SALISBURY N.C. — Crack open a bubbly soft drink and get ready to hear the soda fizzle! The 106-year-old cherry soda, Cheerwine, will be celebrated in Salisbury at the Cheerwine Festival Saturday, May 20.
The festival, which takes place from noon to 10 p.m., will have Cheerwine-inspired food and beer from over 40 vendors, including NoDa Brewing Company’s Cheerwine Ale, according to a press release from festival organizers.
Festivalgoers can enjoy ice-cold Cheerwine and arts and crafts inspired by the brand. People can also learn about the sweet soda’s history, taste regional flavors and listen to live performances, according to Cheerwine event planners.
“The residents of Salisbury eagerly look forward to the Cheerwine Festival each year,” Karen Alexander, Mayor of Salisbury, said. “Last year, we hosted 60,000 people from near and far, and we hope to welcome even more to our lovely city this spring.”
The “Everybody Talks” Indie alt-rock band Neon Trees will headline the festival this year, with other performances by Ryan Perry, New Local and Divided by Four, according to organizers.
“We’re thrilled to announce this year’s lineup, including what’s sure to be a lively performance by Neon Trees,” Joy Ritchie Harper, Vice President of Marketing for Cheerwine and fifth-generation founding family member, said. “We can’t wait to welcome fans from all over the Southeast to our hometown for the 2023 Cheerwine Festival.”
The first Cheerwine Festival was held in 2017, to celebrate the soft drink’s 100th anniversary.