Whether you’re gearing up for the holiday weekend with family and friends or just soaking up the sun around the Queen City, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Start things off at SouthPark After 5, catch a movie on the lawn at the Whitewater Center, shop local at weekend markets, connect at the Women In Power Annual Brunch, and bring the whole crew to Easter celebrations happening around town.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, APRIL 17
SouthPark After 5
Thursday, April 17, 5p
SouthParkAfter 5 is back for the season, bringing a musical performance and interactive activity to Symphony Park every Thursday through May 22nd. This weekend, Shelley Ruffin & Dan Hood and Southside Station take the stage. There will also be free face painting for the whole family. Don’t forget your favorite picnic blanket or chairs to sit in the lawn.
Mint Música and Poesía Café
Thursday, April 17, 6 – 8p
Get ready for a vibrant night of music and poetry at the Mint Museum Uptown. Starting at 6 PM, meet the artists before the show kicks off at 6:30 PM. Enjoy soulful Latin sounds from AV Trio, powerful words from poet and guitarist José G. Vázquez, and global guitar vibes from Colombia’s Aris Quiroga Nieto. It’s all happening in a creative, intimate setting you won’t want to miss.
Spring Colors
Thursday, April 17, 6 – 10p
Join Harvey B. Gantt Center For African-American Arts + Culture for the 9th Annual Spring Colors hosted by Gantt After Dark, Antwoin Bryant, Rashon Moore, and Herb & Felicia Gray. Enjoy art and culture, food and drink, awesome people, live music, and all the spring vibes. Event is free to attend but RSVP is required.
Weeknight Free Bowling at Pins Mechanical
Weeknights through April 30, 7 – 11:30p
From March 31st to Wednesday, April 30th, you can duckpin bowl for free at Pins Mechanical every weeknight. Enjoy complimentary games from 7 PM until close.
Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat
April 4 – April 27
Watch as everyone’s favorite cat comes to life in this theatrical adaption of the classic tale, performed by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Suitable for ages three and up, this performance is one act that lasts approximately 60 minutes. Tickets can be purchased here.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 18
Easter Bunny Express at the N.C. Transportation Museum
April 18 & 19, 9a – 5p
The Easter Bunny is visiting the N.C. Transportation Museum, and you’re invited! Your ticket gives you access to museum grounds and exhibit buildings where you can explore exhibits featuring model train layouts, trains, airplanes, automobiles, trucks, and more. There will also be fun activities for the whole family including balloon twister, inflatable games, coloring sheets and crafts, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and more. Upgrade your visit with a leisurely 25-minute train ride experience aboard our specially decorated Easter-themed train.
Stonecrest Music at the Fountain Stage
Friday, April 18, 7p
Enjoy live tunes at the Fountain Stage at Stonecrest at Piper Glen. This Friday, Jackson Harden will take be performing.
Whitewater Center Film Series: Subterranean
Friday, April 18, 8:15p
Wind down the week by enjoying a movie on the lawn at the Whitewater Center. Taking place every Friday in April and October, this film series features outdoor lifestyle films from across the globe; representing some of the best artists creating outdoor films and often include works produced by Whitewater. Free to attend, just pay for parking.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 19
2025 Bunny Run 5k & Festival
Saturday, April 19
40 Cabarrus Ave E, Concord
The Bunny Run 5K and Festival is a hopping good time set for Saturday, April 19th. The festival includes face painting, DJ/MC, food trucks, arts & crafts and dancing with the Easter Bunny. Races will begin on McCachern Blvd beside the Cabarrus County Parking Lot.
9th Annual Women In Power Brunch
Saturday, April 19, 11a – 4p
Spend the afternoon at the Women In Power Annual Brunch, where ambitious and driven women from all over the country come together to network, grow, and celebrate success. This exclusive event is designed for female entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals who are ready to elevate their businesses, build powerful connections, and be inspired by dynamic speakers.
HandCraftedMarketCLT Spring Markets:
- April 19 – Rail Trail Fest | Suffolk Punch Southend | 12–5 PM
Stroll the Rail Trail and shop from 40+ small businesses while enjoying all-day energy in South End. Located outside Suffolk Punch Southend. - April 19 – SpringFest | SweetWater Farms | 11 AM–4 PM
Celebrate spring at SweetWater Farms (14412 Beatties Ford Rd, Huntersville) with an egg hunt, farm attractions, and a curated vendor lineup of 25+ small businesses. Tickets are $6. - April 19 – The VinMix Market | The Hangar, Matthews | 12–5 PM
For lovers of vintage and modern nostalgia, The VinMix Market features 50+ vendors, music, coffee, food trucks, and beer. Located at The Hangar in Downtown Matthews. 251 N Trade St.
Grilled Cheese Fest
Saturday, April 19, 1 – 4p
All grilled cheese lovers, listen up… because the Charlotte Grilled Cheese Fest is returning Saturday, April 19th to South End Station. The festival will include unlimited grilled cheese samples, craft breweries, cocktail bars, live music, raffles, and more. You can get your tickets here.
The Vintage Vault Flea Market at Seoul Food (South End)
Saturday, April 19, 5 – 9p
Shop all things vintage this Saturday in the parking lot and courtyard at Seoul Food in South End! Browse vintage clothing, jewelry, artwork, and more— then stop inside Seoul Food for delicious food and drinks.
420 Fest at Sycamore
Saturday, April 19, 5p – 12a
Roll up to Sycamore Brewing for 420 Fest! A day packed with live music, limited-edition 420-themed merch and a first hit of their new Delta-9 seltzers.
FAFO Arts & Music Fest at Wooden Robot South End
Saturday, April 19, 6p
Join Wooden Robot for an exciting evening of local art, community, music, and food. Explore work from local artists, shop unique goods from makers, vendors, and photographers, and enjoy live performances from talented M.C.s and DJs. The event also features tintype photography, delicious food, and refreshing beers, with Hightails sponsored by Five Flowers and Calmezzi.
THINGS TO DO THIS EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 20
Easter Brunch with the Easter Bunny
Sunday, April 20, 8a – 1p
Hop over to the historic Dunhill Hotel on Easter morning for a family-friendly brunch buffet with the Easter Bunny. The buffet will include Easter favorites like Prime Rib, Honey Baked Ham and Deviled Eggs plus family-friendly favorites like French Toast Sticks, Chicken Fingers & Waffles, Cheddar & Hashbrown Potato Casserole, and more, plus coffee and juice. A bar will be open with beer, wine, and brunch cocktails for purchase. Tickets are $40 per adult and $25 per child under 12.
Easter at Napa
Sunday, April 20
Spring into something delicious this Easter at Napa with their three-course prix fixe. Brunch is $40 per person and dinner is $55 per person. Some special menu highlights include Short Rib Benedict and Mimosa Mini Bar for brunch and Braised Lamb Shank with Wild Mushroom Ravioli for dinner (don’t forget the Espresso and Chocolate Mousse for dessert).
Pub Quiz Trivia Night at Ri Ra Irish Pub
Sunday, April 20, 5 – 8p
Test your trivia skills at Ri Ra’s new Trivia Night happening every Sunday in the upstairs lounge. Trivia is free to enter, along with awesome prizes and beer specials each week.
NEXT WEEK
Charlotte Wine & Food at Napa
April 23-24 | 6:30pm | $195pp
Held at 2 of Napa’s locations, Charlotte Wine and Food Week will be taking place April 23rd with Pahlmeyer at Napa on Providence and April 24 with Del Dotto at Napa Bistro Stonecrest in Ballantyne. If you love bold reds, perfect pairings, and unforgettable nights, grab your seat now—tickets here.
