The 16th Annual Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas returns to Charlotte on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th in Independence Park.

The Juneteenth Festival is a celebration of not only freedom for enslaved blacks in America, but freedom of all people that have been enslaved throughout time.

The festival will offer a rich array of cultural traditions and diversity through food, arts and music, and offers a broad variety of tantalizing, ethnic foods, plus an even greater selection of vendors displaying unique arts, crafts and clothing from around the world.

Participants can enjoy fabulous R&B, Blues, Jazz, Reggae, Hip-Hop and many more soul-stirring sounds as music and dance groups perform throughout the weekend's festivities.

Admission is free and the festival begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 10 p.m. The Cultural Camp on Thursday begins at 9 a.m.

SALISBURY - Dads and kids, bring Mom downtown from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, May 11, the Friday before Mother’s Day, for Downtown Salisbury’s annual Spring Night Out!  This free family-friendly event offers activities, live entertainment, and great shopping for all ages!

Stroll the sidewalks of Downtown and enjoy live music on East Fisher Street by Jeremy and Jess Vess from 5:00pm-7:00pm for the Brick Street Live Pre-Party Event.  At 7:00pm the first Brick Street Live concert of the year takes place on the 300 block of North Lee Street featuring a fan favorite, the Tim Clark Band.

Check out the Classic Cars on North Main Street or load the entire family on the Trolley for a free spin around town. Register for the First Presbyterian TWAM Run or hop aboard a horse drawn carriage for a unique view of historic downtown. 

Children will also find plenty to keep them busy.  The Kids’ Zone in the Visitors Center parking lot and East Innes Parking Lot (beside Dee’s Jewelers) with four huge inflatables, Salisbury Symphony’s musical petting zoo, Create Your Own Tie-Dye, Wacky Doo the Clown, Dan Nicholas Park, face painting,   Plus, this is the perfect opportunity to find that special gift for Mom as downtown stores stay open late for your shopping convenience.  Be sure to check out their in-store specials by using the QR code on the Sidewalk stamp in front of the store. 

Food Lion launches its “Hunger Has a Cure” campaign Wednesday to support Feeding America and its network of local food banks. The two-week campaign, which allows customers to donate in $1 or $3 increments at the register, runs through April 16, and will help feed local families in need.

“We know that it’s difficult for some families to provide food during the summer, especially since it’s a time when food donations typically drop while hunger needs increase,” said Sherrii Webb, manager of community relations for Food Lion. “Funds raised through this two-week ‘Hunger Has a Cure’ campaign will provide critical food assistance for local families in need.”