Spring has sprung! Time to get out with the locals and celebrate the gorgeous weather. There’s so much to do in Charlotte, NC and beyond! Here are some of our favorite spring festivals:
Charlotte Spring Festival Round Up
Savor Charlotte | March 12-26
Multiple locations
Savor Charlotte is a collaboration of restaurants around the city offering special menus, hands-on events and other opportunities to venture outside of your regular dining routine. Take advantage of this invitation to try something new and support Charlotte’s diverse and growing culinary community.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade | March 16
Uptown
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is an annual tradition with marching bands, floats, and civic organizations celebrating our city and Saint Patrick’s Day! In addition, enjoy a full festival event with food, vendors and attractions.
No Man’s Land Festival | March 23
Camp North End
No Man’s Land festival and market is a celebration of all women, featuring 100+ woman-owned businesses, hands-on workshops, breakout sessions, activations, and photo opps. Bring your bestie! Tickets required – see site for details.
Charlotte Shout | March 29-April 14
Uptown
Charlotte SHOUT! is an annual celebration of the city’s art, culture, and community and one of the best things to do in Charlotte this spring. Built on the pillars of art, music, food, and ideas, Charlotte SHOUT! is a sensory feast for all ages, with more than 200 events and attractions taking place over 17 days. This is one you don’t want to miss.
Carolina BBQ Festival | April 5-6
Uptown
Carolina BBQ Festival is a charity-focused event featuring 15 Pitmasters offering a variety of tastings throughout the event area. Enjoy whole hog, brisket, chicken, hash and rice, seafood, and more! Beer, wine, cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Live music will include a mix of funk, soul, and bluegrass, along with a DJ and vendors will be located throughout the festival. Tickets required – see site for details.
Tuck Fest | April 19-21
Whitewater Center
Tuck Fest is a three-day celebration of the outdoor lifestyle that attracts 40,000 people to the Whitewater Center every April. The schedule includes dozens of races and competitions across Whitewater’s 1,300-acre facility; performances by award-winning bands and musicians; plus expos, vendors, yoga practices and clinics for all ages. Some events require pre-registration. See site for details.
Lake Norman Spring Festival Round Up
STEAMfest | March 24
Woodlawn School, Mooresville
The mission of STEAMfest is to provide kids of all ages a free opportunity to explore topics in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through fun and engaging hands-on activities. Admission is free – bring the whole family!
Earth Jam | April 13
Robbins Park, Cornelius
This free event is a great way to come together as a community to celebrate Earth Day, eat delicious food, listen to live music, enjoy drinks from local breweries, and learn how to create positive change. Over 25 local organizations will be on hand to provide interactive demonstrations on sustainability, conservation, and living an eco-friendly life.
Loch Norman Highland Games | April 20-21
Rural Hill, Huntersville
The Loch Norman Highland Games at Rural Hill is a free, family-friendly event and one of the most unique things to do in Lake Norman. Come and experience a celebration of Scottish heritage with everything from Highland dancing and bagpipe bands to Highland athletics, a giant kid zone, historic reenactments, hearth cooking, whiskey tastings, shooting long bows, throwing battle axes and much more!
Earth Day Festival | April 27
Town Green, Davidson
The annual Davidson Earth Day Festival is a free family activity that features hands-on science, food, games, activities, music, and education.
‘Tawba Walk | April 27
Catawba Ave, Cornelius
‘Tawba Walk is a multidimensional, eclectic art crawl, which winds through the heart of Cornelius. It features dozens of local vendors, live street performances, shopping, amazing food and more, showcasing the best Cornelius and the surrounding areas have to offer.
April is for Arts | April 26-28
Downtown, Davidson
April is for Arts is a weekend dedicated to celebrating the arts in Davidson, including a gallery crawl, Art on the Green festival and Concert on the Green. Visitors will enjoy artists’ exhibitions, demonstrations, food, and live music.
Hello Huntersville Music & Arts Festival | May 5
Veterans Park, Huntersville
The eagerly-anticipated annual event is filled with local food trucks, beverage vendors, unique art & craft vendors, art stations, whimsical characters and friendly neighbors. Come out and say hello!
Asian Festival & Dragon Boat Festival | May 11
Ramsey Creek Park, Cornelius
All are welcome to celebrate the culture, traditions, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. In addition to the exciting dragon boat race, the festival will highlight music and performances from different members of the AAPI community.
Cornelius Jazz Festival | May 18
Smithville Park, Cornelius
Festivities at the Cornelius Jazz Festival include a free evening filled with local jazz bands, food trucks, craft beer, local business vendors, and children’s activities.
Where to Stay
Whatever may bring you to the Lake Norman area, be sure to make the most of it by getting outside and discovering our local communities. Spring festivals in North Carolina give you the perfect opportunity to do just that! Afterwards, return to your spacious retreat and soak up the lake’s natural beauty at these StayLakeNorman vacation homes:
