Exciting Things to Do in Charlotte: April 11th-18th

Sistah Scene

Hi Sis! Welcome to the SISTAH Scene

Charlotte is stepping fully into her spring stride this week — from cultural celebrations and art festivals to wine experiences, live music, and community markets. Whether you’re stepping out solo, with your girls, or with the whole family, there’s something here waiting to pour back into you. Hosting an event you’d like featured in an upcoming SISTAH Scene?

DM @laviancawithsistah on Instagram for listing or feature opportunities.

photo curtesy of Jeremy Laplanche

Holistic Care & Wellness

💪🏾 Saturday, April 11 at 10:00 AM: Clothed in Strength: A Woman’s Workout Gathering

Pineville Lake Park | Free / RSVP | Details

A community-centered workout designed to strengthen both body and sisterhood.

💃🏾 Saturday, April 11 at 12:00 PM: Charlotte Dance Fitness Class: Jam with Jazz

MoveStudio Charlotte | Ticketed | Details

Move your body, release energy, and have fun through dance-based fitness.

🧘🏽‍♀️ Tuesdays & Saturdays (Recurring): Yoga at The Mint Museum

Mint Museum Uptown (Tues 5:15 PM) / Mint Museum Randolph lawn (Sat 10:00 AM) | $10, free for members | Details

A grounding weekly ritual for your body and mind in a beautiful art-filled setting.

🚶🏾‍♀️ Saturday, April 18 at 9:00 AM: Greater Charlotte March for Babies

324 S Mint St, Charlotte | Free to participate | Details

Lace up for a meaningful walk in support of healthy pregnancies and stronger babies.

🏃🏾‍♀️ Saturday, April 18 at 8:30 AM: Step Out® Walk to Stop Diabetes – Charlotte

McAlpine Creek Park | Free | Details

Walk with your community in support of diabetes awareness and prevention.

Networking & Connection

🧠 Saturday, April 11 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: The Future of Charlotte – Panel Discussions

Wells Fargo Atrium, Uptown | Free / Registration Required | Details

Drop in on thought-provoking panels featuring diverse community leaders. Topics include: Your Brain on Art (2–3 PM) and more running through 6 PM.

📖 Every Wednesday at 7:00 PM: Silent Read at The Ebony Shelf Bookstore

The Ebony Shelf Bookstore | Free | Details

A cozy, intentional, community reading experience — bring your book and your peace.

🎨 Every Wednesday from 5:00–9:00 PM: Wednesday Night Live (Mint Museum + Gantt Center + Bechtler)

Uptown Museums | Free admission | Details

Free admission to multiple Uptown cultural institutions with live entertainment — a weekly gem.

💼 Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 PM: Velvet Verses – A Live Music & Poetry Soiree (Hosted by Sir Abstraxxx)

Eighty Eights Coffee & Cocktails | Ticketed | Details

Live music smooths the edges of this polished poetry night — perfect date night or solo main-character energy.

Family & “Big Kid” Fun

🎭 Saturday, April 11 at 3:00 PM: Topsy-Turvy Cinderella

ImaginOn | Free | Details

A playful twist on a classic tale for the little dreamers in the family.

🌊 Sunday, April 12 at 1:00, 3:00 & 5:00 PM: The Trout Who Found the River (Musical Play)

WonderDome at Wells Fargo Atrium | Free / Registration Required | Details

A joyful, imagination-filled musical journey blending live chamber music, storytelling, and theatrical magic — created for families as part of Charlotte SHOUT!

🎪 April 11–18 (Ongoing): Charlotte SHOUT! Interactive Art Installations

Levine Avenue of the Arts & First Ward Park, Uptown | Free | Details

Over 200 events and attractions running through April 19 — interactive installations, food trucks, performances, and more throughout Uptown. Bring the whole crew.

🌿 Saturday, April 11 from 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM: Charlotte Earth Day

Independent Picture House | Free | Details

Films, exhibitors, poetry, children’s activities, panel discussions, and a Carolina Farm Trust Food Truck to celebrate Earth Month.

🎶 Saturday, April 11 from 5:00–9:00 PM: SHOUT! Showcase (Live Music – Free Concert)

First Ward Park, 301 E 7th St | Free | Details

Local and regional musicians take the stage: Doubting Thomas at 5:30 PM, Buffet & Beyond at 7:30 PM.

Community, Culture & Creative Energy

🌍 Thursday, April 9 – Sunday, April 12: The Lavagem Celebration – O Tambor Que Toca (The Drum That Speaks)

Gantt Center, Mint Museum Uptown & More | Free / RSVP | Details

A four-day African-Brazilian and Indigenous cultural celebration featuring drumming, capoeira, Samba, community processions, and ancestral traditions. Closing ceremonies Sunday at the Mint.

🎸 Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 PM: Tosco Music Party

Knight Theater | Ticketed | Details

A beloved Charlotte tradition featuring local talent across genres — all-ages magic on the stage.

🎭 Saturday, April 11 at 8:00 PM: Poetic Justice – Live Stage Play & Showcase

Charlotte | Ticketed | Details

An evening of powerful performance, storytelling, and artistry.

🎵 Saturday, April 12 at 8:00 PM: Cardi B Live

Spectrum Center | Ticketed from $81 | Details

One of the biggest names in hip-hop on a Sunday night in the Queen City.

🎶 Saturday, April 18 from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM: CLT EdgeFest

First Ward Park, 301 E 7th St | Free | Details

Live painting, live music, fashion, spoken word, yoga, and local art vendors. A full creative day in the heart of Uptown. Part of Charlotte SHOUT!

🎻 Thursday, April 16: Strings, Sax & Soul – An Evening with Karen Briggs, Jazmin Ghent & Maria Howell

Booth Playhouse | Ticketed | Details

An unforgettable evening of smooth jazz, soul, and electrifying improvisation from three powerhouse women artists.

📸 Ongoing through April 26: Jazz Greats – Classic Photographs at the Gantt Center

Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S Tryon St | Admission varies | Details

33 black-and-white photographs capturing the soul of jazz from the 1920s–1980s.

Social Vibes & Nightlife

😂 Saturday, April 11 at 8:00 PM: Katt Williams – Golden Age Tour

Spectrum Center | Ticketed | Details

The Emmy-winning comedian brings fearless social commentary and high-energy laughs to the Queen City.

🎶 Saturday, April 11 at 3:00 PM: The Spring Mix – Cory Wong, Snarky Puppy, Victor Wooten & More

The Amp Ballantyne | Ticketed | Details

An outdoor multi-genre showcase — jazz, funk, soul, and beyond.

🥁 Saturday, April 11 at 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM: SHOUT! Showcase Live Music – First Ward Park

First Ward Park | Free | Details

Free outdoor live music featuring Doubting Thomas & Buffet & Beyond.

🎸 Saturday, April 18 at 6:00 PM: Gov’t Mule & Larkin Poe

The Amp Ballantyne | Ticketed | Details

Southern rock and blues improvisation meets raw powerhouse energy from Larkin Poe.

🎸 Saturday, April 18 at 7:00 PM: Zach Bryan

Bank of America Stadium | Ticketed | Details

One of country music’s biggest names takes the stadium stage in Charlotte.

😂 Saturday, April 18 at 8:00 PM: Shane Gillis

Spectrum Center | Ticketed | Details

A big comedy night to close out the week.

Workshops & Hands-On Experiences

🎨 Saturday, April 11 at 7:00 PM: Saturday Night “Sip & See @ the Gallery” – 4/11/26

Real African Art Gallery, University Area | ~$13 (includes 2 glasses of wine) | Details

A gorgeous evening of wine, music, and African art — Shona stone sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and carvings from across the continent. Classy and intimate.

🖊️ Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 PM: Velvet Verses – Live Music & Poetry Soiree

Eighty Eights Coffee & Cocktails | Ticketed | Details

Part spoken word experience, part polished night out — bring your journal and your vibe.

🍷 Wednesday–Sunday, April 15–19: Charlotte Wine + Food Week

Various venues including The Quail Hollow Club & The Union at Station West | Ticketed (prices vary) | Details

Vintner dinners, wine tastings, chef experiences and the Grand Tasting (Sat April 18, 6:30–9:30 PM at Station West — 100+ wines, live music, silent auction). Proceeds benefit four local children’s charities.

Markets & Pop-Ups

🛍 Saturday, April 11 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: VTGCLT Spring Market at Camp North End

Ford Building, Camp North End, 400 Camp Road | Early Bird $8 (10 AM) / General Admission $3 (11 AM – 5 PM) / Kids 12 & under Free | Details

100+ of the region’s best vintage and handmade vendors — housewares, clothing, jewelry, décor, and more. Stroller-friendly with on-site food, coffee, and brews.

🍛 Saturday, April 12 from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Charlotte StrEATs Festival

First Ward Park, Uptown | Free | Details

A food-lover’s dream — sample your way through Charlotte’s culinary scene with local chefs and food trucks on full display.

🌮 Saturday, April 11 & 12: Food Trucks on Levine Avenue of the Arts

Levine Avenue of the Arts, Uptown | Free | Details

A “Streats”-style food truck experience in the heart of Charlotte SHOUT! — stroll, sip, and savor.

🌿 Saturday, April 18 from 12:00–6:00 PM: Empanada Fest at Camp North End

Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave | Free admission (food & drinks sold separately) | Details

A wide variety of empanadas, live music, DJ, dancing, and drink specials. Come hungry.

🍖 Friday–Saturday, April 17–18: Carolina BBQ Festival at Victoria Yards

Victoria Yards, Uptown Charlotte | Friday Preview: Ticketed | Saturday GA: $75 / VIP: $125 / Kids 6 & under: Free | Details

30+ pitmasters, tasting plates, cocktails, beer, live music, and DJ. In partnership with Charlotte SHOUT! and benefiting Operation BBQ Relief. Come hungry — seriously.

🛒 Saturdays (Recurring): Uptown Farmers Market

300 S. Davidson St | Free | Details

Fresh local produce, flowers, and artisan goods in the heart of the city.

Plan Ahead (Coming Up Soon — Save the Date)

🎶 BOOM Charlotte Arts Festival

The Shoppes at University Place | May 1–3, 2026 | Free & Ticketed | Details

A multifaceted and immersive arts event featuring dance, theatre, poetry, visual art, film, and more.

🌱 Vegan Vibe Music Series

Details — Where wellness, music, and plant-based living meet. Watch for spring dates.

🖤 The Soul District Tour

Details — Explore Black history, business, and culture throughout Charlotte.

🎶 Charlotte Soul Fest

Details — A soulful gathering of music, culture, and community. Watch for summer dates.

🌸 A Year in Bloom Anniversary Celebration

Details — Celebrate growth, beauty, and sisterhood.

💼 Black in Business Expo

Details — Connect with and support Black-owned businesses across Charlotte.

We hope you found something that excites you and aligns with what you need this week. Wherever you go, may it nourish your mind, uplift your spirit, and remind you that Charlotte is full of spaces created for you to take up space.

Go explore, connect, and pour back into yourself.

The Queen City is waiting, Sis. 🌿

💫 SISTAH Tip of the Week

Spring doesn’t ask for permission before it blooms — and neither should you.

This week, step into spaces that feel like the truest version of yourself.

Whether you’re sweating it out with your sisters, sipping wine by African art, catching live music in Uptown, or finally making it to a market — every experience you say yes to is an act of self-love.

You are in your season, Sis. Walk in it.