CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Charlotte will be rockin’ this weekend with the Lovin’ Life Music Fest, Kendrick Lamar & SZA and where you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
9 things to do in Charlotte this weekend is part of our new newsletter The Go Guide! Every week, get the scoop on the latest events and happenings around Charlotte right in your inbox. To subscribe, make sure to check “The Go Guide” in our newsletter page.
Here’s a list of things to do the weekend of May 2-4, 2025:
Lovin’ Life Music Fest (First Ward Park), Friday to Sunday: It’s finally here! The Lovin’ Life Music Fest makes its grand return after a successful first year. With names like Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, Dave Matthews Band and over 50 more acts, it’s one of Charlotte’s biggest weekends with music, art and food. WBTV is the official media sponsor for the Lovin’ Life Music Fest, we’ll take you inside all weekend long on our social media, QC Life and WBTV News. Single day tickets and weekend passes are still available.
---> More: 2025 Lovin’ Life Music Fest in Charlotte: Full lineup and schedule, ticket info, parking, more
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South Carolina Strawberry Festival (Walter Elisha Park), Friday & Saturday: What’s sweeter than a strawberry in springtime? An entire festival dedicated to the luscious fruit. Just a short drive away in Historic Fort Mill, the annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival is a delicious destination ripe with berry fun activities, food and entertainment. Take a bite out of unique creations like strawberry pickles, deep fried strawberries and the famous strawberry ice cream. Admission is free, parking is $10 per vehicle.
Kings Drive Art Walk (Little Sugar Creek Greenway), Saturday & Sunday: Returning for its 15th year, the Kings Drive Art Walk takes over the Little Sugar Creek Greenway for a weekend of fine art and emerging artists. Walk along the scenic greenway as you discover handcrafted works by over 100 local artists from watercolors to photography, glasswork and more. Strolling musicians will fill the air with delightful sounds as you shop. The art walk is open at 11 a.m. each day, closing at 6 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.
Bowl in Bloom (Bowl at Ballantyne), Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Spring is in full bloom and so is the Bowl at Ballantyne. Celebrate the vibrant colors of the season with a pop-up market, a build-your-own-bouquet station, and plenty of decorated photo opportunities. Admission is free.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Camp North End), Saturday 3 p.m.: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Boileryard at Camp North End. Enjoy the sounds of live mariachi and performances by Julio & Rafa, Los Acoustic Guys and more. You won’t want to miss the beautiful ballet folklorico by Julio Ruiz. Of course, no celebration is complete without authentic cuisine, so get ready to dine, drink and dance. Admission is free.
Kendrick Lamar & SZA (Bank of America Stadium), Saturday 7 p.m.: After an epic headlining halftime show performance at the Super Bowl earlier this year, the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper is bringing his “Grand National Tour” to Charlotte’s biggest stadium. Lamar will be co-headlining with Grammy Award-winner SZA, who performed with him at the Super Bowl and have collaborated on several songs together throughout their careers including “All The Stars” and “Doves in the Wind.” Tickets start at $150.
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NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience (Belk Theater), Saturday 8 p.m.: Watch the beloved anime come to life on the big screen. Experience a two-hour montage of the most iconic scenes from the show’s 220 episodes. Hear Toshio Masuda’s original score performed live and relive Naruto’s journey to become Hokage. Tickets start at $46.
Star Wars: A New Hope (Carolina Theatre), Sunday 2 p.m.: May the 4th be with you. It’s Star Wars Day at the newly reopened Carolina Theatre. Come in costume and join Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and friends to watch the 1977 movie that started it all. Whether you come as a Jedi, Stormtrooper or Darth Vader, arrive early to take themed pictures and take part in the costume contest. Tickets are $16.
Cinco de Mayo Charlotte (Symphony Park), Sunday 1 to 7 p.m.: It’s a fiesta in the Queen City! Cinco de Mayo Charlotte returns to Symphony Park to celebrate Charlotte’s growing Mexican community. Get ready to dance at the main stage with this year’s headliners, including Boyz of Kumbia, Sonora Dinamita and more. Come hungry because you’ll find some of the best Mexican food in town, and if you’re up for a challenge, you can take part in the churro eating contest. Admission is free.
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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