Get ready for a sweet announcement. The annual Cheerwine Festival, celebrating the classic southern cherry soda, returns to its hometown of Salisbury, NC on Saturday, May 17.

Pro tip: Salisbury is a short 45-minute drive north of Uptown.

Prepare to party. This beloved celebration for the 108-year-old drink will feature more than five hours of live musical entertainment from local and regional acts + Cheerwine-inspired food and drinks, family-friendly activities, and crafts.

Editor's note: The musical lineup will be announced soon.

Cheerwine Festival visitors will have ample options for food, handmade crafts, and beer vendors. | Photo via John Stamp

“There’s nothing better than seeing our community come together, and we can’t wait to celebrate with old friends and new faces while sharing the unique charm and hospitality that makes Salisbury so special," said Joy Ritchie Harper, vice president of marketing for Cheerwine and fifth-generation founding family member.

The annual event began in 2017 to commemorate the soda’s 100th anniversary, kickstarting what's become a major economic driver for Salisbury. The 2024 festival welcomed 100,000+ guests and generated $6.3 million for Rowan County.

“Just like Cheerwine, with its one-of-a-kind flavor that’s as bold and spirited as our Salisbury-Rowan community, the festival is a fun way to toast our rich history while giving a fizzy boost to our cultural and economic growth,” said Mayor Pro Tem, Tamara Sheffield.

Interested in being part of the party? Vendor applications are open now through Friday, Feb. 7.