7 Can’t-Miss Sights and Activities at the Charlotte SHOUT! Festival
April 4, 2024
Guest Article: Charlotte SHOUT!
by Rick Thurmond
On now through April 14 in Uptown Charlotte, Charlotte SHOUT! is the region’s largest arts festival. There’s so much to see and do that it’s hard to know where to start – so, we made this handy guide just for WDAV listeners!
First Ward Park (Zone 1)
This area is home to the Ally Main Stage and several interactive art installations. It is in close proximity to the stage at the amazing art-filled Victoria Yards, the Market at 7th Street food hall, and ImaginOn. You could spend the entire day here and still want to come back for more.
The SHOUT Lounge and Hub at 200 S. College St. (Zones 2 & 3)
The SHOUT! Lounge is your one-stop shop for information and—bonus!—you can take a gander at some incredible artwork by CMS students. The Lounge is also the gateway to the new Charlotte SHOUT! Hub, located in Overstreet Mall directly above. There, you’ll find pop-up art galleries, works by some seriously talented local fashion designers, and opportunities for hands-on artistic expression. You’ll also be steps away from the Spray Jam at Luminous Lane, where dozens of local artists are transforming blank building facades with their unique art styles.
Levine Avenue and The Green (Zone 5)
Best enjoyed late afternoon into the evening, do not miss Sonic Runway, 350 feet of lit-up soundwaves that you can walk through. Street performers will wander through regularly with interactive and entertaining presentations. And if you’re in the mood for an egg hunt, 13 larger-than-life eggs designed by local artists decorate The Green, a pocket park across the street.
Nightingale and the Tower, feat. Sonic Butterfly
Sonic Butterfly, a harp with 60-foot strings, stretches over crowds, immersing them in a musical tale about hope in a dystopian future. See this electro-acoustic chamber opera by Rebecca Comerford at First Ward Park Friday, April 5 at 8:30 p.m.
The Pianodrome at Grace A.M.E Zion Church
This intimate, unique concert venue, housed inside the gorgeous and historic Grace A.M.E Zion Church, is the country’s first and only amphitheater made entirely of upcycled pianos. Musical performances will take place daily and most nights as well. WDAV’s sold-out Recording Inclusivity Initiative recital An Afternoon of Song will be held in the Pianodrome Sunday, April 14 at 4 p.m. – join the waitlist here!
Live music at the Ally Main Stage
A diverse mix of local and national headliners will take the stage Thursdays through Sundays throughout SHOUT! Don’t miss performances include Country Night with Brittney Spencer, Rock & Blues Night with Dana Fuchs and Local Night featuring bands from the region. There’s something for everyone, and it’s all free.
The Charlotte StrEATs Festival
This weekend-long festival celebrates the best of our local cuisine, plus an appearance by Food Network star Aaron Sanchez (April 13-14). Saturday is free, Sunday is ticketed. Tip: Check out StrEATs Uncorked, highlighting North Carolina’s unique wine regions, on April 3!