When the weather warms up, Charlotte’s event scene starts to bloom. Spring festivals in the city come in all shapes and sizes and cater to a variety of interests. Check out our picks, from beer festivals to outdoor music shows:
April 13th: Moo & Brew Festival brings together beer, burgers, and bands. There are two sessions for the festival, VIP and general admission. Visitors will get to vote for the best burger, and the headlining band this year is Everclear.
Sycamore Brewing’s Spring Fest
April 20th: Celebrate the start of beer-drinking weather this Saturday at Sycamore Brewing from noon until 10 p.m. Stop by for live music on two stages, limited edition t-shirts and koozies, plus indoor and outdoor beer and cider stations will be open. It’s the perfect spot for the first prosecco pop of the season. (UPDATE: Event date was moved from April 13th to April 20th due to weather.)
Charlotte Water Lantern Festival
April 20th: Join thousands of friends, family, and strangers at Symphony Park to launch water lanterns in a memorable experience. With your $25 ticket, you’ll get access to the festival, a lantern, commemorative drawstring bag, a marker, and the price helps cover the cost of cleanup after the festival. Gates open at 5 p.m.
April 25th- 28th: The ultimate outdoor festival comes to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Participate in (or watch) more than 30 competitions, including kayaking, paddle boarding, climbing, and adventure racing. The festival also includes live music and demos. The festival is free, just usual parking rates apply.
April 26th-28th: A variety of artists take over Plaza Midwood during Charlotte’s annual BOOM festival. The three-day event focuses on contemporary and experimental art, and lets the community get involved through a series of installations and events. Tickets are $10, though many of the events are free. View the full schedule of performances here.
April 29th, May 9th-11th: Charlotte SHOUT! Is an Uptown celebration to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Charlotte. The two-week series kicks off with the Charlotte Jazz Festival on April 29 and ends in a three-day convergence of artists, speakers, and musicians on May 9 through 11.
May 3rd-4th: The Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association hosts this event every year during the first full weekend in May. Held in Midwood Park, expect a day of live music, vendors from neighborhood businesses, local beer, family-friendly activities (like the Plant Swap and Pet Parade), and food trucks.
