This weekend, Saturday, April 30th, and Sunday, May 1st, 2016, is a great one for festivals in Charlotte! There are a bunch to choose from, mostly free, and if you plan carefully you can check out several.
Hippie Fest
Where: site of the old Eastland Mall, 5471 Central Avenue
When: Saturday, April 30th, 2016, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What: “Hundreds of North Carolina vendors, artists, food trucks and groovy vibes.” There will be a DIY tie-dye booth where you can dye your own t-shirts, a group painting project, a drum circle, massages, blacksmith demonstrations, street performers, hooping and much more.
Cost: Free to attend
Open Streets 704
Where: The approximately three mile route rolls from North Davidson Street and the NoDa area, through the Villa Heights, Optimist Park, Belmont, and First Ward neighborhoods to Memorial Stadium near CPCC.
When: Sunday, May 1st, 2016, 12 p.m.
What: Streets will closed to automobile traffic and filled with music, dance, entertainment, health activities, environmental education.
Cost: Free
International Sandwich Festival
Where: Aldersgate, 3800 Shamrock Drive
When: Saturday, April 30th, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m
What: Multi-cultural celebration of food, music, and dance.
Cost: Admission is free. Sandwiches will be available for purchases from a number of excellent and diverse vendors.
Rock the Ed Music Festival
Where: Amos’ South End, 1423 South Tryon Street
When: Saturday, April 30th, 2016, from 4 p.m. to 11:45 p.m
What: Music festival benefiting East Mecklenburg High School Foundation. Bands include Cameron Floyd Band, The Business People, Sinners & Saints, Ancient Cities, Serfs, Bombadil and Junior Astronomers.
Cost: $15. $5 for 18 and younger. Free for 6 and younger. Free for CMS teachers.
Kings Drive Art Walk
Where: Little Sugar Creek Greenway, along Kings Drive, near the Metropolitan
When: Saturday, April 30th, 2016 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 1st, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
What: Stroll along the greenway, visit artist booths and enjoy live music, aerial dancing, juggling and more.
Cost: Free
Healthy Kids Day at Johnston YMCA
Where: Johnston YMCA, 3025 North Davidson Street
When: Saturday, April 30th, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What: Police and fire fighters visit, bounce house, basketball, swimming, gardening, Zumba, more.
Cost: Free
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