Your Guide to the Charlotte International Arts Festival
Explore whimsical visual and performing arts from local and international artists during this two-week event.
by Arielle Patterson Aug 26, 2024
The Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF) is an annual celebration showcasing imaginative art installations, live performances and free events in Uptown, Ballantyne and more. With so much to see and experience from Sept. 13-29, here are a few highlights of CIAF, including partner events.
For the full Charlotte International Arts Festival lineup, visit charlotteartsfest.com.
Daily Art Installations
When: Sept. 13-29
Where: Levine Avenue, Ballantyne’s Backyard, The Green, Charlotte Convention Center
Explore the art installations in Uptown and Ballantyne, on display the duration of CIAF. The structures and gathering spaces are designed to engage your senses and inspire a feeling of community.
Birdmen
When: Sept. 13-28
Where: Citywide
The massive, illuminated CIAF Birdmen are back, popping up around Charlotte on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the festival.
ArtPop Upcycled Fashion Show
When: Sept. 14
Where: Sullenberger Aviation Museum
Watch a runway show unlike any other featuring couture fashion made with retired ArtPop artist billboard vinyls.
Mystical Arts of Tibet
When: Sept. 17-21
Where: Knight Theater
Watch in amazement as monks assemble millions of grains of sand to create a mandala. During the closing ceremony, the monks will dismantle the mandala and distribute the sand as memorable souvenirs.
Tablao Flamenco
When: Sept. 19-21
Where: Stage Door Theater
Feel the rhythm flow through you as dynamic, award-winning flamenco artists put on high-energy performances.
Gaia
When: Sept. 20-29
Where: Blume Studios
“Gaia” is a touring art installation from U.K.-based artist Luke Jerram that features detailed NASA imagery of the earth’s surface.
Groundswell
When: Sept. 20-29
Where: Blume Studios
This installation utilizes 40,000 illuminated steel spheres to create rippling waves for a tranquil or visceral experience.
CLTure's CIAF Day and Night Market
When: Sept. 22
Where: Ballantyne’s Backyard
This day and night market showcases an array of Asian culture, from authentic cuisine and cultural performances to art exhibits and a local-makers market.
Guild of Charlotte Artists Pop Up Artists Market
When: Sept. 22
Where: Mint Museum Randolph
The Guild of Charlotte Artists hosts its first pop-up market showcasing the works of 50 talented local artists.
Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers
When: Sept. 22
Where: Knight Theater
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and pianist Bruce Hornsby performs with his group, The Noisemakers, as part of their 25th anniversary tour.
Mat Kearney: Headlights Home Tour
When: Sept. 24
Where: Knight Theater
Musician Mat Kearney brings his Headlights Home Tour to Charlotte.
Herbie Hancock
When: Sept. 25
Where: Belk Theater
Unwind to soothing sounds from 14-time Grammy Award winner Herbie Hancock.
Andrew Santino
When: Sept. 27
Where: Knight Theater
Comedian Andrew Santino brings his Freeze Peach Tour to the Queen City.
The Jazz Room Presents: Pedrito Martinez
When: Sept. 27-28
Where: Booth Playhouse
Enjoy an evening of Afro-Cuban sounds with Latin percussionist Pedrito Martinez, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Cirque Kalabanté
When: Sept. 27-29
Where: Citywide
You’ll be amazed by the feats of strength and agility performed during this colorful show, inspired by daily life in Guinea.
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band
When: Sept. 28
Where: Knight Theater
Singer and composer Lyle Lovett performs music that’s a fusion of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues.
CIAF Partner Events
Lowcountry Culture Festival
When: Sept. 14
Where: Ballantyne’s Backyard
Experience Lowcountry cuisine and culture, through soulful music, art and crafts from local makers, as you sip Southern cocktails and learn the history of the Lowcountry.
28th Annual Festival of India
When: Sept. 14-15
Where: Belk Theater, Ballantyne’s Backyard
Both days of Festival of India offer a chance to immerse yourself in this vibrant culture, from Bollywood-style performances to arts, crafts, clothing and food vendors.
El Grito Festival
When: Sept. 15
Where: Route 29 Pavilion
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with live entertainment, authentic Mexican street food, mariachi music, folkloric dancers and more.
Festival in the Park
When: Sept. 20-22
Where: Freedom Park
Over three days, enjoy performances on multiple stages, food vendors, a Family Fun Zone and art from almost 200 artists.
UNC Charlotte International Festival
When: Sept. 21
Where: UNC Charlotte
Booths showcase the art, culture, costumes, food, music and dance of more than 35 nations at this marketplace-style event.
34th Annual Latin American Festival
When: Sept. 21
Where: Ballantyne’s Backyard
The rich cultural tapestry of more than 21 Latin American countries is on display through food, dance, music and more.
Queen City Zine Fest
When: Sept. 28
Where: Knight Theater
Browse self-published zines, comics, illustrations and more from independent publishers, artists and writers in the region.
For a full listing of events at the Charlotte International Arts Festival, visit their website.
