Lovin’ Life Music Fest: When gates open, where to park at uptown Charlotte festival

Chyna Blackmon
·4 min read

After months of anticipation, it’s almost time for the inaugural Lovin’ Life Music Fest, a new three-day music festival in uptown.

Fans from all over the country are expected to attend the “Charlotte-flavored Lollapalooza” music festival with a lineup of more than 40 artists from May 3-5. Just days before kicking off the event, organizers announced general admission tickets already sold out with only a limited amount of VIP left.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the first-of-its-kind festival in the Queen City, who organizers say should plan ahead to make sure they see their favorite artists.

Lovin’ Life Music Fest will be held May 3-5 in uptown Charlotte. Courtesy of Southern Entertainment
Lovin’ Life Music Fest will be held May 3-5 in uptown Charlotte. Courtesy of Southern Entertainment

Whether you’re checking out Lovin’ Life Music Fest for one day or all weekend long, here’s what to know before you go:

When will the gates open? What time should I get to the festival?

Gates will open at 1 p.m. and close at 11 p.m. each night. According to the LLMF website, you may come and go to the festival site as long as you have your Official LLMF wristband, but be mindful of potential long lines to get in.

“The entry gates between 4:30-6:30 resemble Charlotte interstate traffic on a Friday at 5 pm – packed with eager fans all trying to enter at once,” the LLMF team said on its website. “Arriving at the gate entrance at least 2-3 hours before the artist you’re eager to see is not just a suggestion – it’s practically a fest survival tip. Think about it: arriving early not only helps you beat the rush and potential traffic jams, but it also allows you ample time to explore all the festival grounds have to offer.”

Here is a look at the festival map of where to find the entrance gates for general admission and VIP:

Lovin’ Life Music Fest will be held at 300 N Brevard St. Courtesy of Lovin' Life Music Fest
Lovin’ Life Music Fest will be held at 300 N Brevard St. Courtesy of Lovin' Life Music Fest

Lovin’ Life Music Fest schedule: Check set times for more than 40+ performing artists

What are parking options for Lovin’ Life Music Fest? Or rideshare, public transportation?

The festival will be held in the First Ward area of uptown at 300 N Brevard St. There will not be a designated parking area for fans but but there are other parking options around uptown if you plan to drive:

You can also plan ahead and look out for a spot to reserve in a nearby parking garage or lots near the festival site online at www.parkme.com.

“There are places to park near the fest but we highly encourage the CATS-Pass for the light rail or the bus system, rideshare, Uber or Lyft,” organizers sent in a message to fans.

If you want to avoid driving through traffic and plan to take an Uber or Lyft, the drop-off address is: 406 N College St. The festival site is also between the 7th Street and 9th Street stations if you want to take public transportation.

Organizers are offering 3-day unlimited passes from May 1 to May 3 for $13.00 that can be used on the Gold Line, Blue Line, and bus system. If you miss the deal, you can buy light rail tickets at a Ticket Vending Machine at each station platform or online through the CATS-Pass mobile app.

Some roads around the festival site, down N. Caldwell Street from E. 6th Street to E. 9th Street, have been closed and will reopen by May 7, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.

Charlotte is ready for anything during Lovin’ Life Music Festival, including Taylor Swift

What is and isn’t allowed at the festival?

Here is a list of items you can bring to LLMF:

  • Sunscreen (non-aerosol only)

  • Blankets and beach towels

  • Clear, plastic or vinyl bags that are 12” x 6” x 12”

  • Festival flags without metal or wooden poles

  • Non-professional digital and disposable cameras

  • Mid-sized e-cigarettes and vape pens (no liquid refills)

  • Empty reusable water bottles

  • Strollers

Here is a list of items you cannot bring to LLMF:

  • Selfie sticks

  • Air horns

  • Balloons, balls and frisbees

  • Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, golf carts

  • Coolers

  • Drones

  • Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia

  • Weapons

  • Outside food and drinks

  • Flashlights

  • Hula Hoops

  • LED products/glow sticks

  • Musical instruments

  • Sleeping bags

  • Tents and tarps

  • Umbrellas

  • Video Cameras

  • Walkie Talkies

  • Chairs

  • Hydration packs and backpacks

What food and drink options will be available at the festival?

While fans aren’t allowed to pack any food or drinks to bring with them to the festival, there will be several local restaurants you can check out on site, including:

  • Blue Smokehouse

  • Libretto’s Pizza

  • Fahrenheit

  • Mr. K’s

  • Cheat’s Cheesesteaks

  • STK Steakhouse

You can find more information about Lovin’ Life Music Fest online at lovinlifemusicfest.com/.