Festival of Oddities Departed Charlotte
Organizers cited safety concerns and a lack of police response following harassment during the event.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Fairs and Festivals
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The Festival of Oddities has officially left its longtime home at the courthouse square in Charlotte. Organizers announced the move on September 17, 2026, following allegations of harassment by local church members and dissatisfaction with the city's handling of the situation.
Why it matters
The departure marks a significant shift for the local event, which had been held in Charlotte since 2019. Organizers stated that safety concerns for their attendees prompted the decision to relocate the festival to Greater Lansing for 2027.
The festival was established in 2019 and remained at the Charlotte courthouse square until its final appearance there on September 5-6, 2026.
The players
Festival of Oddities
This is an event that was hosted at the Charlotte courthouse square for seven years before announcing its relocation.
The details
The decision to leave Charlotte was shared via a Facebook post by organizers who cited persistent harassment from Eaton County church members. Protesters reportedly used megaphones outside the event, and organizers claim that police failed to adequately address the disturbance during the most recent festival.
Timeline
The festival began at the Charlotte courthouse square in 2019.
Church members began protesting the festival in 2024.
The most recent festival was held September 5-6, 2026.
Organizers announced the festival departure on September 17, 2026.
The festival is planned for Greater Lansing in 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This move highlights the growing tension between local event organizers and community factions that can disrupt public programming. It mirrors broader challenges in the festival circuit where safety concerns and community relations directly dictate the logistical viability of long-standing event venues.
Local attendees will no longer be able to access the festival at its traditional courthouse square location in Charlotte. Residents planning to attend in the future will now need to travel to Greater Lansing starting in 2027.
The takeaway
Organizers prioritize attendee safety when community relations and security become untenable at a specific site. This relocation serves as a reminder that local festivals must balance their programming with the security environment of their host city.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming local events, visit the Fairs and Festivals section.
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