MATTHEWS – Matthews Summerfest returns in May with a two-day entertainment lineup.
The annual festival, formerly known as BeachFest, will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 8, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 9, in Stumptown Park. Admission is free.
Families can enjoy carnival rides, interactive games, shopping, street food, commercial exhibits and several genres of music on the main stage.
Scheduled to perform during the two-day event are Hard 2 Handle (Black Crowes tribute), Jim Quick & Coastline (beach), Save Tonight (1990s and 2000s), Remington Cartee (country), Motown Revue and Rock the 90s.
The carnival portion of Summerfest will open early at 4 p.m. May 8, allowing guests to enjoy the rides before the main event begins. Wristbands and tickets will be available for purchase.
Seaboard, Southern Range and Edge City breweries are returning in 2026, offering craft beer for purchase for festival-goers 21 and older. Beer patrons can enjoy their drinks within the designated festival area, which includes Stumptown Park and the closed portion of South Trade Street.
Novant Health Matthews Medical Center serves as the presenting sponsor of the festival.
Commercial exhibitor spaces are still available for local businesses interested in showcasing their services and connecting with potential customers. 10-by-10 spaces cost $1,000 for the two days. Larger spaces are available. Email lamoore@matthewsnc.gov for an application.
Trade Street will close between John Street and McDowell Street starting at 9 a.m. May 8 to accommodate pedestrians and vendors. The closure will expand to Main Street at 4:30 p.m. and remain in effect until the festival concludes.
On the web: matthewsnc.gov/specialevents