Charlotte is bursting with life this weekend as spring brings an exciting mix of festivals, local markets, outdoor adventures, and Easter celebrations. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, live music, adrenaline-packed experiences, or just a relaxing way to enjoy the season, the Queen City has something for you. Here’s your ultimate guide to everything happening around Charlotte from Friday, April 18, through Sunday, April 20.
The weekend starts strong with the return of Tuck Fest at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. This three-day festival blends adventure sports, music, and community in one exhilarating setting. Visitors can watch or participate in activities like trail running, whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, and slacklining. As the sun sets, live bands take the stage, turning the riverside venue into a spring celebration under the stars.
For those looking to get moving Saturday morning, the Mad Miles Run Club meets at Elizabeth Park. This social running group encourages community fitness in a fun, supportive environment. Whether you’re clocking miles or walking the course, it’s a great way to start the day surrounded by positive energy.
The afternoon brings creative energy to NoDa with the 36th Street Market at The Chamber by Wooden Robot. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., shop local crafts, discover handmade treasures, and enjoy delicious eats from food trucks. Live music rounds out the experience, creating a lively atmosphere for shoppers and families alike.
Saturday night ramps up the excitement as Charlotte FC takes on San Diego FC at Bank of America Stadium. Fans will pack the stands for this Major League Soccer clash, filling the city with chants, cheers, and soccer pride. If you’re a sports fan or just love a good game-day vibe, this is a must-see event.
Sunday turns festive with a lineup of Easter-themed activities across the city. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery hosts its annual Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt Extravaganza at both its Ballantyne and LoSo locations. Families can enjoy brunch, German brews, and kid-friendly egg hunts in a laid-back outdoor setting.
Meanwhile, adults can join the fun with a twist at Pilot Brewing, where an Adult Easter Egg Hunt adds playful competition and craft beer to the mix. Hidden eggs contain drink tokens, merchandise, and other surprises designed for the 21+ crowd.
Over at 4001 Yancey, the Easter Sunday Brunch offers something for everyone. The event includes a traditional Easter menu, a scavenger hunt, an egg hunt for the kids, and an Easter basket raffle. It’s an easy choice for families looking to celebrate with good food and even better memories.
For those looking to capture the holiday moment, Bass Pro Shops at Concord Mills and Fort Mill are offering free Easter Bunny photos from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Just stop by, snap your photo, and bring home a classic keepsake—no appointment needed.
The Easter fun is just the start. Throughout the weekend, Daniel Stowe Conservatory hosts “Your Path to Spring,” a seasonal celebration filled with guided nature walks, garden cocktails, live acoustic performances, and nature-inspired crafts for kids. It’s the perfect outing for those craving a relaxing escape into nature.
Back in Uptown, the final weekend of Charlotte SHOUT! is your last opportunity to experience the city’s most colorful celebration of art, music, and food. Visitors can expect everything from interactive art installations and food trucks to street performances and digital art displays. It’s bold, bright, and packed with surprises.
For old-school thrills, head to the Charlotte Fair at ZMAX Dragway before it wraps up on April 20. The fair brings carnival rides, cotton candy, petting zoos, and live shows to the Charlotte area, offering nostalgia and family fun in equal measure. Tickets are budget-friendly, and the memories are priceless.
With so many unique events happening across the city, this weekend in Charlotte offers a chance to connect with your community, embrace springtime fun, and try something new. Whether you’re chasing whitewater rapids, shopping artisan markets, cheering from the stadium stands, or filling Easter baskets, there’s something for everyone on this action-packed weekend calendar.
So step outside, join the crowd, and discover why Charlotte shines brightest in spring. The Queen City is ready to show you a great time—don’t miss it.
