Festival in the Park (www.FESTIVALinthePARK.org ) returns for its 57th year in Freedom Park September 24 – 26 with a diverse offering of live performances, food and drink — and more than 120 artisans displaying their works.
As has been the tradition for more than a half-century, the Festival is offered at no cost to the public — admission
is free.
“We’re excited to bring back this event for the community,” said Mark Boone, Festival board president. “Our artists have been waiting to show off their work, as many of them have had limited opportunities to interact with patrons for the past year and a half.”
Saturday musical performances at the Freedom Park band shell include the return of the Spongetones, a perennial favorite whose repertoire includes covers of songs from the Beetles, the Who and the Rolling Stones. Sunday’s performances include pop rock performer Lisa De Novo and the R&B stylings of Nitara Reaves.
Additional weekend entertainment includes youth performers, clowns and aerial dance by Caroline Calouche and Company. Amusement rides and attractions for all ages will again return to the Festival’s Family Fun Zone. More than two dozen food vendors will add to the sensory experience at the park.
Limited parking is available for $10 at Atrium Health Myers Park at 1350 S. Kings Drive. Patrons are also encouraged to consider a ride share service, such as Uber or Lyft, with recommended drop off points at 2435 Cumberland Avenue or 1600 Princeton Avenue. The use of additional satellite parking lots has been suspended in 2021, and a shuttle van from Lynx light rail will not be operating in September.
The Festival is an all-outdoor event. Patrons and artists should follow guidance from our health officials. In areas where social distancing is more difficult, the use of masks is encouraged. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the park and artists will limit the number of patrons inside their space.
Private donors, known as “Friends of the Festival”, help cover the Festival’s cost of renting Freedom Park from Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and the hiring of off-duty Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers, Medics and Charlotte firefighters to keep patrons safe.
Named one of the nation’s top festivals by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the Festival boasts an outdoor open-air amphitheater unrivaled in the area. The Festival has also been honored as Best Charlotte Festival by Charlotte Magazine.
This project was made possible, in part, with funding from the Arts & Science Council; the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources; and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
The 2021 Festival in the Park is sponsored by BMW and Truist. The event is hosted by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation.
Piedmont Natural Gas is the 2021 Green Sponsor.
For more information on acts and activities, visit the website at www.FESTIVALinthePARK.org
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Julie Whitney Austin, Executive Director
704-338-1060
Mark Boone, Board President
704-589-1545