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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.

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>

Bojangles Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium get $25M tune-up amid soaring revenue

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BOplex" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/26/heated-rivalry-fans-head-to-checkers-game-for-book-club-night" data-vars-content-id="4ffaa77b-2bd4-4a30-8043-f49fd5755e7b" data-vars-headline="Bojangles Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium get $25M tune-up amid soaring revenue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/26/heated-rivalry-fans-head-to-checkers-game-for-book-club-night" target="_self">BOplex</a> entertainment complex, home of the Charlotte Checkers, secured City Council approval for $25 million for maintenance on Monday.Why it matters: The investment reflects the city&#x27;s desire to keep Ovens Auditorium and Bojangles Coliseum viable, as the aging venues&#x27; annual revenue has grown from $2.9 million to $19.2 million over the last decade.

Hornets break record for most sellouts in franchise history at Spectrum Center

Upgrades, cheap concessions and wins are driving crowds.

When 19,565 people gathered at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spectrum Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/17/charlotte-spectrum-center-reopens-renovation-hornets-concert-tickets" data-vars-content-id="b398f0fc-e1bf-47fa-ab93-32ca81c61bcd" data-vars-headline="Hornets break record for most sellouts in franchise history at Spectrum Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/17/charlotte-spectrum-center-reopens-renovation-hornets-concert-tickets" target="_self">Spectrum Center</a> Thursday night, they were part of history, setting a new Charlotte Hornets record for the number of sellouts at Spectrum Center. The crowd also witnessed team legend <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dell Curry&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/13/charlotte-hornets-retire-dell-curry-jersey-spectrum-center-history" data-vars-content-id="b398f0fc-e1bf-47fa-ab93-32ca81c61bcd" data-vars-headline="Hornets break record for most sellouts in franchise history at Spectrum Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/13/charlotte-hornets-retire-dell-curry-jersey-spectrum-center-history" target="_self">Dell Curry&#x27;s</a> jersey retirement. Why it matters: With fewer than 10 regular-season home games, Hornets leadership expects it will be a tough ticket to get.

UNC, ECU and UNC Charlotte spent $257K on football fireworks

College football isn't just a game anymore — it's a business and a show.

Money

North Carolina colleges are spending big on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="football" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/09/02/places-to-watch-college-football-in-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="938dbcc6-9fc2-41b7-948a-c5b25db1bb73" data-vars-headline="UNC, ECU and UNC Charlotte spent $257K on football fireworks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/09/02/places-to-watch-college-football-in-charlotte" target="_self">football</a> fireworks.Why it matters: College football isn&#x27;t just a game anymore — it&#x27;s a business and a show. And across North Carolina, schools are paying up for the pyrotechnics to match.

5 things to know about Queens Royals basketball

Charlotte's Queens Royals hope to become the Cinderella team of March Madness.

The Queens Royals are heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history as a Division I school.Why it matters: The small school based in Myers Park hopes to become the Cinderella team of this year&#x27;s tournament.

Hornets retire Dell Curry's No. 30 jersey Thursday

Nearly 40 years after arriving for Charlotte's first NBA team, Dell Curry's No. 30 will rise to the rafters.

Dell Curry drove his dark blue Choo Choo Customs Chevy Blazer down from Virginia in 1988 to join the Carolinas&#x27; first major league team — the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte Hornets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/05/how-the-charlotte-hornets-became-the-unlikely-darling-of-the-nba" data-vars-content-id="4955c432-deee-451e-ba84-f76a77a1ddcb" data-vars-headline="Hornets retire Dell Curry&#x27;s No. 30 jersey Thursday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/05/how-the-charlotte-hornets-became-the-unlikely-darling-of-the-nba" target="_self">Charlotte Hornets</a>.Why it matters: Curry — the expansion franchise&#x27;s first player — became a defining figure in Charlotte sports and will soon become just the second Hornets player with his jersey retired at Spectrum Center.

Messi's return sends Charlotte FC ticket prices soaring

Average tickets hit $179 — more than double the cost of typical Charlotte FC home matches, SeatGeek says.

More than 30,000 people will head to Bank of America Stadium this weekend to see Charlotte FC take on Inter Miami and superstar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lionel Messi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/29/mls-salaries-lionel-messi-inter-miami-2025-players-compensation" data-vars-content-id="41f36297-0c3d-4858-aa32-78c103bc128d" data-vars-headline="Messi&#x27;s return sends Charlotte FC ticket prices soaring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/29/mls-salaries-lionel-messi-inter-miami-2025-players-compensation" target="_self">Lionel Messi</a>.Why it matters: Tickets are going for more than double the price of Charlotte FC&#x27;s other home matches on SeatGeek, per a company spokesperson. This reflects how much <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Messi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/10/18/messi-will-likely-play-in-charlotte-this-weekend-342048" data-vars-content-id="41f36297-0c3d-4858-aa32-78c103bc128d" data-vars-headline="Messi&#x27;s return sends Charlotte FC ticket prices soaring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/10/18/messi-will-likely-play-in-charlotte-this-weekend-342048" target="_self">Messi</a> drives demand wherever he plays, according to SeatGeek.

Carolina Panthers raise 2026 season ticket prices

Carolina Panthers season tickets will increase an average 12% throughout Bank of America Stadium for the 2026 season, according to a team spokesperson.

Carolina <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Panthers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/04/panthers-playoff-game-charlotte-bank-of-america-stadium-2026" data-vars-content-id="2f337669-a805-4523-b7fe-e9d1eb61387a" data-vars-headline="Carolina Panthers raise 2026 season ticket prices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/04/panthers-playoff-game-charlotte-bank-of-america-stadium-2026" target="_self">Panthers</a> season <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ticket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/25/carolina-panthers-ticket-prices-2025" data-vars-content-id="2f337669-a805-4523-b7fe-e9d1eb61387a" data-vars-headline="Carolina Panthers raise 2026 season ticket prices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/25/carolina-panthers-ticket-prices-2025" target="_self">ticket</a> prices will rise an average 12% across Bank of America Stadium for the 2026 season, a team spokesperson tells Axios. Why it matters: Ticket prices are rising across professional sports, but even the most passionate fans hate to see their bill increase.

Sports 🏅

USA Rugby to play summer matches in Charlotte and Cary

Charlotte is growing as a disc golf mecca

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

Bojangles Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium get $25M tune-up amid soaring revenue

Hornets break record for most sellouts in franchise history at Spectrum Center