CATS Offers $12 Pass, But Riders Told: “Plan Ahead”
City Warns: Don’t Drive Dumb
Love and Life, and Logistics: Charlotte’s Safety Net Tightens Ahead of Weekend Festival
By Jack Beckett | The Charlotte Mercury | April 30, 2025
Charlotte is bracing for a convergence of chaos this weekend — and city officials are calling it a celebration.
The second annual Love and Life Music Festival kicks off May 2 in Uptown’s First Ward Park with more than 60,000 attendees expected over three days. The guest list includes Kendrick Lamar at Bank of America Stadium, the Charlotte Knights playing at Truist Field, and roughly every traffic cop the CMPD could spare.
The festival’s 2024 debut drew 86,000 over the weekend. This year, officials are sticking with the same playbook — just with more police, more buses, and a little less water drama.
CMPD Goes Full-Force
Deputy Chief Jackie Briley of CMPD’s Special Services Group confirmed what many officers already suspected: no vacations allowed. CMPD has implemented a full-force deployment model, tapping detectives and patrol alike. All hands will be on deck from May 2 through May 5. A dedicated dispatcher and festival-only emergency radio channel are also part of the upgraded plan.
“We’re not guessing,” Briley said. “We’ve done this before. It’s traffic, it’s closures, it’s boots on the ground. You’ll see us. Stop us if you need help.”
Road closures begin Tuesday night, April 30, with 7th and 8th Streets between Brevard and Cotwood sealed off. The core of Uptown will tighten further by Thursday morning at 9 a.m., locking down for festival setup. Most streets reopen Tuesday, May 6 — but expect delays and snarls throughout the weekend.
Briley emphasized one commandment: Don’t leave valuables in your car. Then came the second: Remember where you parked.
CATS Tries to Beat the Gridlock
With Uptown’s streets in a chokehold, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is banking on light rail. CEO Brent Cagle announced a $12 three-day discounted pass via the CATS Pass app, good through Thursday. Miss the window? You’ll still save with a $15 pass Friday.
CATS is also adding express buses between the event site and park-and-rides at JW Clay Blvd and I-485. Riders can flag ambassadors along the Blue Line for help or report issues directly through the CATS app.
“Last year’s feedback was clear,” said Cagle. “The express buses worked. So we’re doing more of them.”
Still, transit officials are urging riders to plan ahead and use the “Report a Problem” button if things go sideways.
Festival Director Admits Last Year Was “Tight”
Greg McConnell, festival director for Love & Life, conceded that the 2024 launch was a bit rough around the edges.
“Yeah, we opened a few minutes late. Streets weren’t closed fast enough. Water stations weren’t ideal,” McConnell said. “This year? Earlier setup. Faster breakdown. It’s baked into the plan.”
The team expects 20,000+ attendees per day, with attendance trending toward last year’s numbers as weekend ticket sales spike. Local music will take the spotlight on the “Homegrown Stage,” and restaurants from across the Queen City will be represented in the food court.
“This isn’t just big names,” McConnell added. “We’ve got students displaying art. The Charlotte Hornets are involved. Even the Charlotte Checkers showed up.”
Economic Boost — and a Bit of Civic Chest-Pounding
Officials from the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and Center City Partners spun the event as a love letter to Charlotte itself.
“These weekends bring real impact,” said CRVA CEO Steve Bagwell, noting that out-of-towners discover everything from local brunch spots to favorite coffee shops. (Insert nod to our sponsor, Summit Coffee, here.)
Bagwell confirmed an ongoing economic impact study with the festival’s organizers and teased that the data — when released — will quantify how much money poured into Charlotte’s economy from concertgoers, hotel guests, and brunch fiends alike.
“Maybe they come for Kendrick,” Bagwell said. “But they leave with reservations at Haberdish.”
TL;DR for Uptown Locals
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Don’t drive unless you have to.
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Don’t call 911 unless it’s an actual emergency.
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Don’t be surprised if your Uber pickup is at a church.
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Do talk to officers — they’re everywhere.
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Do download the CATS app.
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Do expect crowds. Not some crowds. All the crowds.
☕ Jack Beckett
Senior Writer, The Charlotte Mercury
Still typing with one hand and sipping Basecamp Blend with the other, thanks to our beloved friends at Summit Coffee — proudly caffeinating Charlotte, Davidson, and anyone who’s ever waited 20 minutes for a light rail.
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