Don’t miss these 2022 spring festivals in Charlotte, NC

The temperatures are rising, flowers are beginning to bloom and Charlotte’s spring festivals are coming back better than ever.

Many festivals Charlotteans know and love are returning for the first time in two years due to pandemic-related cancellations, and new festivals, such as Brightfire Music & Arts Festival, are joining the region’s roster of spring events.

Mark your calendars, grab your friends and family and get ready for a fresh season full of live music, delicious food, outdoor adventure, shopping from local vendors, immersive art experiences and more.

March

I Heart Rail Trail: Lights

Location: Rail Trail

Neighborhood: South End

When: March 4-20

Cost: Free

What to know: Stroll along the Rail Trail and celebrate local art with never-before-seen interactive light installations illuminated each night.

Green River Revival

Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214

Neighborhood: Moores Chapel/Northwest Charlotte

When: March 12

Cost: Free, but parking is $6

What to know: Activities will include the Color Me Green 5K Trail Run, yoga sessions and more.

Holi Festival at Hindu Center of Charlotte

Location: Hindu Center of Charlotte, 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte, NC 28212

Neighborhood: East Charlotte

When: March 19

Cost: Free

What to know: Festival celebrates the colors of spring with a live DJ, food, shopping and more.

Baxter Village/Fort Mill Spring Fest and St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Location: Baxter Village Town Center, 900 Market St., Fort Mill, South Carolina

Neighborhood: Fort Mill

When: March 19

Cost: Free

What to know: More than 125 vendors, live entertainment and a St. Patrick’s Day Parade featuring bagpipers, Irish dancers, floats and more. No sign-up required to participate in the parade.

The Charlotte Fair

Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 6558 Bruton Smith Blvd. Concord, NC 28027

Neighborhood: Concord

When: March 25-April 1

Cost: Tickets start at $3.50 + fees for kids, $7.50 + fees for adults

What to know: Admission includes access to over 30 rides, live shows, animal petting zoo, carnival fare and more.

Art Festival at Hindu Center of Charlotte

Location: Hindu Center of Charlotte, 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte, NC 28212

Neighborhood: East Charlotte

When: March 27

Cost: Free

What to know: Family-friendly festival with an arts and crafts exhibition, kids workshop, art contests, live karaoke and food stalls.

Brunch! Spring Food Truck Rally

Location: Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC 28078

Neighborhood: Huntersville

When: March 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Cost: Free admission; $5 parking

What to know: Food trucks serving brunch fare, live music, hayrides, hikes and more.

April

Charlotte SHOUT!

Location: Uptown Charlotte (multiple locations)

Neighborhood: Uptown

When: April 1-17

Cost: Free

What to know: Festival will take place all around Uptown and include live music, outdoor performances, art installations and more.

Paws in the Park

Location: Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Dr., Pineville, NC 28134

Neighborhood: Pineville

When: April 2 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: Free

What to know: One of the largest dog events in the Charlotte area, the annual event features dog rescue groups and shelters with dogs available for adoption, food trucks, kids playground, dog contests and more.

Charlotte Kids Festival

Location: UNC Charlotte, 9100 Robert N. Snyder Road, Charlotte, NC 28262

Neighborhood: North Charlotte

When: April 2 from 11 a.m. 4 p.m.

Cost: Free

What to know: All activities will be free and include interactive performing art experiences, interactive science activities, a dance zone, games and more.

Loch Norman Highland Games

Location: Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC 28078

Neighborhood: Huntersville

When: April 9-10

Cost: Tickets start at $8 for kids (5-12) and $15 for adults

What to know: Experience highland dancing, bagpipe bands, Scottish merchants, historical re-enactments, whiskey tastings, axe throwing and more. Tent and RV camping available.

Queen Charlotte Fair

Location: Route 29 Pavilion, 5650 Sandusky Blvd., Concord, NC 28027

Neighborhood: Concord, NC

When: April 14-24, 2022

Cost: $12 for adults, $7 for kids (6-12), Free for kids (5 and under)

What to know: family-owned and operated annual event offering carnival rides, foods and shows for kids of all ages.

BOOM Charlotte 2022

Location: Plaza Midwood, various locations

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood

When: April 22-23

Cost: Free

What to know: After a two-year hiatus, the fringe art festival will return to celebrate artists from various disciplines including theater, dance, music, spoken word, visual art, public art installations and more. Full schedule of events to be announced.

April is for Arts: Art on the Green

Location: Downtown Davidson, 216 South Main St., Davidson, NC 28036

Neighborhood: Davidson

When: April 22-24

Cost: Free

What to know: Enjoy art from artists throughout the region, live music, food from on-site vendors and area restaurants and more.

Spring Fest 2022

Location: Sycamore Brewing, 2161 Hawkins Street, Charlotte, NC 28203

Neighborhood: South End

When: April 23

Cost: Free

What to know: live music on two stages, shopping from local vendors, food and more.

‘Tawba Walk Music & Arts Festival

Location: Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St, Cornelius, NC 28031

Neighborhood: Old Town Cornelius

When: April 23 from 2-8 p.m.

Cost: Free

What to know: Event includes two stages for live music, over 100 local artists and vendors, local craft breweries, food trucks, kid zone and more.

Charlotte Earth Day Celebration

Location: First Ward Park, 301 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Neighborhood: First Ward

When: April 23 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: Free

What to know: A new event for 2022, this family-friendly celebration will include performances, activities for kids, educational activities for all and more.

Charlotte Wine + Food Week

Location: Restaurants and venues around Charlotte

Neighborhood: Charlotte

When: April 26-May 1

Cost: $110+

What to know: Back in full for the first time since 2019, Charlotte Wine + Food Week brings together wine industry experts from all over the world paired with top Charlotte chefs for intimate dinners and tastings to large gala dinners and live auctions. All events are 21+.

Tuck Fest

Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214

Neighborhood: Moores Chapel/ Northwest Charlotte

When: April 29-May 1

Cost: Free, but parking is $6

What to know: Tuck Fest is the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s annual festival that celebrates the outdoor lifestyle through live music, competitions, exhibitions and more.

BrightFire Music & Arts Festival

Location: Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC 28078

Neighborhood: Huntersville

When: April 30 from 4-10 p.m.

Cost: Tickets start at $20

What to know: A new event this year, the artist-led festival interprets the essence of Beltane, a Celtic tradition that marks the end of winter and celebrates the new life and growth of the summer months. Activities include live music, arts market, food trucks, pilates classes, field games, demonstrations and more.

May

Hello Huntersville Music & Arts Festival

Location: Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078

Neighborhood: Huntersville

When: May 1

Cost: Free

What to know: Art and music festival in downtown Huntersville that highlights local/regional artists and musicians. Participate in a community mural and watch a live ice sculpture be created.

North Carolina Brewers & Music Festival

Location: Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078

Neighborhood: Huntersville

When: May 6-7

Cost: Multiple ticket options starting at $8 for kids and $15 for adults

What to know: Two days of live music, optional camping, beers from local breweries and more. Tickets purchased for 2020 will be honored, including camping passes.

BeachFest Matthews 2022

Location: In and around Stumptown Park, 120 S.Trade Street Matthews NC 28105

Neighborhood: Matthews

When: May 13 from 6-10 p.m. and May 14 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cost: Free to attend; $20 for Friday All-You-Can-Ride Night in the Carnival wristband

What to know: Annual festival brings the beach to Matthews with live beach music, shag dancing, arts & crafts, carnival rides, food vendors and more.

Pet Palooza Walk & Festival 2022

Location: New HSC Animal Resource Center, 1348 Parker Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208

Neighborhood: Charlotte

When: May 14 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: Free to attend; $10 HSC donation to register for walk

What to know: Back in person for the first time after two years of virtual events, the festival will feature live music, food trucks, pet-loving vendors, a one-mile fun walk and more.

Charlotte Dragon Boat Race and Asian Festival

Location: Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Rd., Cornelius, NC 28031

Neighborhood: Lake Norman

When: May 14 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Free

What to know: The festival celebrates Asian cultures, diversity, ethnicity, roots and history with dragon boat races, live music, dance performances, vendors and more.

Cornelius Jazz Festival

Location: Smithville Park, 19710 South Ferry St., Cornelius, NC 28031

Neighborhood: Smithville

When: May 21

Cost: Free

What to know: Family-friendly event featuring live jazz, local craft beer and food, activities for children and more. Money raised will benefit Send-a-Kid-To-Camp at the Lake Norman YMCA.

The Cheerwine Festival

Location: Downtown Salisbury, 217 S Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144

Neighborhood: Downtown Salisbury

When: Saturday, May 21

Cost: Free

What to know: Enjoy ice cold Cheerwine in the town where it originated, along with Southern cuisine, family-friendly activities, local craft vendors, live music and more.