Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets
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An aerial view of The Bowl at Ballantyne. Photo: Courtesy of Go Ballantyne
Ballantyne's event calendar is filling up for 2026, with returning festivals, outdoor concerts and even more to experience at The Bowl.
Why it matters: As the area keeps growing, its mix of live music, buzzy dining spots and green space is turning this once-corporate corner of south Charlotte into one of the city's go-to hangouts.
Here are the top food, music and wellness events happening in Ballantyne this year.
Festivals and markets
From open-air markets to beer festivals, here are six major events to sip, snack and explore your way through Ballantyne this year.
🍓 March–June, September & October: Stock up on fresh foods and artisanal goods at the Ballantyne Farmers Market the first Wednesday of each month.
- 10am–1pm | Brixham Park.
🛍️ April–November: Shop local vendors at the Bowl Street Pop-Up Market every first Saturday of the month.
- 10am-3pm | The green of The Bowl.
🍗 May 9: Try over 60 beers, more than 40 bourbons and lots of BBQ at the annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ festival.
- 12–6pm | Ballantyne's Backyard | $42.80+.
🍷 Sept. 26: Enjoy over 100 international wines, beers and spirits at the Ballantyne Wine & Food Festival.
- 12–5pm | Ballantyne's Backyard | $47.53+.
🥃 Oct. 24: Feast on open-fire cooking with curated drink pairings at the Whiskey, Wine & Fire Festival.
- 4–9pm | Ballantyne's Backyard | $42.80+.
🎄 November–December: Immerse yourself in over 1 million twinkling lights at the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular.
- Ballantyne's Backyard | Dates and hours TBA.
Go deeper: Explore the 2026 event calendar for Go Ballantyne, including resident and tenant exclusive events.
Concerts and live music
The Amp is Ballantyne's 5,000-seat outdoor hub for concerts and live music.
- The 2026 lineup is rolling out — from yacht rock to metal, here are the shows announced so far.
🎶 Apr. 11: The Spring Mix featuring Cory Wong, Snarky Puppy and Friends | Doors open 2pm | $94+.
🪕 Apr. 18: Gov't Mule and Larkin Poe | Doors open 4pm | $53+.
🎸 May 9: Cann Presents: Yacht Rock Revue | Doors open 6pm | $53+.
🤘 June 16: Claypool Gold | Doors open 4:30pm | $71+.
🎹 June 19: The String Cheese Incident | Doors open 5pm | $50+.
🎵 June 20: The Human League | Doors open 5pm | $65+.
Go deeper: Check out all of The Amp's upcoming concerts
Fitness and wellness
Ballantyne's expansive green spaces set the stage for everything from pop-up fitness classes to half marathons.
🧘♂️ April-September: Unroll your yoga mat for an outdoor workout in Brixham Park, part of Ballantyne's monthly fitness series.
🏃 Mar. 28: Come for the run and stay for the beer at the Craft Beer Half Marathon 2026.
- 8am | Brixham Park | $55 (5-miler); $85 (half marathon); virtual runner options also available.
🏃🏽♀️ May 30: Choose from an 8K, 5K or Fun Run at the 22nd Annual Run! Ballantyne.
- 7:30am | The Amp Ballantyne | $20–$60.
Go deeper: 10 ways to get outdoors in Ballantyne
Make a day of it in Ballantyne
Start with our guide to exploring Ballantyne (including The Bowl) here.
Hungry? Here are 20 ideas for where to eat.
New hotspots: PopUp Bagels, Brasserie Copain, açaí bowl cafe South Block and The Salty opened within the last year in the Bowl.
- Around the area, Dunbar Social by Topgolf opened at The Ballantyne Hotel, and Azul Tequileria & Cocina is a new addition to Ballantyne Village.
What we're watching: Reid's Fine Foods will open its fifth Charlotte-area location soon by Ballantyne Village, and artisanal pizza chain Mister O1 will open in The Bowl in the fall.