How to experience Charlotte’s premier event: Festival in the Park

For the uninitiated, here’s what you can expect to see this weekend in Freedom Park:

What is this Festival in the Park you speak of?

Festival in the Park is essentially Charlotte’s take on a county fair, but with a focus on local arts instead of providing economic stimulus to carnies. It’s part art show, part arts market, part concert, part kid’s fair, part carnival, and all fantastic. The event totally engulfs Freedom Park, which serves as the perfect setting, especially on a cool evening in the early-Fall. Mmmmmmm, Fall.

Why should I go?

• It’s a Charlotte institution. Festival in the Park has been around since 1964. That’s older than SouthPark Mall, Bank of America Corporate Center, and the Gold Line streetcar!
• Everyone Goes. According to festivalinthepark.org, roughly 120,000 people went to the three day event last year. Sweet sassy molassey that’s a lot of people eating funnel cake.
• It’s got something for everyone. Do you like art? Music? Rides? Stuff for kids? Food that tastes delicious but is terrible for you? People-watching? Parks? Free stuff? Walking? Great! You’re going to have an awesome time.
• It’s totally free. It costs nothing to show up, but you’ll want to bring some cash for food or art, because…
• It’s a great introduction to local artists. There are more than 180 artisans that will exhibit and make their art available for sale. Not all of them are from Charlotte, but many are, and it’s a great way to be introduced to the community.

• The view at night is breathtaking. If your schedule allows, make sure to go Friday or Saturday evening to look across the lake at the tents and booths lit up across the water. In a city with little elevation and few natural vistas, this view is one of the best in all of Charlotte, and it’s only available two nights a year. Make the most of it.

Ok, I’m convinced, what are the essentials?

• Dates: Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27
• Location: Freedom Park (1900 East Boulevard, in case you somehow have never been)

• Hours: Friday 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Parking: Below is the map of satellite parking locations. For more info on parking and direction, check out the official Festival in the Park website.

Thanks! Do you have some tips for first-time attendees?

Sure do! Your old pal TW doesn’t want you making the same mistakes that he did. So here you go:

• Bring cash. There are ATMs, but they’re the usurious ones that charge you a hefty service fee. Some vendors might take cards but many don’t.
• Plan on buying some art. We basically have a room in our house dedicated to David French’s artwork thanks to Festival in the Park. I can virtually guarantee you’ll see something there that you’ll want to buy.
• Don’t even think about parking close. It’s not going to happen. Pay the $10 for one of the satellite lots or park along the greenway around Kings Drive and walk.
• If your plan is, “Hey, I’ll go to the Festival then mosey on up to Big Daddy’s or the Mayobird for a quick bite,” well guess what muchacho you’re about to be joined by 400 of your closest friends who had the exact same idea at the exact same time. It’s a good plan, but be prepared to wait for a while. Those places will be slammed.
• Dogs and bikes are not allowed, so leave Sprinkles and your BMX at home. No art for them.

I’ll see you there. Holler at us if you go by tagging @charlotteagenda on Twitter or Instagram in any pictures you take.

(Photo credit: All images via http://www.festivalinthepark.org/)