Festival in the Park starts tomorrow in Freedom Park, expects 100,000 visitors over 3 days

The free festival features the wares of over 200 artists from all over, though many who participate are local or regional. The artists you’ll see have work available for purchase, with price points ranging depending on the artist.

Organizers tell the Agenda that the festival expects to draw more than 100,000 people this year to the 98-acre park.

The festival is free to attend and hours are Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Note that dogs aren’t allowed.

Frank Whitney, one of the festival’s volunteer organizers, says you’ll find artists working in every media imaginable, including watercolors, photography, glass, leather goods and jewelry. If you see something you like, purchase it directly from the artist whose booth you’re visiting.

Whitney explains that though many of the artists return to Festival in the Park year after year, repeat visitors will certainly see a fresh batch of new artists whose work they can enjoy. He calls Festival in the Park the “grandaddy of festivals in Charlotte” noting that it’s the oldest of the many festivals found in our city. Whitney explains the goal of the event is to promote community through the arts.

Entertainment: Beyond purchasing art, visitors can check out four entertainment stages. This includes a folk music stage, a youth variety stage (see the Youth Orchestras of Charlotte performing on Sunday), and even a Cirque stage featuring aerial and dance performances. If you’ve got kids, check out the Fun Zone, featuring pony and camel rides (these cost money).

Food situation: You’ll find a bunch of vendors with food and drinks available for purchase. They include:

• Angela’s Seafood Hut: Offering burgers, hot dogs, and wings
• Dan Good Que: Pulled pork, smoked chicken, and sides
• Gus’s Greek Foods: Gyros, chicken pitas, chicken tenders, hamburgers, and hot dogs
• Steak Boys, Inc.: Turkey legs, French fries, corn dogs, chicken fingers, and sausages
• Hungry Howie’s Pizza: Pizza by the slice
• Crabdaddy’s: Crab cake sandwiches and shrimp skewers

• Carolina Barbecue Company: Pulled pork, pulled chicken, beef brisket, and ribs

Plus if you’re in the market for carnival-style treats like huge cups of lemonade, funnel cake, and deep-fried Oreos, now’s your chance to indulge.

It’s kind of a parking nightmare, but you have a few options:

• Street parking: It’ll be hard to find a spot, but you can always park in the surrounding neighborhoods. Event organizers stress being considerate of those who live in the area and avoiding blocking their driveways during your visit.
• You can park at: CMC Myers Park (1350 S Kings Dr., Charlotte, NC 28207), Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School (3100 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209) and Myers Park Traditional School (2132 Radcliffe Ave., Charlotte, NC 28207). Expect to pay $10 per car. At Myers Park and Holy Trinity, you’ll find a free shuttle to take you to the event.
• You can take the Light Rail: There’s a shuttle running from the East/West Light Rail stop during festival hours. It’s $5 per rider or $10 per family.

As someone who’s gone before, I’d also suggest taking a Lyft/Uber there.

Happy shopping!