Mark your calendars and bring your appetite for all things bubbly, bold, and uniquely Southern—because Cheerwine Festival is back and bigger than ever! Set in the charming streets of Rowan County's Downtown Salisbury, this lively celebration is a must-attend event for anyone who loves live music, local flavor, handcrafted treasures, and of course, the one-of-a-kind cherry soda born right here in North Carolina. Whether you're a longtime Cheerwine superfan or just looking for a fun day out with family and friends, the 2025 festival promises a full day of unforgettable fun, flavor, and festive vibes.
From top-tier entertainment and exciting family activities to artisan markets, delicious eats, and Cheerwine-inspired treats, this is the ultimate Southern street festival you won’t want to miss. Come thirsty, come hungry, and come ready to experience a true Salisbury tradition that keeps getting sweeter every year!
Cheerwine Festival 2025
May 17, 2025
10 A.M. - 7 P.M.
Downtown Salisbury, N.C.
What to Expect at the 2025 Cheerwine Festival
Photo by the City of Salisbury on Facebook.
Craft Vendors at the 2025 Cheerwine Festival
Explore a diverse array of handcrafted goods from talented local artisans. From wood and metal sculptures to homemade soaps and honey, there's something for everyone. Don't forget to check out exclusive Cheerwine merchandise to commemorate your visit.
For a full list of the 2025 Cheerwine Festival craft vendors, click here!
Food Vendors at the 2025 Cheerwine Festival
Indulge in a culinary journey featuring a variety of food trucks and stalls offering Cheerwine-inspired dishes and other Southern favorites. The "Carolina Brand Originals" sampling area, brought to you by Food Lion, will showcase local delicacies that highlight the rich flavors of the region.
For a full list of the 2025 Cheerwine Festival food vendors, click here!
Beer Garden Vendors at the 2025 Cheerwine Festival
Located near the 200th block of North Main Street and near 100 South Jackson Street will be this year's Cheerwine Festival Beer Garden. Here local breweries will serve their top beers on tap for anyone interested, and some will offer exciting Cheerwine themed options to look forward to. Of course, anyone interested in participating in the beer gardens must be 21 years of age and a valid ID will be required. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased in the Beer Garden, but can be consumed throughout the Festival area.
For a full list of brewery attendees at this year's festival, click here!
F&M Bank Fun Zone at the 2025 Cheerwine Festival
Families with children can look forward to the F&M Bank Fun Zone, open from noon to 10 p.m. This area offers free activities, including coloring sheets and hands-on projects, ensuring fun for the little ones throughout the day.
Click here for a full list of Fun Zone activities to expect at this year's Cheerwine Festival.
Entertainment at the 2025 Cheerwine Festival
Beyond the musical performances, the festival will feature live stilt walkers, jugglers, free trolley tours, and a second stage showcasing local musicians. These entertainers will provide continuous amusement, adding to the festive atmosphere.
For a full list of the entertainment to expect at this year's festival, click here.
Cheerwine Festival 2025 Band Schedule
Photo by the City of Salisbury on Facebook.
Caroline Keller Band Noon - 1:15 P.M.
Liam Pendergrass Trio 1:45 P.M. - 3 P.M.
Next Level Band 3:30 P.M. - 5 P.M.
Boy Band Review 5:30 P.M. - 7 P.M.
Cheerwine Festival Map 2025
Map by Cheerwine Festival.
Cheerwine Festival Shuttle 2025
Map by Cheerwine Festival.
Shuttle stop locations can be found on the festival map, and clear signage will direct drivers to designated offsite shuttle parking areas. Complimentary shuttles will operate from 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m., with pickups approximately every 15 minutes.
Shuttle Pickup Locations:
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Catawba College – 2300 W Innes St, Salisbury, NC 28144
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Rowan-Cabarrus Community College – 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd S, Salisbury, NC 28146
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ADA Accessible Shuttle: Livingstone College School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts – 530 Jake Alexander Blvd, Salisbury, NC 28144
Cheerwine Festival 2025 T-Shirt Design Contest
Photo by Cheerwine on Facebook.
Celebrate the spirit of the Cheerwine Festival with the official 2025 T-shirt, featuring a design by local artist Katelyn Roberts, a senior at West Rowan High School. These limited-edition shirts are available for pre-order now! Be sure to order soon to receive your shirt before the festival on May 17, 2025. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to wear a piece of local artistry and show your festival pride! Order your official 2025 Cheerwine Festival T-Shirt here.
CHEERWINE FESTIVAL 2025 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.
Cheerwine Festival Stay & Play Package
Coming from out of town to enjoy the festivities? Book your overnight stay below and select our Cheerwine Festival Stay & Play Package to receive a VISA e-Gift Card equal to 50% of your stay that you can use while you're at the festival!
What happens at the Cheerwine Festival?
The Cheerwine Festival is a local tradition celebrating the “Uniquely Southern” drink, Cheerwine, in its
hometown of Salisbury, N.C.. At the festival, you will discover hundreds of vendors, musical
performances, Cheerwine-themed merchandise, food, drinks, and more!
Is the Cheerwine Festival free?
Cheerwine Festival is a free festival! However, if you’d like to make purchases at any vendor location
during the festival, be sure to bring extra spending money – there is a LOT to choose from!
Where is the Cheerwine Festival held?
Cheerwine Festival is held annually in the downtown of its birthplace, Salisbury N.C.. The festival takes
up multiple blocks of Downtown Salisbury, with the main center of the event being located at the cross
of Main & Innes Streets.
How many people go to the Cheerwine Festival?
The attendance numbers continue to rise for Cheerwine Festival! At its start in 2017, the event saw a
turnout of over 30,000 people. However, in recent years, the festival has welcomed around 100,000 Cheerwine lovers to
Downtown Salisbury, N.C.!
Where is Cheerwine sold?
In Salisbury alone, there are a whopping 101 vendors that sell the Rowan County staple, yet Cheerwine
can be found in 40 of the 50 United States of America! If you’re looking for Cheerwine near you, the best
way to discover where you can buy it is by using Cheerwine’s official vendor locator here:
https://cheerwine.com/find/
What time is the Cheerwine Festival?
This year, Cheerwine Festival will occur on May 17, 2025, from 10 A.M. to 7 P.M.!
Is Cheerwine Alcoholic?
Cheerwine is a non-alcoholic beverage, safe for anyone to drink!
The 2025 Cheerwine Festival promises a day filled with joy, community spirit, and the unique flavors of Salisbury. Whether you're a longtime fan of Cheerwine or new to this Southern tradition, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare for an unforgettable experience celebrating the sweet side of life.
Header photo by City of Salisbury on Facebook.
#VisitRowanCountyNC