Back by Popular Demand
Charlotte International Arts Festival Returns to Ballantyne’s Backyard
By Nan Bauroth | Photos courtesy of Blumenthal Arts
The annual Charlotte International Arts Festival, a Blumenthal Arts Original, returns this fall for the third year to Ballantyne’s Backyard from September 13 through September 29. “Last year we had a fantastic response, with an average daily attendance on weekends of 5,000 people,” says Alana Graber, festival and special events producer at Blumenthal Arts.
The CIAF is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Most everything is free, with vendors selling food and other items September 13-15 and September 20-22.
In addition to the art installations that run the entire festival (see sidebar by clicking the button below), this year’s CIAF features three new weekend events:
The 28th Annual Festival of India: The second day of this two-day festival will take place in Ballantyne’s Backyard on Sunday, September 15 from noon to 6 p.m. Activities include live music, Indian dance lessons, the chance to make traditional Rangoli and other cultural immersion experiences.
CLTure’s CIAF Day and Night Market: This celebration of Asian culture on Sunday, September 22 from noon to 10 p.m. features Asian food trucks offering a variety of Asian culinary traditions, as well as craft markets, art exhibits, martial arts performances, music and dance.
Also debuting at the CIAF this fall is Lowcountry Culture Festival on Saturday, September 14 from 1 to 6 p.m. Visitors can indulge in Southern cocktails and a fusion of Lowcountry cuisine, along with soulful music, vibrant art and local craftsmanship.
In addition to these three new events, The 34th Annual Latin American Festival will be back on Saturday, September 21 from noon to 9 p.m. This year’s festival will feature a rich tapestry of 21 countries presenting their food, culture, dance and music, with special guest Eddy Herrera, a Dominican artist.
For specifics on all events, visit charlotteartsfest.com/events/category/ballantyne.