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9 things to do in Charlotte this weekend

Festival in the Park returns for its 60th year plus cultural festivals all around the city.

Blue and Bingo Dance Bluey and her sister dance on stage (Darren Thomas/Craig Boleman)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Events for September 20-22, 2024:

Festival in the Park (Freedom Park), Friday to Sunday: It’s been a Charlotte tradition for 60 years. Celebrating the people and the art of our community, Festival in the Park returns for a huge milestone with 200 vendors and over 60 hours of live performances surrounding the lake. You can even catch performances that are part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival. Come hungry as dozens of delectable food vendors will be on-site with local favorites and food trucks. Admission is free.

Festival In The Park returning to Charlotte for 60th year The festival is happening at Freedom Park this week.

Space Explorers: The Infinite (Blume Studios), opening Friday: Blast off on an interstellar adventure right here in Charlotte. As part of the brand-new Blume Studios facility located near Uptown, Space Explorers: The Infinite is the first production to take over the former warehouse, showcasing the endless possibilities inside. Space Explorers is an immersive experience that incorporates VR to take guests to the International Space Station. Get breathtaking views of Earth with 360-degree videos captured from space. Tickets start at $29.99

UNC Charlotte International Festival (Barnhardt Student Activity Center), Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: No need for your passport for this international adventure. Head to UNC Charlotte for a colorful marketplace representing cultures from over 35 nations with arts, crafts and costumes. Enjoy traditional music and performances throughout the day, as well as cuisine from around the world. The festival is open to the public. Parking and admission are free.

Charlotte Fall Beer Festival (1518 Monford Drive, Charlotte), Saturday 1 to 4 p.m.: Discover the best brews from our local craft beer scene. Enjoy unlimited samples from over 20 breweries where you might just discover a new favorite. Make your voice heard to vote for the best fall beer and cider. Food trucks will be on-site along with games, activities and live music. Tickets start at $25. 21 and over only.

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HBCU Jollof Rice Festival (Johnson C. Smith University), Saturday 1 to 6 p.m.: It’s all about the beloved West African dish for this festival. Feast on some of the best Jollof dishes Charlotte has to offer while enjoying live Afrobeat music, chef demonstrations and fun activities. Admission starts at $10.

University City Wine Festival (Shoppes at University Place), Saturday 2 to 7 p.m.: Raise a glass for your chance to sample wines from around the world. Here you’ll find over 100 wines to try from over two dozen wineries. But it’s not just wine, you’ll also get to try local craft beers, cider and cocktails while enjoying the view of the University City lake and boardwalk. Tickets start at $35. 21 and over only.

Bluey’s Big Play (Belk Theater), Saturday & Sunday: Bluey jumps from the screen to the stage in an exciting live adventure for the whole family. Join the Heelers as Bluey and Bingo try to get Dad out for a fun afternoon filled with games and music. World-class puppeteers bring the TV show to life with original music and the characters you love. Five shows only. Tickets start at $29.50.

CLTure’s CIAF Day and Night Market (Ballantyne’s Backyard), Sunday noon to 9 p.m.: Celebrate Charlotte’s diverse Asian community with a brand-new festival filled with food, arts and entertainment. You’ll find delicious bites from local favorites like Banh Mi Brothers, SipCha, VJ’s Chicken Inasal and more. Enjoy cultural performances, martial art demos, a lantern crafting station and plenty of art by Asian artists in our community. Admission is free.

Tricks and Treats/Oktoberfest (Carowinds), now open: Before the sun goes down, experience a brand-new family-friendly Halloween event before the park transforms into SCarowinds. From spooky activities for kids to costume contests and trick-or-treating, take part in Halloween fun without the scares. For the adults, experience Oktoberfest with authentic German food, specialty beverages and entertainment. Admission to these two events, plus SCarowinds is included with a daily admission.

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Looking ahead:

UNCF Walk for Education (Symphony Park), October 5:Get those laces ready for the inaugural UNCF Charlotte Walk for Education to kick off the HBCU homecoming season. Funds raised will help benefit local students attending HBCUs in North Carolina.

Have an event you want to submit? I’m always looking for things to do around Charlotte. Send me your event to Carmichael.Cruz@WBTV.com.

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