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Longtime Charlotte tradition Festival in the Park returns this weekend

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A longtime Charlotte tradition is back. The 57th annual Festival in the Park is set to bring three days of music, art and family-friendly entertainment to Freedom Park this weekend.

The event will feature a diverse offering of live performances and more than 120 artisans displaying their works. In addition, there will be amusement rides and attractions and more than two dozen food vendors.

Admission is free.

Festival hours are from 4-9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The festival is an outdoor event but in areas where social distancing is more difficult, the use of face masks or coverings is encouraged. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the park and artists will be limiting the number of patrons inside their space. For more information on the event’s safety protocols, click here.

Street parking near the festival is very limited. Festivalgoers are encouraged to use Uber or Lyft with recommended drop-off points at 2435 Cumberland Ave. or 1600 Princeton Ave. Limited parking will be available for $10 at Atrium Health Myers Park at 1350 S. Kings Drive.

Last year, the festival was canceled because of the pandemic. It was only the second cancellation since the festival’s founding in 1964. In 1994, the event was canceled because the park was undergoing renovations.

For more information, go to festivalinthepark.org.

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