Free show will celebrate music in Uptown ahead of Lovin' Life Music Fest

Catch up quick: Lovin' Life returns to Uptown May 2–4 after a successful inaugural year in 2024. Headliners include Pitbull, Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, Weezer, Dave Matthews Band and Teddy Swims.

• Last year's festival pumped $32 million into the local economy.

Go deeper: Your ultimate guide to Lovin' Life Music Fest 2025

What to expect: Lovin' Local Uptown is scheduled for May 1 at 6pm. Victoria Yards has the capacity for 500 people, show organizers tell Axios.

• Ax and the Hatchetmen will headline the show. The band's lead singer, Axel Ellis, is also in The Runarounds, who will perform at Lovin' Life on Saturday, May 3.
• The show will also feature Charlotte indie artists Junior Astronomers and Natalie Carr. Carr performed Lovin' Life last year.
• Although the show is free, tickets will need to be reserved on Eventbrite.

• There will be food and drinks available for purchase.

Between the lines: This is not an official pre-show for Lovin' Life, but what Music Everywhere CLT leaders say they saw as an opportunity to spotlight music in Charlotte.

• Music Everywhere CLT is an initiative of Charlotte Center City Partners, which is a sponsor of Lovin' Life.

What's next: Music Everywhere CLT recently announced the dates for Confluence 2025, which will run Oct. 8-10 at various locations throughout Charlotte.

Go deeper: Charlotte is becoming a music destination