May in the Charlotte area is basically one long invitation to get outside, explore, and finally ditch the winter blahs. With school winding down and sunshine heating up, it’s the perfect time to pack your weekends with fresh-air fun, live music, food trucks, and unforgettable moments with your crew.
Whether you're looking for cultural festivals, family-friendly concerts, outdoor adventures, or Memorial Day ceremonies that honor our heroes, there’s no shortage of ways to connect, celebrate, and make the most of this action-packed month.
Grab your calendar (and maybe some sunscreen) — here's your guide to the best family-friendly festivals, concerts, and events happening around Charlotte this May! 👇
Lovin’ Life Music Fest
📅 May 2–4
📍 First Ward Park, Charlotte
A three-day music festival featuring over 50 artists across three stages, including headliners like Gwen Stefani, Dave Matthews Band, and Pitbull.
Kings Drive Art Walk
📅 May 3–4
📍Little Sugar Creek Greenway: 600 South Kings Drive, Charlotte, NC
Browse local artists and enjoy the sunshine.
Best DAM Food Festival
📅 May 10
📍Catawba Park, Tega Cay
Come hungry, leave happy, and create lasting memories at the Best Dam Food Festival.
Kaleidoscope Fest
📅 May 10
📍Downtown Park, Waxhaw, NC
Fun for the family with performances, artists, chalk art, more
PGA Championship
📅 May 15–18
📍 Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte
One of golf's four major championships returns to Charlotte, featuring top players like Rory McIlroy and defending champion Xander Schauffele.
St. Philip Neri Italian Festival
📅 May 15–18
📍St. Philip Neri Church, Fort Mill, SC
Children’s parade, artisans, fun zone, live music, wine and beer tastings, bocce tournament, silent auctions.
Matthews Summerfest
📅 May 17
📍Sumptown Park, Matthews
Formerly known as beach fest, this is a staple in the town of Matthews with food trucks, music and fun for the family.
Roly Poly Fest
📅 May 17
📍Rob Wallace Park, Midland
Celebrate the Roly Poly bug, as well as springtime with this fun festival. Roly Poly Rumbles, races, rolling and bowling, as well as plenty of outdoor and nature activities.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
📅 May 17
📍 Ballantyne's Backyard, Charlotte
Enjoy a day filled with beer sampling, bourbon tasting, and delicious BBQ, along with live music and games.
Dilworth Jubilee
📅 May 17
📍 Latta Park, Charlotte
A neighborhood festival featuring live music, food trucks, a beer garden, pet parade, and kids' activities.
Japan Fest
📅 May 17–18
📍 Urban District Market, Charlotte
Celebrate Japanese culture with traditional performances, food, and crafts.
Charlotte Asian and Dragon Boat Festival
📅 May 17
📍Ramsay Creek Park at Lake Norman
This annual family-oriented event is a celebration of Asian cultures.
Cheerwine Festival
📅 May 17
📍Downtown Salisbury, NC
It’s our yearly celebration of where we’re from and all the people who make us a Uniquely Southern favorite. Join us for amazing food, lively entertainment, and all the Cheerwine you can drink!
Water Lantern Festival
📅 May 23
📍 Symphony Park, Charlotte
Experience a magical evening with floating lanterns, live music, and food trucks.
Coca-Cola 600
📅 May 25
📍 Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord
NASCAR's longest race of the season, featuring a patriotic pre-race salute and thrilling competition.
Kickoff to Summer
📅 May30
📍Town of Clover: 499 Memorial Drive, Clover, SC
Get ready to Splash Into Summer and celebrate the season’s arrival with a night full of fun at New Centre Park!
