Matthews Live Festival announces new parade route and diverse entertainment lineup

The Board of Commissioners meeting held on June 23, 2025, in Matthews, Union County, focused primarily on preparations for the upcoming Matthews Live Festival, scheduled to take place in August. Board members, including Brian Lee, Amanda Howard, Julie Bee, Heather Thompson, and Dennis Green, outlined the festival's layout, entertainment, and safety measures.

The festival will maintain its traditional layout, featuring small shops along McDowell Street, a designated kids' area in front of Matthews Elementary, and various entertainment options. Notably, pets are discouraged due to heat concerns and town policy, with enforcement handled on a case-by-case basis in coordination with local police.

Entertainment highlights include a diverse lineup of musical acts spanning genres from beach music to rock and roll, with notable performances by the Carolina Barnburners and a Tina Turner tribute band. The festival will also feature 23 food vendors, emphasizing local businesses and a variety of cuisines.

A significant change this year is the revised parade route, aimed at enhancing safety for participants and spectators. The new route will allow for safer disembarking of parade floats and a more spacious area for spectators, aligning with national safety standards. Communication efforts will be made to inform attendees about this change.

Additionally, the festival will introduce a nonprofit donation process, allowing organizations not directly involved in festival operations to apply for funding. This initiative aims to support community groups and enhance their participation in the event.

The meeting concluded with a focus on volunteer opportunities, encouraging community involvement in the festival's operations. Overall, the preparations for the Matthews Live Festival reflect a commitment to safety, community engagement, and support for local businesses.