A Month of Music, Art, and Flavor from Around the Globe

August 25, 2025

Phil Vavra

After my wife and I moved to Charlotte in 2000, we were pleasantly surprised by the occasional international music event or food festival that would pop up in the area. Twenty-five years later, we’d be surprised if there wasn’tan opportunity to immerse ourselves in a global cultural experience every single weekend. During the past quarter century, the Queen City has become delightfully and more visibly diverse.

This September, the world will be at our doorstep again. Blumenthal Arts is bringing the Charlotte International Arts Festival back for a month-long celebration of musical, visual theatrical, and gastronomical creativity from dozens of countries. The schedule will feature more than 200 events at venues across the city. Tickets will start at $5, but admission for many of the activities will be free.

Blumenthal Arts President and CEO Tom Gabbard said, “We began the Charlotte International Arts Festival four years ago to celebrate the incredible richness of international cultures and artists that call Charlotte home. We also bring extraordinary art and creative experiences from around the world.  The result is a joyous reflection of Charlotte’s global spirit and creative energy. With art and activities in neighborhoods throughout our city, CIAF brings people together to create new bonds and appreciation for the cultures and traditions found here.” 

One of the new locations this year is the Iron District, which is home to Blumenthal Arts’ creative hub, Blume Studios. That’s where you’ll find the multi-vendor International Bazaar, the Charlotte Brunch Festival, and the Asian-themed CLTure Day + Night Market. Those all take place on the weekend of September 13-14.

Some events that predate the CIAF will be returning in 2025. Charlotte’s beloved Festival in the Park returns to Freedom Park, September 19-21. The 29^th annual Festival of India will be Uptown at Belk Theater and Tryon Street on September 20^th, and at Ballantyne’s Backyard on September 21^st. The 35^th annual Latin American Festival will be held at Ballantyne’s Backyard, September 20-21.

You’ll also have the opportunity to see terrific stage productions as part of the CIAF, including the play Immediate Family; musicals Austen’s Pride, Beetlejuice and Wicked; dance performance Step Afrika!; as well as concerts by the Arturo O’Farrill Latin Jazz Sextet,and The Orchestra, featuring former members of ELO.

Other highlights include Le Dîner en Blanc, described as a “chic picnic en masse”; the award-winning Australian sculptors Atelier Sisu; contemporary dance, theater, and acrobatic troupe Nouveau Sud; the open-air Festival Biergarten serving snacks and local craft beer; art installations by nine local Blumenthal Fellows; the Lowcountry Food & Culture Festival; the multifaceted Boom Fringe Festival; and the Charlotte Film Festival at the Independent Picture House.

I’ve only scratched the surface here. You can find full details about everything happening during the Charlotte International Arts Festival on the official website.