The third annual BOOM festival brings a diverse lineup of art, music, dance, theater, spoken word and family activities to the Plaza Midwood neighborhood Friday through Sunday.
“This is going to be the biggest BOOM yet, with more than 100 shows, exhibits, art installations and pop-ups occurring all around the neighborhood and on the street,” festival founder Manoj Kesavan said in a news release.
Unlike any other Charlotte art event, BOOM is a showcase of contemporary and experimental work organized by local artists and performers and has something for everyone, no matter your age or taste. Many performances are free and ticketed shows are only $10.
Free events at the Intersection
The Intersection, a family-friendly environment at 1920 Commonwealth, will include public art installations and participatory visual art and games, an outdoor living room, and children’s activity spaces.
Performers include AfroPOP! Nation: Street Art & Popup performances, Aerial Charlotte, Charlotte Repertory Dance Theatre, Charlotte Symphony Hands-On Learning for Kids, Philip Cherry IV: Live Mural Painting, Community School of the Arts art activities, Jazz Arts Initiative, Lala Specific, Loose Leaves Showcase, Rhythmic Soul Dance Company, Quentin Talley, Tosco Music Party, SILO AR+D / UNC Charlotte School of Architecture.
Ticketed performances at Snug Harbor, Open Door Studios, and Petra’s Bar include local favorites XOXO (performance art), Taproot CLT (theater and performance art), Sinergismo (performance art) and SHAE Movement African Arts (music and dance). After-parties at Snug Harbor feature Kiko Villamizer, CHÓCALA and Ancestor Piratas on April 20 and AfroPop! Nation on April 21. SCHEDULE | TICKETS
Jamaican Me Hoppy Craft Beer Festival
Saturday | VIP: Noon-6 pm; General Admission: 2-6 pm | 419 E. 7th Street (corner of 8th and N. Caldwell)
Sample beer, wine, and whiskey while vibing to reggae music and authentic Jamaican food. More than 20 breweries, 10 wineries, 5 distilleries, and 10 food trucks will be on site. An amazing music lineup features The Movement, Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds, and a special performance for VIP guests by Sun-Dried Vibes. Must be at least 21 years old to be admitted. TICKETS | MORE INFO
Pet Palooza Festival & Walk
Saturday | 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Independence Park
Fun activities for people and pets alike: a vendor fair, adoption area, music, a picnic pavilion, food & beer trucks and more. The vendor fair opens at 10 a.m. but you can start the day with Doga (Dog+Yoga) at 9:30 a.m. and/or join the 2K fundraising walk at 11 a.m., which benefits the Humane Society of Charlotte. Registration is required for both these events. MORE INFO
International Sandwich Festival
April 28 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | 3800 Shamrock Drive (front lawn of Aldersgate Senior Living Community)
This public festival celebrates the vibrant cultural diversity of east Charlotte with international flavor and intergenerational festivities. Come eat, play, dance, enjoy!
• Child’s Play: Free face-painting, balloon artistry and henna tattoos from noon-2 p.m. and creative sandwich-making.
• International Fare: Tasty treats from restaurants and food trucks: A Piece of Havana, Arepadas, Chaupaati, Hiya Food truck and YummiBanh Mi.
• Live Music and Entertainment: R&B songstress Persona Bell is back by popular demand. Also appearing: The Rumbao Latin Dance Company, Orquesta Mayor, Flavors of India Dance, Voices of Eden Mass Choir, JazzArts Youth Ensemble III. COMPLETE LINEUP
Charlotte Art Collective
April 28 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 2821 Park Road (behind Avondale Presbyterian Church in the Family Life Center/Gymnasium)
This popular event allows art-lovers to shop for unique, one-of-a-kind items in a relaxed atmosphere. The juried art show includes established and emerging artists and features a wide range of fine arts and artisan crafts: painting, mixed media, photography, clay pottery, baskets, jewelry, handmade hats, book arts, prints, wood, mosaics, handmade soap, garden sculpture. MORE INFO
