40 of the Hottest Things to Do This Spring
Shake off your cabin fever with these spring events and activities in Charlotte.
by Arielle Patterson Feb 23, 2024
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 Camp North End in Spring
Step into spring at Camp North End! Enjoy it all this season, from retro game nights and cozy indoor movies to Saturday morning kid’s programming and a Wednesday evening farmers market. Visit day or night to explore 16 food and drink spots, 12 shops and art collectives, and more than 50 murals, all connected by 76 acres of vibrant outdoor space.
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 Markets are just a few of the local markets in the Charlotte.
Attend a Spring Concert
The warm spring temperatures signify the return of outdoor concerts in Charlotte. National headliners like Olivia Rodrigo, Nicki Minaj and Kenny Chesney make will make their way to the Queen City over the next few months. Catch these performances, along with local and regional acts, on stages across the city this season. Read about more the live music coming to Charlotte in the spring concert guide.
Enjoy a Meal Outside
The warmer spring weather means it’s time for al-fresco 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.
Cheer on Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC returns to Bank of America Stadium for another exciting MLS season. The team, now in its third year, will have a new head coach and a new primary kit inspired by the Carolinas for the 2024 season. To learn more about matches in the Queen City, including the MLS Next Pro team, Crown Legacy FC, 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 2024 season this spring. The first home series at Truist Field is scheduled for April 2-7, against the Norfolk Tides. The home opener, along with 23 other home games during the season, will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display. 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 2024 season on Saturday, March 9. Carowinds boasts nearly 60 rides, including Fury 325, along with other attractions like the kids’ area, Camp Snoopy.
Learn More about Man’s Best Friend at Discovery Place Science
Discover Place Science’s newest exhibition, “Dogs! A Science Tail,” gives you a first-hand look at how our four-legged friends see, hear and smell the world. In addition to the exhibition, the museum also has dog-themed labs and an IMAX film. “Dogs! A Science Tail” is included with museum admission and runs through May 5.
Watch the Charlotte Checkers Take Center Ice
The Charlotte Checkers close out the season with games at Bojangles Coliseum in March and April. Check the Checkers’ schedule to see what home-game promotions are happening, including Chubby’s Birthday on Saturday, March 16 and Fan Appreciation on Sunday, April 7.
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 704 Night on Saturday, March 9 and Buzz City Kids Day on Sunday, March 31 and Sunday, April 7.
March Events & Activities
Hear Soulful Sounds at the Queen City Blues Festival
The Blues Is Alright tour comes to Bojangles Coliseum for the 6th Annual Queen City Blues Festival on Saturday, March 2. Get tickets for a special night of emotive lyrics and guitar harmonies performed by Calvin Richardson, Tucka, King George, Pokey Bear, J’Wonn and West Love.
Shop Vintage at Camp North End
The VTGCLT Spring Market returns to Camp North End, Saturday, March 9. This market features more than 90 of the region’s best vintage and handmade vendors, in the Ford Building, showcasing unique housewares, furniture, décor, clothing, jewelry and more.
Craft Your Culinary Adventure during Savor Charlotte
Savor Charlotte is back, from March 12-26, for another year of delectable dining experiences from some of the Queen City’s most talented chefs, mixologists and bakers. This two-week celebration of Charlotte’s culinary community is filled with special offers, exclusive menus and hands-on events.
Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Dinner at the Gantt Center
On Friday, March 15, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture will host food writer and TV personality Stephen Satterfield, host of the Netflix series, “High on the Hog.” For this Afro-culinary foodway experience, Satterfield partners with regional Black farmers, as well as local restaurateur, chefs and caterers.
Hear the Charlotte Symphony Perform “Star Wars”
The Charlotte Symphony’s movie series projects films at Belk Theater, accompanied by a live score. March 15-16, the Symphony will perform the score from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” composed by Academy Award winner John Williams.
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 16 in Uptown. Rich & Bennett’s St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl is also on Saturday and features crawl stops at Dandelion Market, Connolly's on Fifth and Graham Street Pub.
Whitewater Raft Down a Green River
The U.S. National Whitewater Center kicks off spring on Saturday, March 16 with the annual Green River Revival. The Center’s resident leprechauns transform the rushing river green for St. Patrick’s Day. Festivities start with the Color Me Greek 5K before live music and whitewater rafting.
Get Your Bracket Ready for March Madness
Experience March Madness in the Queen City, March 21 and 23. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship at Spectrum Center.
Spend a Day at the Fair
Bring the whole family out to the Charlotte Fair, March 21-April 1, 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.
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 March 29-April 14, 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 Victoria Yards on Saturday, April 6, in partnership with Charlotte SHOUT!, 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
Celebrate National Beer Day a day early at Charlotte Brewfest. On Saturday, April 6, enjoy unlimited beer samples from more than 25 local, regional and national breweries. Explore the wide selection of breweries at the South End station parking lot, as well as live entertainment, games and more.
Sing Along to Disney Songs
Disney’s beloved songs take center stage at Ovens Auditorium, on Friday, April 12, during “Disney Princess: The Concert.” Talented Broadway and television stars will sing your favorite Disney songs, including “Part of Your World” and “Let It Go,” during this immersive show.
Eat, Drink and Jam at the Moo, Brew & ‘Que Music Fest
Enjoy local and regional barbecue, more than 50 beers and an exciting musical lineup during the Moo, Brew & ‘Que Music Fest. Hippo Campus, The Revivalists and Lee Brice headline this festival, April 12-14, at the AvidXchange Music Factory festival grounds.
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, April 13. This event, that frequently sells out, also includes drink samples, live entertainment, yard games and more.
Bring Your Pet to Paws in the Park
Bring your pet to Pineville Lake Park on Saturday, April 13 for Paws in the Park, a free day of pet-friendly entertainment. Dogs can compete in several contests for a cash prize. There will also be dogs available for adoption if you’re looking for a four-legged friend.
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 13 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. Don’t miss the StrEATs Neighborhood Cookoff, hosted by a celebrity chef, on Sunday.
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 16-21.
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 19-22. On Saturday, April 20, CleanAIRE NC will host a family-friendly, educational celebration at the Charlotte Museum of History. Enjoy free admission at Wing Haven on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 24, to stroll the three serene gardens.
Watch Competitions at the Whitewater Center
Earth Day weekend, head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center for competitions and concerts during Tuck Fest, April 19-21. Tuck Fest is a three-day celebration of the outdoor lifestyle, featuring dozens of races and competitions, along with performances from bands and musicians.
Follow the Bag Pipes to the Loch Norman Highland Games
From April 20-21, the Loch Norman Highland Games brings Scottish games, music and dancing to Rural Hill. Each day features a different event on the competition field, along with piping and drumming competitions, vendors and a kids’ zone.
Immerse Yourself in Charlotte’s Art Scene at BOOM Charlotte
BOOM Charlotte, April 26-28 at Camp North End, 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.
May Events & Activities
Rock Out to a Weekend of Music during Lovin’ Life Music Fest
Uptown will host the inaugural Lovin’ Life Music Fest, May 3-5. Headliners, including Stevie Nicks, Post Malone, Da Baby and more, will take the stage during the three-day festival. This star-studded lineup also features Noah Kahan, Maggie Rogers and The Chainsmokers, along with local acts, on three stages in First Ward.
See “Swan Lake” at Knight Theater
For the first time ever, Charlotte Ballet presents the acclaimed classical ballet, “Swan Lake.” From May 3-12 at Knight Theater, watch Ib Andersen’s choreography, a reimagination of Marius Petipa’s original ballet, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score performed by the Charlotte Symphony.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Charlotte
The Cinco de Mayo Festival comes to Symphony Park bringing spicy micheladas, festive music, arts and crafts, and more on Sunday, May 5. Dance all day long to mariachi music, along with Latin reggae, Mexican cumbia and electronic-banda fusion.
Celebrate Asian Cultures at the Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival Race
Two family-friendly festivals in one, the Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival Race and Charlotte Asian Festival are Saturday, May 11 at Ramsey Creek Park. 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 18 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 at the Cheerwine Festival
Venture an hour outside of Charlotte, to Salisbury, N.C., to the Cheerwine Festival on Saturday, May 18. 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.
Mangia at Festa Italiana
Festa Italiana is Charlote’s only Italian gourmet food and wine festival. On Sunday, May 19, feast on antipasti, brick oven pizza, pasta and more as you sip fine Italian prosecco, chianti, pinot grigio and Peroni beer, at Gateway Village, to raise money for the Nevins Center.
Have Full-Throttle Fun at the Coca-Cola 600
Shift your Memorial Day weekend into gear at the 65th running of the Coca-Cola 600, Sunday, May 26 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Before the race, don’t miss driver appearances and a concert from Matchbox Twenty. 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.
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