News Notes
The Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF), a Blumenthal Arts Original, will return for a fourth year from September 1–30, 2025 at festival locations across the city. With more than 200 events, many of which are free, and ticketed events starting at $5, the monthlong fete offers an abundance of things to do, see, taste, and experience.
“We began the Charlotte International Arts Festival four years ago to celebrate the incredible richness of international cultures and artists that call Charlotte home. We also bring extraordinary art and creative experiences from around the world. The result is a joyous reflection of Charlotte’s global spirit and creative energy. With art and activities in neighborhoods throughout our city, CIAF brings people together to create new bonds and appreciation for the cultures and traditions found here,” said Tom Gabbard, President and CEO of Blumenthal Arts.
As in previous years, international and local artists will exhibit work side by side for a cultural buffet of performances, art installations, global cuisines, and more. CIAF will again partner with numerous well-established festivals rooted in Charlotte’s international communities; the result will be a rich “festival of festivals” that celebrates the city’s vibrant multicultural scene.
This year, several returning events will relocate to the Iron District, home of Blumenthal Arts’ creative hub, Blume Studios. The International Bazaar, a popular multi-vendor market; the Charlotte Brunch Festival, a delightful event featuring dishes from local culinary artists; and a celebration of Charlotte’s Asian communities with the CLTure Day + Night Market; among others, will occur at Blume Studios, also home to Monopoly Lifesized: Travel Edition, Blumenthal’s latest immersive experience running until July 27, 2025.
Returning favorites will include two days of Indian cultural immersion with the 29th annual Festival of India and the Latin American Festival.
Also new this year will be two CIAF takeover weekends, September 13–14 in the Iron District (Charlotte Brunch Festival, CLTure Day + Night Market, and International Bazaar, in addition to live performances by local international artists) and September 20–21 in Ballantyne’s Backyard (Festival of India (day 2) and the Latin American Festival, with food, music, performances, shopping, family friendly events, and more). There will also be free programming at Levine Avenue of the Arts and The Green in Uptown Charlotte.
For more details, visit charlotteartsfest.com.
