First Weekend 2026: April 3-5
Ready to turn Uptown into your personal playlist? Charlotte SHOUT!’s opening weekend drops the needle on 17 days of unforgettable sound, transforming plazas, parks, and unexpected spaces into stages filled with rhythm, soul, and creativity. Whether you’re chasing grooves at First Ward Park (BYO blanket or chairs) or making music yourself inside the WonderDome at the Wells Fargo Atrium, this weekend hits every note.
🎧 Pro Tip: Be Ready for Pop-up Music
Keep your plans flexible. The best shows could be the ones you don’t see coming. Unheard Of is Charlotte SHOUT!’s pop-up concert series that turns everyday spaces into surprise stages for local and regional musicians. Each ~30-minute performance is announced about an hour before showtime with a playful clue, leading you to a secret location revealed only when you arrive. Part scavenger hunt, part secret concert (all SHOUT! Magic).
📱 Want in? Text SHOUT to 980-374-8808 to receive pop-up alerts and be ready to follow the sound wherever it appears next.
Here’s how to experience Charlotte SHOUT! like a true music fan — no backstage pass required.
April 3-5: Opening Weekend
🎤 Friday, April 3 — The Opening Groove
Start your SHOUT! journey by tuning your ears to discovery and improvisation.
🎶 Soul Junction
📍 First Ward Park Main Stage
🕒 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Kick off the festival with a smooth blend of soul, funk, and feel-good rhythms. Soul Junction sets the tone for the weekend with powerhouse vocals from the likes of Quentin Talley and Rudy Currence and grooves that practically demand you move your feet. Consider this your official “sound check” for SHOUT!
Full Friday Lineup
🎵 Song on the Spot
📍 First Ward Park
🕒 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Ever wondered how a song comes to life? Watch creativity unfold in real time as musicians craft original songs live, inspired by audience suggestions. It’s part concert, part creative experiment: 100% unforgettable.
Learn More
🥁 Saturday, April 4 — Make Some Noise
Today, you’re not just a listener — you’re part of the band.
🎷 Mo Betta SHOUT!
📍 First Ward Park Main Stage
🕒 1:00 PM-10:00 PM
Bring your dancing shoes (and maybe some sunscreen). This high-energy showcase hosted by Braxton Bateman celebrates jazz, funk, and soulful sounds that will keep Uptown buzzing all afternoon long. Expect infectious rhythms, community vibes, and plenty of moments that make you say, “just one more song.” The day will culminate with an epic performance by Atlanta’s Renaissance Orchestra.
Full Saturday Lineup
🎼 Music Making with Colorful Noise
📍 WonderDome — Wells Fargo Atrium
🕒 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Step inside the WonderDome and become the creator. This FREE hands-on workshop invites participants to experiment with rhythm, songwriting, and collaborative music-making. Perfect for curious beginners, aspiring producers, or anyone ready to find their inner beatmaker. Spots are limited so register below and arrive early to make the cut.
To Register
✨ Sunday, April 5 — Soulful Easter Sunday
Close the weekend on a high note — uplifting, joyful, and full of heart.
🙏 Gospel Sunday – Easter Edition
📍 First Ward Park Main Stage
🕒 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Raise your hands and your spirits with an afternoon of powerful gospel performances celebrating Easter Sunday featuring Tiunna’ Lemons & Higher Calling. Expect soaring harmonies, joyful energy, and the kind of music that brings the entire crowd together in one voice.
Full Sunday Lineup
Between performances, explore Uptown’s art installations, grab bites from local vendors, and follow the music wherever it leads. From main stage moments to immersive workshops, Charlotte SHOUT! proves the Queen City doesn’t just host music — it lives it.
🎧Pro Tip: Build Your SHOUT! Soundtrack
Make a plan to catch the music moments you don’t want to miss at SHOUT! When you find a concert or performance you want to attend, simply click the SAVE button or the STAR in the top right corner to add it to your personal lineup. You can also send the event straight to your phone or share it with a friend using the SHARE button in the same spot.
So warm up those vocal cords, charge your phone for dancing videos, and let the rhythm guide your weekend. 🎶