Waxhaw, NC – The Town of Waxhaw is preparing for large crowds in Downtown Waxhaw this Saturday, May 13, for the annual Kaleidoscope Festival.

The food, music and art festival kicks off the beginning of festival season in Waxhaw and is held every year on Mother’s Day Weekend. Festivalgoers can enjoy various arts activities, live music and food experiences from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The festival will have a number of fun, family-friendly activities, such as rock painting, balloon art, a video game truck, and chalk art. There will also be live model drawing, plein air and splatter painting opportunities, and basket weaving.

Attendees can catch a live show at the stage located on Church Street and N Main Street that will feature five musical acts, including early performances from the Cuthbertson High School Jazz Band, Charlotte Improv and Culchies gan Ainm (a Celtic band). The afternoon features musical acts from Spectre & Sable and the Pantasia Steel Band. 

Foodies will also be able to enjoy a global culinary experience by trying one of the festival’s 11 different food trucks, featuring cuisines from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe. This year, the festival welcomes a new experience for attendees: cooking demonstrations with local Waxhaw chefs. You can learn more about the demonstration online at https://www.waxhaw.com/our-town/events/kaleidoscope-fest. The demonstrations are open to the public, but space is limited. 

Other fun experiences this year include the gift market filled with local vendors selling handmade goods and crafts and a silent disco under the water tank. 

The festival will be located in Downtown Waxhaw along North Main Street between Broome Street and Broad Street and along Church Street, near the Duncan McDonald House and Waxhaw water tank.

Parking is limited downtown, but shuttles will run regularly from three satellite parking locations at Millbridge Clubhouse, Lawson Clubhouse & State Employees Credit Union, and Waxhaw Elementary. The shuttles will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Learn more about the festival and events at waxhaw.com.