The COVID-19 pandemic forced many festivals and other big events to shut down since 2020. Some events and festivals have been able to return in limited capacities; however, the time has come for those big events and festivals to re-open to full capacity which is very exciting. Below are a few festivals returning to the Queen City for all to enjoy!
The Festival of India will be celebrating its 26th year on August 27th, 12PM-8PM, at the Belk Theater downtown Charlotte. The festival exposes people in the Charlotte region to the rich mosaic of different art, crafts, languages, couture and cuisine from the various regions of India in a festive setting. The festival draws over 20,000 visitors from Charlotte and the surrounding areas. The best way to summarize the impact of the festival is to paraphrase a comment that’s been heard repeatedly during the festival. “This has been a great opportunity for me as a Charlottean to get a taste of Indian culture and experiencing and understanding a bit more about India without leaving Charlotte. Other activities in addition to Charlotte Idol vocal competition include live dramas on Indian American themes. Rain or shine this event will go on. Entry to the festival is $6.
The Yisau Greek Festival returns in full-swing September 9th-11th, in Dilworth at 600 East Boulevard. The festival opened during 2021 as a drive-thru option only. This year they will offer the drive-thru option off of Lennox Avenue in addition to the full festival. This Greek festival is one of Charlotte’s oldest cultural festivals celebrating its 44th year! Tickets are $5 with children under 12 being free.
Festival in the Park returns September 16th-18th, in Freedom Park. This festival is one of Charlotte’s oldest traditions featuring art, music, food and family activities. The festival is still run by the same family who came up with the idea in 1964. The free event is expected to attract 85,000 people throughout the weekend. In years past as many as 140,000 people have attended the festival. For the first time in 58 years, they will have adult beverages for purchase!!
The Carolina Haitian Food Festival is celebrating its 2nd annual festival on September 3rd at the Midwood International and Cultural Center in Plaza Midwood. Three women with a heart for the Haitian community sensed a void in the Carolinas. So, they joined forces to create the Carolina Haitian Food Festival – the first of its kind in the state showcasing Haitian food, culture and community on a large scale. At the Festival, there will be something for everyone: events, shopping, food, music and most of all, an amazing atmosphere and a real sense of community. General admission is $25, VIP is $75, VIP Plus is $250, and children ages 11-16 are $10.
The Hola Charlotte Festival is celebrating the 10th annual festival October 15th from 12PM to 6PM in Uptown Charlotte on South Tryon Street. Hola Charlotte is the largest Hispanic Heritage celebration in Charlotte, highlighting Latin American culture and all its diversity. They will feature nationally recognized entertainers and celebrating the heritage of various Latin American countries with Hispanics of multiple backgrounds and ages. Follow their website for updates regarding event line-up and ticket prices.
BayHaven Food and Wine Festival is celebrating the 2nd annual festival October 19th-23rd in Camp North End. The festival is a celebration of Black Foodways, aimed at raising awareness of Black culinary experts and creating opportunities for newcomers in the hospitality industry. Founders Subrina Collier and Chef Gregory Collier were inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, an intellectual and cultural revival of African American music, dance, art, fashion, literature and theater in the 1920s and 1930s, to create a festival that will educate and entertain. Tickets range from $75-$710.
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