Salisbury’s Cheerwine Festival Returns with Exciting Activities and Live Music

SALISBURY, N.C. (WBTV) – The eighth annual Cheerwine Festival is set to return this Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in downtown Salisbury. This year’s festival promises an exciting day packed with live music, family-friendly activities, and an array of Cheerwine-inspired food and drinks.

The event will feature numerous attractions, including a Kid’s Zone for younger festival-goers, offering free hands-on activities and two bounce houses. Adults will not be permitted in this area, ensuring a safe space for children to enjoy.

In addition, attendees can create and dress their own stuffed animals at a special booth and experience a free gyroscope ride for those feeling adventurous. Though downtown Salisbury will have limited parking, special handicapped accessible parking is available at Livingstone College‘s School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts.

Festival-goers can also utilize free shuttle services from designated locations, with services running from 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weather forecasts predict potential rain throughout the Charlotte Metro area, but Saturday is not expected to be a washout, with highs reaching the upper 80s.

Originally created in 2017 to celebrate Cheerwine’s 100th anniversary, the festival highlights the beloved cherry soda that remains in the hands of the same Salisbury family after five generations. A portion of drink sales at the Cheerwine tent will support Rowan Helping Ministries, which offers vital services to local residents.

This year’s festival includes an impressive lineup of over 60 vendors serving both classic and innovative food options. Attendees can feast on Cheerwine-infused dishes, including Vietnamese Pok Pok wings and Cheerwine-fried chicken.

Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to try the limited-edition Cheerwine Goo Goo Cluster, a new collaboration with a renowned Nashville candy brand. Twelve local breweries will showcase Cheerwine-inspired beers, ciders, and seltzers to complete the festival experience.

For more details about the Cheerwine Festival, interested attendees can visit the festival’s official website.