The very popular festival Matthews Alive is returning in 2024! It will take place at Stumptown Park, at the corner of John and Trade Streets in Historic Downtown Matthews, from Friday, August 30, to Monday, September 2, 2024.
The annual festival, a Charlotte area Labor Day weekend tradition, is dedicated to the support of local non-profit organizations through music, arts and community involvement.
The festival features three stages of live music, rides, games, the Small Shops (formerly Arts & Crafts Pavilion), food and drink vendors, a kids’ zone, and a Labor Day parade.
Admission is free. Tickets are required for the carnival rides, games, and inflatable attractions, and can be purchased on-site. An “all you can ride” wristband is available on Friday, starting at 4 p.m.
Hours of Matthews Alive
- Friday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (rides open at 4 p.m., with “all you can ride” wristband)
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (parade at 9:30 a.m.)
- Sunday: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Monday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kids Connection
There will be kid-friendly entertainment on the kids’ stage, and, surrounding the stage will be plenty of fun, including a ninja mobile course and fun size equipment.
Friday Highlights
- Beach Night on the Main Stage
- Live music: Randy Clay Band
- Live music: Too Much Sylvia
- All-you-can-ride wristband night at the carnival (starting 4 p.m.)
Saturday Highlights
- The Labor Day Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. It’s one of the largest Labor Day parades in the Southeast.
- Kids’ Connection, Kids’ Stage and Small Shops open
- Mixtape Side A — various genres of music on the Main Stage
- Headliner: Forever Seger, a Bob Seger tribute band
Sunday Highlights
- Mixtape Side B — various genres of music on the Main Stage
- Headliner: Don Jovi, a Bon Jovi tribute band
Monday Highlights
- Low-Key Vibes on the Main Stage, with Asheville Junction and Wonder Free
- Music in Matthews Community Center, with Letron Brantley, Colby Dobbs and Dante Lewis
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