FanFare: Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor (Day)

August 28, 2025

of Note Phil Vavra

Labor Day weekend always means plenty of fun things to see and do, with an extra day to enjoy them! From cool concerts and stand-up comedy to musical theater and a bushel of festivals, we’re winding down summer in perfect FanFare style.

Celebrating Coltrane

Named “One of the Best Jazz Festivals in the U.S.” by Jazz Observer, the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival returns to Oak Hollow Festival Park (1841 Eastchester Drive, High Point) on August 30^th and 31^st. Now in its 14^th year, the event honors the great saxophonist and composer with live performances in the city where he grew up. The 2025 lineup includes Meshell Ndegeocello, Richard Elliot, The Headhunters, Peter White, Ruthie Foster, Stanley Clarke, Take 6, Rick Braun, and many more. August 30-31.

Whitewater Weekend

If you’ve fallen behind on your quota of outdoor fun this year, head over to the Whitewater Center (5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte) on Saturday, August 30^th and Sunday, August 31^st. You can take part in so many exciting adventure activities, along with yoga classes for all levels, including SUP yoga, and enjoy live music with the Saturday night River Jam, plus The Psycodelics and Jesse Roper performing on Sunday. The annual Labor Day Trail Race on Saturday offers 5K or 15K options through the wooded trails along the Catawba River. August 30-31.

The Ladies’ Man Returns

Comedian, actor, writer, and Saturday Night Live alum Tim Meadows is coming to the Cain Center for the Arts (21348 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius) on Saturday, August 30^th. Known for his character, The Ladies’ Man, as well as roles in The Goldbergs, Mean Girls, and Mean Girls 2, Meadows is currently performing stand-up at venues across the country. Tickets range from $47.35 to $68.45. August 30.

Books in Belmont

Belmont Bookshop presents the Summer of Love Literary Festival, its first-ever book festival, at Stowe Park (24 N. Main Street, Belmont) on Saturday, August 30^th. This celebration of storytelling, romance, and community will feature author readings, panel discussions, and book signings from bestselling authors. Please note: Signings with signature authors are only guaranteed for VIP and pre-order ticket holders. The daylong event will also include live music, food trucks, vendor market, and games. August 30.

Queen City Runaround

The annual Around the Crown 10K Together with Truist is set for Sunday, August 31^st. Beginning at Truist Field, the race takes you around uptown Charlotte, with much of the course on I-277, including the challenging stretch known as the Queen’s Climb. The ATC10K focuses on being one of the most sustainable races in the country while giving back to the community through multiple local nonprofit organizations. August 31.

Love Before Dating Apps

Blumenthal Arts* presents a reimagining of Jane Austen’s most cherished story, Pride and Prejudice, as a witty musical. Austen’s Pride will be at Knight Theater (430 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte) for eight performances, including two weekend matinees, September 2^nd through 7^th. As the classic love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy plays out, Austen herself is represented on stage. The author gains new insights into both her creations and her own identity. September 2-7.

Labor Day Weekend Festivals

• Earl Scruggs Music Festival: The best of bluegrass, Americana, and roots music featuring Alison Krauss, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Del McCoury, Sam Bush, and many more at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina. August 29-31.
  
  
• Low Country Jazz Festival: The lineup features contemporary jazz, R&B, and soul performers including Bob James, Pieces of a Dream, KEM, Eric Darius, and Boney James at the Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina. August 29-31.
  
  
• Matthews Alive Festival: Four days of fun family activities, great food, arts, and live entertainment, including the Band of Oz on Friday night in Historic Downtown Matthews, North Carolina. August 29-September 1.
  
  
• North Carolina Apple Festival: Celebrate North Carolina’s apple industry in downtown Hendersonville with delicious apple-inspired treats, a street fair, family-friendly activities, a parade, live music, and the opportunity to meet many of our state’s apple growers. August 29-September 1.
  
  
• NC Hellbender Festival:Named after the native aquatic salamander, the inaugural event is a free celebration of healthy streams, environmental stewardship, and the vibrant community of Spruce Pine. August 30.
  
  
• Mile High Kite Festival: Bring the family for a fun day of kite flying demonstrations with recognized kite clubs, kite crafts, food vendors, and panoramic views at 5,560 feet in beautiful Beech Mountain, North Carolina. A free kite will be provided for each child. August 30.
• 117^th Canton Labor Day Festival: The oldest Labor Day festival in the Southeast is also a celebration of all things made in Western North Carolina. Featuring a parade, car cruise-in, and country music star Craig Morgan. August 31-September 1.

Have fun and stay safe this holiday weekend! I’ll be back with more FanFare next week, and you can see what else is coming up on the WDAV Events Calendar.

*Disclosure: Blumenthal Arts is a WDAV underwriter.