Lovin' Life Music Fest grooves despite weather hiccup
Artists like Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, Weezer, Dave Matthews Band and Pitbull bring thousands to uptown Charlotte
The following article appeared in the May 5, 2025, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Despite rain, Charlotte showed up for Lovin’ Life music fest; third-annual event is scheduled for May 1-3, 2026
R&B singer Teddy Swims performed on the main stage Sunday night ahead of the final festival performance from Dave Matthews Band. (Photo by Lindsey Banks)
Back for its second year, Lovin’ Life Music Fest once again delivered a packed three-day weekend of live music, food and Charlotte pride — even if the weather didn’t always cooperate.
Crowds estimated at about 20,000 people per day turned out for performances by Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, Pitbull, Weezer, Dave Matthews Band, Teddy Swims and others. This year’s lineup didn’t pack quite the same A-list punch as 2024’s (which included Post Malone, Stevie Nicks and Noah Kahan), but festival-goers still showed up in force.
Some of the details that worked well last year returned: The festival layout stayed the same, which made it easy to navigate for returning attendees. Picking up wristbands early made getting through the gates quick and seamless, and the entrance gate’s proximity to the 7th Street Station light rail stop was convenient for those using public transit. While themed dress-up days were once again promoted, most people stuck to regular festival attire.
There were some differences, though. The central part of the festival grounds felt more open this year, making it easier to move around and a little less congested. And the food scene was stronger, with over a dozen food vendors and multiple bars throughout the grounds.
Saturday afternoon and evening brought lightning and heavy rain, which caused some delays. Festival goers had to seek shelter in a parking deck while the storm passed, but the weather lightened up around 6 p.m. and held off until late that night. Friday and Sunday brought perfect weather, though: sunny skies, comfortable temps and an occasional breeze.
Benson Boone’s set on Friday night was the highlight of the weekend for me. (He performed on Saturday Night Live the following night, so it felt like Charlotte got a sneak peek.) I didn't attend Saturday night's Lovin’ Life shows with Pitbull and Weezer because I was at Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour at Bank of America Stadium, but from what I saw on social media, attendees had a great time jamming out, especially to Mr. 305.
Road traffic was a little nightmarish uptown after the festival and the show, which was about the time the rain started pouring again.
Festival officials on Sunday announced the dates for the third year of the event: May 1-3, 2026. (No word yet on who the performers will be.)
Overall, the weekend brought back the spirit of last year’s inaugural event, and fans are already looking ahead to what next year might bring — hopefully with fewer weather hiccups, a few more well-known artists and no major concert overlap across the street. —Lindsey Banks
🎥Check out recap videos from Day 1 and Day 3 on The Ledger’s Instagram
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