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🍴 Big bite energy
Get ready to sample cuisines from around the Queen City during the Charlotte StrEATS Festival. | Photo by Poprock Photography
Love Charlotte’s food scene? This weekend is basically its biggest party. The fifth annual Charlotte StrEATs Festival returns to Uptown on Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, as part of Charlotte SHOUT!.
New this year, the two-day festival takes over First Ward Park for its weekend-long celebration. The event also marks the launch of the Charlotte StrEATs Foundation, which aims to support local culinary talent, nonprofits, and food education across the Queen City.
Get ready to sample different bites curated by local chefs and garnished by students at Johnson & Wales University.
Photo by Poprock Photography
Plan your visit:
Tasting Tour | Saturday, April 11 | 12-3 p.m. | $101+ | Taste your way through Charlotte’s neighborhoods, enjoy cooking demonstrations, and sip craft cocktails.
StrEATs Festival | Sunday, April 12 | 12-5 p.m. | Free+ | Sample the city’s top food and drink vendors, enjoy a cooking demonstration from Chef Jamie Lynch, and cheer on local chefs competing to be the StrEATs Neighborhood Champion.
Pro tip: Treat yourself and order a picnic basket for two — proceeds benefit the new foundation.
Meeting Street Music Festival 2026 | Friday, April 17-Saturday, April 18 | Times vary | 900-1200 blocks of Meeting Street West Columbia, SC 29169, West Columbia | Free | Enjoy 11 bands, great food, and a free two-day street festival in the River District, headlined by Sugar Ray.*
Friday, May 8
Artisphere presented by Prisma Health | Friday, May 8-Sunday, May 10| Times vary | Downtown Greenville, Greenville, SC | Free | Browse work from 140 juried artists to find your next favorite piece while enjoying live music and exploring hands-on activities for all ages.*
More than 200 people have signed this petition to prevent the removal of green space near Animal Care and Control’s shelter due to construction at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The work is anticipated to begin by May 1. (WCNC)
Number
$6 million. That’s how much Wells Fargo & Co. is committing to six nonprofits focused on expanding economic opportunity in West Charlotte. The funds will go to groups with projects tied to housing, workforce development, and business growth. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Announced
For the first time in nearly 20 years, Navy Week is coming to Charlotte. Expect a week-long series of public performances, programming, and military-to-civilian events featuring ~75 sailors. Mark your calendar for May 4-10 — I’ll have a full breakdown of what’s coming soon.
Biz
Meet TD Amp Ballantyne. The music and event venue at The Bowl at Ballantyne entered a partnership with TD Bank, a bank with nearly 700 employees in the area. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Open
Casa Azteca is now open in Uptown. The Mooresville-based restaurant will serve Mexican-inspired cuisine like picanha langosta (lobster tail), skirt steak, handmade corn and flour tortillas, and enchiladas.
Cause
I scream, you scream for ice cream and a good cause. From 3:30 to 5:30 today, Seemingly Overzealous and nine-year-old Banks will be serving a special flavor of ice cream to raise awareness and funds for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
Opening
Wellness and smoothie spot South Block will celebrate its grand opening at The Commonwealth on Saturday, April 11. The first 100 people can get free mini acai bowls + expect live music, giveaways, and free merchandise.
Sports
Carolina Ascent FC is on a six-game winning streak. Charlotte’s only professional women’s soccer team will next play Lexington SC on Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Psst... You may have seen it as one of our most-anticipated events this month.
Shop
Two new brands will open at Charlotte Premium Outlets later this summer. According to a press release, Timberland will be next to Old Navy and Champs Sports will open across from the Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store.
Why buy multiple supplements when one can do it all? This top-rated, lab-tested supplement delivers essential fatty acids to support brain function, heart health, joint and skin health, and overall vitality. Get it for under $25.*
Editor’s Pick
Check out art done by Novant Health staff and patients the next time you visit the Spectrum Center.
Photo via Charlotte Hornets
How cool is this? The Hornets and Novant Health are showcasing Carolina-based artists, Novant patients, and staff inside the Spectrum Center. Next time you’re at a game or concert, head to section 116 for the rotating showcase called “Celebrating Art Across The Carolinas” on the Belk Concourse.
Asked
Answered
What year did the Charlotte Knights become the “Knights?”
It was a home run for 36% of readers who guessed correctly — the Knights got their name in 1989 after a “Name the Team” contest. Now, Charlotteans can watch our MiLB team hit homers in Uptown all summer long.
Every week, lululemon drops new styles. From workout essentials to elevated loungewear, these are some of our recent favorites:
💎 Add a little color to your workout wardrobe with the perfect jewel-toned tank top designed with training in mind.
🎾 Or, go crazy and add a pattern. We love this retro paisley cropped tank and matching high-rise tennis skirt.
👗 Ideal for running errands, evening walks, or on the pickleball court, this pastel pink athletic dress will quickly become a staple in your spring wardrobe.
👕 No more sweating through your clothes during warm-weather outings. This men’s collared shirt boasts lightweight, quick-frying fabric for everyday wear.
👖Unwind after a long day by throwing on these ultra-soft lounge pants that you’ll never want to take off.
I’m really happy to see Carolina Ascent FC go unbeaten for six straight games. I’m hoping for another victory this weekend! Will you be attending the game? Let me know. Tickets start at $9.
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