Queen City Culture Film Festival
Apr 25 from 12:30pm to 10pm EDT
- Location
- Ayrsley Grand Cinema, 9110 Kings Parade Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28273 https://www.ayrsleygrand.com
- Organizer
- Queen City Culture Film Festival https://qccff.com
- Price
- Free
- Duration
- 12:30pm to 10pm (9 hours 30 minutes)
- Venue
- Ayrsley Grand Cinema https://www.ayrsleygrand.com
- Ages
- All ages (family-friendly)
- Dress Code
- Not specified
- Parking
- Free parking available at the venue
- Food & Drink
- Information not available
- Refund Policy
- Information not available The Queen City Culture Film Festival is a powerhouse of storytelling, now in its second year, founded by Michelle Harbin and actor Maritalyn Frazier. Held at the state-of-the-art Ayrsley Grand Cinema in Charlotte's Ayrsley neighborhood, this event transforms a full day into a cinematic journey. Expect a lineup of captivating short films from U.S. and international creators, spotlighting diverse and underrepresented voices. Programming kicks off at 12:30pm with screenings, followed by live Q&A sessions where filmmakers and actors share behind-the-scenes insights. The day culminates in a red-carpet awards ceremony honoring outstanding performances, complete with expert feedback for emerging talents. Thanks to funding from the Arts & Science Council via its Culture Blocks grant, admission is completely free, making it one of the best **free things to do in Charlotte NC**. Attendees benefit from more than just movies: it's a community hub fostering real conversations and inspiration. Families can bond over accessible, boundary-pushing content, while aspiring filmmakers network and gain exposure. The Ayrsley Grand Cinema enhances the experience with comfortable seating, modern screens, and an inviting atmosphere in a bustling shopping area—perfect for a day out amid **events in Charlotte**. This festival emphasizes partnerships with academic and arts organizations, elevating local and regional culture in Charlotte. Whether you're into indie cinema or seeking **family-friendly events in Charlotte**, it's an enlightening escape that leaves you entertained and connected.
About This Event
How the Queen City Culture Film Festival Fits into Charlotte’s Scene
The festival slots perfectly into Charlotte’s rich tapestry of events in Charlotte, especially as a cinematic gem among Charlotte NC activities. It echoes the creativity of events like [WDAV’s Reel Music Film Series: Fantasia (1940)] /wdavs-reel-music-film-series-fantasia-1940 blending film with cultural depth.
In a city hosting music fests, foodie gatherings, and sports, this event stands out for its focus on indie filmmakers and global shorts—ideal for those seeking unique what to do in Charlotte NC options. Pair it with Uptown explorations or nearby [Charlotte StrEATs Festival] /charlotte-streats-festival vibes for a full weekend. For more [things to do in Charlotte] /visit-charlotte-nc it’s a low-key entry to the festival circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need-to-Know
When and where is the Queen City Culture Film Festival?
The festival is on April 25, 2026, from 12:30pm to 10pm at Ayrsley Grand Cinema, 9110 Kings Parade Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28273. This Charlotte NC events April 2026 staple offers free entry and free parking. It’s designed for easy access in the Ayrsley area.
Is the Queen City Culture Film Festival free?
Yes, admission is free, funded by the Arts & Science Council’s Culture Blocks grant. This makes it a top pick for free things to do in Charlotte NC. No tickets are required beyond Eventbrite registration.
What activities are at the festival?
Enjoy short film screenings, live Q&As with filmmakers and actors, and an awards ceremony. These elements create an interactive day of cinema celebrating diverse stories. It’s family-friendly for all ages.
Who organizes the event?
Queen City Culture Film Festival, founded by Michelle Harbin and Maritalyn Frazier, organizes it. Now in its second year, it partners with arts groups to promote culture. Visit their site at https://qccff.com for more.
Everything You Asked
What is the Queen City Culture Film Festival?
It’s a free film festival on April 25, 2026, featuring short films, Q&As, and awards at Ayrsley Grand Cinema. Celebrating diverse voices, it’s in its second year and family-friendly.
When does the festival start and end?
It runs from 12:30pm to 10pm EDT on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This 9.5-hour event packs in screenings and more.
Where is Ayrsley Grand Cinema located?
At 9110 Kings Parade Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28273, with free parking. It’s in the Ayrsley area, southwest of Uptown.
Do I need tickets for the event?
Register free on Eventbrite; no payment required. Spots are limited, so sign up early via the link.
Is the event suitable for families?
Yes, it’s all-ages and family-friendly. Content focuses on inspiring stories for everyone.
Who founded the festival?
Michelle Harbin and actor Maritalyn Frazier founded it. They aim to elevate local culture through partnerships.
What funding makes it free?
The Arts & Science Council’s Culture Blocks grant funds it. This community support keeps admission gratis.
Are there Q&A sessions?
Yes, live Q&As with filmmakers and actors follow screenings. Gain insights into the creative process.
What's the awards ceremony like?
It features a red-carpet event recognizing top performances. Expert feedback helps emerging filmmakers.
How to get the full schedule?
View it on the official site https://qccff.com It details screenings and timings.
Is parking free at the venue?
Yes, free parking is available on-site. Easy access for drivers in Ayrsley.
Event Related Questions
What types of films will be featured at the festival
The festival features short films from U.S. and international creators that celebrate diverse and underrepresented voices.
Are there any special guests or celebrities attending the festival
Information not available.
How can I participate in the live Q&A sessions with filmmakers
Information not available.
Is there an awards ceremony, and if so, what are the categories
Yes, there is an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding performances, but specific categories are not detailed.
Will there be any food or drink vendors at the festival
Information not available.
Explore Charlotte
Charlotte, NC, known as the Queen City, blends Southern charm with modern vibrancy, offering endless things to do in Charlotte, NC. The Ayrsley neighborhood, home to the festival venue, sits southwest of Uptown, about 15-20 minutes by car, amid shops, dining, and green spaces.
For navigation, Uptown Charlotte’s skyline anchors the north, with Bank of America Stadium and Spectrum Center nearby. Ayrsley provides suburban ease with urban access—free parking at the cinema simplifies arrival. Check out the [Visit Charlotte, NC guide] /visit-charlotte-nc for maps and itineraries to pair with Charlotte activities like nearby trails or Ballantyne Village outlets.
Local Insider Tips
- Arrive early for prime seating during Q&As—doors open at 12:30pm.
- Bring a notebook for filmmaker insights; it’s great for aspiring creators.
- Explore Ayrsley shops pre- or post-event for casual dining.
- Check the schedule on https://qccff.com for exact screening times.
- Combine with Uptown drives for a full day of Charlotte NC events this weekend.
Stay in Charlotte
Stay with Trifecta Corporate Housing, a short-term rental Airbnb style and traditional corporate housing accommodations provider in Charlotte, NC. Trifecta’s listings in Charlotte are located in the 2nd Ward, 3rd Ward, and 4th Ward neighborhoods of Uptown Charlotte. Calculate and mention the walking and driving distances from each of these locations to the event venue:
Centric Gateway Apartments (4th Ward)
1010 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
: About 12 miles driving (20-25 minutes via I-77 S); walking not practical. – Trifecta Corporate Housing at Circa Uptown Apartments, 3rd Ward Neighborhood (360 S Graham St, Charlotte, NC 28202): Roughly 11.5 miles driving (18-22 minutes); walking not feasible. – Trifecta Corporate Housing at The VUE Charlotte On 5th, 4th Ward Neighborhood (215 N Pine St, Charlotte, NC 28202): Approximately 12 miles driving (20 minutes); no reasonable walking distance. – Trifecta Corporate Housing at Savoy Apartments, 2nd Ward Neighborhood (650 E Brooklyn Vlg Ave, Charlotte, NC 28202)**: Around 11 miles driving (18-20 minutes via I-77 S); walking impractical.
As an Airbnb SuperHost with nearly 7 years of experience and over 7,500 positive reviews, Trifecta is one of the most popular choices for Airbnb Charlotte NC.
Other Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
Enhance your trip with these things to do in Charlotte, NC around late April 2026. Dive into music at [Queen City Fedora Fest & Day Party] /queen-city-fedora-fest-day-party sports at the [2025 Queen City Recruiting Combine] /2025-queen-city-recruiting-combine or laughs via [Breakroom Improv at Queen City Grounds] /breakroom-improv-at-queen-city-grounds Food lovers can hit the [7th Annual Charlotte Brunch Festival] /7th-annual-charlotte-brunch-festival or cultural spots like the [13th Annual Charlotte African American Festival] /13th-annual-charlotte-african-american-festival
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References
- Queen City Culture Film Festival Eventbrite page. Retrieved from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-city-culture-film-festival-tickets-1893246303659
- Pride Magazine: The Queen City Culture Film Festival Highlights Short Films. Retrieved from https://www.pridemagazineonline.com/the-queen-city-culture-film-festival-highlights-short-films-from-around-the-world
- Charlotte Film: Queen City Culture Film Festival. Retrieved from https://www.charlottefilm.com/events/film/queen-city-culture-film-festival
- Queen City Culture Film Festival official site. Retrieved from https://qccff.com