The Charlotte Chamber presents several signature events throughout the year – some that offer family fun and others that offer networking with representatives from the Chamber's more than 3,700 member companies. Visit the chamber's calendar of events for more information.
Additionally, the Charlotte area is home to a variety of festivals and events that
celebrate the arts, our community’s cultural diversity and more.
Following is a sampling of special annual events. Mark your calendar
now!
Art & Soul of South End –
This two-day arts fest began in the spring of 2002 as a grassroots festival produced by the galleries and businesses on the 1500 block of Camden Road. Held annually every spring, this street festival features the work of hundreds of local artists in a variety of media, a children’s area and several music stages featuring local talent.
600 Festival – The 600 Festival Association sponsors several events each May to celebrate the Coca-Cola 600. Speed Street, held Uptown in late May, turns several blocks of Tryon Street into a center filled with musical entertainment, interactive games, NASCAR driver appearances, show cars, simulators, food and children’s activities.
Loch Norman Highland Games –
Held in April in historic Rural Hill, just south of Lake Norman, this celebration of the region’s strong Scottish heritage includes games, music, exhibits, food and more.
Queens Cup Steeplechase – On the last Saturday of April, the Brooklandwood racecourse in Mineral Springs, N.C., is the place to be. In addition to thoroughbred horse races, enjoy terrier races, tailgating contests, live music and activities for kids.
Taste of Charlotte –
Dozens of Charlotte restaurants offer food and beverage samples in the streets of Uptown Charlotte in early June. The festival also offers entertainment and activities for kids.
Blues, Brews & BBQ –
Typically a part of Charlotte Shout!, a month-long festival held each September, Blues, Brews & BBQ will stand on its own in 2009, as Charlotte Shout! is suspended for a year for economic reasons.
Yiasou Greek Festival
The Yiasou festival, held each September, celebrates Greek culture, including arts, crafts and entertainment. The selections of Greek food are always crowd pleasers.
UNC Charlotte International Festival –
UNC Charlotte’s annual International Festival held in late September features the sights, sounds and tastes of Charlotte’s international community.
Festival in the Park –
Held in late September, Festival in the Park includes arts and crafts, live entertainment, activities for children, and plenty of food, all displayed in the inviting surroundings of the lake at Freedom Park.
Carolina Renaissance Festival –
This event is held off Poplar Tent Road between Davidson and Concord for seven weekends each autumn.
Novello Festival –
Held each October since 1991, the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County’s award-winning Novello Festival of Reading is a celebration of reading and books including presentations by best selling authors and other reading related activities.
Latin American Festival – The Latin American Festival is one-day fiesta in October, attracting more than 15,000 individuals to Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall for dancing, music, art and food native to 20 countries in Latin America.
Carolinas Carrousel Parade –
The Carolinas Carrousel Thanksgiving Day Parade and Festival is held annually in Charlotte.
Second String Santa –
Perhaps the largest annual, charitable event in Charlotte, Second String Santa’s annual holiday party draws thousands of young professionals to see and be seen while raising money and collecting gifts for needy children in our area.
Beads for Needs –
Held annually on the Thursday before Fat Tuesday (which can fall any where between early February and early March), this Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser benefits children’s charities in the Charlotte area.
