Spring is near, and Queen City events are starting to heat up. This weekend, vote for Charlotte’s best hot chicken sandwich, test your Swiftie knowledge at bingo, celebrate International Women’s Day, satisfy your sweet tooth at CLT’s Donut Festival, and much more.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, MARCH 6
2nd Annual CLT Hot Chicken Week
Through March 9
Take a bite out of Charlotte’s Hot Chicken scene to find the best Hot Chicken sandwich in town. Through March 9, participating restaurants will offer $8 specialty hot chicken sandwiches for you to cast your vote on.
Live Music at AC Marriott SouthPark
Thursday, March 6, 7 – 9p
Enjoy live music at AC Mattiott SouthPark every Thursday from 7-9pm. Each week features an acoustic singer-songwriter and performer, and is held outdoors on the rooftop when weather permits.
Thursday Trivia at Lucky Dog Bark & Brew
Thursday, March 6, 7 – 9p
Bring your crew and even your pup for a night of General Knowledge Trivia. Test your smarts and compete for awesome prizes, including a $25 gift card for first place, a $15 gift card for second place, and a $10 gift card for third place. Enjoy great drinks, good vibes, and friendly competition. It’s free to play, so come show off your trivia skills.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 7
First Fridays in Downtown Pineville – A Celebration of Women-Owned Businesses
Friday, March 7, 5 PM – 9 PM
Kick off the weekend with First Fridays in Downtown Pineville, a vibrant evening dedicated to supporting women-owned small businesses with an exciting pop-up market, food trucks, and a Sip & Stroll experience! Plus, this month’s event is extra special as we celebrate International Women’s Day.
22nd Annual Wish Ball
Friday, March 7, 6p
The Wish Ball is Make-A-Wish® Central & Western North Carolina’s signature blue-tie gala to celebrate the life-changing impact of a wish. For the 22nd annual gala, Make-A-Wish supporters will have the ability to support the Wish Ball in-person by purchasing a sponsorship or the opportunity to participate from home in the silent auction. The night will include silent and live auctions, raffles, wine pull, local wish family testimonies, dinner, dancing, and more.
Kids’ Night Out at Anne Springs Close Greenway
Friday, March 7, 6 – 8:30p
Looking to catch a fun time at the Greenway? Join Anne Springs Close Greenway for Kids’ Night Out to reel in some new fishing skills, enjoy some dirt cake dessert, and soak up the beauty of the Greenway’s Lake Crandall. Cost is $45 per child, Greenway members receive a $5 discount.
T-Swift Music Bingo @ Suffolk Punch South End
Friday, March 7, 7 – 9p
Calling all Swifties ~ Get ready for a night of Taylor Swift Music Bingo at Suffolk Punch, where all the eras will be played. This night is free to play, complete with prizes for the winners, delicious drinks, and the best Swiftie vibes.
Friday Live Music
Friday, March 7, 7 – 9:30p
Every Friday, come to HiWire and enjoy live music from 7 – 9:30 p.m.
International Women’s Day at Resident Culture Plaza Midwood
March 7 – 8
Join Resident Culture in celebrating International Women’s Day with a weekend of laughter, learning, and community. The celebration starts on Friday, March 7, from 7-9 PM, with Laugh Until You Cry, a stand-up comedy showcase presented by She Dreams In Color, featuring Skylar Shock and a talented Queen City lineup, followed by a candid mental health discussion led by Tameka Brewington. On Saturday, March 8, events include a women’s health panel (11 AM-12 PM), one-on-one consultations (12-1 PM), live DJ sets, a women-owned business market (1-5 PM), food from El Veneno, and the annual release of Human Potential Hazy Triple IPA. Free and open to all.
7th Annual Plant Market
March 7 – 9
Spring is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to stock up on your favorite plants. Head to PlantHouse on Park Road for the 7th Annual Plant Market, a chance to shop plants at an incredible discount, plus sip on special drinks and shop unique goods and treasures from local vendors.
Charlotte Youth Ballet’s Alice in Wonderland
March 7 – 9
Tickets are now available for Charlotte Youth Ballet’s Alice in Wonderland at Dale F. Halton Theater at Central Piedmont.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 8
13th Annual Run Jen Run 5k and Festival
Saturday, March 8, 8 – 11a
Join us at Run Jen Run and help support local families facing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis. All proceeds benefit the Go Jen Go Foundation, a non-profit organization providing hope and critical support to families in the greater Charlotte area. The funds help cover household expenses including housing, utilities, transportation, and groceries/necessities. In addition, the foundation provides family support, sending children to camp and delivering gifts during the holiday season.
Goodwill’s Sixth Annual Bridal Pop-Up Sale
Saturday, March 8, 9a – 4p
Goodwill’s sixth annual Bridal Pop-Up Sale will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, located at 5301 Wilkinson Boulevard in west Charlotte. Shoppers will find hundreds of bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, special occasion dresses, and shoes in new or gently used condition. Most bridal gowns will be priced between $99 and $499, with select gowns available for up to $999. Special occasion, prom, and bridesmaid dresses will be priced at $49 each or three for $100, while shoes will start at $9.99. All sales are final.
The VinMix Market – True Vintage Meets Modern Nostalgia
Saturday, March 8, 12-5pm
Step into a one-of-a-kind shopping experience at The VinMix Market, where true vintage meets modern nostalgia in a curated marketplace filled with incredible finds! Hosted by HandCraftedMarketCLT, this event brings together over 50+ small businesses, food trucks, music, and great drinks for the ultimate Saturday outing.
ArtPop Art Market at Le Méridien Charlotte
Saturday, March 8, 6 – 9p
At this free event, attendees can drop in and meet 10 talented local artists from the Charlotte region. Each artist will have original artworks available for purchase, and they keep 100% from their sales. ArtPop’s Art Markets are casual, accessible environments where all are welcome to connect with the artists in our community. Enjoy complementary light bites courtesy of Le Méridien and their bar will be open for drink sales. Parking is available on-site, with validation offered upon check-in.
HopeStrong Blue – Tie Gala for Autism
Saturday, March 8
The HopeStrong Blue-Tie Gala for Autism will be an unforgettable evening dedicated to supporting autism as well as dinner, cocktails, both silent and live auctions, award ceremonies, live band, and dancing.
11th Annual UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball
Saturday, March 8, 5:30p
The UNCF Charlotte Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala focusing on raising public awareness and large donations to support deserving students across North Carolina. This event brings together individuals, small businesses, corporate sponsors, celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, public officials, and alumni who support UNCF’s mission. UNCF has been dedicated to creating opportunities for deserving students for 80 years, aiming to bridge the gap between financial barriers and educational aspirations.
Broadway Bash at Lenny Boy Brewing
Saturday, March 8, 6:30p
Mix, mingle, and celebrate with friends while enjoying an exciting new location, food, drinks, entertainment and fantastic opportunities to support Theatre Charlotte. This year’s event will begin with live music, a cocktail hour and a silent auction in the Taproom at Lenny Boy Brewery followed by dinner from Best Impressions Catering. After dinner, enjoy performances from some of your favorite Theatre Charlotte performers and learn a little more about their new program, The Penguin Project.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 9
Shop the Lot at Ghostface Brewing – A Sunday Market You Can’t Miss
Sunday, March 9, 12 PM – 5 PM, 225 S Broad St, Mooresville
Looking for the perfect way to spend your Sunday? Shop the Lot at Ghostface Brewing is bringing together an incredible mix of local small businesses, great beer, delicious food, and live music for an afternoon of community and fun.
5th Annual CLT Donut Festival
Sunday, March 9, 1 – 5p
Consider the 5th Annual CLT Donut Festival your opportunity to have the “Ultimate Cheat Day” while supporting a great cause… the event benefits SAVE A NUT, an organization dedicated to spreading awareness for testicular cancer. The festival will have an abundance of donuts and sweet treat, artisan vendors, and six different ticket packages for drink and donut offers.
The BBQ Brunch – A Carolina BBQ Festival Series Event
Sunday, March 9, 11a – 2p
Carolina BBQ Festival invites you for a Sunday Funday that includes lots of brunch bites (did someone say Krispy Kreme breakfast sandwich?!) from Pitmaster Lewis Donald, founder of the Carolina BBQ Festival, 2 drink tickets to be used at their Mimosa + Bloody Mary Bar, games, & tunes by DJ Gator.
Birkdale Village Commons Market
Sunday, March 9, 11a – 4p
Discover the best of local shopping at the Birkdale Village Commons Market, happening every second Sunday from March through October. This open-air market showcases a diverse mix of vendors, offering boutique fashion, handmade jewelry, vintage treasures, home decor, baked goods, and more.
