Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate - because the Cheerwine Festival is returning in 2026, bringing even more flavor and fun to the heart of Downtown Salisbury! Set against the backdrop of Rowan County’s charming streets, this can’t-miss event is a vibrant celebration of all things Southern - from live music and local vendors to handcrafted goods and, of course, the iconic cherry soda that started it all right here in North Carolina.
Whether you’re a devoted Cheerwine fan or simply looking for the perfect day out with family and friends, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience filled with bold flavors, lively entertainment, and plenty of hometown pride. Come ready to explore, indulge, and enjoy one of Salisbury’s sweetest traditions!
Cheerwine Festival 2026
May 16, 2026
10 A.M. - 7 P.M.
Downtown Salisbury, N.C.
What to Expect at the 2026 Cheerwine Festival
Photo by the City of Salisbury on Facebook.
Craft Vendors at the 2026 Cheerwine Festival
Explore a vibrant marketplace filled with handcrafted goods from talented makers and artisans across the region. From wood and metal art, leather goods, jewelry, soaps, and honey to unique home décor and custom creations, the craft vendors showcase the best of local creativity. Many also feature exclusive Cheerwine-inspired items like themed apparel, infused treats, and specialty gifts you won’t find anywhere else - making it the perfect place to shop small and take home a piece of Salisbury tradition.
For a full list of the 2026 Cheerwine Festival craft vendors, click here!
Food Vendors at the 2026 Cheerwine Festival
Come hungry, because this year’s festival offers an incredible lineup of food vendors serving everything from Southern classics to creative, Cheerwine-inspired dishes. Don’t miss the Taste of Carolina Originals sampling area, sponsored by Food Lion, where you can enjoy free all-day samples of local favorites including sauces, baked goods, teas, and desserts. Throughout the festival, food trucks and vendors will be serving up everything from BBQ and tacos to funnel cakes, slushies, and inventive Cheerwine-infused creations.
For a full list of the 2026 Cheerwine Festival food vendors, click here!
Beer Garden Vendors at the 2026 Cheerwine Festival
Raise a glass in the Cheerwine Festival Beer Gardens, located near North Main Street and S. Church Street, featuring nine local and regional breweries pouring craft beers, ciders, and specialty drinks. From crisp lagers and bold IPAs to unique Cheerwine-inspired brews like wheat ales, ciders, and hard sodas, there’s something for every craft beverage fan. Guests must be 21 or older with valid ID, and drinks may be enjoyed throughout the festival footprint once purchased.
For a full list of brewery attendees at this year's festival, click here!
F&M Bank Fun Zone at the 2026 Cheerwine Festival
Perfect for families, the F&M Bank Fun Zone offers free, kid-friendly activities from 10 A.M. - 7 P.M., including crafts at the Activity Tent, bounce houses, a carousel bounce, rock climbing wall, gyroscope ride, and hands-on experiences like gem mining and building a barnyard friend. Kids can also enjoy treats, games, and interactive exhibits from the N.C. Transportation Museum, making it a full day of fun and discovery for all ages
Click here for a full list of Fun Zone activities to expect at this year's Cheerwine Festival.
Entertainment at the 2026 Cheerwine Festival
Festival entertainment can be found throughout Downtown Salisbury, featuring roaming performers and interactive experiences for all ages. Watch for the East Coast Giant Stilt Walkers bringing larger-than-life energy to the streets, or join in the fun with the Cosmic Jugglers, including local performers Pete Bogle and Reid Evans. Visitors can also explore the Rowan Museum’s Cheerwine Exhibit, showcasing more than a century of Cheerwine history and heritage.
For a full list of the entertainment to expect at this year's festival, click here.
Cheerwine Festival 2026 Band Schedule
Each year, the Cheerwine Festival hosts an incredible line-up of original music performances lasting all day long. This year, the lineup promises to deliver with genres from funk to rock to this year's headlining Billie Joel tribute band, The Stranger.
Photo by the City of Salisbury on Facebook.
11 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. Crystal Aria Band
1 P.M. - 2:30 P.M. Big Break
3 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. Chris Taylor & the Rumor
5 P.M. - 7 P.M. The Stranger
Cheerwine Festival Map 2026
Map by Cheerwine Festival.
Getting Around Cheerwine Festival 2026
Cheerwine Festival 2026 Shuttle
Map by Cheerwine Festival.
Getting to and from the festival is easy thanks to complimentary shuttles, proudly sponsored by Cloninger Automotive Group & Collision Center. Shuttle stop locations are marked on the official festival map, and clear signage will guide drivers to designated offsite parking areas.
Free shuttles will run from 9:45 A.M. - 8 P.M., with pickups approximately every 15 minutes - making it simple to park and ride into all the action downtown.
Shuttle Pickup Locations:
- Catawba College - 2300 W Innes St, Salisbury, NC 28144
- Rowan-Cabarrus Community College - 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd S, Salisbury, NC 28146
- ADA Accessible Shuttle: Livingstone College School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts - 530 Jake Alexander Blvd, Salisbury, NC 28144
Overflow ADA/handicapped parking is also available at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
Cheerwine Festival 2026 Shuttle Parking
Map by Cheerwine Festival.
For guests driving directly into Downtown Salisbury, free parking is available at multiple public lots and street-adjacent areas surrounding the festival footprint. Parking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is encouraged to secure a convenient spot close to the action.
For those requiring accessibility accommodations, designated ADA/handicapparking is available at 231 S. Main St. and 310 N. Main St., providing closer access to festival entrances.
A detailed parking map is available to help you plan ahead and easily locate the best available options throughout the downtown area.
CHEERWINE FESTIVAL 2026 PROHIBITED LIST
- No pets.
- No outside alcoholic beverages.
- No smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco.
- Open Carry or display of firearms or weapons with the Cheerwine Festival is prohibited.
- No biking, skating, rollerblading or skateboarding.
Things to Do While in Town for Cheerwine Festival
Turning your Cheerwine Festival visit into a full weekend getaway? Rowan County has plenty to explore beyond Downtown Salisbury. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or making it a day date, here are a few experiences worth adding to your itinerary:
Spend a Day at Dan Nicholas Park
Perfect for families, Dan Nicholas Park offers everything from paddle boats and a carousel to nature trails and a gem mining experience. It’s an easy way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors between festival festivities.
Pick Strawberries at Patterson Farm
If you’re visiting during peak strawberry season, don’t miss the chance to pick your own fresh berries at Patterson Farm. With scenic fields and a farm market full of local goodies, it’s a classic Rowan County experience.
Take a Safari Tour at Lazy 5 Ranch
Just a short drive away, Lazy 5 Ranch is a drive-through safari that lets you get up close with exotic animals from the comfort of your car - or on a wagon tour. It’s a memorable adventure for all ages.
Observe wild animals at Tiger World
Home to rescued and endangered animals from around the globe, Tiger World offers an educational and engaging experience. You’ll have the chance to see everything from big cats to exotic birds.
Explore Transportation History at the N.C. Transportation Museum
Step into a historic rail yard and discover North Carolina’s rich transportation heritage at the N.C. Transportation Museum. From vintage locomotives and rail cars to aviation and automotive exhibits, this hands-on museum is a must for history buffs and curious explorers alike.
Cheerwine Festival Stay & Play Package
Turn your Cheerwine Festival visit into a full weekend getaway with our Cheerwine Festival Stay & Play Package. Perfect for out-of-town guests - or locals looking to make the most of the celebration - this exclusive offer lets you book your overnight stay in Rowan County and receive a VISA e-Gift Card equal to 50% of your stay to spend while you’re enjoying the festival. Use it to sample local food vendors, shop artisan crafts, sip your way through the Beer Gardens, or treat yourself to all the Cheerwine-inspired creations you can find. Stay, play, and experience the festival like never before - right in the heart of the celebration.