Festival of Music
Registration Now Open!
Carowinds Festival of Music is returning in the Spring of 2025 for its 49th year! We are excited to expand our fine arts programming to include not only instrumental and choral ensembles, but dance, show choir & musical theatre ensembles as well! Look for our new Festival of Dance, and Show Choir & Musical Theatre Festival information when you register your group!
We are also thrilled to announce that our calendar has also expanded for 2025 to include 2 weeks of weekday offerings in April!
Don't miss this chance to be part of the fun and excitement of performing at Carowinds in 2025. Sessions fill up quickly and are only available on a first come, first served basis.
Instrumental:
- March 15, 22, 28, 29
- April 4, 5, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
- May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 30, 31
Choral:
- March 28, 29
- April 11, 12, 14, 15, 23, 24, 25, 26
- May 2, 3, 9, 10
Show Choir & Musical Theatre Festival:
- April 4 & 5
Registration Instructions
Carowinds' Festival of Music is one of the most anticipated and celebrated student performance events in the Carolinas. Middle and high school concert bands, jazz ensembles, orchestras, choral ensembles, and dance troupes are invited to showcase their skills In one of our unique on-site venues.
In addition to a desirable performance opportunity, the Festival of Music is also a valuable chance to learn from the masters. Under the guidance of retired Winthrop University director of bands, Dr. William F. Malambri, nationally-known adjudicators will evaluate and critique your ensemble's performance. All groups will receive a certificate of participation.
PLEASE NOTE: You will select and register for a performance time. Warm-up times will begin prior to the selected time, with 30 minutes for instrumental groups, 15 minutes for choral and 20 minutes for show choir/musical theatre & dance groups.
How the Festival Works
Register Your Ensembles
In 2025, Festival of Music will host instrumental, choral and show choir groups for performances - plus a new category of Musical Theatre!
Complete the online registration with a $150 registration fee per performing group, to reserve your 2025 Carowinds Festival of Music performance time. However, we are excited to be able to offer an early bird registration fee of $100 for all ensemble registrations that are paid prior to December 31, 2024. Afterwards, the registration fee will increase to $150 per ensemble.
The registration fee is non-refundable, non-transferable, and must be received prior to finalization of your scheduled performance time. The registration fee is for registration purposes only and does not apply to your ticket purchase. lf paying by check, a copy of the invoice must be mailed with payment to ensure proper credit to the correct ensemble.
Order Your Tickets
Each person entering Carowinds will need to present an admission ticket or a season pass to gain access to the Festival of Music and the park. This includes students, directors, accompanists, chaperones, group members, family, and friends.
Ticket Prices
- Performer: $50.00 per person
- Observer/Chaperone: $39.00 per person
- Season Passholder Performer: $10.00 per person
Meal Options
Carowinds makes it easy to take care of your group during your visit. The following meal and drink options are available:
- Picnic Buffet: This is an all you can eat buffet that is served between 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM each day.
- All Day Drinks: Enjoy refreshing Coca-Cola beverages all day, with only a 15-minute interval between refills.
- Single Meal Deal: Includes one entree, side, and a regular drink at participating restaurants throughout the park.
- All Day Dining: Enjoy an entree and one side item every 90 minutes at participating restaurants throughout the park.
- Premium All Day Dining: Enjoy an entrée and one side item, or a snack, every 90 minutes at participating restaurants throughout the park, plus, All Day Drinks.
Perform and Have Fun at the Park
All selections of music will be adjudicated (three selections for instrumental and two selections for choral).
Scores and packets will be available 15 minutes after your performance at the festival check-in table outside the assigned theater. All groups will receive a certificate of participation.