45 Things to Do this Spring
Shake off your cabin fever with these spring events and activities in Charlotte.
by Arielle Patterson Mar 05, 2026
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 Spring at Camp North End
Spring is the perfect time to explore Camp North End, where 76 acres of historic buildings have been transformed into a vibrant destination for food, shopping, art and events. Visitors can enjoy a growing mix of local restaurants, retailers, art studios and weekly happenings. From outdoor movies to live music — all set within Charlotte’s most creative and ever-evolving Camp North End.
Attend a Spring Concert
The warm spring temperatures signify the return of outdoor concerts in Charlotte. National headliners like Cardi B, Journey and Bruno Mars make their way to the Queen City over the next few months. Read more about the live music coming to Charlotte in the spring concert guide.
Enjoy a Meal Outside
The warmer spring weather means it’s time for alfresco 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. To learn more about matches in the Queen City, including other local teams like Crown Legacy FC and Carolina Ascent, check out the soccer fan’s guide to Charlotte.
Check Out the New Cars on Glory Road
There are some new iconic cars on Glory Road at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Now on display, “Glory Road: Owners” highlights the leaders who helped steer NASCAR from its early days to today’s championship-level competition.
Go Above and Beyond at Discovery Place Science
Take off on an interactive adventure through flight and space with “Above & Beyond.” This exhibit, on display at Discovery Place Science through April 19, celebrates the innovations that have shaped flight through immersive simulations, hands-on challenges and more.
Have a Ball at a Charlotte Knights Game
The Charlotte Knights, a Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, kick off the 2026 season this spring. The first home series at Truist Field is scheduled for March 27-29 against the Durham Bulls. Visiting the Queen City for a Knights game? Read the baseball fan’s guide to Charlotte.
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 Buzz City Appreciation game on Friday, April 10 vs. the Detroit Pistons.
Watch the Charlotte Checkers Battle on the Ice
The Charlotte Checkers close out the season at Bojangles Coliseum against competitors in the American Hockey League. The remainder of the season includes several promotional games, including Star Wars Night on March 21and Fan Appreciation Day on April 19.
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 Market are just a few of the local markets in 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 2026 season on Saturday, March 14. Carowinds boasts nearly 60 rides, along with other attractions like the kid-friendly Camp Snoopy.
March Events & Activities
Celebrate Women’s History Month in Charlotte
Celebrate Women’s History Month in the Queen City by supporting the array of women-owned businesses throughout the city. From restaurants to home goods, apparel and more, women-owned businesses in Charlotte have something for everyone.
Get Tickets for a Tony Award-Winning Musical
Tony Award-winning musical, “SUFFS,” comes to Belk Theater from March 10-15. This Broadway show tells the inspiring story of the American women who fought for the right to vote, exploring their triumphs and failures in the struggle for equality.
Watch the ACC Crown a New Basketball Champion
The ACC men’s basketball tournament takes center court at Spectrum Center, March 10-14. The conference tournament returns to the Queen City, as several of Division I basketball’s best teams face off for a spot in the big dance.
Celebrate the Flavors that Define Charlotte
Savor Charlotte, the city’s signature culinary celebration, returns March 11-28, with a curated series of exclusive events, special menus and offers showcasing the creativity and innovation of Charlotte’s chefs, mixologists and tastemakers.
Watch Movies that Celebrate Women in Film
During March, Carolina Theatre honors Women’s History Month through a curated series that celebrates the trailblazers who are redefining women leadership in film. Get your tickets for one of four films, happening March 13-14 and 19-20.
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 14 in Uptown. Rich & Bennett’s St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl is also on Saturday and features crawl stops at locations in Uptown and South End.
Whitewater Raft Down a Green River
The Whitewater Center kicks off spring on Saturday, March 14 with the annual Green River Revival. Resident leprechauns transform the rushing river green for St. Patrick’s Day. Festivities start with the Color Me Green 5K before live music and whitewater rafting.
See the Gantt Center’s Newest Exhibit
The Gantt Center’s newest exhibit, “Presence of Color” by Jeremy Okai Davis, examines the racial biases within photographic technology and creates conversation by questioning the politics of being seen. The exhibit opens on Friday, March 20.
Enjoy an Easter Celebration at Billy Graham Library
On Saturday, March 28, bring the whole family to Billy Graham Library for Easter at the Library. This free event features several kid-friendly activities, such as a scavenger hunt and story time. An additional t-shirt craft and ham lunch are available for purchase.
Catch Gravity-Defying Dunks and Courtside Comedy
The Harlem Globetrotters bring their unique style of showstopping basketball to Bojangles Coliseum for The 100 Year Tour on Saturday, March 28. Get a courtside seat to watch the game-changing tricks and over-the-top plays that the Globetrotters are known for.
April Events & Activities
Spend a Day at the Charlotte Fair
Bring the whole family out to the Charlotte Fair, March 26 – April 6, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Delight in tasty fair food, rides, a petting zoo, Lady Houdini’s escape show and more. Save on your ticket by purchasing one of the special-deal days.
Get Creative at Charlotte SHOUT!
Explore the array of imaginative art installations throughout the city and enjoy live performances during Charlotte SHOUT! From April 3-19, this experiential festival brings together the talents of local and international artists, chefs, dancers, photographers, poets and storytellers.
Celebrate National Beer Day at Charlotte Brewfest
Raise a glass to National Beer Day a day early at Charlotte Brewfest. On Saturday, April 6, enjoy unlimited beer samples from more than 25 breweries. Explore the wide selection of breweries at the South End Station parking lot, as well as live entertainment, games and more.
Shop Vintage at Camp North End
The VTGCLT Spring Market returns to Camp North End, Saturday, April 11. This market features more than 100 of the region’s best vintage and handmade vendors, showcasing unique housewares, furniture, décor, clothing, jewelry and more.
Get a Taste of the City 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 11 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.
Get Your Dancing Shoes on for the Tosco Music Party
The Tosco Music Party returns to Knight Theater, Saturday, April 11. Perfect for all ages, this music experience features local, regional and national acts from a variety of genres, along with sing-alongs throughout the night.
Sip Fine Wines during Charlotte Wine & Food Week
Every year, Charlotte Wine & Food Week brings fine wines from around the world, along with some of Charlotte’s best chefs, to diners. Get tickets for events like wine dinners, educational wine seminars, live auctions, a gala and more, April 15-19.
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 17-19. Click here to find more outdoor experiences in Charlotte.
Get Your Fill of Barbecue at the Carolina BBQ Festival
The Carolina BBQ Festival is bringing the smoke to Uptown’s Victoria Yards on Saturday, April 18 for a full day of barbecued meats. Some of the best pitmasters in the Southeast showcase their style of Carolina 'cue, including whole hog, brisket, ribs, chicken, chopped pork and more.
Taste Your Way around Latin America at Empanada Fest
Charlotte’s annual Empanada Fest is back at Camp North End’s Boileryard, Saturday, April 18. Vendors and food trucks representing multiple Latin American countries serve baked or fried empanadas, both meat filled and vegetarian.
Follow the Bag Pipes to the Loch Norman Highland Games
From April 18-19, the Loch Norman Highland Games brings Scottish games, music and dancing to Historic Rural Hill in nearby Huntersville. Each day features a different event on the competition field, along with piping and drumming competitions, vendors and a kids’ zone.
Watch Competitions at the Whitewater Center
Earth Day weekend, head to the Whitewater Center for competitions and concerts during Tuck Fest, April 24-26. Tuck Fest is a three-day celebration of the outdoor lifestyle, featuring dozens of races and competitions, along with performances from bands and musicians.
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 25 at The Boardwalk in University. This sell-out event also includes drink samples, live entertainment, yard games and more.
May Events & Activities
Discover Where Fashion Becomes Art
“Mint to Be: The Feminine Body as Costume Art” opens at Mint Museum Uptown on Friday, May 1. This month-long exhibit celebrates femininity through the vision of local artists, inspired by the Met Gala’s 2026 theme of Costume Art.
Have a Night of Laughs with Chelsea Handler
Chelsea Handler brings her The High and Mighty Tour to Ovens Auditorium for a night of laughs, Friday, May 1. This tour features new material from the comedian, television host and New York Times bestselling author.
Immerse Yourself in Charlotte’s Art Scene at BOOM Charlotte
BOOM Charlotte, May 1-3 at The Shoppes at University Place, is a multi-faceted and immersive art event. Enjoy artist-led performances and visual arts that showcase contemporary and experimental works across theater, dance, music and poetry.
Browse Art on Kings Drive
The Kings Drive Art Walk serves as a springtime sneak peek of Festival in the Park. From May 2-3, browse fine and emerging artists along the Kings Drive portion of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. This family-friendly event also features crafts, music and entertainment.
Watch Golf’s Best Tee Off at the Truist Championship
Golf fans can find some of their favorite players at Quail Hollow Club, May 6-10, during the Truist Championship. This PGA Tour event features some of the top players on the tour teeing off on the links, including the tough finish known as the “Green Mile.”
Step into a Dreamscape of Mesmerizing Dance
The Charlotte Ballet presents Alejandro Cerrudo’s “One Thousand Pieces,” on stage at Knight Theater from May 7-10. Performed to the music of Philip Glass by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, this show is a reflection on art and love.
Celebrate Asian Cultures
Two family-friendly festivals in one, the Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival Race and Charlotte Asian Festival are Saturday, May 16 at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius. The festival features a lion dance, fashion show and talent competition, as well as a dragon boat race on Lake Norman.
Enjoy All Things Cheerwine
Venture an hour outside of Charlotte to Downtown Salisbury for the Cheerwine Festival on Saturday, May 16. 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.
Don’t Miss the Charlotte Crown Inaugural Tip Off
The Queen City’s newest professional sports team, Charlotte Crown, play the first game of women’s basketball team’s inaugural season on Thursday, May 21 at Bojangles Coliseum. The team takes on UpShot League competitor, Jacksonville Waves, in the home opener.
Have Full-Throttle Fun at the Coca-Cola 600
Shift your Memorial Day weekend into gear at the 66th running of the Coca-Cola 600, Sunday, May 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Before the race, don’t miss driver appearances and a concert from Brad Paisley. 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.
See USMNT Play before the World Cup
Watch the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team in action at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, May 31, as the team faces off against Senegal in the Allstate Continental Clásico. This FIFA World Cup sendoff match is the first for the team after the World Cup roster is set.
