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Weekender: 28 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including a wine festival

Events happening March 27–29 include the South End Wine & Hops Fest, the Charlotte Fair, a Hornets game and more.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s time to lean into outdoor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring activities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/03/09/spring-guide-charlotte-fun-things-to-do-2024" data-vars-content-id="ba2721a1-1796-4f23-81b1-37c8d6dad6c7" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 28 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including a wine festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/03/09/spring-guide-charlotte-fun-things-to-do-2024" target="_self">spring activities</a> — like a wine festival — but if you&#x27;re avoiding the pollen, there are also indoor options, including an R&amp;B coffee day party and a touring art festival worth adding to your calendar.

Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience

A slice of the Italian coast is parked in a Plaza Midwood lot with Bev.

Food and Drink

A slice of the Italian coast is parked in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Plaza Midwood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/17/sip-city-expands-plaza-midwood-event-space-speakeasy" data-vars-content-id="737b0628-60da-4bf3-a7b9-4007a179bf9a" data-vars-headline="Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/17/sip-city-expands-plaza-midwood-event-space-speakeasy" target="_self">Plaza Midwood</a> lot.Why it matters: Bev, a new Prosecco bar in a vintage airstream, lets you channel Euro summer at home, amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="travel season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="737b0628-60da-4bf3-a7b9-4007a179bf9a" data-vars-headline="Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">travel season</a> marked by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="soaring flight prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/20/iran-war-flight-prices-air-travel-tips-cheaper" data-vars-content-id="737b0628-60da-4bf3-a7b9-4007a179bf9a" data-vars-headline="Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/20/iran-war-flight-prices-air-travel-tips-cheaper" target="_self">soaring flight prices</a> and extended <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TSA wait times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/24/charlotte-douglas-airport-tsa-wait-times-security" data-vars-content-id="737b0628-60da-4bf3-a7b9-4007a179bf9a" data-vars-headline="Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/24/charlotte-douglas-airport-tsa-wait-times-security" target="_self">TSA wait times</a>.

Charlotte growth defies U.S. immigration-driven slowdown

Charlotte's growth is defying national trends.

News

Charlotte is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" data-vars-content-id="8258d2bd-5eeb-42b0-850a-317e354c000b" data-vars-headline="Charlotte growth defies U.S. immigration-driven slowdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" target="_self">still</a> one of the fastest-growing places in the U.S., even as growth slows dramatically in many metros amid a drop in immigration, new Census data shows.Why it matters: Tighter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/12/us-border-patrol-operation-charlotte-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="8258d2bd-5eeb-42b0-850a-317e354c000b" data-vars-headline="Charlotte growth defies U.S. immigration-driven slowdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/12/us-border-patrol-operation-charlotte-north-carolina" target="_self">immigration enforcement</a> is affecting America&#x27;s demographic makeup, but Charlotte is defying the trend thanks to its position in the Sun Belt.

Charlotte is growing as a disc golf mecca

With 100+ courses and major tournaments, Charlotte is becoming a top travel spot for disc golf.

Charlotte&#x27;s reputation as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disc golf hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/11/the-world-s-best-disc-golfers-are-in-town" data-vars-content-id="a45e2395-be86-4ab6-929d-03633af02c04" data-vars-headline="Charlotte is growing as a disc golf mecca" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/11/the-world-s-best-disc-golfers-are-in-town" target="_self">disc golf hub</a> is strengthening as major tournaments, course growth and out-of-town players fuel its rise as a national destination.Why it matters: Charlotte&#x27;s deep course network and low-cost access are turning a niche sport into a sustained engine for tourism and recreation.

What TSA lines are like at Charlotte's airport amid the partial government shutdown

While viral videos show long airport lines nationwide, Charlotte passengers report quick security screenings.

Travel

As the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="partial federal government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">partial federal government shutdown</a> continues and passengers face lengthy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TSA screening wait times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" target="_self">TSA screening wait times</a>, travelers appear to have been spared the headache of long security lines at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Why it matters: CLT has long drawn sharp criticism and faced travelers&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frustration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/07/02/charlotte-airport-complaints-american-airlines" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/07/02/charlotte-airport-complaints-american-airlines" target="_self">frustration</a> in the past because of congestion stemming from airport construction. Now that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="construction on its terminal lobby is complete" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/22/charlotte-airport-terminal-expansion-complete-destination-clt" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/22/charlotte-airport-terminal-expansion-complete-destination-clt" target="_self">construction on its terminal lobby is complete</a>, travelers say they are, at least for now, experiencing a modernized space and speedy security screenings — despite a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/JoeBrunoWSOC9/status/2036114315321737305?s=20" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/JoeBrunoWSOC9/status/2036114315321737305?s=20" target="_blank">shortage</a> of TSA agents.

New Amex lounge could be coming to CLT after city council OKs lease terms

Charlotte City Council approved terms for an American Express Sidecar Lounge lease at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Monday night.

Charlotte City Council approved terms for an American Express Sidecar Lounge lease at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte Douglas International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/03/direct-flights-charlotte-douglas-airport-american-airlines" data-vars-content-id="74052c4d-152e-4650-af8e-a92c7376873f" data-vars-headline="New Amex lounge could be coming to CLT after city council OKs lease terms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/03/direct-flights-charlotte-douglas-airport-american-airlines" target="_self">Charlotte Douglas International Airport</a> Monday night.Why it matters: The lounge is the latest offering from American Express, which opened its first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sidecar Lounge " data-vars-click-url="https://www.thecenturionlounge.com/locations/las-sidecar/" data-vars-content-id="74052c4d-152e-4650-af8e-a92c7376873f" data-vars-headline="New Amex lounge could be coming to CLT after city council OKs lease terms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thecenturionlounge.com/locations/las-sidecar/" target="_blank">Sidecar Lounge </a>in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Las Vegas last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/newsroom/articles/travel-and-dining/american-express-opens-first-ever-sidecar-by-the-centurion--loun.html" data-vars-content-id="74052c4d-152e-4650-af8e-a92c7376873f" data-vars-headline="New Amex lounge could be coming to CLT after city council OKs lease terms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/newsroom/articles/travel-and-dining/american-express-opens-first-ever-sidecar-by-the-centurion--loun.html" target="_blank">Las Vegas last week</a>.

Spend a day in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina: Everything there is to see, eat, drink and do

Drive just 45 minutes northeast of Charlotte and you'll reach Mount Pleasant, a small Cabarrus County town preserving its historic charm one building at a time.

Drive just 45 minutes northeast of Charlotte, and you&#x27;ll reach Mount Pleasant, a small <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cabarrus County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/concord-district-exchange-small-business-downtown" data-vars-content-id="689b9a23-f21d-4245-946e-ddff7a28b7d6" data-vars-headline="Spend a day in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina: Everything there is to see, eat, drink and do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/concord-district-exchange-small-business-downtown" target="_self">Cabarrus County</a> town preserving its historic charm one building at a time. Why it matters: Mount Pleasant is in the midst of a modern revival. And its quaint downtown is only 3.59 square miles. It has free parking, free WiFi, and loads of charisma, making it worth spending a day exploring.

10 Charlotte Airbnbs to recommend when you have people visiting

Not into hotel blocks? These Charlotte Airbnbs offer space, privacy and great neighborhoods.

Weddings

Charlotte&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leisure tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/06/charlotte-tourism-growth-2025-visitors-hotel-events-impact" data-vars-content-id="94e4e505-7fac-4fde-9b0d-4109a3973c03" data-vars-headline="10 Charlotte Airbnbs to recommend when you have people visiting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/06/charlotte-tourism-growth-2025-visitors-hotel-events-impact" target="_self">leisure tourism</a> growth means more and more people are visiting the city. They may also be in town for any number of events, like a wedding or the Truist Championship.Why it matters: Not everyone wants to stay in a hotel block. My thought bubble: While my fiancé and I recommended several hotels for people to stay at for our wedding, most of our guests have opted for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Airbnbs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/10/airbnbs-in-charlotte-for-pga-championship-2025" data-vars-content-id="94e4e505-7fac-4fde-9b0d-4109a3973c03" data-vars-headline="10 Charlotte Airbnbs to recommend when you have people visiting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/10/airbnbs-in-charlotte-for-pga-championship-2025" target="_self">Airbnbs</a>. Here are 10 Airbnbs in Charlotte to suggest the next time someone asks you where to stay but says they&#x27;d prefer not to stay in a hotel.

10 hot summer trips you can fly to nonstop from Charlotte

These direct flights from Charlotte help travelers skip connections and maximize summer vacation time.

Charlotte&#x27;s expanding list of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="direct routes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/03/direct-flights-charlotte-douglas-airport-american-airlines" data-vars-content-id="cfde9fcd-79ba-45ea-893c-ac761dfce285" data-vars-headline="10 hot summer trips you can fly to nonstop from Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/03/direct-flights-charlotte-douglas-airport-american-airlines" target="_self">direct routes</a> means less time in transit and more time actually on vacation.Driving the news: Starting this March, Charlotte&#x27;s getting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="direct flight to Abu Dhabi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/16/etihad-charlotte-airport-abu-dhabi" data-vars-content-id="cfde9fcd-79ba-45ea-893c-ac761dfce285" data-vars-headline="10 hot summer trips you can fly to nonstop from Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/16/etihad-charlotte-airport-abu-dhabi" target="_self">direct flight to Abu Dhabi</a>. Here&#x27;s everything you need to know about the new Etihad Airways flight, plus 10 popular nonstop flights out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte Douglas International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/22/charlotte-airport-terminal-expansion-complete-destination-clt" data-vars-content-id="cfde9fcd-79ba-45ea-893c-ac761dfce285" data-vars-headline="10 hot summer trips you can fly to nonstop from Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/22/charlotte-airport-terminal-expansion-complete-destination-clt" target="_self">Charlotte Douglas International Airport</a>.

Sugar Creek Brewing is landing at Charlotte airport

The new taproom will give travelers a taste of Charlotte beer, including a CLT-exclusive pilsner.

Sugar Creek <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brewing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/24/breweries-in-charlotte-31429" data-vars-content-id="d914e009-d6e3-49dd-aacb-bae977e1da80" data-vars-headline="Sugar Creek Brewing is landing at Charlotte airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/24/breweries-in-charlotte-31429" target="_self">Brewing</a> will open its first location at Charlotte Douglas International Airport this March.Why it matters: Having a presence at Charlotte&#x27;s airport allows local businesses to showcase their product to millions of people passing through CLT.

Buddhist monks on a 2,300 mile walk for peace to arrive in Charlotte this week

The monks are expected to arrive in Charlotte from Rock Hill on Thursday, Jan. 15.

Culture

A small group of Buddhist monks is stopping in Charlotte as part of a massive peace <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="walk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/03/26/20-walking-trails-in-charlotte-for-nature-lovers-and-city-views-252146" data-vars-content-id="87978f4b-d147-46d2-bf43-23016c54a087" data-vars-headline="Buddhist monks on a 2,300 mile walk for peace to arrive in Charlotte this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/03/26/20-walking-trails-in-charlotte-for-nature-lovers-and-city-views-252146" target="_self">walk</a> spanning 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C.Why it matters: The pilgrimage, called the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Walk for Peace,&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace/" data-vars-content-id="87978f4b-d147-46d2-bf43-23016c54a087" data-vars-headline="Buddhist monks on a 2,300 mile walk for peace to arrive in Charlotte this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace/" target="_blank">&quot;Walk for Peace,&quot;</a> has drawn national attention for its message of peace and mindfulness, with crowds gathering across the South to witness the venerable monks.

Charlotte airport lounge guide

Everything you need to know about lounges at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Charlotte Douglas International <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/12/07/charlotte-douglas-international-airport-hours-345314" data-vars-content-id="d849efa4-c533-4bdc-81f3-6defe4232e84" data-vars-headline="Charlotte airport lounge guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/12/07/charlotte-douglas-international-airport-hours-345314" target="_self">Airport</a> currently has five lounges accessible to the general public and one dedicated to military members and their families only.Why it matters: Lounges offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the airport — whether you have a long layover or you want to relax before hopping on a flight.

Capital One Lounge coming to Charlotte Douglas International Airport

The new lounge will be on the mezzanine level of Concourse A, near gates 21–29.

Capital One will open a 14,000-square-foot lounge at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte Douglas International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/05/24/charlotte-clt-douglas-airport-food-skip-lines-guide-297974" data-vars-content-id="eb3cd3f2-40ce-4441-a501-913004f10dbb" data-vars-headline="Capital One Lounge coming to Charlotte Douglas International Airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/05/24/charlotte-clt-douglas-airport-food-skip-lines-guide-297974" target="_self">Charlotte Douglas International Airport</a>. Why it matters: Charlotte will be one of a few markets to have a Capital One Lounge. Other airports include JFK, Las Vegas, Denver, DFW and Dulles in Washington, D.C.

American Airlines tightens frequent flyer perks on basic economy tickets

American Airlines will no longer award AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points on basic economy fares.

Business

Travelers who booked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Airlines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/03/direct-flights-charlotte-douglas-airport-american-airlines" data-vars-content-id="48ef8c5a-6ab8-4595-be5d-0d6ade7eeaa1" data-vars-headline="American Airlines tightens frequent flyer perks on basic economy tickets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/03/direct-flights-charlotte-douglas-airport-american-airlines" target="_self">American Airlines</a> basic economy tickets on or after Dec. 17 at 12am CT will no longer earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points, according to the airline&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="website" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/seats/basic-economy.jsp" data-vars-content-id="48ef8c5a-6ab8-4595-be5d-0d6ade7eeaa1" data-vars-headline="American Airlines tightens frequent flyer perks on basic economy tickets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/seats/basic-economy.jsp" target="_blank">website</a>.Why it matters: Airlines are increasingly stripping perks from their cheapest fares, and American&#x27;s move means some travelers will no longer earn loyalty rewards on flights they already view as bare-bones.

Travel

What TSA lines are like at Charlotte's airport amid the partial government shutdown

New Amex lounge could be coming to CLT after city council OKs lease terms

Spend a day in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina: Everything there is to see, eat, drink and do

10 Charlotte Airbnbs to recommend when you have people visiting

Charlotte airport's top destinations in 2025