautiful wines from famend vineyards. Take pleasure in unique dinners ready by acclaimed cooks, the place every course is thoughtfully paired with the right wine choice. Broaden your culinary expertise with cooking lessons led by high cooks as they spill their skilled strategies and insider secrets and techniques. Get able to savor the best flavors and recognize Charlotte’s culinary scene.

Sommelier serving glasses of winetasting event

6. Velocity Road Pageant

Get able to rev your engines on the electrifying ambiance of the Velocity Road Festival. As an exhilarating precursor to the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race, this three-day extravaganza transforms the streets of Uptown Charlotte right into a haven for motorsports lovers. Really feel the adrenaline surge as you witness driver appearances by NASCAR stars, getting up shut and private with the legends of the monitor. Marvel on the spectacular shows of highly effective race vehicles and smooth automobiles that line the streets, rock out to dwell music performances from famend artists, and take part in interactive actions and competitions that cater to the necessity for velocity. The Velocity Road Pageant is a pulse-pounding celebration of motorsports that captivates thrill-seekers and showcases the dynamic spirit of Charlotte’s racing tradition.

7. Charlotte Movie Pageant

The Charlotte Movie Pageant is an absolute must-attend occasion for movie lovers. This annual extravaganza brings collectively a various vary of native, nationwide, and worldwide movies, offering a platform for each rising and established filmmakers to showcase their work. On this planet of thought-provoking cinema, discover a charming collection of narrative options, documentaries, and quick movies that span a large number of genres. Acquire priceless insights into the artwork of filmmaking throughout Q&A periods and panel discussions with filmmakers, actors, and business professionals. This competition not solely entertains but in addition fosters a way of group and appreciation for the craft. 

8. Charlotte Oktoberfest

This annual occasion invitations you to lift your stein and partake in a joyful competition of beer, delicacies, and leisure. Get pleasure from conventional Bavarian music, pattern an enormous collection of craft beers, and indulge within the mouth watering flavors of bratwurst, pretzels, and different German delicacies. The Charlotte Oktoberfest is greater than only a beer competition – it’s a cultural expertise that immerses you within the vibrant traditions and convivial ambiance of Germany’s most well-known celebration.

beer glasses in tent at Oktoberfest, a popular festival in Charlotte, NC

9. Carolina Panthers tailgating

Be part of the roaring crowd and expertise the electrifying ambiance of a Carolina Panthers tailgate social gathering. Whether or not you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just love the camaraderie of game-day celebrations, tailgating earlier than a Panthers residence sport is a quintessential Charlotte expertise that shouldn’t be missed. As you arrive on the tailgate space, you’ll be greeted by a sea of devoted followers donning Panthers colours and having fun with pre-game festivities. It’s the perfect of each worlds – the colourful power of an American soccer tailgate social gathering with the festive ambiance of one in all Charlotte’s most beloved cultural occasions.

10. Yiasou Greek Pageant

The Yiasou Greek Pageant in Charlotte is a vibrant celebration of Greek tradition that welcomes guests with open arms. Delight within the tantalizing aromas of Greek delicacies, expertise the full of life sounds of conventional Greek music and witness the intricate actions of dance troupes, and discover {the marketplace} full of crafts and souvenirs. The Yiasou Greek Pageant guarantees an unforgettable expertise that may transport you to the gorgeous Mediterranean nation.

With its array of full of life occasions and charming performances, Charlotte, NC, presents a various vary of experiences that cater to the pursuits of all. From cultural festivals to entertaining reveals, the town’s vibrant scene ensures that there’s at all times one thing particular to find and revel in for everybody who visits or resides right here.