By bERNIE pETIT

Spring festival season is here!

Over the next several weeks, greenspaces and greenways throughout Mecklenburg County are being transformed into hubs of arts, science, history and heritage activity. And – thanks to the return of Charlotte SHOUT! – so is uptown Charlotte.

The 17-day festival, presented by Atrium Health and Bank of America, launched March 29 and runs through April 14. The annual event celebrates Charlotte’s creativity and innovation through art, music, food, and ideas. 

This year, ASC is an official Charlotte SHOUT! sponsor. ASC is supporting musical performances at the Pianodrome, the country’s first and only amphitheater made entirely from upcycled pianos. These activities, which include a series of intimate acoustic performances, take place at Charlotte’s historic Grace A.M.E. Zion Church. Past ASC grantee Ethan Uslan performs April 4th.

ASC is also joining with Society at 229 at Brooklyn Collective CLT to offer a selection of cultural events for the entire community to enjoy. Upcoming events include a Local Musical Talent showcase (April 3rd), a Jazz N Blues performance (April 4th), a celebration of Cuban Heritage (April 5th), Local Spoken Word Artists (April 10th) and “Shout Outs!” to Liberian (April 11th) and Indian (April 12th) cultures.

Another SHOUT! highlight is the abundance of performances and presentations featuring Charlotte-Mecklenburg area creatives who have been supported by ASC, including:

• Inaugural ASC Founders Grant recipient Dammit Wesley will be featured at Creative Mornings/Charlotte at Victoria Yards (April 12).
• Jonathan Grauel – one of five local artists creating new banners for the iconic uptown “Wind Sculpture – and Tina Alberni have designed eggs for the Easter Eggs on Parade display at The Green.
• Past ASC Emerging Creators Fellowship recipient Kenya Templeton performs twice – April 6th at the Pianodome and with Ghost-Notes April 14 at First Ward Park.
• TuxedoCat (also known as Katlyn Cornelius, a 2023 ASC Artist Support Grant recipient) has a Puddle Painting residency through April 13 at the Uptown Imaginarium in the Overstreet Mall.
• Gordon Holliday (ROOLE), an inaugural ASC SEED Grant recipient, is one of the artists for SHOUT! Chic’s Fashion Row at Overstreet Mall.
• Oliver Lewis, who participated in ASC’s Going Public cohort, is the artist behind the “Double Vision” installation at First Ward Park.

ASC supports community festivals throughout the year, primarily through Cultural Vision Grants that fund cultural programming that builds community or demonstrates relevant cultural expression in neighborhoods and towns across Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

Here’s a look at more upcoming festivals to look forward to this spring, several which feature individual creatives and organizations supported by your investment in ASC.

CHARLOTTE LATINO FILM FESTIVAL
When: April 4-14.
Where: The Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh St., Charlotte.
What’s Happening: The film festival includes 11 award-winning films from Latin America and Spain, including a feature film made in North Carolina, as well as a series of pre-screening receptions, talkbacks and parties.
Admission: $10-$17 per ticket for films; free admission to special events not attached to a film screening, advance registration may be required.

LAVAGEM CELEBRATION
When: April 11-14.
Where: Mint Museum Uptown.
What’s Happening: The four-day event is a celebration of African-Brazilian, Indigenous and African diasporan cultures. Master teachers from Brazil will arrive to Charlotte to share the symbologies of the dances of the Orixás, Capoeira, Samba roots, Samba Afro, Afro dance and Silvestre technique. 
Admission: Free.

THE CHARLOTTE FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20.
Where: St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 1510 E. 7th St., Charlotte.
What’s Happening: A celebration of folk music presented by the Charlotte Folk Society. This family-friendly festival features two stages with local bands performing all day. Plus, there will be vendors, workshops and beer/food trucks.
Admission: $10.

LOCH NORMAN HIGHLAND GAMES AND SCOTTISH FESTIVAL
When: April 20-21.
Where: Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville.
What’s Happening: Visitors can enjoy traditional Scottish music and dance performances, athletic competitions, cultural demonstrations, Scottish food trucks, Celtic vendors, historical reenactments and educational presentations about Scottish history and culture. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the events and competitions and there are activities for all ages, including a children’s area.
Admission: Tickets start at $12.

BOOM CHARLOTTE
When: April 26-28.
Where: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd., Charlotte.
What’s Happening: Expect a multifaceted and immersive art experience with an eclectic mix of dance, music, theatre, poetry, visual art, film and more. BOOM consists of two distinct parts: BOOM Fringe, original edgy/experimental art performed in intimate settings; and BOOM Intersection, a broad range of art performed on a central stage, plus interactive installations and activities. Read about how BOOM Charlotte’s marketplace is expanding its economic impact. 
Admission: Free for Intersection performances, events, installations and activities. Ticketed Fringe performances are $13 each; a festival pass for five performances is $50.

ART ON THE GREEN
When: April 27-28.
Where: Main Street and town green in downtown Davidson.
What’s Happening: The North Mecklenburg festival brings thousands of people to Davidson to enjoy art, live music and food. The juried art festival features booths filled with art works from artists throughout the region. The weekend also includes musical performances by a variety of local talents and a host of food choices from on-site vendors and area restaurants.
Admission: Free.

REGIONAL FESTIVAL OF INDIA @ MATTHEWS
When: 12 p.m. Saturday, April 27.
Where: Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews.
What’s Happening: This is a one-day event in an open setting in downtown Matthews, with focus on live Indian dance performances. The outdoor festival will also include a visual art gallery and kids’ interactive art corner, an Indian food court and souvenir bazaar, plus henna tattoos, saree wearing and turban tying.
Admission: Free.

‘TAWBA WALK ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27.
Where: Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St., Cornelius
What’s Happening: ‘Tawba walk festivities include two stages of live bands, more than 100 local artists, craftsmen and vendors, local craft breweries, multiple food truck courts, a kid zone, street art and live demonstrations, games, giveaways and more.
Admission: Free.

14TH ANNUAL KINGS DRIVE ART WALK
When: May 4-5.
Where: Little Sugar Creek Greenway on Kings Drive, 600 S. Kings Dr., Charlotte.
What’s Happening: Presented by Festival in the Park, the annual event focuses on fine and emerging artists. Dozens of artists, ranging from clay and metal to mixed media and painting, will have their work on display and available for purchase. There will also be crafts, music and family entertainment.
Admission: Free.

HELLO HUNTERSVILLE MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
When: 1 p.m. Sunday, May 5.
Where: Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Rd., Huntersville.
What’s Happening: The event will be filled with local food trucks, beverage vendors, unique art and craft vendors, art stations, whimsical characters and more. Bring your lawn chair and/or blanket to enjoy performances on the IceHouse Stage.
Admission: Free.

BEACHFEST MATTHEWS
When: May 10-11.
Where: Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews.
What’s Happening: The beach-themed event will include music, carnival rides, shag dancing, arts and crafts vendors, craft beer and exhibitors.
Admission: Free; tickets and wristbands will be sold for carnival rides. 

THE CHARLOTTE DRAGON BOAT AND ASIAN FESTIVALS
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11.
Where: Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Rd., Cornelius; parking available at 8900 North Pointe Executive Park, Huntersville.
What’s Happening: The family-oriented event, which takes place during National Asian Heritage Month, celebrates Asian cultures, diversity, ethnicity, roots and history. The event is highlighted by the annual Dragon Boat races featuring dozens of community teams. There will also be a variety of cultural exhibits, stage performances, food and vendors.
Admission: Free.

PINEVILLE ARTS IN THE PARK
When: 10 a.m. May 18.
Where: Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Dr., Pineville.
What’s Happening: The family oriented outdoor festival will feature local arts, crafts, entertainment, musicians, food trucks and a children’s art show.
Admission: Free.

THE JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL OF THE CAROLINAS
When: June 13-16.
Where: Intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and The Plaza, Charlotte.
What’s Happening: The annual festival commemorates the end of slavery in America with music, entertainment and arts and crafts.
Admission: Free.