17 Festivals and Events In Charlotte During 2022

One of the best aspects of living in Charlotte is how this is something for everyone to do all year round. It helps that the Queen City is home to several major performance and sporting event venues. Our city can accommodate the thousands of visitors in town for the unique festivals and events. For residents, it means more exciting activities and entertainment options!

As we hopefully return to a more normal entertainment scene, look for some of Charlotte’s favorite festivals to come back. If you’re looking for something to do, try these top Charlotte events in 2022.

Spectrum Center

The Spectrum Center is the venue for big-name performing art acts. Join the thousands likely to buy tickets to see these performing artists stopping in Charlotte in 2022.

• Billie Eilish, February 6
• Jeff Dunham, February 10
• Eagles: Hotel California Tour, February 21
• Bad Bunny, March 26
• Journey, April 28
• Ana Gabriel, June 16
• Shawn Mendes, July 22
• TwentyOne Pilots, September 4

The Fillmore Charlotte

Themed after the original Fillmore in San Francisco, the Fillmore is a performance venue for live acts. It has a unique ambiance with magnificent chandeliers, red oak floors, and stadium seating. Here are a few of the shows scheduled in 2022 to stop at The Fillmore:

• Anderson East, January 14
• Yungblud: The Mars Tour, February 1
• Subtronics, February 5
• K. Flay, February 10
• Gin Blossoms, February 20
• Dylan Scott, March 10
• Kaleo, April 2

Blumenthal Performing Arts

Another iconic Charlotte performance venue, the Blumenthal hosts live music, drama, musical theater, and other shows on its stage. The Charlotte Symphony makes its home here at the Knight Theater. The other stages are in the Booth Playhouse and Belk Theater. Here’s a few shows stopping in during 2022.

• Fortune Feimeister, February 5
• Neil deGrasse Tyson, February 8
• Step Afrika!, February 17-19
• Patti Labelle, March 13
• Jesus Christ Superstar!, March 22-27
• Eric Johnson, April 3
• Hamilton, April 26-May 15
• Fiddler on the Roof, May 31-June 5
• Blue Man Group on Tour, July 15-17
• Hadestown, November 8-13

Rich & Bennett St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl

It’s hard to imagine a pub crawl with over 25,000 people, but it happened in 2019 in Charlotte. Rick Sanner and his friend Jeff Bennett started a renowned party business. Today, R&B hosts several holiday-themed parties throughout the year, starting with the Saint Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl. Tickets for this particular event are $10, and it includes a t-shirt. Other popular party events hosted by the event company include the Americrawl on the 4th of July, a Halloween Pub Crawl, and a New Year’s Eve Bash. All of these events require ticket purchases and for adults 21 and over. 

Music at the Met

Running from April-September, head to Midtown for this annual live concert series at The Metropolitan. Performances feature acoustic music on the patio along the Sugar Creek Greenway. Bring blankets or chairs Thursday evenings. Make an extra special evening by picking up take-away from one of the local restaurants or pack your own picnic. 

Attending Music at the Met is free. Check with the Met for a 2022 schedule of performers.

Sounds on the Square

Another free concert series that runs each Friday from May through August in Uptown. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center hosts free outdoor concerts at Spirit Square. Past years have had acts as diverse as Temperance League, Gina Robinson, and Biscuit Miller. Whether your jam is rockabilly, gospel, or jazz, you’ll find music to enjoy beneath the lights of Uptown. Check with Blumenthal Performing Arts on 2022 event plans and schedule.

Circle K Speed Street & 600 Fest

When the fast cars hit the Charlotte Motor Speedway in May, other racers head to Uptown Charlotte for the Circle K Speed Street. This family-oriented event coinciding with the 600 Festival has been going on for over 20 years. Come for the big-name concerts on the main stage. Attendees also have opportunities to engage with some of racing’s big stars, participate in interactive events, and have some racing-related fun.

The 2021 rendition of Circle K Speed Street and the 600 Festival was moved to October 2021. Check back with the 600 Festival to see if it will be in May 2022 or move to another day and time. Access to the main stage and other acts does require a ticket purchase. 

Taste of Charlotte

If you are a foodie, then you can’t miss the three-day Taste of Charlotte Festival. Hosted every year in June, the six city blocks close to vehicles and open to food vendors who will serve over 100 samples of mouth-watering options. Taste everything from biscuits to barbecue to pad thai. Coinciding with dishes from area restaurants are various performances and activities. 

Admission to the festival is free, but you’ll need cash to buy festival coins that purchase delicious dishes. You can pre-purchase these or pick them up at booths located around the festival. The 2021 event was hosted at Truist Field in October, so check back with the website to see if the Taste of Charlotte will return to Uptown in June 2022. 

Charlotte Pride Week

Over 100,000 people typically descend on Uptown during August for Charlotte Pride. During the festivities, you’ll find musicians, drag performers, and comics entertaining during the day and special parties at the scene’s local bars at night.

Much of the Pride Week festivities were postponed until October in 2021, and those that did happen more often were a hybrid of virtual and smaller in-person events. Go to the Charlotte Pride website to see their 2022 event plans.

Yiasou Greek Festival

For over 40 years, the Yiasou Greek Festival has been a cultural experience for all people. The festival features authentic Greek cuisine, homemade pastries, Hellenic cultural exhibits, entertainment, and live music and dancing. Festival attendees can also participate in wine tastings, shop the Arts and Crafts vendors, and experience other entertainment. 

The festival is at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Dilworth and typically charges a $3 admission, although children 12 and under are free. The September 2021 event was a drive-thru festival, so check back to see if the 2022 event will be a full Festival. 

Charlotte SHOUT!

After a pandemic hiatus, Charlotte SHOUT! is back for 2022. Residents best remember the 2019 festival for its giant inflatable bunny display.

This is a multi-week ultra-sensory festival that begins mid-September and runs to the beginning of October. It has hundreds of events, including concerts with local musicians, dance performances, art installations, and renowned public figures giving special chats. During the festival, local chefs serve creative dishes. Visit the website for 2022 schedule and event information.

Festival in the Park

Head to Freedom Park for a three-day outdoor Art Festival. By 2022, the Festival in the Park will be in its 58th year of showcasing creations from over 200 artists and vendors. The festival is accompanied by live music, food concessions, and art installations. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere and is a family-friendly event with children’s activities.

The 2022 Festival is scheduled for September 16-18. The festival kicks off on Fridays at 4 pm and runs until 9 pm. Saturday runs from 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. You can find the schedule of performances on the website. Admission is free for all. 

Breakaway Music Festival

After almost two years without in-person music performances, the Breakaway Music Festival promises an epic line-up of leading musical artists. Hosted at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the festival occurs the first weekend of October. In 2021, two-day passes begin at $105. Check back in during 2022 to see which artists they have booked and for ticket packages. 

Hola Charlotte

This is the city’s largest Hispanic and Latin American culture event, celebrating the heritage of 15 Latin American countries. The Hola Charlotte Festival is in Uptown Charlotte off Tryon Street. The festival includes a parade, live music performances from acclaimed Latin American bands and artists, Latin cuisine, and family-friendly activities. Visit the Latin American Cultural Village, where various countries probably display authentic items from their native lands. 

The 2022 Festival will be the 10th annual event. It is typically held during National Hispanic Heritage Month in the fall. Refer back to the website for information on the 2022 Festival. 

Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Charlotte Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition dates back to the 1940s. USA Today has ranked it as one of the 10 Best Holiday Parades in the nation. In 2021, the parade changed to a nighttime event that ran the day before Thanksgiving. The route goes down Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte. Check back for information on the 2022 parade. 

Carowinds Winterfest

A totally immersive winter attraction, the popular theme park on the Carolina border is dazzling under thousands of holiday lights and delights. Wander around while serenaded by carolers and holiday music. The nightly Wonderland Parade is brilliant, with decorated floats, music, and performers. Drop off letters for Santa and play holiday-themed games.

Winterfest begins mid-November and runs until January 2. Check the Carowinds website for updated admission pricing.

Charlotte Christmas Village

Charlotte Christmas Village runs from after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. The annual tradition is a partnership between the Charlotte Knights for Light the Knights at Truist Field. Here you will find a traditional Christmas Village serving a European menu with bratwurst, schnitzel, and strudel. You’ll also be able to try the popular win, hot cider, hot chocolate, and other libations. Unique handmade gifts and live entertainment are available.

Walkthrough the ballpark transformed into Christmas Tree Lane in the snow-tastic Winter Wonderland lit up by thousands of lights, trees, and holiday displays.

Admission can be purchased in advance or at the stadium box office. Charlotte Christmas Village is open during the day and evening. Light the Knights is only available during the evenings. Ticket prices vary according to the time and date, as well as admission to one attraction or both attractions. As an example, admission to Light the Knights started at $10 per person. A Holiday Wonder Season Pass in 2021 cost $35 per person. 

Charlotte Events for 2022

As you can see, we have a jam-packed year of excitement ahead. These festivals and events are just a small taste of what’s happening in Charlotte during 2022. Stay tuned for more announcements about music performances from big-name artists, professional sporting events, and the carnivals coming to Charlotte in 2022.

For more about things to do in Charlotte or living in the Queen City, visit the EZ Home Search blog.