Charlotte is blooming with fun this weekend. From vibrant shopping markets packed with local makers to food festivals serving up serious flavor, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re strolling through a pop-up market, sipping wine along the boardwalk, or diving into a culinary celebration, this weekend is all about soaking up the sunshine and supporting the Queen City’s best.
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THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, APRIL 10
Wing Haven Spring Plant Sale
April 10 – 12 (Members Day April 9)
Shop a wide variety of local favorite and unusual plants at the Wing Haven Spring Plant Sale. Browse Wing Haven legacy plants, trees, and shrubs—guided by the expertise of helpful staff and volunteers. Admission to Wing Haven’s gardens is free during the plant sale—donations accepted and appreciated! Enjoy the beautiful spring weather with a stroll through the gardens after shopping plant favorites.
Pajama Family Storytime at SouthPark Regional Library
Thursday, April 10, 6:30p
Wear your pajamas and bring a cuddly plush friend to SouthPark Library’s Pajama Storytime. There, you will read fun stories, sing songs and rhymes, and end with some yummy cookies (BYOM – Bring Your Own Milk). This program is for families with children ages birth to 5.
Karaoke Contest at Seoul Food
Thursday, April 10, 7 – 10p
Show off your karaoke skills at Seoul Food in South End! Whether you’re flying solo, teaming up as a duo, or performing with a group, bring the energy—prizes go to the top 3 acts!
University City Wine Fest
April 10, 2025 – Royal Wine Dinner
April 11, 2025 – Wine on the Water
April 12, 2025 – Main Festival Celebration
Sip and stroll around the scenic lake and boardwalk at the Shoppes at University Place during the 8th annual University City Wine Fest. Sample over 100 wines from 25+ wineries, along with craft cocktails, beers, and ciders from near and far. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and interactive entertainment as you explore this lakeside tasting experience.
The Charlotte Fair
April 10 – 20
Non-Stop Fun is coming to Charlotte April 10th through April 20th and you don’t want to miss it. Come enjoy fair food, thrilling rides, petting zoos, circus acts, and more at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. For fair tickets, click here. For a daily schedule of all the fun to come, click here.
Charlotte SHOUT! Continues
April 4 – 20
Charlotte SHOUT! is an annual celebration of the city’s art, culture, and community. Built on the pillars of art, music, food, and ideas, Charlotte SHOUT! is an inclusive and inspirational feast for all ages, with more than 200 events and attractions taking place over 17 days in Uptown, Charlotte.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 11
HandCraftedMarket Food Truck Fridays @ The Hangar
Join us at 251 N Trade St in Downtown Matthews for an evening filled with live music, local vendors, beer tents, giveaways, and a variety of food trucks to satisfy every craving.
Science on the Rocks
Friday, April 11, 6p
Discovery Place Science is throwing the ultimate adults-only night out—no kids, just cocktails, cool science, and good vibes. Think hands-on labs, wild animal encounters, jaw-dropping science shows, and a DJ spinning while you sip and explore. Don’t forget to visit the 7-story IMAX Dome Theatre for a chill planetarium show or epic documentary. It’s the perfect excuse to grab your friends (or a date), unleash your inner science nerd, and experience the Museum in a totally new way—boozy, brainy, and way more fun after dark.
Red Bull Dance Your Style Charlotte Qualifier
Friday, April 11, 7p
Red Bull Dance Your Style is BACK and it’s more than just a competition—it’s a giant party turned dance battle, where you can enjoy the vibes. Red Bull is bringing the city’s best dancers together to battle it out freestyle—no planned choreography, just pure vibes and raw talent. Expect chart topping hits from DJ Fannie Mae and Kid Grady, hosted by the one and only Ohavia Phillips, and judged by special guest judges Suzie Q, Xtra and Jackson. RSVP now to join.
Earth Day Celebration at Anne Springs Close Greenway
April 11 – 13
The Anne Springs Close Greenway invites visitors to celebrate Earth Day Weekend with free admission and a full lineup of outdoor activities. Spanning 2,100 preserved acres, the Greenway offers accessible recreation opportunities for all. Guests can explore popular pastimes like kayaking, archery, horseback riding, hiking, and more during this special weekend dedicated to enjoying and appreciating nature.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 12
Superheroes for Autism 5K
Saturday, April 12, 8a
Put on your cape and lace up your running shoes for the Superheroes for Autism 5K and help make a difference. Run, walk, or fly through McAlpine Creek Park while supporting a great cause. Sign up today and be a hero.
Earth Day at The Independent Picture House
Saturday, April 12, 8:30a – 6p
Charlotte’s largest annual Earth Day celebration invites the community to come together in honor of the environment. The event offers fun, educational activities for families, encourages lasting connections with nature, and highlights local organizations and businesses committed to sustainability. Open to all—children, families, young adults, educators, and anyone passionate about environmental stewardship—Charlotte Earth Day features dozens of exhibitors representing eco-conscious efforts across the city.
Pet Palooza
Saturday, April 12, 10a – 3p
For over 25 years, Pet Palooza has been a beloved tradition in the Charlotte community. This annual fundraising walk and community festival brings people and pets together to enjoy live music, delicious food trucks, pet-focused vendors, and more for a family-fun filled day. This year, the walk route will take participants around a city block in Uptown Charlotte—be sure to register in advance! There is a $10 entry fee at the door or sign up for the walk ahead of time to breeze in. Children 10 and under will receive free entry.
VTGCLT Spring Market
Saturday, April 12, 11a – 5p
The Spring Market will take place at Camp North End in the Ford Building on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 10am-5pm and will feature 100+ vintage and handmade brands.
StrEATs Tasting Tour
Saturday, April 12, 12 – 3p
Savor mouthwatering bites from 21 of Charlotte’s top locally-owned restaurants, sip craft cocktails from your favorite mixologists, and catch live cooking demos on the StrEATs stage. Taking place at Gateway Village, this flavorful event features chefs from Rada, L’Ostrica, Johnson & Wales, and Your Braisen Chef, plus four signature cocktails, cocktail demos, and live music to keep the vibe going all day.
Regional Festival of India at Matthews
Saturday April 12, 2025 | 12 pm – 6 pm
Stumptown Park, 120 South Trade St., Matthews
The second Regional Festival of India will take place on Saturday, April 12th in Stumptown Park, Matthews. The fesetival will include dance performances, Indian street food, pop-up vendors, turban tying and Henna tattoos, yoga, art galleries, and more. This immersive festival offers free admission for all with no tickets required.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 13
Birkdale Village Commons Market
Sunday, April 13, 11a
Discover the best of local shopping at the Birkdale Village Commons Market, happening every second Sunday from March through October. Curated by Shop Local QC, this lively open-air market showcases a diverse mix of vendors, offering boutique fashion, handmade jewelry, vintage treasures, home decor, baked goods, and more. Each month, they’ll feature a rotating selection of new vendors alongside returning favorites, ensuring there’s always something fresh to explore.
Charlotte StrEATs Festival
Sunday, April 13, 12 – 4p
This free festival will take place on April 13th from 12 to 4 pm at Gateway Village, featuring an artisan market, food trucks, Neighborhood Cook-off Battles, cocktail demos and tastings, and more.
