Uptown Charlotte is set to transform into a vibrant hub of creativity and community engagement as Charlotte SHOUT! returns from April 4 to 20, 2025. This annual festival, produced by Charlotte Center City Partners and presented by Atrium Health and Bank of America, will feature over 200 events and attractions spanning 17 days, celebrating the city's rich tapestry of art, music, food, and ideas.

Building on the success of previous years, Charlotte SHOUT! 2025 introduces innovative experiences while bringing back beloved favorites. The festival aims to surpass the 642,000 attendees and $17.1 million economic impact achieved in 2024, underscoring Charlotte's commitment to fostering cultural enrichment and community engagement.

New Experiences in 2025

This year's festival introduces several new attractions:

• CanStruction: A live competition where engineering and design industry groups create sculptures from canned food, which are later donated to Second Harvest to help feed the hungry.

• Queen’s Greens: A mini-golf course featuring nine holes with obstacles designed by local artists.

• Oracle: Larger-than-life inflatable characters that interact with visitors using AI-powered voice features.

• EdgeFest: A celebration of spray paint, local artists, and community, where artists create stunning masterpieces live.

• Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0: An interactive installation featuring glowing red-frame houses with swings, inviting visitors to engage with public spaces in a unique way.

Returning Favorites

The festival also brings back popular attractions:

• Eggs on Parade: A display of artistically designed large Easter eggs.

• Pianodrome: An amphitheater made entirely from recycled pianos, hosting concerts and lessons.

• E/motion: Interactive light-up see-saws that mimic the sensations of surging water.

• Musical Performances: Featuring dozens of Charlotte- and North Carolina-based musicians or bands in two locations, including the main stage at Victoria Yards.

Sub-Festivals

Charlotte SHOUT! encompasses three sub-festivals:

• Charlotte StrEATs (April 12–13): Celebrates local chefs and restaurants, highlighting Charlotte’s culinary scene.

• Carolina BBQ Festival (April 4–5): Features top pitmasters, live music, local vendors, and an onsite brick pit showcasing whole hog cooking.

• Charlotte Ideas Festival (April 3–8): Showcases leading thinkers and innovators discussing today’s most important topics.

Economic and Social Impact

In 2024, Charlotte SHOUT! attracted over 642,000 attendees and generated a $17.1 million economic impact for Uptown businesses. Artists, musicians, and local entrepreneurs benefited, with $650,000 paid to local creatives and 28 food trucks serving festival-goers. Additionally, 1,200 students participated in educational and artistic activities.

Organizers and Sponsors

The festival is produced by Charlotte Center City Partners, an organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the economic, social, and cultural development of Charlotte's urban core. Presenting sponsors include Atrium Health and Bank of America.

Keynote Speaker

The festival will kick off with a ticketed event on April 3 at 7:00 PM at the newly restored Carolina Theatre. The evening will conclude with a keynote speech by Noelle Russell, an industry leader in artificial intelligence, who will explore the implications and future of AI.

Charlotte SHOUT! 2025 stands as a testament to the city's dedication to celebrating and fostering its creative spirit. With a blend of new experiences and cherished traditions, the festival invites residents and visitors alike to partake in a multifaceted celebration that promises to inspire and engage all who attend.