BOOM Charlotte is an annual artist-led festival that champions creative risk-taking and artistic freedom. As Charlotte’s premier fringe festival, BOOM amplifies independent artists across theater, dance, music, poetry, and visual arts.
Each year, the festival transforms the city into a vibrant showcase of boundary-pushing performances and immersive experiences. This year we’re back in University City at The Shoppes at University City Place, 8931 J M Keynes Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262 from May 1-3, 2026.
BOOM consists of three distinct parts with the freedom to flow between them seamlessly.
BOOM was started by a group of Charlotte artists in 2016, and quickly grew into one of the largest, most diverse, multidisciplinary creative gatherings in the city. Featuring a wide range of mediums from chalk art to classical music, aerial dance to slam poetry, BOOM is a unique explosion of Charlotte’s creative ecosystem.
Calling all Artists, Creatives and Cultural Organizations! You’re invited to be a part of BOOM Charlotte 2026! From May 1st-3rd 2026, let’s join together to create an immersive, electrifying mix of dance, music, theater, poetry, visual art, and more.
BOOM is more than an arts festival, it’s an interactive, unforgettable experience and we want your art to be part of it!
BOOM Marketplace: This is the space to sell artwork. Apply as a vendor and sell locally made arts, crafts, and foods.
BOOM wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers. If you’d like to support the festival as a volunteer, register here.