Truist Field is transforming into a winter wonderland for the annual Light the Knights Festival. | Photo via Charlotte Knights
Spring is here, Charlotteans. Break out your calendar and buckle up for some of the biggest events happening this April.
Seasonal Events
Charlotte SHOUT! | Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 20 | Multiple locations | Free | Celebrate the Queen City’s art, music, food, and culture in this two-week festival featuring 200 events and new attractions.
Make sure to come hungry for the Carolina BBQ Festival.
Carolina BBQ Festival | Friday, April 4-Saturday, April 5 | Victoria Yards | $35+ | Get ready for a finger-licking good time savoring barbecue from the Carolinas’ top pitmasters, like Charlotte’s own Lewis Donald of Sweet Lews BBQ.
Theater
Kimberly Akimbo | April 15-27 | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | $40+ | See the Tony-winning musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order).
The Charlotte Knights return to Truist Field.
Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Sports
Charlotte Knights | Multiple dates | Truist Field | $23+ | Revisit that scenic ballpark view of Uptown to see Charlotte’s pro baseball team.
Anthem Rugby Carolina | Multiple dates | American Legion Memorial Stadium | $18+ | Watch Carolina’s pro rugby team compete in their second season.
Tipsy Tuesday Terrarium Workshop | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | PlantHouse | $27+ | Sip your favorite drink while picking from an array of air plants to craft a personalized terrarium.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $17+ | See if Buzz City can work some magic to remain in tournament contention.
Wednesday, March 26
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen | 6:45-8 p.m. | Great Aunt Stella Center | $34 | Go “Radio Gaga” hearing the iconic band’s greatest hits performed under candlelight.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Providence Bruins | 7 p.m. | Bojangles Coliseum | $27+ | Witness a battle on the ice as the Checkers aim to send the Bruins back to the East Coast.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is opening TSA Checkpoint 2 for limited passenger screenings starting today. It will become fully operational on Wednesday, March 26 + Checkpoint A will permanently close later this week.
Closing
Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff is permanently closing after 40 years. The family-owned art supply shop at 2336 Freedom Dr. cited “economic strain in the industry” for the closure. An exact closure date is TBD. (WCNC)
Mansion Monday
Experience luxury while touring this five-bedroom, five-bathroom home in South Charlotte’s Foxcroft neighborhood. The single-family home spans 6,374 sqft. and features white oak flooring, a heated pool, retractable screened patio, and patio heaters.
Development
A 17-unit residential community is slated to finish next month at 11902 Elm Ln. in Ballantyne. Monthly rent at the Ballantyne Townhomes starts at $4,200 for two-bedroom units and $4,500 for three-bedroom units. Amenities include a fitness center, swimming pool, grilling stations, and a clubhouse. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Transit
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) Board approved $35.3 million to fund 20 transportation projects, like road improvements, bike lanes, and pedestrian paths across Mecklenburg, Iredell, and Union counties. (WCNC)
State
A burn ban is now in effect across all of North Carolina. Dry and windy conditions cause the highest risk for wildfires. The ban — including bonfires, firepits, and yard debris — applies to areas beyond 100 ft of someone’s home. (WSOC)
Biz
Uptown hotels and restaurants saw major profits during last week’s ACC Tournament. Sree Hotels reports revenue per available room jumped 40% at SpringHill Suites and 15% at Aloft. Charlotte is scheduled to host the ACC men’s tournament again in 2026. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Sports
The Pentagon gave approval for Charlotte to host the Military World Games in summer 2027. If selected, North Carolina could receive $3 billion in revenue. The event takes place every four years, where athletes compete in traditional sports, as well as military competitions. (The Charlotte Observer)
Outdoors
Charlotte is enhancing its tree canopy by planting pollinator gardens across the city to support bees and other pollinators. Pollinator gardens, found in various public areas like Old City Hall and transit stations, help improve tree reproduction and biodiversity. (WBTV)
Giveaway
Start practicing your air guitar, because we’ve partnered with Southern Entertainment to give away a pair of three-day VIP tickets to Lovin’ Life Music Fest in May. Enter to win now through April 1.*
Listen
NFL rule changes spark debate — is a league overhaul coming? Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Looking to save on groceries? Through March 31, new Sam’s Club Members can join for $25 — half off the regular price — plus get a free 16” pizza on their first visit.*
The Goodyear House provides open-air seating under the cover of trees or a comfortable covered patio. | Photo via The Goodyear House
Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better? Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 30+ Charlotte patios.
🍽️ Restaurants
The Goodyear House | Partially shaded
Dine under the shade of a tree or under a pergola + play cornhole or bocce ball while savoring the Iberico Spare Ribs.
Flight | Partially shaded
Sip wine + share bites with your friends under the pergola at Elizabeth’s newest dinner spot.
🌆 Rooftops
Aura Rooftop | Shade available upon request
Dine and drink on the JW Marriott Charlotte rooftop lounge or reserve a cabana for a pool day.
Mizu | Mostly sunny
Experience the art of ancient Japanese cooking combined with Southern flare in this SouthPark date spot.
☕️ Coffee shops
Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters | Partially shaded
Perfect for a solo coffee, work day, or hangout — enjoy a cold brew or latte under trees or the rooftop patio.
A set of really good kitchen shears. Cut meat, fish, vegetables, and more with these scissors designed with a heavy-duty blade, built-in fish scraper, steel compression spring, and non-slip handle.
Hey, Charlotte! Our April calendar is already filling up. City Editor Maria and I had a blast at last year’s Carolina BBQ Festival. We’re excited to be back... while packing plenty of Tupperware.
