Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
From road races and mountain hikes to beer and BBQ festivals, there’s no shortage of things to keep you busy around Charlotte in the coming months.
Here are 24 must-do spring events and activities to add to your 2023 calendar.
Go to a Charlotte FC game or watch at a local restaurant/bar.
Details: If you didn’t watch a game during their first historic season, don’t worry – there will be plenty of opportunities to see our Major League Soccer team play on home turf this season.
Upcoming home games:
- March 11 – v. Atlanta United
- March 25 – v. New York Red Bulls
- April 15 – v. Colorado Rapids
- April 22 – v. Columbus Crew
- May 6 – v. New York City
Related story: Where to watch Charlotte FC
Daniel Rios watches a final attempt at a goal fall short at Charlotte FC’s inaugural home match at Bank of America Stadium on March 5, 2022. (Travis Dove for Axios Charlotte)
Support women-owned businesses at the Girl Tribe Pop-Ups.
Details: Shop for a few new spring pieces, find gifts for friends and family, and take some fun pictures.
Dates: March 12, April 8 and May 7
Cost: $4 general admission, $15 VIP.
Axios archives
Learn a new skill on SkillPop.
Details: The start of a new season is a great time to try something new. SkillPop offers a bunch of fun classes on a variety of topics ranging from cookie decorating basics to starting a business. Here are a few upcoming classes that caught our eye:
- Watercolor Landscapes – March 15 from 6:30-8pm
- Spring Patio Farming – March 16 from 6:30-8:30pm
- Introduction to the Enneagram – March 30 from 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $35-$38
Photo: Courtesy of SkillPop
Ride all the coasters at Carowinds.
The rides: Carowinds has more than 50 rides at varying thrill levels. Scan Carowinds’ full list of rides here and sort by attraction type, thrill level, minimum height and fast lane accommodations.
- Kid-friendly: There are a number of kid- and family-friendly rides, including the Flying Ace Balloon Race and the Kiddy Hawk coaster.
- The coasters: Carowinds is home to 14 roller coasters, including the world’s top-rated steel coaster, Fury 325. Copperhead Strike is the park’s newest rollercoaster.
Cost: Day passes cost $40 (or $37 if you enter after 3pm). You can also opt for a season pass, which includes unlimited visits.
- Fast Lane pass: Season Fast Lane passes are sold out, but you can add one onto a day trip for $59 to spare yourself the time spent standing in line for every ride.
Dates: Open for the season
Axios archives
Check out the outdoor activities at the Whitewater Center.
Details: This season, the Whitewater Center is hosting The Whole (and Half) Enchilada MTB Race, The New South Half & Full Marathon, Tuck Fest and Whitewater Triathalon.
Dates: Event dates are March 25, April 1, April 21-23, April 29 and May 6.
Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios
Do yoga with the alpacas at Good Karma Ranch.
Details: You’ve heard of the downward-facing dog pose but during this outdoor yoga flow you’ll learn the downward-facing alpaca pose alongside a group of alpacas.
Cost: $25
Dates: March 11, 25-26; April 1-2 and 29
Run in a local race.
Details: Whether you’re an avid runner, trying to get in shape, or looking to try something new, the spring has serval races open to all running levels.
Upcoming Races:
- Craft Beer Half Marathon & 5 Miler – April 1
- New South Marathon – April 1
- Charlotte RaceFest Half Marathon – April 15
- Teal Diva 5K – May 6
- PurpleStride Charlotte – April 29
Axios archives
Sit out on a patio.
Details: You can find a good patio in just about every one of Charlotte’s neighborhoods. Here are a few to check out:
- NoDa Company Store – NoDa
- The Royal Tot – Belmont
- Canopy Cocktails – South End
- Dilworth Tasting Room – Dilworth/South End
- Noble Smoke – Wesley Heights
Related guide: The 25 best patios in Charlotte, right now
Canopy Cocktails & Garden patio. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Interact with fun art installations and check out the activities at Charlotte SHOUT!
What: Uptown will soon be brimming with interactive art installations like a miniature golf course and giant see-saws.
- Expect restaurant specials, yoga classes, comedy specials and live music.
Dates: The festival runs March 31-April 16. Find the full schedule here.
Cost: Free (some events offer VIP tickets for an elevated experience).
Axios archives
Bring your pup out for Paws in the Park.
Details: This family-friendly festival is one of the largest dog events in the area with more than 150 vendors, 20 dog rescue groups and shelters onsite, plus food trucks and entertainment.
Date: April 1
Cost: Free
Catch a Knights game at Truist Field.
Details: The home opener is March 31 and there will be fireworks following the game.
Dates: The season runs through September. Get tickets here.
Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios
Celebrate our local food scene at the annual Charlotte StrEATs Festival.
Details: Day one of the festival will kick off with a family night featuring a cook-off, dessert and food trucks plus kid activities. On day two, participants can walk through a mini-map of the city and taste their way through Charlotte’s most iconic neighborhoods. There will also be live music, multiple cooking demonstrations and a pop-up market featuring local vendors.
Dates: April 15-16
Cost: Free to attend on both days; $85-$140 for a tasting ticket. Get tickets here.
Hang out at Camden Commons.
What: Camden Road will close off to street traffic and transform into a pop-up outdoor living space where folks can hang out, play games, listen to music and eat tasty food from South End restaurants.
Dates: April 16, May 21 and June 18 from 11am to 5pm.
Cost: Free
Art and Soul of South End 2019. Photo: Kyo Nam/Charlotte Center City Partners.
Immerse yourself in the arts at BOOM Charlotte.
What: This fringe art festival showcases the works of artists in a variety of disciplines including theater, dance, music, spoken word, comedy, film, visual art and public art installations.
Dates: April 21-23
Cost: TBD
Celebrate Charlotte Earth Day at First Ward Park.
Details: Expect performances, children’s activities and educational activities for all ages.
Dates: April 15
Cost: Free
Moo Brew and ‘Que
The event: The two-day festival will have craft beer, food and music from 25+ local, regional and national breweries serving over 75 carefully curated beers. Expect local restaurants and food trucks to compete for burger and barbecue bragging rights.
Date: April 15-16 at AvidXchange Music Factory Grounds
Cost: Tickets range from $35-$100.
Try delicious food and wine pairings during Charlotte Wine + Food Week.
Details: Throughout the week, there will be a series of tasting dinners, each featuring wines from different wineries to pair with each multi-course meal. Event proceeds benefit four local children’s charities; A Child’s Place – a program of Thompson Child & Family Focus, Augustine Literacy Project, GenOne and The Learning Collaborative.
Dates: April 18-April 23
Cost: Tickets range from $195 to $750 depending on the event.
Put on your finest derby attire the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase.
Details: In addition to the main horse racing event, the day will also include festivities like a hat contest, pony rides for the kiddos, a series of corgi races and a tailgating contest.
Date: April 29
Price: $75 general admission, $175 for tailgating and $395 for lawn boxes.
Photo courtesy of Queen’s Cup Steeplechase.
Climb to the summit of Crowders Mountain and take in the scenic views.
Trails: Take Crowders Trail for a more moderate climb. Go with Rocktop Trail for a more challenging hike and views along the way. If you want a shorter climb to the summit, hit up Backside Trail. It’s steep but it’ll get you to the top quicker.
Keep in mind: Trails are accessible from 8am-8pm during March and April and from 8am-9pm from May to September. The trails are always less crowded earlier in the day.
Après hike: Veronét Vineyards is a 12-minute drive from Crowders, so go for a post-hike drink and snack.
Related guide: Top 6 places to hike near Charlotte, plus a guide to their best trails
Photo: Alivia McAtee/Axios
Celebrate 106 years of Cheerwine at the Cheerwine Festival in Salisbury.
Details: Try Cheerwine-inspired BBQ, desserts and drinks and enjoy entertainment from local, regional and national musical acts, plus kid-friendly activities.
Dates: May 20
Cost: Free
Get a plate with all the fixins at the Carolina BBQ Festival at Camp North End.
Details: Pit masters from across the Carolinas are coming together to showcase the three regions that make up Carolina BBQ. The experience includes whole-hog BBQ tasting plates from three tents. Plates come with two sides and a 10oz beer pairing. There will also be live music, vendors, plus wine, beer and cocktails.
Date: May 7
Cost: $75 general admission, $150 VIP admission. Get your tickets here.
Axios archives
Start your engines for a weekend of racing at the Coca-Cola 600.
The event: Expect all the big names in NASCAR, a salute to military heroes, beer and 600 miles of loud, heart-pumping racing.
Date: May 28 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Buy tickets.
Cost: Tickets range in price from $49-$119.
Sip on mimosas at Charlotte Brunch Festival
The event: Expect live entertainment, brunch cocktails and a brunch menu from local chefs.
Date: May 20 at Pleasant Grove Farm
Cost: Check their social media platforms for tickets updates.
Get a hands-on culinary experience at Savor Charlotte
The event: It’ll have a mix of hands-on classes and demonstrations, exclusive menus plus special offers from local chefs, mixologists, restaurateurs and bakers.
- Take a cooking class at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen or Taco Molino.
- Learn how to make a cocktail at Billy Sunday or The Cocktailery.
Date: March 8-22
Cost: Prices vary at participating restaurants. View the full list here.
Old Fashioned at Billy Sunday.
Editor’s note: We published this guide in 2022 and updated it with 2023 events on March 9, 2023.
