Spring is in full swing, which only means more events and festivals in the Queen City! This weekend, head Uptown to check out what’s new at Charlotte SHOUT! where there will be plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Also going on this weekend is the Heart of the Home Tour, Charlotte Brewfest, South End Wine & Hops Fest, Front Porch Sunday, and much more.
FEATURED EVENT
Charlotte SHOUT!
March 31 – April 16
Charlotte SHOUT! is back! This multiweek festival showcases our community’s creativity, innovation, diversity, and resilience with over 200 installations, performances, events, and activations ~ nearly all outdoors, free, and open to the public without tickets. View the full list of events here.
Some events to look forward to this weekend:
Thursday, March 30
- A special evening with writer, activist and comedian Baratunde Thurston; 6p. ** Tickets required.
Friday, March 31
- Terrance Shepherd at Pianodrome; 1p.
- Jazz Fest on the Ally Main Stage; 5:30p.
- “The Aesthetics of Joy” with designer, author, and mainstage TED speaker Ingrid Fetell Lee; 6p.
- Enjoy music from local Jazz performers Noel Freidline and Maria Howell; 9p.
Saturday, April 1
- Charlotte SHOUT! Dance Day at Victoria Yards; 11a.
- Pianodrome Recital with Bomi Tunstall & Guest Artists; 11:30a.
- Drums4Life & Guerilla Poets; 12p.
- Jazz Fest on the Ally Main Stage; 1p.
- Voices From The Past – Where Charlotte’s history comes alive for the day; 1p.
Sunday, April 2
- Jazz Fest on the Ally Main Stage; 2p.
- Learn the Art of Screen Printing with Charlotte’s own MacFly Fresh Printing Co.; 2p.
THINGS TO DO THURSDAY, MARCH 30
Potions & Pixels: Thursday Night Board Games
Thursday, March 30, 5:30 – 8:30p
Join Potions & Pixels for Thursday Night Board Games at Camp North End. They have a wide variety of games for all ages and skill levels, free to play. Located at the Keswick food stalls next to Bleu Barn and the “Love” mural.
Name the Music Trivia at Rhino Market
Thursday, March 30, 6:30 – 9:30p
Grab your most music-knowledged friends for a night of contests and upbeat music. This one-of-a-kind high-energy music trivia party will have you feeling challenged and competitive. There are new contests for a chance to win prizes every 40 minutes, so feel free to join in at anytime.
Elizabeth 8K Preview Run and Beer Release
Thursday, March 30, 6:30p
The 37th annual Elizabeth 8K Road Race is just a month away, which calls for a preview run and celebration. Head to Devil’s Logic Brewing for the Elizabeth 8k Course Preview Party. Runners will have the option of running a 1 mile, 3 mile or the E8k course. They’ll be releasing a special beer for the race, Under The Water Tower, for all to try. There will also be vendors and live music by The Smashing Brief Case.
THINGS TO DO FRIDAY, MARCH 31
Heart of the Home Tour
Friday March 31, 5 – 8:30p & Saturday, April 1, 10a – 4p
The Symphony Guild of Charlotte is hosting its signature fundraiser – the Heart of the Home Tour this weekend, featuring six beautiful homes throughout Charlotte. Tour-goers will enjoy small plates from celebrated Charlotte chefs, sample creative cocktails, and tour a curated selection of the city’s beautiful private homes. Visit here to purchase tickets.
Live Music Fridays
Friday, March 31, 6 – 9p
Head to the lively patio at Protagonist in LoSo for live music every Friday from March through November. Grab a brew and a slice of pizza as Brice Parker performs this Friday.
PB&J Release Weekend at Catawba Brewing Company
March 31 – April 2
Catawaba fans, it’s Peanut Butter Jelly Time. Join them this weekend for the annual release of their PB&J Ale while they turn their taproom into a party with live music and delicious food trucks. Are you a big fan of PB&J? Head to Catawaba on Sunday, April 2 for a Smuckers Uncrustables Eating Contest at 3 p.m. Click here to register.
THINGS TO DO SATURDAY, APRIL 1
Blue Star Blitz
Saturday, April 1, 8a – 3:30p
An outdoor lover’s paradise! To kick off Love the Greenway Month, Anne Springs Close Greenway will be hosting a recreation celebration. Whether you love tearing it up on the mountain bike course, tackling a 5K/10K trail race and hike courses, enjoying a kid’s scavenger hunt, or just jamming with live music and local craft beers – there will be something for you. Register for your chosen activities here.
Naturalist Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 1, 10a – 12p
Bring the kids to Wing Haven where they can craft their own binoculars and search for replicas of real bird eggs hidden throughout the SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden. While there, take part in some fun egg-and-nest-themed activities and crafts. Tickets can be purchased here.
Easter Egg Hunt at Pritchard Church
Saturday, April 1, 10a – 12p
Join Pritchard Church for a free Easter egg hunt, including bounce houses, crafts, a visit with the Easter Bunny, face painting, and more. Egg hunts will be done by age level (2 years old and under, 3-5 years old, 6-9 years old, and 10-12 years old).
Charlotte Brewfest
Saturday, April 1, 1 – 5p
Cheers to National Beer Day at the city’s signature beer festival, Charlotte Brewfest. Enjoy unlimited sampling of beer made by 25+ national, regional, and local craft breweries. There will be a vast selection of lager, IPA, ale, fruit beer, and cider to taste. The party doesn’t stop there – also find live music, activities, and delicious food from Charlotte’s most popular food trucks. Purchase your tickets here.
South End Wine and Hops Festival
Saturday, April 1, 1 – 6p
Wine-o’s, get excited – the 9th annual South End Wine and Hops Fest is here! Spend the afternoon sampling wonderful wines, cider, and brews while jamming out to live music by local bands Josh Gallon and the Galloway Band. Local food trucks and pop-up shops will also be onsite to make it a complete festival experience. Tickets can be purchased here.
Forage & Feast
Saturday, April 1, 3 – 8:30p
Join North Corner Haven for an afternoon of fungi foraging and farm-to-table feasting.
Tickets include:
– Guided foraging experience in their 500+ acre mixed hardwood forest & mushroom log workshop led by Field and Forage Farms and Proper Flower.
– Cultivated Shiitake Mushroom Log to take home with you.
– Fungi-forward feast that includes a cocktail hour with beer and wine and a four-course dinner by Chef Joy Turner plated in The Cedar Barn.
Queen City Comedy Fool’s Fest
Saturday, April 1, 7 & 9p
It’s April Fool’s, so get out and laugh. Queen City Comedy has invited some of the best, brightest, and funniest improvisers from around the Carolinas to compete for your applause and your laughs on this holiday. At the end of the night, you’ll get the chance to vote for your favorite performer. At 9 p.m., the stage is open to those who want to give their comedy a shot. Purchase your tickets to the show here.
THINGS TO DO SUNDAY, APRIL 2
Front Porch Sunday
Sunday, April 2, 11a – 4p
Front Porch Sunday officially kicks off for the season this Sunday! Enjoy a day full of shopping, sipping and spring fun. Browse the work of 70+ local artists, enjoy live music, cold beer and great community engagement.
Free Easter Bunny Pictures at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops
Sunday, Aprul 2, 11a – 4p
Catch the Easter Bunny at Cabela’s in Fort Mill and Bass Pro Shops at Concord Mills for a free 4×16 photo. Participants will also have the option to purchase additional photos. Dogs are welcome to also take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Registration is required.
Kids Easter Terrarium
Sunday, April 2, 11a – 12p
Get in the Easter spirit with the whole family at PlantHouse. With the guidance of their crew, kiddos will create a 6” terrarium featuring Easter decor. Their crew will be there every step of the way to provide assembly instructions, plant care advice, and answer any questions. Recommended for ages 6+. Tickets can be purchased here.
Paint Your Own Pottery – Spring
Sunday, April 2, 12 – 2p
Put your personal touch on a piece of pottery, spring edition! Head to the Morrison Family YMCA for a creative afternoon. Choose from plates, mugs, piggy banks and more as a professional teaching artist guides you through the process. Pieces are fired in the kiln and ready for pick up in 2 weeks or less. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Register here.
