Charlotte’s beloved Festival in the Park will return to Freedom Park this weekend for its 61st year.
From Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21, the festival will transform the park into a creative hub with over 150 exhibiting artists, nearly a thousand entertainers, and plenty of food trucks, carts, and stands. Last year, attendance reached an estimated 150,000 visitors, setting the stage for another record-breaking weekend this year.
Unlike most festivals, Freedom Park’s special lighting system allows visitors to enjoy exhibits into the night, giving the event its signature glow. Festival organizers proudly note the event’s repeated recognition, including Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events and Sunshine Artists Magazine’s 200 BEST festivals.
Featured Artists
This year’s lineup spans from nationally recognized names to rising regional stars.
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Brett Blumenthal of Charlotte, an internationally acclaimed painter and author, brings her award-winning wildlife art.
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Rey D’Alfonso of Greenville, S.C., known for his Cuban-inspired mixed media, offers bold abstract works collected across the Southeast.
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Karen Libecap of Alabama, famed for her miniature hyper-real paintings, presents pieces that have been featured widely online.
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Deona Fish, an Asheville favorite, shares her whimsical Sleepy Little Dreams series, already beloved by festivalgoers.
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Craig Dietrich, a former Navy photographer, showcases striking underwater fine-art photography printed on metal.
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Micah Mullen of Raleigh contributes his distinctive patterned cityscapes and landscapes.
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Jeff Laibson, equally known as a jazz composer and painter, exhibits colorful abstract works.
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P. Muzi Branch of Richmond, Va., brings decades of arts leadership and bold visual work.
Regional contributors such as Allen Monsarrat of Knoxville, Araik Minasyan of Charlotte, and Joel Tesch of Raleigh round out the diverse roster, ensuring a mix of established and emerging voices.
Music and Performances
The Main Stage promises a packed weekend schedule:
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Friday, September 19 — Nitara Reaves headlines with a soulful evening set (7–9 p.m.).
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Saturday, September 20 — Performances include the Charlotte Pride Band, Charlotte Youth Ballet, Ellie Morgan with a Taylor Swift tribute, and the variety band Crystal Aria.
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Sunday, September 21 — Charlotte Bluegrass Allstars, the Youth Orchestras of Charlotte, and the Hope of Israel Dancers close out the weekend.
From bluegrass to ballet, the entertainment complements the art, offering something for every taste.
A Lasting Impact
Festival in the Park has grown far beyond its beginnings in 1964. What started as a local celebration now draws artists and visitors from across the Southeast and beyond. For new attendees, the festival offers a relaxed introduction to Charlotte’s cultural life. For returning guests, it’s a chance to revisit traditions while discovering fresh talent.
With over six decades of history, the festival remains one of the Queen City’s signature events — a place where art, music, and community come together under the September sky.
