What to expect at Charlotte International Arts Festival 2025

By the numbers: More than 500,000 people experienced over 200 events representing over 60 countries at last year's festival.

What to expect: Over 200 events will take place across the city this year. Several events are free, and ticketed events start at $5.

Blume Studios will host several events:

• International Bazaar, a vendor market
• Charlotte Brunch Festival, showcasing local cuisine
• CLTure Day & Night Market, celebrating local Asian communities

Other returning festival events include:

• Festival of India
• Le Dîner en Blanc
• Boom Fringe Festival
• Latin American Festival
• Festival Biergarten (an ode to local brews)
• Nouveau Sud (a contemporary theater troupe)
• Atelier Sisu (award-winning Australian sculptors)
• Art installations from nine local Blumenthal fellows

Zoom in: There will be two festival takeover weekends.

• Sept. 13–14 will feature Charlotte Brunch Festival, CLTure Day & Night Market and International Bazaar, along with live performances by local international artists in the Iron District.

• Sept. 20–21 in Ballantyne's Backyard will feature food, music and live performances, plus the Festival of India and the Latin American Festival.

The full schedule will be available here.

What they're saying: "We began the Charlotte International Arts Festival four years ago to celebrate the incredible richness of international cultures and artists that call Charlotte home," Blumenthal CEO and president Tom Gabbard said in a statement.