Community Calendar

These monthly mini pop-up art sales offer original works by Native American artists, perfect for gifts or your personal art collection!

The March market features canned goods and beadwork by Shannon George (Catawba Nation) and jewelry by Dakota Little Hawk Simerly (PAIA Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation SC).

Admission is free and open to the public!

Celebrate youth creativity at Charlotte Center for the Arts' inaugural Youth Arts Festival on Friday, March 21st from 1:00-5:00 PM at Stumptown Park in Matthews! This free, family-friendly event features live performances by talented young artists, interactive art-making activities, gallery exhibitions of student artwork and more! Enjoy diverse performances including music, dance, and theater, plus hands-on art stations for all ages led by professional teaching artists. The festival includes food trucks and spaces for both scheduled performances and spontaneous creative expression. Perfect for families, arts educators, and anyone who values youth development through the arts.
Youth Arts Festival Presented by Charlotte Center for the Arts is sponsored by Culture Blocks— a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County.

Don’t miss the third annual StrEATs Uncorked presented by NC Wine! This lively, walk-around tasting experience celebrates North Carolina’s thriving wine industry, complete with live music and bites inspired by the state’s favorite cuisines: farm-to-table, meat-and-three, and barbecue. Expect: Tastes from wines from award-winning North Carolina vineyards Dishes from Charlotte chefs showcasing North Carolina’s signature flavors Live music from The Agave Brothers Conversations with winery representatives To wrap up the night, purchase your favorite wines to take home!

Firefest is two-day celebration of glass, ceramics, and metal arts, April 3 & 4 at Starworks! The lively event brings together esteemed artists and visitors from across the state for live demonstrations, hands-on activities, exhibitions, artist talks, and dramatic fiery finales. The event will also feature food trucks, live music, and more.

Admission is $10/day with kids 12 and under admitted for free. Hands on workshops require additional registration and payment. Tickets and workshop registration available at StarworksNC.org

Hosted by Starworks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Firefest supports the organization’s year-round mission to promote community and economic development by providing outstanding artistic educational programs.

Charlotte’s premier tasting experience is back, marking 5 delicious years. Tickets are on sale now!

This April, savor signature bites from Charlotte’s best locally-owned restaurants, sip on craft cocktails created by our top mixologists, and enjoy chef cooking demos, all while taking in the gorgeous skyline views of First Ward Park, the festival’s new home!

Tickets are all-inclusive.

Upgrade to VIP: VIP ticket holders receive one-hour early entry at 11 a.m., the 2026 StrEATs Cookbook presented by Piedmont Natural Gas featuring recipes from participating restaurants, and a StrEATs goody bag.

Mark your calendar for the fifth annual Charlotte StrEATs Festival, held in partnership with Charlotte SHOUT! This FREE event celebrates Charlotte’s incredible culinary scene. To help us create the best experience possible, we ask attendees to register in advance.

What to Expect:
Neighborhood Cook-off Battles
Watch as chefs go head-to-head in an exciting culinary showdown to claim the title of StrEATs Neighborhood Champion.

Artisan Market
Shop a carefully curated selection of the city’s top culinary vendors.

Cocktail Demonstrations + Tastings
Taste craft cocktails created by Charlotte’s top mixologists. 21+ only. Pre-sale wristbands will go on sale closer to the event and will also be available for purchase at the event.

Food Trucks
Enjoy Charlotte's top food trucks!

Picnic Baskets
Pre-order a picnic basket curated by Charlotte's best caterers. More details to be announced soon. Pre-order will open in March.

For the most up-to-date information and full schedule, visit: cltstreatsfestival.com

Join us for an afternoon of carnival games, face painting, balloon animals, treats, and performances as well as raffles and a silent auction to support the Gender Education Network (GEN)!

FestivALL is more than a fundraiser. It is a celebration of belonging. It is a day where the kids that we serve are surrounded by people who see them, celebrate them, and believe in their right to grow up safe and loved.

Your support of FestivALL helps GEN continue offering affirming events, family meet-ups, and educational resources that remind our kids, and their caregivers, that they are supported by a larger, caring community. Every gathering we host is intentionally designed to foster connection, confidence, and joy, even when the world outside feels overwhelming.

The Gender Education Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that exists to support and affirm trans and gender-diverse children—especially those under 12—by providing compassionate, evidence-informed education and resources to families, educators, and communities. We work to create a world where every child is celebrated for who they are and surrounded by informed, loving support.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Got Soul Festival Returns to Charlotte: Where Music, Culture, and Community Give Back
An Outdoor Festival Set for April 18, 2026, at The Mint Museum Randolph
CHARLOTTE, N.C. —The Got Soul Festival will take place Saturday, April 18, 2026, on the green at The Mint Museum Randolph, offering an elevated, adults-only experience centered on soulful music and meaningful giving.
Bring your own food and lawn chairs or choose from one of the curated food and beverage experiences, creating a relaxed and enjoyable outdoor setting.
The outdoor festival will run from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will benefit local nonprofit organizations that support children and families in need. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Freedom Within Walls, Do Greater Charlotte, and Families Forward.
Expect select retail vendors and a vibrant atmosphere designed for adults who appreciate great music and community connection.
This year’s Got Soul Festival will feature live performances by:
Grammy Award-Winning Artist Quinn (of Blackstreet) with The Jukebox Band
The Harvey Band
The event will be emceed by WBTV Anchors Shevaun Bryan and Dalfred Jones.
Event Details:
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Mint Museum Randolph (rain or shine)
Cost: Tickets start at $100 on sale now
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.CLTGotSoul.com.
The Got Soul Festival is hosted by the South Charlotte Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., continuing its commitment to service, leadership, and community impact.
For Questions or Booking Contact:
PR@CLTGotSoul.Com