Sat, Mar 21
|Stumptown Park, Downtown Matthews
Youth Arts Festival Presented by Charlotte Center for the Arts
Time & Location
Mar 21, 2026, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Stumptown Park, Downtown Matthews, 120 S Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105, USA
About the event
Join Charlotte Center for the Arts on Friday, March 21st from 1:00-5:00 PM at Stumptown Park in Matthews for a celebration of youth creativity at our inaugural Youth Arts Festival! This vibrant, family-friendly event showcases the incredible artistic talents of young people throughout the Charlotte area through live performances, interactive art-making activities, gallery displays, and creative workshops.
Throughout the afternoon, families will experience a diverse array of artistic expressions including music performances, dance showcases, theater presentations, and visual arts exhibitions created by talented youth artists from our community. Interactive stations invite attendees of all ages to explore their own creativity through hands-on projects led by professional teaching artists and community arts organizations.
Whether you're a parent supporting your young artist, an arts educator, a community member who values youth in the community, or simply someone who loves experiencing diverse creative expressions, the Youth Arts Festival offers something inspiring for everyone.
Admission is free, making this celebration accessible to all families. Come celebrate the creativity, courage, and boundless imagination of our community's young artists!
Performer Application
We’re thrilled to invite youth performers and arts organizations to apply for the Charlotte Center for the Arts Youth Arts Festival—a celebratory afternoon showcasing the incredible talent of young artists in our community! 🎭🎶🎨
📅 Date: March 21, 2026📍 Location: Matthews Stumptown Park⏰ Performance Window: 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Performance Details
Group Performances: Up to 15 minutes
Solo Performances: Up to 10 minutes
Transition Time: 5 minutes between performances
Applicants may indicate a preferred performance time. While we will do our best to accommodate requests, performance times cannot be guaranteed.
Technical & Performance Needs
Please list any technical needs (microphones, sound, flooring, etc.) in your application
Groups and soloists are responsible for bringing any props or specialty items needed for their performance
Performer Stipend
Each approved group or soloist will receive a small performance stipend, made possible through the Culture Arts Block Grant.
Application & Selection Process
Performance slots are limited
Applications open: January 1
Applications due: February 1
Submissions will be reviewed and approved by the Charlotte Center for the Arts Board
Notifications sent by: February 5
Submission Requirements
Please be prepared to submit:
A video link of the proposed performance or a similar piece
Group or Soloist Name
Address
Primary Contact Information
Total Number of Performers
Confirmation that all performers are 18 years old or younger
Groups must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) listing Charlotte Center for the Arts
Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.
APPLY HERE
We can’t wait to celebrate youth artistry and creativity with you—apply today and be part of this exciting community event! ✨
Artist Booth Applications
Applications for artist "vendor" booths will be open in early February. Please check back soon for more information and for the application link
If you or your organization is interested in volunteering at this event, or if you have any questions, please email Colleen LeBleu.
Become a Sponsor
Support the Youth Arts Festival and help us celebrate the next generation of talent! Email office@artscenterclt.org to secure your sponsorship. Deadline: February 1, 2026
Youth Arts Festival Presented by Charlotte Center for the Arts is sponsored by Culture Blocks— a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County.
