Summer is almost here, and ASC has a handy list of arts, science, history and heritage experiences in Mecklenburg County (some are even free) that will make your summer one to remember.
Here’s your cultural guide to the summer, courtesy of CharlotteCultureGuide.com, Charlotte’s online cultural event calendar. To receive weekly highlights in your inbox, sign up for CulturePicks!
CRDT MULTI-CULTURAL DANCE FESTIVAL
This multicultural dance festival presented by the Charlotte Repertory Dance Theatre is for all ages and features dance, music, visual arts, live drumming, bands, food treats, and more.
When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.
Where: Ivory Baker Recreation Center, 1920 Stroud Park Court
Admission: Free | More info
WBAV’S SMALL BATCH CONCERTS SERIES
89.9 WDAV Classical Public Radio, in partnership with the Charlotte New Music Festival, has teamed up with Free Range Brewing to offer a series of concerts that bring together good music, good people, and good beer. Beo String Quartet, CNMF’s quartet in residence, will present a program of fresh chamber work.
When: June 26, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Free Range Brewing, 2320 N Davidson St.
Admission: Free; $10 ticket for a Small Batch glass and beer | More info
ANNUAL CINEODYSSEY FILM FESTIVAL
The CineOdyssey Film Festival celebrates and gives voice to filmmakers of color from the African, Caribbean, Latino, Asian, and Native American diasporas as well as the U.S. It brings together diverse audiences, bridges cultural understanding and encourages the artistic development of aspiring filmmakers. This year’s lineup will boldly address multicultural issues of today, which meet at the intersection of race, class, and gender.
When: July 12-13, 7 p.m. | July 14, 1 p.m.
Where: Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts, 430 South Tryon St.
Admission: $10 – $65 | More info
PUERTO RICAN FESTIVAL
The Puerto Rican Cultural Society of Charlotte presents the largest Puerto Rican Festival in the Southeast. This year will feature Andy Montañez, Grupo Mania, N’Klabe, and many more. Enjoy delicious Puerto Rican food, souvenirs, games, and more.
When: Aug. 11, Noon
Where: Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road
Admission: $5 | More info
FESTIVAL OF INDIA
Festival of India, presented by the India Association of Charlotte, showcases the diversity of culture and heritage and provides an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange in a fun setting. The festival exposes individuals to the rich mosaic of different art, crafts, languages, couture, and cuisine from the various regions of India in a festive setting.
When: Aug. 11-12, Noon
Where: Uptown Charlotte, 130 North Tryon St.
Admission: $7 ($6 online), free for kids under age 10 | More info
CHARLOTTE PRIDE FESTIVAL & PARADE
Charlotte Pride hosts the region’s largest LGBTQ Pride event, including a two-day festival in the heart of the city and the annual parade on Sunday. 150,000 attended over the course of the weekend in 2017.
When: Aug. 18-19
Where: Uptown Charlotte
Admission: Free | More info
YIASOU GREEK FESTIVAL
The Yiasou Greek Festival, presented by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, features Hellenic cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine and homemade pastries, entertainment, live music and dancing, wine tastings, art, shopping and more. Yiasou is the Greek word for hello, goodbye and cheers.
When: Sept. 6, 11 a.m. | Sept. 7-8, 11 a.m. | Sept. 9, Noon
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd.
Admission: $3 | More info
POTTER’S MARKET INVITATIONAL 2018
PMI showcases the breadth and depth of work by makers in what has become known as the Pottery State. Meet exceptional potters from Seagrove, the N.C. mountains, the Piedmont, and Catawba Valley. Find works ranging from traditional functional wares to contemporary sculptural works. This fun-filled day includes clay demonstrations, a pop-up cafe, and live music.
When: Sept. 8, 10 a.m.
Where: Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road
Admission: $12 (includes admission to the museum and Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts) | More info
TOSCO MUSIC PARTY
Tosco Music Parties showcase an eclectic mix of music styles and engage the audience with singalongs throughout the evening. Performances feature one or two songs by up to 15 scheduled acts (professional and amateur).
When: Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts, 430 South Tryon St.
Admission: $13.05 – $27.50 | More info
FESTIVAL IN THE PARK
Since 1964, Festival in the Park has been bringing good music, good art and good times to Charlotteans and visitors from around the world. The sounds of “big band music” drift across Freedom Park’s lake where lights strung from the Camelot exhibit tents reflect across the still surface.
When: Sept. 21, 4 p.m. | Sept. 22, 10 a.m | Sept. 23, 11 a.m.
Where: Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd.
Admission: Free | More info
Your arts & entertainment hub
• Connect with ASC’s Charlotte Culture Guide for an up-to-date listing of arts and cultural events and attractions in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
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