Massive FOMO block party returns to Uptown
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FOMO returns to Uptown Thursday, Sept. 17. Photo: Courtesy of David Landinez
FOMO, aka fear of missing out, is what you might experience if you haven't attended this weekday Uptown event, centered around art, culture and community.
Why it matters: Thousands of people have turned out for FOMO, and Thursday is your last chance to experience the block party in 2026 or you'll have to wait until next year.
Context: Makayla Binter, who's behind Charlotte Is Creative, and Dammit Wesley, known for local events like Boileryard Brunch and Durag Fest, started FOMO Museum Block Party in 2023 to get people out to experience art while the Mint Museum and Bechtler Museum were simultaneously hosting major exhibits featuring Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
- They imagined a few hundred people might attend. Instead, about 1,200 people showed up the first night. When they brought it back, attendance jumped to roughly 2,500, and by last year they saw 10,000 people take over the streets of Uptown.
- "Events like this exist in other cities. Charlotte deserves to have the same spaces," Binter said, adding that FOMO helps people realize they can engage with local arts institutions more often. "I think we're kind of just a flashlight to remind people to explore their arts scene."
Zoom in: FOMO typically happens twice a year — once in the spring during Charlotte SHOUT! and once around the time of the Charlotte International Arts Festival. But with the arts festival not returning this year, the team is partnering with Charlotte Center City Partners to take over Uptown Live instead.
- This year, the team is using FOMO's growing reach to connect people with causes and organizations beyond the arts. The League of Women Voters will be on site to help people register to vote, alongside nonpartisan local nonprofits like ourBRIDGE for Kids, which focuses on immigration and food insecurity.
- "It's an opportunity to get informed, get connected with the boots-on-the-ground organizations who could use the volunteers, the support and then also put it into action," Binter said.
What to expect: Think block party meets arts festival. Expect hands-on art activities with Upcycle Arts, photo and content ops, a charm bar, music from local DJs like Touch Grass' organizer and more.
- About 15 food and drink vendors will participate, including local favorites like Manolo's Bakery and Mad Dash. Multiple bars in the Fifth Street District will be open and activated for the night.
If you go: FOMO is free to attend at Truist Center Plaza (214 N Tryon St.) from 5–11pm, and bars and venues along Fifth Street will keep the party going until 2am.
- You can park in the Truist Center deck (closest option), the deck connected to Basil (Avenue Condominiums), the Fifth Third deck or the deck next to The Daily Tavern.
