Don’t Miss These Summer 2023 Charlotte Festivals
From events for beer and wine enthusiasts to Black films, the Queen City is full of fun summer festivals
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
May 20
More than 60 beer, 40 bourbon, and countless barbecue purveyors descend upon Ballantyne’s Backyard for this 16th annual affair. All participants receive a souvenir glass, plus access to seminars with brew masters, master distillers, and pit masters; there’s also live music, giant games and shopping.
Arbor Fest
June 3
The Christian music festival, put on by Bethel Church of Midland, features headliners Chosen Road. Bring your own lawn chair and sit “under the arbor.”
2023 Taste of Charlotte Festival
June 9-11
Approximately two dozen local restaurants participate in this three-day food festival, which also has multiple stages for entertainment, a kid’s area and a wine cellar.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
June 15-18
This federal holiday marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, first celebrated on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas. The Plaza Midwood celebration includes a youth culture camp, drum circle, Gospel Fest, additional entertainment and prayers.
2023 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival
June 17
The Juneteenth festival, sponsored by the Cabarrus Arts Council, showcases 100 black-owned companies along with crafts, culture, performances and kids’ activities that include basketball and baby bumper cars.
Gastonia Ebonyfest Juneteenth Festival
June 17
Gastonia also hosts a Juneteenth Festival with a parade, Barber Shop Wrap Session & Luncheon, kids’ activities, fireworks, food trucks and more.
Charlotte Caribbean Carnival
June 23-25
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.
Durag Fest 2023
June 24
A Junefest celebration that builds programming in support of Black innovation, Durag Fest is rooted in the community. General admission includes a day party and concert, skate party and pop-up art and activations.
‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival
July 1
Old Town Cornelius is host to this popular arts and music festival with two stages of live bands, street art and live demonstrations, multiple food truck courts, local craft breweries and more than 100 local artists, craftsmen and vendors.
13th Annual Charlotte Black Film Festival
July 6-9
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.
Water Lantern Festival
July 9
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.
Charlotte Edge Fest
July 15
Watch live painting by mural artists, DJs, music, spoken word and dance performances, interactive art experiences and more at this arts-meets-street festival.
Bon Temps Paddle Battle on Wylie
Aug. 19
Outdoorsy types unite at the Bon Temps Fest, which encourages people to spend a day on the water on Lake Wylie. The Paddle Battle is open for participants in 1–, 3.5-, 7- & 14-mile distance courses. All proceeds benefit local nonprofits.
Charlotte Pride Week, Festival & Parade
Aug. 19-20
Celebrate more than 20 years of Charlotte Pride and more than 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.
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Matthews Alive Festival 2023
Sept. 1-4
A 50-year tradition, this Labor Day festival was created to support local non-profits. Volunteers and community groups volunteer in festival areas, and all proceeds from the food, arts, entertainment and family activities goes back to the non-profits.
