Summer Festivals for Families in Charlotte
Art and culture festivals around the Queen City
Tianyu Lights Festival
Now thru June 22
Evenings, Concord Mills, Tickets start at $20 (over 12), $15 (under 12)
Walk through 25 handcrafted luminous art installations with three themed areas: Enchanted Land, Animal Kingdom, Ocean World, along with the Illuminated Playground fit for all ages. Enjoy live stage performances, a marketplace offering unique souvenirs and handicrafts, and sweet cotton candy and drinks for purchase.
Taste of Charlotte
June 6 – 8
Tryon St. Uptown
The three-day food festival features samples from local restaurants, live performances, and kids activities. Admission is free, and attendees purchase coins for tastings and activities.
Wild on the Water
Saturday, June 7
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Latta Nature Preserve, Huntersville. Registration: $75
Charlotte Wildlife Stewards’ signature fundraising event kicks off with a guided paddle—in kayaks and canoes and on stand-up paddleboards—on Mountain Island Lake at Latta Nature Preserve, where a local naturalist will teach about ospreys, other wildlife and plants, and the importance of the Catawba River. Lunch and a raffle to follow. A limited number of kayaks and canoes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Register by May 24.
Indian Trail Family Fun Day
Saturday, June 7
2:00 – 9:30 p.m. Crooked Creek Park; FREE
Come out for carnival rides, trackless trains, vendors, live music, food trucks, ninja warrior course, fireworks show, and more.
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra: Summer Pops
Sundays, June 8 – 29
8:15 p.m. (Gates open at 5 p.m.) Symphony Park; Tickets start at $15
An iconic summer arts experience, bringing together Charlotteans to share good food, great music, and fireworks under the stars with family and friends.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
June 12-15
Plaza Midwood; Free
Celebrate Juneteenth in Plaza Midwood with a parade, a youth culture camp, a drum circle, live performances, a talent show, a children’s area, and more.
Firetruck Festival
Saturday, June 14
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., NC Transportation Museum, Tickets start at $8.75 for kids
Meet real firefighters, explore antique and modern fire trucks, water spraying, storytime, inflatables, a parade and much more.
HeroesCon
June 20 – 22
Charlotte Convention Center, Passes start at $35/day
The family-friendly convention allows comic fans to visit directly with professionals and exhibitors.
Charlotte African American Book Festival
Saturday, June 21
11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Second Ward Gymnasium; Free
This book fair for readers of all ages “celebrates African American contributions to literature, books, literacy, and the literary culture.” Shop books at discounted prices, meet featured authors, and attend discussions.
Charlotte Peruvian Festival
Sunday, July 27
12:00 – 8:30 p.m., Symphony Park, Tickets are $10 before 4 p.m., $20 after 4 p.m.
Celebrate traditional Peruvian music, dancing, art, crafts, food and drinks, along with a kids fun zone.
