How to BOOM
Your guide to navigating BOOM Festival in Charlotte
At a Glance
Welcome to BOOM! Whether you’re here for a single show or spending the whole day exploring, this guide will help you move through the festival with ease, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.
💥 Make the Most of BOOM
- Arrive early and stay curious—some of the best experiences are the ones you didn’t plan for.
- Support artists by attending multiple shows and exploring different venues.
- Grab food, meet new people, and enjoy the full BOOM atmosphere.
📍 Start with the Map
🚶 Getting Around
- All venues are within a short walking distance of each other.
- Follow signage and volunteers to help guide your way.
- Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll likely be moving between multiple spaces throughout the day.
🛍️ BOOM Marketplace & Pop-Ups
Shop local and support artists at the BOOM Marketplace:
- Vendors are located on the lawn on the Boardwalk side of the lake
- And in the BOOM Meadow on the Library side of the lake
You’ll also find pop-up performances, workshops, and visual art installations happening throughout the festival.
Don’t miss: Southern Eagle Native American drummers and dancers, along with other pop-up performances, under the tent in the BOOM Meadow.
🎟️ Festival Experiences
- BOOM Fringe
New, original work that is edgy, unique, outside the norm, underrepresented locally, provocative, and inspiring.
These shows are ticketed: $15 per show or discounted with a festival pass. - BOOM Intersection
Family-friendly performances, visual art, workshops, and installations in outdoor/public spaces.
These events are free and open to all.
ℹ️ Info Desks
Need help or have questions? Visit an info desk:
- Boardwalk Side: Between Wine Vault and Crafty Crab
- Library Side: Along the walkway heading toward the bridge
🌧️ Rain or Shine
BOOM happens rain or shine. In case of weather adjustments, check our social media channels for real-time updates and any changes to performance locations.
🚗 Parking
We recommend parking at the JW Clay Blvd. Station and walking over to the festival.
Check our parking page for additional details and guidance.
📲 Stay Connected
Follow along for updates, schedule changes, and highlights:
@clt_boom
facebook.com/boomcharlotte
Festival Map
Key Festival Locations
🎭 Fringe Venues
Our Fringe performances take place in a mix of indoor and pop-up spaces. Keep an eye out—some are tucked in unexpected places!
- Famous Toastery
8933 J M Keynes Dr #2
A cozy, casual venue perfect for intimate performances- Accessibility Tip: To avoid stairs inside Famous Toastery, check in at the box office, then head down the ramp outside to the right of the front doors—the entrance is around the corner on the left.
🌊 Outdoor & Main Stages
- Shoreline Stage
Located on the Boardwalk Billy’s side of the lake.
- Fringe Dance Theater
8929 J M Keynes Dr #500
Located between Sol Delish and the Atrium (to the left of Sol Delish).- Accessibility Tip: To avoid stairs, enter the patio by Game Stop and roll down the front of the Boardwalk Building past the atrium to the Dance Theater.
Enjoy free performances, gather with the community, and experience the vibrant outdoor energy of BOOM.
- Fringe Boutique Theater
9009 J M Keynes Dr
Upstairs above the “ON Gym” sign and above Wine Vault on the Nineties Ice Cream side of the building.- Accessibility Tip: The elevator is located in the Wine Vault building on the side closest to the lake. To avoid stairs, enter the patio in front of the Nineties Ice Cream Shop.
- Library Stage
Located on the lawn behind the library.
- Svetlitsa Theater
8929 J M Keynes Dr #700
Entrance on the lake side next to Zapata’s.- Accessibility Tips:
- From Boardwalk Billy’s: take the ramp to the right of the Famous Toastery entrance and follow the lake past the atrium. The venue is on the left—if you get to Zapata’s, you’ve gone too far.
- From the library side of the lake: make a right and follow the lake path. Cross the second bridge by the Hilton, make a left, and the venue will be on your right just past Zapata’s.
- Accessibility Tips:
Festival Parking
Parking Zones
Parking Near the Lake: There are several parking options when coming to The Boardwalk at University City. When you are parking around the lake you can find parking on the side with the restaurant Boardwalk Billy’s (9005 JM Keynes Dr #2, Charlotte, NC 28262). You can find parking on the other side of the lake at the University City Regional Library (5528 Waters Edge Village Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262).
Overflow Parking: When parking around the lake fills up you can park across from the library in the parking lot with the stores Ross Dress for Less and Michael's Arts & Craft (8813 JW Clay Blvd, Village Shopping Center Dr A, Charlotte, NC 28262).
Parking Deck: There is a parking deck you can use for a daily fee of $10. It is the CATS JW Clay Blvd Station and Deck, 9048 N. Tryon St. Sometimes the gate is up meaning parking is free that day. You can also get a one day CATS unlimited pass for $6.60, which also includes parking.
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