CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Need ideas for spring break? You’re in luck! Charlotte’s buzzing with events and Easter activities this weekend.
9 things to do in Charlotte this weekend is part of our new newsletter The Go Guide! Every week, get the scoop on the latest events and happenings around Charlotte right in your inbox. To subscribe, make sure to check “The Go Guide” in our newsletter page.
Here’s a list of things to do the weekend of Apr. 18-20, 2025:
Kimberly Akimbo (Knight Theater), through April 27: The 2023 Tony winner for Best Musical, which also happened to be the most Tony Award-winning musical of the season, is now playing at Charlotte. Kimberly is turning 16 years old and is moving to a new town where she must navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush and possible felony charges. It’s a heartwarming story about finding happiness even when the world seems like it’s against you. Tickets start at $40.
Charlotte Grilled Cheese Festival (South End Station Parking Lot), Saturday 1 to 4 p.m.: Your favorite childhood sandwich is getting an upgrade. Enjoy unlimited samples of melty, cheesy bites with unique combinations. Try the Southern style filled with creamy pimento cheese and bacon or the melted cheddar in between two Krispy Kreme donuts. You’ll find 18 different types of creative combos that will make you rethink what a good grilled cheese can be. Admission also includes two beverage tickets, live music, games and raffles. Tickets start at $40 plus fees.
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Easter Bunny Express (NC Transportation Museum), Friday and Saturday: All aboard! The Easter Bunny has taken over the train with springtime decorations and fun. Sit back, relax and enjoy the 25-minute ride where you’ll be greeted by the Easter Bunny with treats. Along with the train ride, enjoy an easter egg hunt, arts and crafts, inflatable games and free admission into the museum grounds and exhibit buildings. Admission is $15 for children and $19 for adults, or $7 for children and $9 for adults for admission without the train ride.
SHOUT! Hip-Hop Celebration & JazzFest (Victoria Yards), Friday & Saturday: Beats and blues take center stage at Victoria Yards with two nights of local artists. Hosted by Mason Parker, the Hip Hop Celebration features artists like Yung Bizzle, Lord JaH-Monte Ogbon, Leroy and is headlined by Mike G. Come back on Saturday for the smooth sounds of JazzFest hosted by Harvey Cummings. You’ll hear from the Benedict College Big Band, UNCC Big Band and so much more, ending with headliner Shedrick Mitchell. Hip-Hop Celebration is Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. and the JazzFest is on Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m. Admission is free.
Up The Smoke Fest (Route 29 Pavilion), Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Some of the biggest names in hip hop are coming together for the first event of its kind in Charlotte. Catch Kodak Black, DaBaby, Rubi Rose, DDG, AB, Babyface Ray and more on stage for a day of good vibes. General admission starts at $50 with VIP upgrade options.
Spring Festival (Charlotte Regional Farmers Market), Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: What better way to celebrate spring than at the one place you can find the freshest produce in town? Along with the farm fresh food you can get every weekend, you’ll find professional beekeepers showing off their bee cage demonstrations. Kids can jump around in the bounce houses, and you can enjoy live music while browsing the market. Admission is free.
Tianyu Lights Festival (Concord Mills), opening weekend: Catch the glow of the stunning Tianyu Lights Festival opening this weekend at Concord Mills. You and your family will get to walk through three different lands and see over two dozen larger-than-life displays. From the Enchanted Land to the Animal Kingdom, experience the wonder of lanterns like you’ve never seen before. You can also watch live performances like the ancient art of face changing and Chinese acrobats. Kids can take a ride on the glowing cars for a separate fee. Admission is $24 for adults, $18 for children plus fees.
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Charlotte Fair (Charlotte Motor Speedway), opening weekend: It’s the last weekend of the fair. Head to the Charlotte Motor Speedway for a day of family fun. From thrilling rides to those how-did-they-come-up-with-that fair food, the Charlotte Fair has something for everyone. Go hog wild at pig racing or catch gravity-defying stunts by the High Flying Pages aerial troupe. Admission is $8 for children and $12 for adults. All rides are sold separately.
Carowinds Spring Break (Carowinds), through April 27: Elevate your spring break with the thrills and adventures of the Carolina theme park. Celebrate the season with activities all around the park including eye spy with Snoopy, crafts with PEEPS, silent disco, a PEEPS egg hunt, putt-putt tournament and spring break dance party. Plus enjoy all the rides, food and fun that you know and love from Carowinds. Activities are included with your admission.
Have an event you want to submit? I’m always looking for things to do around Charlotte. Send me your event to Carmichael.Cruz@WBTV.com.
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