Events

Life is an event. Make it memorable.

Whether you’re into live music, food and wine, sports or family-friendly entertainment, University City events offer nonstop fun for everyone.

Group of people smiling wearing Santa hats at a Christmas festival

Make an Impact: Become a Sponsor

Join us in making a difference in University City by sponsoring one of our signature events! From our vibrant University City Wine Fest to the energetic New Year’s Day 5Ks and fun-filled Charlotte Kids Fests, our events bring the community together and create lasting memories. Watch our video to see the impact and discover how your support helps create unforgettable experiences. Your partnership or donation will enhance our events and contribute to the vitality and growth of our community.

UCity Lights Winter Celebration

Join us for a festive elebration at The Shoppes at University Place! Visit with Santa, train rides, and many more family-friendly activities topped-off with our magical tree lighting ceremony. They event and parking are fee. All the fun is just a few blocks away from the JW Clay light rail station. Don’t miss out!

People smiling taking a selfie
People smiling after New Years Day Run

Charlotte New Year’s Day 5k

Kickstart your New Year with a bang at our Charlotte New Year’s Day 5k! Run through scenic Barton Creek, Mallard Creek, and Toby Creek Greenways, with a spectacular finish on the picturesque UNC Charlotte Campus. It’s the perfect way to begin the year with a healthy workout and earn your right to celebrate.

University City Wine Fest

University City’s scenic lake and boardwalk at the Shoppes at University Place is the location for the annual University City Wine Fest. Over 25 wineries and 10 local breweries will be available to sample while guests stroll the boardwalk and enjoy live music and entertainment.

Charlotte Kids Fest

The annual Charlotte Kids Fest provides high-quality educational and fun entertainment in a family friendly atmosphere. It is a festival that inspires and motivates young minds with professional artistic, creative, instructive and playful experiences that transform a child’s understanding of the world around them and what is possible.

Juneteenth Art Fest

Join us for the Juneteenth Art Fest in University City, a celebration of diversity, creativity, and unity through art and fellowship. Our mission is to educate the community about the historical and cultural signicance of Juneteenth while building a strong cultural footprint through inclusive and memorable events like “Art in the Park,” featuring art, poetry, dance, and entertainment for all ages.

Cultural people dancing on stage in costumes

University City Farmers Market

University City Farmers Market is the only farmers market in University City serving up local produce and interactive programs for individuals and families. It is where the community comes together most every weekend to enjoy some of Charlotte’s best local food talent, farmers, artisanal food makers, live music, and pop-up chefs. Catch the market every Saturday from May to October.

Community Events

UNC Charlotte Events

Celebrating Nature

Concerts

Active Living

University City provides opportunities to get moving. Runners will find many road races throughout University City like the Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K. Each race is designed to encourage health and wellness for all ages and fitness levels. Events range from festive fun runs to marathons and provide plenty of opportunities to participate. Visit our Sports page to learn more about physical activities and events.

News

Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K 2025

Ring in the New Year with a Focus on Health! Kick off 2025 on the right foot—literally! Join us for the Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K, an exciting annual event that blends fitness, community spirit, and a commitment to supporting local food pantries. Whether you’re a...

UNC Charlotte’s Board of Visitors: A Bridge Between University and Community

By Keith Stanley As President & CEO of University City Partners and a proud member of the UNC Charlotte Board of Visitors, I am honored to share the vital role this board plays in supporting our local University City community, where UNC Charlotte is not only...

Support the Jamil Niner Student Pantry

The Jamil Niner Student Pantry at UNC Charlotte provides students with regular access to food and household items and serves up to 350 shoppers a week. Most common needs, supported through partnerships like the Scouting Food Drive, which takes place on September 21...

UNC Charlotte to Gain R1 Research Status

The University of North Carolina Charlotte recently announced that the institution has surpassed the threshold requirement to gain R1 research status awarded by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Charlotte is projected to gain R1 research...

Improving Walkability: Survey Results from Earth Day Festival 2024

University City Partners was excited to participate in UNC Charlotte’s Earth Day Festival 2024. Senior Development Manger Drew Gaertner and Intern Caleb Brewer spent several hours at the UCP booth answering questions about the organization, getting feedback from...

Healthy Choices in University City

From choosing healthy foods to taking time to enjoy nature and connect with community, here are a few ways to make healthy choices in University City. Choose healthy food. Learn more about University City's newest prepared health food store, Project LeanNation. Help a...

UNC Charlotte’s International Festival Is Back

After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, UNC Charlotte’s International Festival returns. Started in 1975, the event was one of Charlotte’s first intended to celebrate the area’s rich multicultural community. Today the International Festival is one of the largest...

Meet Brittany Anderson, a Teacher on a Mission 

Brittany Anderson is on a mission to change systemic educational challenges, particularly for young Black girls. At 37, the UNC Charlotte professor and University City resident has already won a National Science Foundation grant for over $1 million and was included on...

UNC Charlotte art students display work at Real African Art gallery

A group of University City community partners recently came together to support 13 UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture students to offer them tools and resources on how to run a small business in the creative industry. The Creative Entrepreneurship program is...