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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.

USA Rugby to play summer matches in Charlotte and Cary

The men's national rugby team will play two matches in North Carolina this summer.

Sports

The men&#x27;s national <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rugby" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/18/usa-rugby-matches-summer-2025-american-legion-memorial-stadium" data-vars-content-id="886d161c-c033-49a0-9e19-18e7e2ecce72" data-vars-headline="USA Rugby to play summer matches in Charlotte and Cary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/18/usa-rugby-matches-summer-2025-american-legion-memorial-stadium" target="_self">rugby</a> team will play two matches in North Carolina this summer.Why it matters: More than two dozen cities across the country, including Charlotte, are vying to host the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2031 Rugby World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/31/charlotte-2031-rugby-world-cup-bid" data-vars-content-id="886d161c-c033-49a0-9e19-18e7e2ecce72" data-vars-headline="USA Rugby to play summer matches in Charlotte and Cary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/31/charlotte-2031-rugby-world-cup-bid" target="_self">2031 Rugby World Cup</a>. A successful turnout during these matches will help make a case for Charlotte as a host city.

Tito's Handmade Vodka is North Carolina's top-selling spirit

State liquor sales brought in nearly $700M, with Mecklenburg County driving the biggest share.

Business

Tito&#x27;s Handmade Vodka led North Carolina <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spirit sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/03/06/fireball-pennsylvania-top-selling-spirit" data-vars-content-id="74eedfcb-2890-4f85-a1dd-e38a8330cc8c" data-vars-headline="Tito&#x27;s Handmade Vodka is North Carolina&#x27;s top-selling spirit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/03/06/fireball-pennsylvania-top-selling-spirit" target="_self">spirit sales</a> in fiscal years 2024 and 2025.Why it matters: Alcohol sales generate revenue that helps support public services, including the state&#x27;s general fund, the Department of Health and Human Services, county and city operations, and local law enforcement.

NCDOT responds to I-77 toll project backlash with new designs, info center

State continues revisions to I-77 project amid backlash.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="N.C. Department of Transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/10/i77-express-lanes-parks-environmental-concerns" data-vars-content-id="4c154952-8ed4-41d6-b478-b045dde34c97" data-vars-headline="NCDOT responds to I-77 toll project backlash with new designs, info center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/10/i77-express-lanes-parks-environmental-concerns" target="_self">N.C. Department of Transportation</a> is trying to ease mounting opposition to the I-77 South toll lanes by opening a new outreach center and revising designs to &quot;minimize&quot; impacts on homes, parks and cemeteries.Why it matters: NCDOT isn&#x27;t backing off on this $3.2 billion public-private highway project that will come up to people&#x27;s property lines and, in some cases, displace families. But it&#x27;s eager to strengthen its case.<ul><li>This is the first time NCDOT has opened a feedback center dedicated to one project, underscoring the magnitude of the project&#x27;s footprint, record-breaking cost and resistance.</li></ul>

Capital Group to open Uptown Charlotte hub with 600 jobs

Charlotte lands another big finance company.

Capital <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/24/office-market-jobs-vacancies-conversions" data-vars-content-id="7d79d955-3740-4bb4-bd94-34e89aeba0d4" data-vars-headline="Capital Group to open Uptown Charlotte hub with 600 jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/24/office-market-jobs-vacancies-conversions" target="_self">Group</a>, the Los Angeles-based global investment manager with $3.4 trillion in assets, is opening an East Coast hub in Uptown, a $60 million project that will create 600 jobs over 12 years.Why it matters: Although the final office location is unconfirmed, a financial institution choosing Uptown for its expansion is a win. The central business district has struggled with high vacancies as companies have opted for areas like South End and Ballantyne in recent years.

Sorry, Charlotte. This pollen isn't going away anytime soon

While the yellowish stuff is a sign of spring, it's a headache for anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies and asthma.

Climate

Don&#x27;t expect relief from the clouds of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pollen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/10/get-ready-for-the-pollening" data-vars-content-id="fd275f40-c157-479a-b1df-e95e9d45dfdc" data-vars-headline="Sorry, Charlotte. This pollen isn&#x27;t going away anytime soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/10/get-ready-for-the-pollening" target="_self">pollen</a> blanketing the Charlotte region anytime soon.Why it matters: While the yellowish stuff is a sign of springtime plant reproduction, it&#x27;s a literal headache for anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies and asthma.

Charlotte still wants to be a tech hub, even as AI threatens jobs

Charlotte is using AI as a reason to invest more in tech.

Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is forging ahead " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/27/ai-economy-artificial-intelligence-workforce-disparities-jobs-brookings" data-vars-content-id="81479a53-4851-414b-9011-45822e25cb80" data-vars-headline="Charlotte still wants to be a tech hub, even as AI threatens jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/27/ai-economy-artificial-intelligence-workforce-disparities-jobs-brookings" target="_self">is forging ahead </a>with its aspirations to become a tech hub, despite AI fueling uncertainty about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whether jobs will last." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/16/bank-america-wells-fargo-ai-job-cuts" data-vars-content-id="81479a53-4851-414b-9011-45822e25cb80" data-vars-headline="Charlotte still wants to be a tech hub, even as AI threatens jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/16/bank-america-wells-fargo-ai-job-cuts" target="_self">whether jobs will last.</a>Why it matters: Charlotte is particularly exposed to AI disruption because its economy relies on banking, insurance, and similar industries that employ the bulk of the region&#x27;s tech workforce.<ul><li>But local leaders say that risk is a reason to keep investing in tech.</li></ul>

New French-inspired wedding venue near Uptown coming soon

The Parlor is the latest venue from Beau Monde Hospitality expected to open this fall.

Weddings

The Parlor, a new entertainment venue, will open near Uptown this fall. Why it matters: The venue is the latest business from the full-service local hospitality group Beau Monde, which operates popular event spaces such as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Casey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/10/event-venue-opens-rehabbed-factory-building-north-tryon" data-vars-content-id="40470e87-6bbd-4361-b4f6-99a967ff6c41" data-vars-headline="New French-inspired wedding venue near Uptown coming soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/10/event-venue-opens-rehabbed-factory-building-north-tryon" target="_self">The Casey</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Ruth." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/09/15/now-open-wesley-heights-event-space-offers-an-oasis-308199" data-vars-content-id="40470e87-6bbd-4361-b4f6-99a967ff6c41" data-vars-headline="New French-inspired wedding venue near Uptown coming soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/09/15/now-open-wesley-heights-event-space-offers-an-oasis-308199" target="_self">The Ruth.</a>

Charlotte's safety image seen as key to landing major events

Public safety is critical in order for Charlotte to remain competitive in hosting major events, according to a local sports executive.

Public <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/public-safety" data-vars-content-id="3f82bd05-5192-46d1-9d13-b292319f9e0c" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s safety image seen as key to landing major events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/public-safety" target="_self">safety</a> is critical for Charlotte to remain competitive in hosting major events, according to a local sports executive.Why it matters: Event promoters are less inclined to bring their events to a city where visitors and residents don&#x27;t feel safe. That isn&#x27;t just a bad look; it also hurts local businesses that benefit from additional foot traffic. <ul><li>Charlotte has been grappling with its national safety image since August 2025, when Iryna Zarutska was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatally stabbed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/11/north-carolina-gop-republican-crime-crackdown-charlotte-light-rail-stabbing" data-vars-content-id="3f82bd05-5192-46d1-9d13-b292319f9e0c" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s safety image seen as key to landing major events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/11/north-carolina-gop-republican-crime-crackdown-charlotte-light-rail-stabbing" target="_self">fatally stabbed</a> on the light rail in South End. </li></ul>

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.

News 🗞

USA Rugby to play summer matches in Charlotte and Cary

Tito's Handmade Vodka is North Carolina's top-selling spirit

NCDOT responds to I-77 toll project backlash with new designs, info center

"No Kings" protestors rally in Uptown Charlotte

SouthPark After 5 returns this April

Things to do in Charlotte March 30—April 3

Axios Charlotte gets a behind-the-scenes look at "Top Chef" filming