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Weekender: 29 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including cultural festivals and local markets

Events happening April 17-19 include Panda Fest,  Empanada Fest, Charlotte Shout!, Camden Commons and Zach Bryan concert .

Things to Do

This weekend is packed with events for the whole family, including Empanada Fest, Panda Fest and outdoor markets to explore.

Designers envision I-77 cap with parks on top

See designs to cap I-77 with parks and development.

News

When <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="asked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="e4233d14-f70c-4d4b-9d54-f1b8906b2160" data-vars-headline="Designers envision I-77 cap with parks on top" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" target="_self">asked</a> to reimagine I-77 South in Charlotte, urban designers pitch &quot;lidding&quot; the highway to free up high-value land around Uptown for parks, mixed-use development, and walking bridges.Why it matters: The N.C. Department of Transportation is embarking on a controversial plan to widen the interstate with toll lanes, largely to drive economic growth. New visuals, submitted as part of a design charrette, help envision other possibilities, which supporters say offer more public benefits.

The 18 best rooftop bars in Charlotte for drinks with a view

Because the only thing better than a good drink is a view to sip one from.

Food and Drink

We&#x27;ve rounded up 18 of Charlotte&#x27;s best rooftops, from Uptown high rises to chill neighborhood hangouts.Why it matters: The only thing Charlotteans love more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a good drink" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/03/18/50-best-bars-in-charlotte-ranked-138366" data-vars-content-id="fefc0d98-39a1-48c4-a17b-50634eda19d5" data-vars-headline="The 18 best rooftop bars in Charlotte for drinks with a view" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/03/18/50-best-bars-in-charlotte-ranked-138366" target="_self">a good drink</a> is a view to sip one from.

Mecklenburg County leaders seek input on $9.6M Bryant Park facelift

Mecklenburg leaders want feedback this month as $9.6M plans take shape for a historic park revamp.

A historic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/09/meck-county-park-upgrades-2025-eastland-albemarle" data-vars-content-id="2677d16b-5ddb-44b6-b959-8939326d2943" data-vars-headline="Mecklenburg County leaders seek input on $9.6M Bryant Park facelift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/09/meck-county-park-upgrades-2025-eastland-albemarle" target="_self">park</a> in west Charlotte is about to get a major makeover. Why it matters: Bryant Park occupies 15 acres in a rapidly developing part of town. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mecklenburg County leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/11/08/mecklenburg-county-skate-dog-spray-grounds-parks-pickleball" data-vars-content-id="2677d16b-5ddb-44b6-b959-8939326d2943" data-vars-headline="Mecklenburg County leaders seek input on $9.6M Bryant Park facelift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/11/08/mecklenburg-county-skate-dog-spray-grounds-parks-pickleball" target="_self">Mecklenburg County leaders</a> are seeking input through the end of April on upgrades to the park. Submit your input <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here" data-vars-click-url="https://publicinput.com/d53382" data-vars-content-id="2677d16b-5ddb-44b6-b959-8939326d2943" data-vars-headline="Mecklenburg County leaders seek input on $9.6M Bryant Park facelift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://publicinput.com/d53382" target="_blank">here</a>.

17 of the biggest events in Charlotte this April

April in Charlotte is when the city fully shakes off winter and leans hard into festival season.

Culture

April in Charlotte is when the city fully shakes off winter and leans hard into festival season.What to expect: Charlotte SHOUT! takes over Uptown, food festivals stack up, neighborhood street events return — and outdoor everything is back in action.

35 of the best things to do this spring in Charlotte

We've rounded over 30 must-attend events and activities to add to your spring calendar

We&#x27;ve rounded up over 30 must-attend events and activities to add to your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 spring calendar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/09/biggest-events-in-charlotte-in-2026-nc" data-vars-content-id="16d1d4ce-d979-4047-bda4-48cfc41b160d" data-vars-headline="35 of the best things to do this spring in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/09/biggest-events-in-charlotte-in-2026-nc" target="_self">2026 spring calendar</a>.Why it matters: As the weather warms up, Charlotte&#x27;s calendar fills with food and music festivals, art walks, local races and plenty more ways to get outside.

The ultimate guide to New Year's Eve 2026 in Charlotte

From chef-curated dinners to themed dance parties, here are 30+ ways to ring in 2026.

2026 is almost here. Whether you&#x27;re booking a chef-curated dinner or dancing your way through a themed party, we&#x27;ve rounded up 30+ ways to celebrate New Year&#x27;s Eve in Charlotte.Editor&#x27;s note: All events will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, unless otherwise noted.

How to spend 12 hours in Asheville: A mini guide for food, art and views

Got a little downtime this holiday season? That's all you need for a quick Asheville day trip.

If the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday rush" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/26/charlotte-december-events-guide-2025" data-vars-content-id="5137221c-fc35-48b6-a0ee-2effa346d83e" data-vars-headline="How to spend 12 hours in Asheville: A mini guide for food, art and views" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/26/charlotte-december-events-guide-2025" target="_self">holiday rush</a> comes with a pocket of downtime, that&#x27;s all you need for a quick day trip to Asheville.Why it matters: After Hurricane Helene, many Asheville businesses <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have reopened" data-vars-click-url="https://www.exploreasheville.com/travel-information-asheville-area-post-hurricane-helene" data-vars-content-id="5137221c-fc35-48b6-a0ee-2effa346d83e" data-vars-headline="How to spend 12 hours in Asheville: A mini guide for food, art and views" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.exploreasheville.com/travel-information-asheville-area-post-hurricane-helene" target="_blank">have reopened</a>, but plenty are still recovering, and even small boosts in tourism help.Context: I drove up on a recent Saturday to go leaf-peeping and found that, even with just 12 hours, you can pack in plenty of eating, shopping and exploring.

The 16 best holiday lights around Charlotte in 2025

Discover Charlotte's best holiday lights, from Speedway Christmas to magical neighborhood setups.

Put on your matching Christmas pajamas, pour some hot cocoa and hop in your cars. These are the 16 must-see <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/20/17-festive-things-to-do-in-charlotte-this-holiday-season-238857" data-vars-content-id="18c36e48-5f78-4013-91c8-7359bf8aae68" data-vars-headline="The 16 best holiday lights around Charlotte in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/20/17-festive-things-to-do-in-charlotte-this-holiday-season-238857" target="_self">holiday</a> light displays in and around Charlotte.

12 best Christmas tree farms from Charlotte to the Blue Ridge Mountains

Where to find the best Christmas trees, from Charlotte to the N.C. mountains.

The hunt for this year&#x27;s Christmas tree is on, and as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s second-largest producer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/12/11/nc-top-christmas-tree-producer" data-vars-content-id="0a39f002-641b-43ea-920d-15afc5b247cf" data-vars-headline="12 best Christmas tree farms from Charlotte to the Blue Ridge Mountains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/12/11/nc-top-christmas-tree-producer" target="_self">nation&#x27;s second-largest producer</a>, North Carolina is one of the best places to find one. Why it matters: The majority of the state&#x27;s evergreens are grown in western North Carolina, where farms are recovering and rebuilding after the devastation of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hurricane Helene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/27/estimating-helene-s-damage" data-vars-content-id="0a39f002-641b-43ea-920d-15afc5b247cf" data-vars-headline="12 best Christmas tree farms from Charlotte to the Blue Ridge Mountains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/27/estimating-helene-s-damage" target="_self">Hurricane Helene</a> last year. <ul><li>This season, you can help support them by visiting a local tree lot or making the trip to pick one out in the mountains.</li></ul>

Breakaway Carolina 2025 expected to draw "biggest crowds yet." What to know before you go

The EDM festival will bring heavy hitters like John Summit and Kaytranada to Concord Sept. 26-27.

Music

Breakaway Carolina <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="returns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/24/guide-to-breakaway-carolina-fall-2024" data-vars-content-id="cd2c4b0b-055f-492c-8f81-a023737172af" data-vars-headline="Breakaway Carolina 2025 expected to draw &quot;biggest crowds yet.&quot; What to know before you go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/24/guide-to-breakaway-carolina-fall-2024" target="_self">returns</a> to zMAX Dragway in Concord Sept. 26–27, headlined by electronic music stars John Summit, Eli Brown, Kaytranada and Louis the Child. Why it matters: Now in its ninth year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Breakaway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.breakawayfestival.com/festival/carolina-2025" data-vars-content-id="cd2c4b0b-055f-492c-8f81-a023737172af" data-vars-headline="Breakaway Carolina 2025 expected to draw &quot;biggest crowds yet.&quot; What to know before you go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.breakawayfestival.com/festival/carolina-2025" target="_blank">Breakaway</a> has become Charlotte&#x27;s signature EDM festival, and this year&#x27;s lineup is on pace to draw record crowds and potentially, a sold-out festival, says president Jarrod Fucci.

12 Charlotte-area pumpkin patches to visit this fall

Find this year's jack-o-lantern at these nearby pumpkin patches.

Hello, pumpkin season. Here are 12 pumpkin patches to check out around the Charlotte area.

The 14 best LGBTQ+ bars, spaces and gatherings in Charlotte

Show your pride at these local LGBTQ+ spaces and events.

Happy Pride month. Here are 14 LGBTQ+ bars, spaces and gatherings to check out in Charlotte.Why it matters: As we celebrate our LGBTQ+ community this month, we want to highlight the places where Pride is celebrated year-round.

A weekend guide to North Carolina's Crystal Coast

Wild horses, tiki cruises and pristine beaches. It's all waiting in this 85-mile stretch of North Carolina coastline.

Travel

North Carolina&#x27;s Crystal Coast is well within road trip range for most North Carolinians, sitting just under three hours from Raleigh and five from Charlotte.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Beach season is upon us" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/24/best-beaches-north-carolina-guide-travel-tourism" data-vars-content-id="c248ca82-28ae-4a07-bdae-f7ed62ff48b6" data-vars-headline="A weekend guide to North Carolina&#x27;s Crystal Coast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/24/best-beaches-north-carolina-guide-travel-tourism" target="_self">Beach season is upon us</a>. Use this guide to the Crystal Coast to plan your next getaway.

Guides

17 of the biggest events in Charlotte this April

35 of the best things to do this spring in Charlotte

The ultimate guide to New Year's Eve 2026 in Charlotte

How to spend 12 hours in Asheville: A mini guide for food, art and views

The 16 best holiday lights around Charlotte in 2025