Check out general information about this year’s event, here: BROCHURE 2024
Parking/Directions/Ride Share Info
People with disabilities may use the “horseshoe” parking area located at the side of the Matthews First Baptist Church, off of Sadie Drive. If those spaces are filled, there are handicapped accessible spaces in our Town public parking areas and at adjoining businesses that are closed during festival hours. Our festival parking attendant can direct you to open spaces.
Free public parking areas are located by the train tracks at North Trade Street and Charles Street. Matthews Station offers parking in front of and behind Town Hall (across from public parking). Parking is also available at many businesses along John and Trade Streets, Matthews Presbyterian Church on John Street and Matthews United Methodist Church on South Trade Street (accessible from Fullwood Lane off N.C. 51).
If you are using GPS, we recommend searching for “Stumptown Park, Matthews, NC” and following the directions to that location.
For Uber/Lyft 211 North Trade Street, Matthews NC is the perfect pick up/drop off address for your driver. This address is a public parking lot near the rail road tracks.
What are the Matthews Alive Festival hours?
The main Festival area (food, main stage entertainment, rides), the Small Shops area, and the Cultural Center all hold different hours during the Labor Day Weekend Festival.
Main Festival Hours (food, main stage entertainment, rides)
- Friday: 6pm – 10pm
- Saturday: 10am – 10pm
- Sunday: 1pm – 10pm
- Monday: 9am – 5pm
Small Shops Hours
- Friday: CLOSED
- Saturday: 10am – 7:30pm
- Sunday: 1pm – 7:30pm
- Monday: 9am – 4pm
Cultural Center Hours (Quilt Show, Woodworkers, Indoor Stage, and more)
- Friday: CLOSED
- Saturday: 11pm – 7:30pm
- Sunday: 1pm – 7:30pm
- Monday: 9am – 4pm
Where can I find the Entertainment Schedule?
Please check our Entertainment page for this year’s schedule!
My band would like to play at Matthews Alive. Who do I get in touch with?
If you are interested in performing at Matthews Alive, please contact Brandon at Key Signature Entertainment. They are a third party that handles our entertainment.
When is the Matthews Alive parade? Where is the parade route?
Each year, the Matthews Alive Parade is held on Saturday morning, at 9:30 am, and lasts around 1.5 hours.
Click here for more information about this year’s parade, including information on the parade route.
How much are tickets for rides and games?
Individual tickets $2 each
$35 for a sheet of 25 tickets.
$60 for a sheet of 50 tickets.
Multiple ticket booths will accept credit cards this year. There are also a few ATMs on-site at Matthews Alive.
You can find more specifics about ticket prices, and how many tickets rides & games require, on the Rides, Games, & Family Fun page.
Where is the designated area for nursing mothers?
A baby changing room/nursing mothers area is located in the lower level of the Matthews Community Center (Studio B) across from the employee break room.
Are pets allowed at Matthews Alive?
No, no pets of any kind are allowed, per Matthews Town Ordinance 91A-31.
Service animals ARE welcome.
Please make appropriate plans for your pets before leaving for the Festival; there are no places to leave your pets at the Festival. If you bring your pets into the Festival, you will be asked to remove them.
Due to the typically very warm weather over Labor Day Weekend, we strongly suggest leaving your pets at home. Please do not lock your pets in your car while you attend the Festival.
Can I buy alcohol at Matthews Alive?
No. No alcohol of any kind is sold at the Matthews Alive Festival.
May I bring outside food and/or drinks into Matthews Alive?
Yes, you may bring your own food items and/or non-alcoholic beverages into Matthews Alive.
What items ARE NOT permitted at Matthews Alive?
For the safety of you and our other patrons, the following items are not permitted:
- Alcohol
- Bicycles
- Skateboards
- Rollerblades
- Wheeled recreational items of any kind
I need local lodging - any suggestions?
We have partnered with the Hampton Inn – Matthews to provide lodging to out of town guests, vendors, sponsors, etc. Please CALL the Hampton Inn – Matthews at 704-841-1155 and ask for the Matthews Alive “Vendor & Visitor Rates” special.
I am interested in being a Food vendor, Small Shops vendor, Sponsor, Commercial Exhibitor, Parade participant, etc. Where can I get more information?
Please click the area in which you’re interested in learning more, and you’ll find the relevant information: