Exciting News for Arts Lovers in Charlotte!
Hey there, Charlotte! If you’re a fan of arts and culture, get ready to mark your calendars because the beloved eighth annual BOOM Charlotte festival is back, and it’s moving to a brand new spot! Scheduled for April 25-27, 2025, this vibrant celebration of local talent will take place in the scenic University City area of north Charlotte. 🎉
A New Location, A New Experience!
Up until now, BOOM Charlotte has been a staple in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood, but this year it’s making a big leap to University City. Manoj Kesavan, the founder and executive director behind the festival, believes this change will provide an opportunity for a completely different experience. “It will be one of the most scenic places around the lake and have a different look and experience,” he shared. How awesome is that?
For those who may not know, BOOM Charlotte showcases a broad array of talent, featuring up to 100 local artists from various artistic genres, including dance, music, theater, poetry, visual arts, and film. In 2019, before the pandemic slowed things down, the festival was attracting around 20,000 attendees. Although the last two festivals hosted at Camp North End saw about 10,000 visitors, the excitement is palpable as the festival gears up for a fresh start in this new location.
Why University City?
So, what makes University City the chosen destination? Kesavan explained that the area is thriving, especially with the presence of UNC Charlotte and nearby bustling businesses like Boardwalk Billy’s. “We hope it will be as big or bigger,” he added, highlighting their desire to spread the festival’s energy throughout different parts of Charlotte rather than keeping it in a single zone. It looks like the community is ready for an artistic explosion!
Support for the Arts
This partnership with University City is more than just a new location; it aligns with the goals of University City Partners, whose focus is on supporting local arts and culture while boosting the area’s economy through public and private collaborations. The numbers speak volumes: since 2021, University City has seen a whopping 42% increase in visitors, totaling 3.4 million guests so far this year alone! Talk about a hot spot!
Festival Features
Now, let’s talk about what you can expect at BOOM Charlotte 2025. The festival will feature two amazing experiences:
- BOOM Fringe: This is your ticketed indoor hub for experimental art, promising an intimate and boundary-pushing artistic adventure.
- BOOM Intersection: An outdoor, family-friendly space filled with free performances for everyone to enjoy!
It’s a smart move for an event that relies heavily on grants and local sponsors to bring art to life. The good people behind the scenes want to keep it fresh and grant artists the freedom to explore new creative ideas!
Calling All Artists!
Artists, listen up: applications are open until January 15 on the festival’s official website. This is your chance to shine and be part of something amazing! The festival’s organizers will be announcing more details about performers and vendors as we get closer to the event.
A Focus on Diversity
Kesavan emphasized that BOOM Charlotte will strive to be a majority minority festival, with particular attention to elevating Black and immigrant arts and cultures. This coming year, they aim to include Native American artists who have been absent from the local cultural scene. It’s all about inclusivity and giving every voice a chance to be heard.
Join the Fun!
Whether you’re an artist, performer, or just an arts enthusiast, make sure to keep your eyes open for the latest updates leading up to the festival. With a fresh location, exciting programming, and a commitment to community, BOOM Charlotte promises to be a highlight of the spring for both visitors and locals alike. Don’t miss out on the fun!
