45 Things to Do this Spring
Shake off your cabin fever with these spring events and activities in Charlotte.
by Arielle Patterson Mar 12, 2025
Camp North End
This article is brought to you by Camp North End.
Spring in Charlotte is the ideal time for outdoor adventure, alfresco dining and local festivals. Take advantage of the extended hours of sunshine and warmer temperatures to explore more of the Queen City at these annual events and seasonal activities.
Season-Long Activities
Experience Spring at Camp North End
Spring has arrived at Camp North End, and there's so much to explore! From free outdoor movies to Wednesday farmers markets and Boileryard Brunch on Sundays, there’s something for everyone this season. Whether you're visiting for a quiet afternoon or a lively evening out, enjoy more than 16 food and drink spots, 12-plus unique shops and art collectives, and more than 100 murals, all set within 76 acres of outdoor space.
Attend a Spring Concert
The warm spring temperatures signify the return of outdoor concerts in Charlotte. National headliners like Kendrick Lamar with SZA, Billy Idol and Shakira make will make their way to the Queen City over the next few months. Read more about the live music coming to Charlotte in the spring concert guide.
Enjoy a Meal Outside
The warmer spring weather means it’s time for alfresco dining and rooftop drinks. Enjoy a meal with a panoramic view of the city’s skyline at one of the Queen City’s rooftop restaurants and bars or take a seat on a shaded outdoor porch, patio or deck in Charlotte.
Shop Local Farmers Markets
Support local growers and makers by buying fresh produce, meat, cheese, dairy and more at an area farmers market. The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, North End Farmers Market and Kings Drive Farmers Market are just a few of the local markets in Charlotte.
Cheer on Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC returns to Bank of America Stadium for another exciting MLS season. To learn more about matches in the Queen City, including other local teams like Crown Legacy FC and Carolina Ascent, check out the soccer fan’s guide to Charlotte.
Have a Ball at a Charlotte Knights Game
The Charlotte Knights, a Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, kick off the 2025 season this spring. The first home series at Truist Field is scheduled for March 28-30 against the Gwinnett Stripers. Visiting the Queen City for a Knights game? Read the baseball fan’s guide to Charlotte.
Spend a Day at Carowinds
Experience all the thrills and family-friendly fun that Carowinds has to offer when the park opens for the 2025 season on Saturday, March 15. Carowinds boasts nearly 60 rides, along with other attractions like the newly expanded Camp Snoopy.
Commemorate Darlington Raceway’s 75th Anniversary at the NASCAR Hall of Fame
For 75 years, Darlington Raceway in South Carolina has been home to legendary NASCAR moments. The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte is commemorating this historic site with a new exhibit, on view starting March 19.
Take a Trip to Buzz City with the Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets finish the NBA regular season with matchups in March and April at Spectrum Center. Mark your calendar for Buzz City Appreciation Week, April 6-8, featuring a sherpa bucket hat giveaway on Sunday, April 6.
Discover the World of Dr. Jane Goodall
Discover Place Science’s newest exhibition, “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall” takes you on a journey through the life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, who’s best known for her work studying chimpanzees in the wild. This exhibit is included with museum admission and runs through April 19.
March Events & Activities
Celebrate Women’s History Month in Charlotte
Celebrate Women’s History Month in the Queen City by supporting the array of women-owned businesses throughout the city. From restaurants to home goods, apparel and more, women-owned businesses in Charlotte have something for everyone.
Watch the ACC Crown a New Basketball Champion
The ACC men’s basketball tournament takes center court at Spectrum Center, March 11-15. The conference returns to the Queen City for the first time since 2019, as several of Division I basketball’s best teams face off for a spot in the big dance.
Craft Your Culinary Adventure during Savor Charlotte
Savor Charlotte is back, from March 12-25, for another year of delectable dining experiences from some of the Queen City’s most talented chefs, mixologists, bakers and more. This two-week celebration of Charlotte’s culinary community is filled with special offers, exclusive menus and interactive classes.
Have a Night of Laughs with Katt Williams
Katt Williams brings his Heaven on Earth Tour to Charlotte’s Bojangles Coliseum for a night of laughs, Saturday, March 15. This tour features new material from the viral sensation comedian who boasts a 20-plus year career.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Charlotte
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the annual, family-friendly Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Saturday, March 15 in Uptown. Rich & Bennett’s St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl is also on Saturday and features crawl stops at locations in Uptown and South End.
Whitewater Raft Down a Green River
The Whitewater Center kicks off spring on Saturday, March 15 with the annual Green River Revival. Resident leprechauns transform the rushing river green for St. Patrick’s Day. Festivities start with the Color Me Green 5K before live music and whitewater rafting.
Watch HBCU Basketball Tip Off
The inaugural Black College invitational Championship (BCIC) takes on the hardwood at Bojangles Coliseum, March 20-23. Sixteen men’s and women’s Division I and Division II basketball teams from HBCU conferences will compete for the title of Black college basketball champion. Check out this guide to the BCIC to learn more.
Attend a Signing for Ohavia Phillips’ Book
Meet media personality Ohavia Phillips at the Gantt Center on Friday, March 21 for an exclusive signing of her book “Wearing Expectations Like Designer.” The evening also includes a DJ, cash bar with curated cocktails and mocktails, and performances.
Celebrate Spanish Cuisine and Culture at Ole España
Ole España, Saturday, March 22, showcases the flavors and rhythms of Spain. Watch live flamenco performances and paella cooking demonstrations as you sip sangria and Spanish wines in Camp North End’s Boileryard area.
Welcome Back the Historic Carolina Theatre
After closing in 1978, Charlotte’s historic Carolina Theatre reopens in Uptown after an extensive restoration process. Attend the free ribbon-cutting celebration on Monday, March 24. The theatre hosts its first event, Friday, March 28, as Renee Fleming joins the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
April Events & Activities
Get Creative at Charlotte SHOUT!
Explore the array of imaginative art installations throughout the city and enjoy live performances during Charlotte SHOUT! From April 4-20, this experiential festival brings together the talents of local and international artists, chefs, dancers, photographers, poets and storytellers.
Get Your Fill of Barbecue at the Carolina BBQ Festival
The Carolina BBQ Festival is bringing the smoke to Uptown’s Victoria Yards on Saturday, April 5 for a full day of barbecued meats. Some of the best pitmasters in the Southeast will showcase their style of Carolina 'cue, including whole hog, brisket, ribs, chicken, chopped pork and more.
Celebrate National Beer Day at Charlotte Brewfest
Raise a glass to National Beer Day a couple days early at Charlotte Brewfest. On Saturday, April 5, enjoy unlimited beer samples from more than 25 breweries. Explore the wide selection of breweries at the South End Station parking lot, as well as live entertainment, games and more.
Taste Your Way around Latin America at Empanada Fest
Charlotte’s annual Empanada Fest is back at Camp North End’s Boileryard, Saturday, April 5. Vendors and food trucks representing multiple Latin American countries are serving baked or fried empanadas, both meat filled and vegetarian.
Spend a Day at the Charlotte Fair
Bring the whole family out to the Charlotte Fair, April 10-20, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Delight in tasty fair food, rides, a petting zoo and live performances such as Carolina DockDogs. Save on your ticket by purchasing one of the special-deal days.
Celebrate Earth Day in Charlotte
While Charlotte is an urban destination, the city is also filled with greenspaces and outdoor escapes. Anne Springs Close Greenway celebrates Earth Day with activities like a campout, recycled art contest and bass tournament, April 11-13. Click here to find more outdoor experiences in Charlotte.
Shop Vintage at Camp North End
The VTGCLT Spring Market returns to Camp North End, Saturday, April 12. This market features more than 100 of the region’s best vintage and handmade vendors, in the Ford Building, showcasing unique housewares, furniture, décor, clothing, jewelry and more.
Indulge in the City’s Culinary Scene at the Charlotte StrEATs Festival
Eat your way through several of Charlotte’s neighborhoods with a ticket to the Charlotte StrEATs Tasting Tour on Saturday, April 12 at Gateway Village. On Sunday, get an up-close look at some of the city’s best culinary talent in action at the free Charlotte StrEATs Festival
Get Your Dancing Shoes on for the Tosco Music Party
The Tosco Music Party returns to Knight Theater, Saturday, April 12. Perfect for all ages, this music experience features local, regional and national acts from a variety of genres, along with sing-alongs throughout the night.
Enjoy an Easter Celebration at Billy Graham Library
On Saturday, April 12, bring the whole family to Billy Graham Library for Easter at the Library. This free event features several kid-friendly activities, such as a scavenger hunt and story time. An additional t-shirt craft and ham lunch are available for purchase.
Follow the Bag Pipes to the Loch Norman Highland Games
From April 12-13, the Loch Norman Highland Games brings Scottish games, music and dancing to Rural Hill in nearby Huntersville. Each day features a different event on the competition field, along with piping and drumming competitions, vendors and a kids’ zone.
Sip Fine Wines during Charlotte Wine & Food Week
Every year, Charlotte Wine & Food Week brings fine wines from around the world, along with Charlotte’s top chefs, to diners. Get tickets for events like wine dinners, educational wine seminars, live auctions, a gala and more, April 22-27.
Immerse Yourself in Charlotte’s Art Scene at BOOM Charlotte
BOOM Charlotte, April 25-27 at The Shoppes at University Place, is a multi-faceted and immersive art event. While there are a few intimate, ticketed performances, most of the festival is free and showcases a broad range of art, interactive installations and more.
Watch Competitions at the Whitewater Center
Earth Day weekend, head to the Whitewater Center for competitions and concerts during Tuck Fest, April 25-27. Tuck Fest is a three-day celebration of the outdoor lifestyle, featuring dozens of races and competitions, along with performances from bands and musicians.
Browse Works by Annie Leibovitz at The Mint Museum
One of The Mint Museum’s newest exhibits is “Annie Leibovitz/Work.” Opening Sunday, April 27 at Mint Museum Uptown, this exhibition showcases a mix of new and little-seen photographs by Annie Leibovitz, along with some of her most recognizable portraits.
May Events & Activities
Rock Out to a Weekend of Music during Lovin’ Life Music Fest
Head to Uptown for the Lovin’ Life Music Fest, May 2-4. Headliners, including Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, Pitbull, Dave Matthews Band and more, will take the stage during the three-day festival.
Watch Charlotte Ballet’s Reimagining of “Carmen”
Choreographer Andrea Schermoly reimagines the classic story of “Carmen,” as a showgirl-themed production in 1973 Las Vegas, for Charlotte Ballet. The electrifying choreography is accompanied by a live arrangement from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, May 2-11.
Browse Art on Kings Drive
The Kings Drive Art Walk serves a springtime sneak peek of Festival in the Park. From May 3-4, browse fine and emerging artists along the Kings Drive portion of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. This family-friendly event also features crafts, music and entertainment.
Race in the Meck Mile
The Meck Mile offers running enthusiasts a chance to race through American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, May 10. This one-mile race, set against the backdrop of the Uptown skyline, is perfect for all ages to run or walk.
Watch Golf’s Best Tee Off at the PGA Championship
Golf fans can find some of their favorite players at Quail Hollow Club, May 12-18, during the 2025 PGA Championship. While tickets are already sold out for Saturday, May 17, options are still available for the pre-tournament practices and other rounds of competition.
Enjoy an Afternoon of Brunch at the Charlotte Brunch Festival
The Charlotte Brunch Festival is back for another year of brunch samples from local restaurants and culinary artists on Saturday, May 17. This event, that frequently sells out, also includes drink samples, live entertainment, yard games and more.
Celebrate Asian Cultures
Two family-friendly festivals in one, the Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival Race and Charlotte Asian Festival are Saturday, May 17 at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius. The festival features a lion dance, fashion show and talent competition, as well as a dragon boat race on Lake Norman.
Sip Beer and Bourbon at the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival features a Southerner’s favorite Bs: beer, bourbon, barbecue, boots, bacon, biscuits and bluegrass. This event, Saturday, May 17 at Ballantyne’s Backyard, includes all-you-care-to-taste samples of more than 60 beers and more than 40 bourbons.
Enjoy All Things Cheerwine
Venture an hour outside of Charlotte to Salisbury for the Cheerwine Festival on Saturday, May 17. Enjoy this quintessential Southern beverage in a variety of unique foods and drinks. The festival also features live music, family-friendly activities, arts and crafts, and more.
Have Full-Throttle Fun at the Coca-Cola 600
Shift your Memorial Day weekend into gear at the 66th running of the Coca-Cola 600, Sunday, May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Before the race, don’t miss driver appearances and a concert from Old Dominion. If you can’t make it to the race, put the pedal to the medal at one of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s iRacing simulators.
