20 things to do in Charlotte this week: Earth Day, festivals, an outdoor movie series + more
Friday, April 21
Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Time: 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Get outdoors and head out to the Whitewater Center for Tuck Fest. The three-day festival celebrates the outdoor lifestyle through competitions, exhibitions, demos and live music. https://tuckfest.whitewater.org/
Port City Club by David Burke Boat Show
Location: 18665 Harborside Drive Cornelius, NC 28031
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Kick off the weekend at Port City Club by David Burke’s boat show on Lake Norman. Thursday through Saturday, the Ed Watkins Marine team will showcase its lineup of boats at the docks. bit.ly/3N0ipvV
Charlotte African-American Festival
Location: Brooklyn Village, 710 East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Kick off your weekend at the tenth annual African-American Festival. Enjoy exhibits, musical performances, art, literature, food, performances and more. Proceeds will support educational and cultural programs. bit.ly/3AdW2v4
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206
Time: 5-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Celebrate Charlotte’s art scene at this three day artist-led festival. The sixth annual event will have multiple events and performances showcasing theater, music, visual art, film, dance and more. You can check the full lineup of events online. https://boomcharlotte.org/boom-charlotte-2023/
Location: Rock Hill (multiple locations)
Time: Varies per event
Cost: Tickets start at $12 for kids (5-12) and $25 for adults
Head to Rock Hill for the last of the 10 day family-friendly festival. This year’s event features a wide range of activities for all ages and interests, including barbecue cook-offs, cornhole competitions, road races, live music and more. The festival ends on Saturday. https://www.comeseeme.org/
Saturday, April 22
Location: Multiple
Time: Varies per event
Cost: Varies per event
There are several volunteer opportunities and events around Charlotte for Earth Day this year. From creek and street cleanups to festivals and secondhand vintage pop ups, there’s a lot of ways to celebrate Mother Earth. bit.ly/3N5PqqB
Love thy Mother: Earth Day events around Charlotte include street and creek cleanup, festivals
Location: Town Brewing Co., 800 Grandin Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Time: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Check out Town Brewing and Infinity’s End’s annual 4:20 festival. There will be over 20 vendors including glassblowing, tarot card reading, live music and more. bit.ly/3LeOQFy
Location: Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art, 1520 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Time: 12 p.m.
Cost: Free
Attend the opening reception for the new experiential exhibition at Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art. The exhibit, curated by three local creatives, is aimed to illustrate the reality of the female existence in the 21st century. You can RSVP for the reception online. bit.ly/41OUkMN
Location: Skiptown, 222 Rampart Street Charlotte, NC 28203
Time: 12-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Grab your pup and enjoy giveaways, live music, dog vendors and more at Skiptown’s “Pawpose” event. All proceeds will benefit the Greater Charlotte SPCA. There is free admission to the event and dogs get in free. If you’re interested in going, just RSVP online. bit.ly/3KXXcQq
Location: Charlotte Premium Outlets, 5404 New Fashion Way, Charlotte, NC 28278
Time: 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Catch a showing of “Minions: The Rise of Gru” at the Charlotte Premium Outlets. The outdoor movie event will kick off at 6 p.m. with a dance party, games, giveaways and more before the screening begins around 7:30 p.m. bit.ly/40rgGTa
Sunday, April 23
Sleepy Poet 25th Anniversary Celebration
Location: 6424 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Shop a storewide sale all weekend long at Sleepy Poet. In honor of the popular antique mall being in business for 25 years, all vendors will have discounted prices. bit.ly/41pdLMl
Location: Knight Theatre, 430 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 2 p.m.
Cost: $30+
Take in the magical journey to Neverland with Peter, Wendy, Tinker Bell and the rest of the Peter Pan characters with a performance from the Charlotte Ballet. This never-before-seen performance with new choreography runs April 21-30. Tickets are still available, starting at $30. https://charlotteballet.org/peter-pan-22-23/
Location: Lost Worlds Brewing Company, 19700-D One Norman Blvd, Cornelius, NC 28031
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Cost: $27
Stretch out in a yoga class with baby goats from Lazy Day Farm. The beginner’s class is open to ages and experience levels. Just pack a mat or towel to flow on. Tickets can be bought online. bit.ly/3LheLfJ
Monday, April 24
Location: The Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters, 1217 The Plaza Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 7-9:30 p.m.
Cost: $15
Enjoy a night of laughs at Shameless Improv’s next comedy show. Experience a 90 minute, unscripted, fully improvised show where you have a say in the jokes. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Buy tickets online. bit.ly/3LheNUT
Tuesday, April 25
Mama’s “Springing Endorsement” Wine Dinner
Location: Mama Ricotta’s, 601 South Kings Drive Charlotte, NC 28204
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Cost: $80-$85
Treat yourself to a four course wine-pairing dinner at Mama Ricotta’s. The special meal will be made with local ingredients along with some imported from some of the finest artisans in Italy. Tickets can be purchased online. bit.ly/43SJUxt
Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk Tides
Location: Truist Field, 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 6:05 p.m.
Cost: $14+
Browse the CharlotteFive guide on what to eat a Charlotte Knights game this year, then head out to the ball field and cheer on the Knights as they take on the Norfolk Tides. They’ll be playing against the team through Sunday. Tickets are still available, starting at $14. bit.ly/43KlhD7
Location: The Fillmore, 820 Hamilton St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: $85+
Sing along with R&B artist Ella Mai at The Fillmore. She’s performing in Charlotte as part of her Heart on My Sleeve Tour. There’s still time to buy tickets for the concert. bit.ly/40q3s9i
Wednesday, April 26
Location: The Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Tap into your creative side for the last drop in event session at the Mint Museum Randolph. The Art Room is open for self-directed, creative fun for all ages to explore drawing, clay, collage and other art. bit.ly/3AiycOQ
Thursday, April 27
Location: RSVP South End, 225 Fairwood Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Time: 6 p.m.-12 a.m.
Cost: Free
Jam out to your favorite country songs for RSVP’s first Throwdown Thursday. Starting April 27, there will be line dancing, live music and drink specials every Thursday night. You can reserve your spot to attend online. bit.ly/3GWfGzJ
Location: Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215
Time: 6-9 p.m. April 27
Cost: $85+
Learn about the city’s notable leaders at the Charlotte Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Awards party at the Charlotte Museum of History. The ‘80s movie-themed celebration will include dinner, beer, wine, ‘80s music, a costume contest and more. bit.ly/3zQZP1q
Mark your calendar
Black Restaurant Week Carolinas
Location: Multiple
When: April 28-May 7
Cost: Varies
Support local black-owned businesses for Black Restaurant Week in Charlotte. The nationwide tour will feature 20 local and regional favorites you can dine at. bit.ly/3H10YHs
“Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.”
Location: Netflix
When: May 4
Cost: Free with Netflix ($6.99+/month)
Tune in to watch the Netflix spinoff of the popular drama Bridgerton focused on Queen Charlotte, who our city is named after. The prequel showcases her origin story and legacy, including her marriage to King George and the societal shift that follows. bit.ly/3ovERCT
