Another winter month is almost in the books and we’re greeting March with Mardi Gras celebrations, live music and theatre, Kite Festivals, Fairy House fun and more. Get ready for summer with a camp preview, spend a day immersed in Black history at the Charlotte History Museum and get up close and personal with some of Charlotte’s most accomplished artists. We’ve got all that and more this week in the Queen City!
Mardi Gras in the Queen City:
Enjoy a night of decadence and debauchery with a Masquerade at Free Range Brewing (cancelled)
Join the crowd for Charlotte’s Official Mardi Gras Bar Crawl
Bardi Gras at Bart’s Mart includes a dog costume contest
Mardi Gras celebration at both Primal Brewery locations in Huntersville or Belmont
Cabarrus Brewing’s celebration includes live jazz and a special brew
Go all out for Fat Sunday with The Brewers at 4001 Yancey
Where to Buy a King Cake so You Can Celebrate at Home? Our Article Here.
Thursday:
Anaïs Mitchell + Bonny Light Horseman at Booth Playhouse
Thursday, February 24, 8:00p
Catch singer/songwriter Anaïs Mitchell on stage with Bonny Light Horseman performing selections from their two-time Grammy nominated album. Tickets are available now.
Dinosaurs of Antarctica on IMAX
Now Playing through May 15
Visit the IMAX Theater at Discovery Place Science for a journey to the lost prehistoric world of Gondwana, and learn about the bizarre and fascinating creatures that roamed the swamps and forests millions of years ago.
Friday:
Opening Night of Ragtime with Piedmont Players
Friday, February 25, 7:30p
Join the Piedmont Players for opening night of Ragtime and learn some exciting news about the upcoming 22/23 season. Tickets are on sale now.
SlamCharlotte Poetry Slam
Friday, February 25, 8:00p
Charlotte’s own award-winning team of spoken word poets hosts an evening promoting poetic growth and camaraderie. The event, held at Booth Playhouse, is free to attend with an opportunity to donate.
Art of Banksy Opens
Friday, February 25
The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” exhibition opens in Charlotte at AvidXchange Music Factory on Feb. 25. The exhibition – custom-built to fit the venue at 817 Hamilton St. – includes several experiential areas and more than 155 of the artist’s works such as certified originals, prints, photos, lithographs, sculptures, murals, and video mapping installations. Tickets start at $27.20 and are available through Feverup.com/Charlotte and ArtOfBanksy.com. The exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Read our article here for more info.
Saturday:
Fairy House Festival with Charlotte Mecklenburg Parks & Rec
Saturday, February 26, 10:00a – 4:00p
The fairies are back in-person this year at Latta Nature Preserve! Get inspired by the world around you with storytelling, crafts and other fairy-focused activities and games.
Fossil Fair at the Schiele Museum
Saturday, February 26, 10:00a – 4:00p
Travel back through time by exploring fossils, rocks, minerals, and the ancient stories they tell. Explore museum and fossil club displays, visit with interesting vendors and their specimens, dig up your own fossils, and more. Purchase the Fossil Fair bundle by February 25, get access to experience ALL The Schiele has to offer, and save at least $7 per person by purchasing in advance.
Please note the only ticket available to purchase online is the Online Ticket Package. Otherwise, tickets can be purchased in-person the day of.
African American Heritage Festival at Charlotte Museum of History
Saturday, February 26, 11:00a – 4:00p
Visit the Charlotte Museum of History for the 6th Annual African American Heritage Festival. Celebrate Charlotte’s Black history and culture with live music, performances, author talks and more. Registration is now open.
The Mint Auxiliary presents Winter Wondermint: Yellowstone
Saturday, February 26, 8:00p – 11:00p
Find your favorite cowboy chic outfit and get your tickets for a Yellowstone-inspired evening at the Collector’s Room. Proceeds support the Auxiliary’s mission to inspire the community and acquire work for the Mint Museum’s permanent collection.
The 4th Annual Queen City Blues Festival
Saturday, February 26, 7:00p
Spend an evening enjoying music from artists Tucka, Calvin Richardson, Pokey Bear, Ronnie Bell, and Theodis Ealey. Tickets are available now.
Kite Festival at the Hindu Center of Charlotte
Saturday, February 26, 11:00a – 2:00p
Celebrate the return of sunny days and blue skies during the Kite Festival at Hindu Center of Charlotte. Live music, food, vendors and kites for the kids will be on-site during the event.
Black History Month Celebration at Historic Rosedale
Saturday, February 26, 11:00a – 4:00p
Spend an afternoon at Historic Rosedale during this free Black History Month celebration. Activities include an open house, Sweetgrass basket demonstration and more.
Sunday:
Art Up in Your Face at Harvey B. Gantt Center
Sunday, February 27, 1:00p – 3:00p
Peek into the future and appreciate the past of Black art with a panel of modern artists. You’ll also enjoy a pop-up showcase of work by some of Charlotte’s own including: Dammit Wesley, Deener Davis, Carla Aaron-Lopez, Makayla Winter and Wolly McNair.
Save the Date:
I Heart Rail Trail Lights
Friday, March 4 – Sunday, March 20
Join your neighbors in South End to celebrate local art with the debut of unique light installations created by artists from North and South Carolina. Check the website for more information about the installations and how to access them.
In the Company of Women Breakfast with the Isabella Santos Foundation
Tuesday, March 8 and Wednesday, March 9
To celebrate National Women’s Day, Isabella Santos Foundation is hosting two breakfast events featuring panels with accomplished and inspiring women from the Charlotte area. Read all about the event here.