Festival in the Park - Artist Walk (Fine Arts) & Lake Walk (Traditional Arts & Crafts) 2026

Festival in the Park 2026 marks the 62nd annual celebration of Charlotte's Granddaddy Arts and Crafts Show, taking place Friday September 25 (4:00 pm - 9:00 pm), Saturday September 26 (10:00 am - 9:00 pm), and Sunday September 27 (10:00 am - 5:00 pm) at Freedom Park in Charlotte. Since 1964, this family-oriented festival has brought popular and eclectic music, arts and crafts, and family entertainment to Charlotteans and visitors from around the South. The festival is free to the public and features two distinct areas: Artist's Walk for fine arts and crafts, and Festival Lake Walk for traditional arts and crafts.

Exhibit spaces are awarded based on quality and variety, with preference given to qualified previous exhibitors and those who commit to demonstrate their medium full-time. All work must be original and attributable solely to the demonstrating craftsperson or display artist. The festival provides tent location assignment, one 110 electrical outlet per tent (maximum four 100-watt spots), volunteer booth sitters when available, vehicle access for setup/teardown, exhibitor parking, and 24-hour security. Exhibitors must provide their own electrical equipment, display equipment, tables, and chairs.

Cash awards are given in both areas: Artist's Walk offers Best of Show ($500 plus free 2027 tent space), two Judges' Choice awards for 2D and 3D work ($200 each), three Merit Awards ($100 each), and Honorable Mention ribbons. Festival Lake Walk awards include Best of Lake Walk ($300 plus free 2027 tent space), with first ($200), second ($125), and third place ($100) awards for both 2D and 3D work. Artists must participate for all three days, demonstrate their craft during festival hours, and maintain family-appropriate exhibits. No application fee is required, and the festival takes no commission on art sales.