Matthews Alive

08/31/2026

An energy-saving tip from our friends and Matthews Alive Community sponsor, Duke Energy!

08/31/2026

4 DAYS TO GO!

The forecast for this weekend is looking fantastic, but Mother Nature has been known to keep us on our toes, so here’s a quick reminder about our weather policy!

Matthews Alive is a rain-or-shine event. If weather moves through the area, temporary pauses or, in the case of severe weather, cancellations will be determined day-of in coordination with local emergency management agencies.

Until then, keep those anti-rain dances going and we’ll see you this weekend!

08/30/2026

5 DAYS TO GO!

We love seeing everyone capturing special moments during the festival. Share your favorite photos from past festivals in the comments below!

08/29/2026

6 DAYS TO GO!

Need help during the festival? Here’s the official lineup of where to call in the backup!

Matthews Police Department and Matthews Fire & EMS will be on the scene for the entirety of the festival. You can find them stationed at the corner of Sadie Drive and South Trade Street, next to First Baptist Church.

Have fun and stay safe, everyone!

08/28/2026

ONE WEEK TO GO!

Not only are we one short week away from fun carnival rides, awesome shopping, and amazing entertainment, we are also one week away from having the most delicious food vendors line South Trade Street!

So many options to choose from! Who are you grabbing a bite from next weekend?!

08/27/2026

8 DAYS TO GO!

We’re just over one week away from kicking off this year’s festivities! While Stumptown Park, South Trade Street, and McDowell Street will be packed with attractions and vendors, there’s even more to explore inside the Matthews Community Center and McDowell Arts Center!

Step into the air conditioning and browse incredible displays from the Sweet Union Quilters Guild, Charlotte Woodworkers, Charlotte Woodcarvers Club, Dream Weavers Basket Guild, Piedmont Fiber Guild, Infinite Turtles Robotics, and Matthews Artists Guild.

You can also enjoy acoustic performances in the Fullwood Theater lobby on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday afternoons, plus Signature Keys Dueling Pianos on Saturday and Sunday from 4–6pm!

Be sure to stop by, cool off, and take in the sights and sounds!

08/26/2026

9 DAYS TO GO!

Don't forget, the Matthews Alive Labor Day parade will begin at 9:30am on Saturday, September 5! Get to the parade route early and set up a chair to claim a shady spot. 😎

Need to know when the roads close? Take a look at the post below!
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1598602621831183&id=100050443811596

08/25/2026

It’s TUNES-DAY!

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get excited about what’s coming to the Matthews Alive Main Stage.

💜 MARSHALL CHARLOFF & THE PURPLE xPeRIeNCE 💜

Get ready to party like it’s 1999! Led by Minneapolis native and multi-instrumentalist Marshall Charloff, The Purple xPeRIeNCE delivers an electrifying celebration of the music, musicianship and unforgettable stage presence of Prince, performed 100% LIVE and completely untracked.

And Marshall’s connection to the Minneapolis Sound goes beyond the tribute. He has recorded on 94 East albums featuring Prince and co-founded The Purple xPeRIeNCE with Matt “Doctor” Fink, keyboardist for Prince & The Revolution. Since then, the group has brought the purple magic to more than one million fans around the world.

From “1999” and “Kiss” to “Let’s Go Crazy” and, of course, “Purple Rain,” this is one Matthews Alive performance you’re going to want to experience LIVE.

Check out the video below for a little preview of what’s headed our way, then get ready to go crazy when Marshall Charloff & The Purple xPeRIeNCE take over the Matthews Alive Main Stage on Sunday, September 6 at 8:30pm!

Additional Sunday Main Stage acts include:
Festival Tunes with Jim Shafer (1-4pm)
Stella Rising (4:30-6pm)
U-Neek Flavur (6:30-8pm)

https://youtu.be/_Gd-SuGGE_g?si=YpPSzIyt1J6W7g2c

08/25/2026

The countdown is ON! Just 10 days until the Matthews Alive Festival fills downtown with music, food, and family fun!

🎡 Don’t forget, on Friday, September 4, you can snag an all-you-can-ride carnival wristband for just $30! Wristbands are valid Friday night only for R&D mechanical rides & funhouses, so grab one and enjoy all the carnival rides until your heart’s content!

Single tickets and ticket sheets will also be available to purchase.
Single Tickets: $2 each
Sheet of 30 Tickets: $40
Sheet of 50 Tickets: $60

Mark your calendars, call your crew, and get ready for 4 days of unforgettable fun!

08/24/2026