An annual tradition for more than 50 years, Charlotte's annual Festival in the Park is seen as the end of summer and start of the fall season. The festival is held in Freedom Park Lake on September 25^th, 26^th, and 27^th. it offers more than 180 artists and craft exhibitions for visitors, along with more than 1,000 entertainers. When Can You Go to the Festival in the Park? You can attend the festival on Friday, September 25^th between 4 and 9:30pm, Saturday the 26^th between 10am and 9:30pm, and Sunday the 27^th between 11am and 6pm. Entertainment at the Festival There are multiple stages set up for the duration of the festival with a wide variety of entertainment scheduled. On the Main Stage, you’ll enjoy hours of musicians.  There is a stage dedicated to clowns – you can enjoy clown skits and games, autographs by clowns, face painting, and a clown magician. A youth and variety stage will feature young entertainers and musicians.  The Cirque stage features the Caroline Calouche & Co. (Charlotte’s aerial and dance company) providing performances on Aerial Silks, the Sling, Lyra, and Trapeze. Additional stages feature magicians and jugglers. Family Fun Zone All around the Freedom Park Locomotive is the family fun zone. The area features a Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, inflatable obstacle course, and rock climbing wall. Food at the Festival There is no reason to go hungry at the festival with more than 25 food vendors available to serve your cravings. Choose from pizza, Greek foods, seafood, Asian, and tasty snacks.