CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From a parade of colorful big rigs, to an outdoor movie, to racing stars in go-karts and nationally-acclaimed musical groups, the 600 Festival covers the spectrum of entertainment and family fun during the month of May.
The 600 Festival and its many events have become a tradition to help celebrate the NASCAR races at Charlotte Motor Speedway during the month of May. For more than 30 years, area residents and race fans from around the world have flocked to one or more activities.
“Now that May is here, you can feel the excitement building for the races at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the many forms of entertainment that the 600 Festival brings to the region,” said Jacqueline Gafrarar, executive director of the 600 Festival Association. “After the month has wrapped up, we hope that families and guests have created unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.”
The 600 Festival’s lineup of fun begins May 5 at 8 p.m. ET with Movies on the Campus, a family-friendly free event in Kannapolis, held in conjunction with Jiggy with the Piggy. This year’s outdoor movie selection: “Monster Trucks.”
On May 18, NASCAR’s big rigs will be rolling through downtown Concord for Haulers on Union Parade and Fan Fest presented by Freightliner. Starting at 5 p.m., the event will feature the sounds of iconic beach music band Chairmen of the Board along with The Executives. In addition, there will be celebrity appearances, show cars, mascots and more.
The fun moves to GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville on May 23 at 5 p.m. for the Little 600 go-kart battle between some of NASCAR’s top drivers including Darrell Wallace Jr., Brandon Jones, Daniel Suarez and John Hunter Nemechek. There also will be a race pitting NASCAR spotters against each other.
The month-long 600 Festival is capped off by Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola May 25-27 in Uptown Charlotte. For three days, the streets will be filled with the sounds of musical acts, show cars, some of NASCAR’s top drivers, interactive displays, kids’ events, food vendors, runners competing in the PNC Speed Street 5K and much more.
Check out the top-five things to do during Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola:
- MUSIC: The music kicks off Thursday, May 25 with a free concert by popular 70s group Lakeside on the Mello Yello stage at 7 p.m. On the Coca-Cola stage in Romare Bearden Park at 7 p.m., there will be a dueling DJ contest with DJ Wiggz N DJ Wonz followed by Dj AHuf. Legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, presented by the North Carolina Education Lottery, will take the stage at 9:30. Tickets are $10. Friday and Saturday night’s shows in Romare Bearden Park are enormous. Billy Currington, with 11 No. 1 hits to his credit, is joined on the Coca-Cola stage Friday night by Granger Smith, featuring Earl Dibbles Jr. Saturday night, chart-topper Jake Owen takes over the Coca-Cola stage with special guests The Cadillac Three and Levon.
- TAKE IT EASY: You can ‘Take It Easy’ with event sponsor Circle K at its tailgate zone where fans can play games, relax and charge their cell phones. They also will provide an opportunity to win prizes, the No. 20 Circle K Toyota driven by Matt Kenseth will be on hand and festival goers can take a photo to commemorate their time at Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola.
- DRIVERS: Appearances by NASCAR drivers are a tradition at Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola and this year is no different. Among the drivers scheduled to attend are Coca-Cola Racing Family Drivers: Darrell Wallace Jr., Austin Dillon, Joey Logano and Daniel Suarez.
- PNC SPEED STREET 5K: Beginning at 7 p.m. May 25, the third annual 5K will be run under the stars for the first time as runners work their way through Uptown Charlotte. In addition to supporting Speedway Children’s Charities, runners will receive entry into the after party featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff and others. To register, visit http://speedstreet5k.racesonline.com/register
- MORRIS JENKINS KIDS’ ZONE: The Morris Jenkins Kids’ Zone located at Tryon Street and Levine Avenue of the Arts offers bounce houses, games, slides and a variety of activities to keep the youngsters entertained. The fun happens noon – 8 p.m. daily.
The event has been promoted and produced exclusively by CSM Production, formerly known as JHE, since 1996.
About the 600 Festival™ Association
The 600 Festival Association is a nonprofit that has been commemorating the May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway with spectacular, family-oriented events for more than 30 years. This year’s lineup of events includes Movies on the Campus in conjunction with Jiggy with the Piggy in Kannapolis (May 5); Haulers on Union Parade and Fan Fest presented by Freightliner in Concord (May 18); Little 600 at GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville (May 23); the PNC Speed Street 5K (May 25); and Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola in uptown Charlotte (May 25-27). For more information on the five 2017 600 Festival Association events, follow us on Facebook, Twitter @600festival and Instagram @600festival.