The Festival in the Park is a three-day outdoor arts and crafts fair, held in Freedom Park, near the historic Dilworth and Myers Park neighborhoods in Charlotte. The festival features over 180 artists and craftsmen as well as about 1000 entertainers. Attendees can wander around Freedom Park Lake, listen to the sounds of “big band music” and smell the delicious aromas spreading from the food stalls. The main focus of the festival is on gifted artists who create their unique works through various mediums. The Festival in the Park draws about 140,000 attendees every year.
Festival Highlights
Live music and performances entertain the crowds nonstop on several stages throughout the park. In addition, the festival offers many activities for the whole family. The Family Zone features the Kid’s Art Area, Children’s Art Exhibits, a merry-go-round, a balloon artist, face painting, a moonwalk, climbing rocks, the Choo-Choo Train, Carolina Raptor Center, and much more.
2024 Entertainment Schedule
A diverse lineup of local and regional artists is among the main attractions of the Festival in the Park. On Friday, the Main Stage hosts Eddie Schenck Band (Motown and Soul) from 7 to 9 pm. On Saturday, Charlotte Pride Band will play from noon to 1:30 pm. The Performance of Charlotte Youth Ballet will take place from 2 to 3 pm. Tablao Flamenco will perform from 4 to 5 pm. Greggie & The Jets (Elton John Tribute Band) will play from 7 to 9 pm. On Sunday, singer Nate Randall will perform from noon to 1:30 pm. Youth Orchestras of Charlotte will perform from 2 to 3 pm. Open Mic is available from 4 to 5 pm.
The Festival in the Park has been held since the fall of 1964. It has become Charlotte's favorite art fair, with top-quality arts, crafts, music, and family entertainment. The Festival in the Park was included in the 200 BEST festivals by Sunshine Artists Magazine and Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society. The festival runs from 4 to 9 pm on Friday, from 10 am to 9 pm to Saturday and from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday.
