Lovin’ Life 2025: Parking, bag policy and everything else you need to know

After much anticipation, the three-day music festival designed to be a Charlotte-flavored Lollapalooza is returning to uptown.

Dozens of pop, rap and rock stars along with local artists will be coming to the Queen City for the second annual Lovin’ Life Music Fest, set for May 2-4 in the First Ward area.

With Kendrick Lamar’s Grand National Tour concert at Bank of America Stadium sandwiched between three Charlotte Knights games the same weekend long — this might arguably be one of the busiest weekends in uptown this year.

Whether you’re popping in for a single show or planning to party to every performance all weekend long, here’s everything to know before you go to Lovin’ Life Music Fest.

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

Gates will open at 2 p.m. and close at 11 p.m. each day of the festival, but fans are allowed to enter and exit the festival site as long as they are wearing their wrist bands.

Is there designated parking for the festival? What public transportation deals?

There is not a designated parking area for fans, but organizers compiled a list of recommended parking locations near the festival site:

• 401 S. Graham St.

• 501 E Trade St.

• 401 E 7th St.

• 709 E Trade St.

• 418 E 7th St.

If you want to skip the drive, the Charlotte Area Transportation System (CATS) is offering discounted transit passes that can be used on the Gold Line, Blue Line and bus system. You can buy a single day pass for $6 and three day unlimited passes for $12 until May 1 before prices go up to $15 in the CATS-Pass App.

Are there bag restrictions for the festival?

Yes, only certain bags with specific sizes are allowed at Lovin’ Life Music Fest. Here is a breakdown of what kind of bags are acceptable to bring:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, without holograph, tint or color and are not bigger than 12” x 6” x 12”

• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag

• Small, non-clear bags that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5”

According to the festival website, exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.

What is and isn’t allowed at the festival?

Here is a list of items fans can bring to Lovin’ Life:

• Cell phones

• Non-aerosol sunscreen

• Blankets and beach towels

• Festival flags without metal or wooden poles

• Chapstick, lip balm, gum and mints

• Disposable cameras and non-professional digital cameras without removable lenses

• Ear plugs

• Hand sanitizer, eye drops and contact solution

• Mid-sized e-cigarettes and vape pens without liquid refills

• Strollers and breast pumps

• Empty reusable water bottles that are not made of glass

Here is a list of items fans cannot bring to Lovin’ Life:

• Professional cameras, video cameras, selfie sticks and tripods

• Air horns

• Aerosol containers

• Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and hoverboards

• Caution tape and rope

• Chains and chain wallets

• Coolers

• Drones, remote control vehicles or toys

• Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia

• Outside food, alcohol and drinks

• Flashlights

• Glass containers

• Hula hoops

• Laser pointers, LED products and glow sticks

• Musical instruments

• Promotional items and unauthorized solicitations

• Sleeping bags, tents and tarps

• Sling shots

• Stuffed animals

• Totems

• Weapons or items that resemble realistic firearms or weapons

• Umbrellas

• Vape AVPs/Mods/ liquid refills

• Personal chairs, wagons and wheeled carts

• Walkie talkies

• Hydration packs and backpacks

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

In an effort to bring a bit of local flavor to the festival, there will be several Charlotte restaurants serving food at Lovin’ Life this year:

• Libretto’s Pizzeria

• Fahrenheit

• Mac’s Speed Shop

• Saku

Here are the extra food vendors that will be available for those with SuperVIP tickets:

• Macarons, brownies and other sweet treats from Amélie’s

• Fried chicken sandwiches from Bossy Beulah’s

• Curated selection of food from FS Food Group, the team behind Midwood Smokehouse, YAFO Kitchen, Paco’s Tacos and Mama Ricotta’s.

Will there be water stations?

Yes, there will be a water station for fans to use for empty, reusable tumblers or bottles that are not made with glass.

What forms of payment can be used at the festival?

Fans will be able to make purchases at the festival using cash, credit card, Apple Pay and with wristbands if linked to a card.

Is there seating for fans? Will the festival be ADA accessible?

The festival is designed to be a standing-only event, but there will be seating in Super VIP and in Culinary & Arts Village on a first-come, first-served basis.

There will also be accessible viewing area where seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis under the following guidelines, according to the festival website:

• One companion permitted per ADA guest

• No standing, vaping, or smoking

• Seats cannot be saved or reserved

You can find more information about the festival online at lovinlifemusicfest.com.

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This story was originally published April 23, 2025 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Lovin’ Life 2025: Parking, bag policy and everything else you need to know."

Chyna Blackmon

The Charlotte Observer

Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription