Your Guide to Charlotte SHOUT! 2023

Charlotte SHOUT!, Charlotte's annual multi-week festival of art, food, music and more, returns to the Queen City March 31 through April 16, with a special kick-off event with Baratunde Thurston on March 30. Check out these highlights meant to inspire your exploration of this diverse, cultural and creative celebration.

Visual Art

Roaming Gnomes

When: March 31-April 16
Where: Uptown – Various Locations

A play on whimsy, this large scale installation will feature 12 gnomes with varying themes – from space to sporty – hidden throughout Uptown.

Pop Bridge Creative Arts

When: April 2 and 16
Where: The Green

Geared towards the youngest artists in your crew, this installation will feature seven hands-on activities, including printmaking, an interactive storytime and a tinker table.

Bloom

When: March 31-April 16
Where: McColl Center

When dusk settles over the city, the McColl center will be illuminated by an interactive light show. Participants can push buttons on a screen to control the blooming flowers that are projected on the building.

CAN I KICK IT? presents “The Matrix”

When: April 15
Where: Wells Fargo Plaza, Uptown

During this unique film experience, The Matrix will be scored live, scene-by-scene, by DJ 2-Tone Jones using creative techniques to enhance the films’ impact.

Live Chalk Art from CLT Art

When: April 1, 7 and 10
Where: Corner of E. Stonewall and S. Tryon (April 1), Outside SHOUT! Lounge (April 7), Romare Bearden Park (April 10)

Watch as historical events come to life via chalk art. Local artists will create fantastic, temporary displays at prominent local spots in town. This is a great, free family event.

Music

Jackiem Joyner

When: March 31
Where: Middle C Jazz

Celebrated saxophonist Jackiem Joyner will perform two shows highlighting his illustrious musical career as a Billboard chart-topping artist.

Tosco Music Party

When: April 1
Where: Knight Theater

More than a dozen musicians will come together to explore various music genres during this special event. There will even be audience sing-a-longs, so come prepared to participate.

Award Winning Jazz Fusion Artists, Flautist Alexander Zonjic and Friends featuring James Lloyd (Pieces of a Dream)

When: April 1
Where: Middle C Jazz

Renowned flautist Alexander Zonjic will perform alongside fellow musicians at Middle C Jazz in a celebration of all things jazz.

Music by Beethoven and Glass: The UNC Charlotte Orchestra at the Bechtler

When: April 12
Where: Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Enjoy one of two free performances with this special Wednesday Night Live programming. Alan Yamamoto will conduct the ensemble as they play famous works from Beethoven and Glass.

Pianodrome Concert featuring Clarinetist Jessica Lindsey and Friends

When: April 12
Where: Grace Church

Celebrate female composers with a night of music featuring Jessica Lindsey, a clarinet professor from UNC Charlotte, and special guests as they spotlight Latina and Black composers.

Miles & Coltrane: Blue (.)

When: April 13-16
Where: Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts

Capturing the electric energy of the jazz scene in the 1950s, this show depicts the relationship between John Coltrane and Miles Davis.

Food

Charlotte StrEATs Tasting Tour

When: April 15
Where: Gateway Village

This ticketed event allows you to “tour” the neighborhoods of Charlotte and appreciate the cuisine they have to offer – without leaving Uptown. Visit various tasting tents to try the food and cocktails and watch live demonstrations.

Charlotte StrEATs Festival

When: April 16
Where: Gateway Village

Come for the food trucks, music, cooking demonstrations, and art. Stay for the cook-off, emceed by celebrity chef Alex Guarnashelli, that aims to pit neighborhood chefs in a head-to-head cook off to claim the title of StrEATs Neighborhood Champion.

Ideas

Baratunde Thurston

When: March 30
Where: Mint Museum Uptown

Writer and Comedian Baratunde Thurston will kick off the festival with his presentation of “How to Citizen,” a dynamic performance that touches on race, technology, democracy and climate.

The Aesthetics of Joy

When: March 31
Where: Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture

Ingrid Fetell Lee – designer, author and mainstage TED Talk speaker – will use the latest in neuroscience and psychology to encourage guests to create more joy for themselves and others.

Charlotte SHOUT! Elemental Yoga + Fitness Series

When: April 1-11 (select dates)
Where: Atrium Health Serenity Garden

Explore movement, breath and awareness through this series of fitness and yoga classes offered for free throughout the festival designed to immerse participants in an experience connecting nature and self.

Voices From The Past

When: April 1
Where: The Historic Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery

Interact with storytellers as you learn about Charlotte’s past and the key players who helped shape our rich history, with live music, food trucks and entertainment.

Charlotte Earth Day 2023

When: April 15
Where: First Ward Park

Charlotte Earth Day is an interactive science experience designed for families and kids ages five to 15. Lessons will be provided from scientists, artists and educators. Small green businesses will also be on hand to share their responsible business practices.