CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the first time since the pandemic started, the Charlotte SHOUT! festival is back.
The multi-week festival based in Uptown runs from April 1 through April 17 and celebrates the city's wide-ranging creativity. Organizers previously told WCNC Charlotte's Kendall Morris they're expecting a large crowd after a tough two years.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Charlotte SHOUT! festival returns to Uptown Charlotte in April
About 500,000 people attended the festival during its run in 2019, bringing in about $6 million dollars in direct spending to the city, according to a Charlotte City Council presentation in January.
One beloved Charlotte SHOUT! feature won't be at this year's festival, though: the iconic giant bunnies. Instead, the festival says the bunnies left "12 giant eggs" in Romare Bearden Bark, each decorated by a local artist.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: The giant bunnies are back in Charlotte this year. Here's where to find them
In addition to art installations from local and international artists alike, the festival will also feature thought-provoking lecturers and panel discussions; the talents of musical acts, dancers, poets, storytellers, and photographers; and food from local chefs.
"There's this pent-up demand for authentic human experiences," Adam Rhew, from Charlotte Center City Partners, said. "We've missed connecting with people during the pandemic. And we have an opportunity for those authentic unique memorable personal experiences."
There will be 65 bands throughout the event at Victoria Yard, across from 7th Street Market.
Charlotte SHOUT! started in the mid-2000s, then funding dried up during the Great Recession only to re-launch in 2019, just before the pandemic.
For those planning to attend, Charlotte SHOUT! has the event calendar along with details on parking, lodging transit and more on its website. Most events are free, though some events have VIP ticket opportunities. Events that require a ticket purchase will be listed as such.
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