Don’t Miss These Summer 2022 Charlotte Festivals
From new breweries to Black films, the Queen City is full of fun summer festivals
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
May 21
More than 60 beer, 40 bourbon, and countless barbecue purveyors descend upon Ballantyne’s Backyard for this 15th annual affair. All participants receive a souvenir glass, plus access to seminars with brew masters, master distillers, and pit masters; live music; giant games; and shopping.
Feel Good Fest
May 28
Come alive at Greenlife Family Farms in Concord for all things inspirational at the Feel Good Fest. Get down to the funky music, view inspiring art, watch brilliant fire performances, acrobatic aerial performances, and much more. Local artisans and food trucks will be on site as well.
Water Lantern Festival
May 28
This one-of-a-kind, heartfelt experience invites you to write down an intention or a letter to a loved one, then send it out onto the water in a paper lantern. Food trucks are available in the festival area.
South End Wine and Hops Fest
June 2-5
Sample beer and wine from your favorite breweries and wineries at this South End festival and perennial Best of Charlotte winner. Tickets sell out fast, so don’t miss your chance!
Arbor Fest
June 4
The Christian music festival, put on by Bethel Church of Midland, features performances by Jason Crabb, Chosen Road, High Road, Guildford, and Carley Arrowood. Bring your own lawn chair and sit “under the arbor.”
Charlotte Edge Fest
June 11
Watch live painting by mural artists, DJs, music, spoken word and dance performances, yoga, an art scavenger hunt, interactive art experiences, and more at this arts-meets-street festival.
Untapped Beer Festival
June 18
More than 100 breweries from around the world set up in Charlotte for this beer fest with unlimited samples. Late morning and evening sessions are available. Enjoy live music from Okey Dokey, The Mammoths, Stop Light Observations, and Wave Length.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
June 16-19
This federal holiday marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, first celebrated on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas. This five-day celebration includes a youth culture camp, drum circle, Gospel Fest, additional entertainment, and prayers.
2022 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival
June 18
The Juneteenth festival, sponsored by the Cabarrus Arts Council, showcases 40 black-owned companies along with crafts, performances, and kids’ activities that include a pie-eating contest and three-legged race.
Gastonia Ebonyfest Juneteenth Festival
June 18-19
Gastonia also hosts a two-day Juneteenth Festival with a parade, performances, giveaways, kids’ activities, fireworks, food trucks, and more.
12th Annual Charlotte Black Film Festival
June 23-26
A voice for independent filmmakers of color, the Charlotte Black Film Festival is the largest gathering of multicultural content producers and innovators in the Carolinas. Official film selections will be announced soon.
Charlotte Caribbean Carnival
June 24-26
June is National American-Caribbean Heritage Month. Celebrate with a weekend festival full of live performances, a street parade with Carnival-inspired fashions, and an Afro-Caribbean Village with vendors, dancers, and exhibits.
Bon Temps Fest on Wylie
Aug. 1-20
Shoppers, foodies, beer and wine enthusiasts, and outdoorsy types unite at the Bon Temps Fest, which offers a little something for everyone. The event kicks off with live music, food and beverage, yoga, and more on Friday; Saturday sees the addition of a Paddle Battle on Lake Wylie to benefit local nonprofits.
Charlotte Pride Week, Festival & Parade
Aug. 20-21
Take part in a full two weeks of activities as Charlotte Pride returns to in-person events. The celebrations mark the organization’s 20th anniversary and 40 years of Pride legacy in Charlotte. Look for a Charlotte Pride Neighborhood Market, performers of all kinds, a drag pageant, and, of course, a parade.
(©charlottesgotalot.com)
