Festival in the Park Charlotte: 2027 dates, hours, parking

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. This page is updated each year. Facts come from Festival in the Park and its FAQ.

Festival in the Park is three days of art, crafts, music and food around the lake at Freedom Park, off East Boulevard between Dilworth and Myers Park. It began in 1964, and organizers call it Charlotte’s “Granddaddy” festival. Admission is free.

The 62nd festival ran Sept. 25-27, 2026. The 63rd Festival in the Park is Friday to Sunday, Sept. 24-26, 2027.

Key facts

• Next festival: Sept. 24-26, 2027
• Where: Freedom Park, main entrance on East Boulevard
• Cost: free; parking $20 cash in the Atrium Health lot
• Phone: 704-338-1060
• Official site: festivalinthepark.org

Dates and hours

The 2026 festival kept the same hours, Sept. 25-27, according to the festival FAQ.

How big it is

From the FAQ: about 180 artists and craft exhibitors and nearly 1,000 entertainers, on several stages around Freedom Park Lake and in the park’s band shell. Crowds used to top 85,000 a year; organizers estimated 150,000 people came in 2024. The art is juried, with at least $4,000 in awards. The festival is run by its board and volunteers with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation.

There is a Family Fun Zone and hands-on art for children, and traditional festival food: funnel cakes, gyros, bratwurst, smoothies and more.

Parking and getting there

From the directions and parking page:

• Parking lot: limited spaces for $20, cash only, at Atrium Health Myers Park in the 1900 block of East Boulevard, across from the park entrance. Open after 5 p.m. Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.
• Accessible parking: first come, first served in the Freedom Park lot on East Boulevard, with an N.C. disability placard or plate.
• Ride share: organizers suggest drop-off at 2435 Cumberland Ave. or 1600 Princeton Ave.
• Street parking: park legally and do not block driveways; police issue tickets and tow.
• From I-77: take I-277 east to the South Boulevard exit, turn left on East Boulevard, then right on Cumberland Avenue or on to the park entrance.

Park rules during the festival

• No dogs or other pets in the park during the festival, under a city ordinance; police and animal control officers write citations.
• No skateboards or roller blades. Bikes and scooters must be walked.
• No outside alcohol, and no alcohol bought at the festival may be taken out. You must be 21 with ID to drink.

The spring art walk

The same nonprofit runs the Kings Drive Art Walk on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway at 600 S. Kings Drive. The 2027 dates are Saturday, May 1, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, May 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the festival’s home page.

What to know

• Saturday is the long day, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Organizers say many football fans come on Saturday, or before a Panthers home game on Sunday; Bank of America Stadium is close by.
• Bring cash for the parking lot.
• Leave the dog at home.
• Questions: Festival in the Park, 1409 East Blvd., 704-338-1060.

More in town: parks and trails in Charlotte and fall festivals and pumpkin patches.

Frequently asked questions

When is Festival in the Park 2027?

The 63rd Festival in the Park runs Friday to Sunday, Sept. 24-26, 2027, at Freedom Park: 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Is Festival in the Park free?

Yes. The festival charges no admission. Parking in the Atrium Health Myers Park lot across East Boulevard costs $20, cash only.

Can I bring my dog to Festival in the Park?

No. Dogs are not allowed in the park during the festival under a Charlotte city ordinance. Skateboards and roller blades are banned, and bikes and scooters must be walked.

Where do you park for Festival in the Park?

Limited parking is $20, cash only, at Atrium Health Myers Park in the 1900 block of East Boulevard. Ride-share drop-off points are 2435 Cumberland Ave. and 1600 Princeton Ave.