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April HAPPENINGS Queen’s Cup Steeplechase
Events + activities Charlotte SHOUT! April 1-17 This multiweek celebration of all things innovative returns to the Queen City. Art, music, food and ideas are carefully curated to highlight Charlotte’s creativity, diversity and resilience. Most events and installations are free and accessible to all. charlotteshout.com Paws in the Park at Pineville Lake Park April 2 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The whole family will enjoy the food trucks, dog contests, music and more at this annual event hosted by Charlotte Black Dogs. Dog rescue groups and animal shelters will also be onsite with pups ready for adoption. Free to attend. charlotteblackdogs.com/events Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Presents Music + Healing at Sarah Belk Gambrell Center at Queens University April 3 | 3 p.m. Experience the shared mental and emotional connection that music can bring. This performance will offer a range of musical selections written about challenging topics, with the hope for collective healing. Tickets start at $10. charlottesymphony.org Opera Carolina Presents Aida at Belk Theater April 7-9 In Verdi’s iconic love story, an enslaved Ethiopian princess, Aida, is secretly in love with Radames, an Egyptian general who’s leading the war against Aida’s homeland. But there’s a twist: The Egyptian princess whom Aida serves is also in love with Radames. Tickets start at $22. operacarolina.org Bon Jovi at Spectrum Center April 8 | 8 p.m. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band returns to Charlotte with new music from their latest album, 2020, plus their classic hits. Tickets start at $39.50. ticketmaster.com Spring Artisan Market at Anne Springs Close Greenway April 9 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Shop for local 60
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arts, crafts, treats and treasures at this openair market, and grab coffee or lunch from the Gateway Canteen. Parking is $5 per car. Admission is free for members. Tickets for nonmembers are $6 for adults and $4 for kids ages 5-12. Children 4 and under are free. ascgreenway.org Annual Victorian Lawn Party at Matthews Heritage Museum April 9 | noon-4 p.m. Pay a visit to the Reid House in downtown Matthews for games and crafts circa-1915. Dance around the maypole, view antique vehicles, and watch quilling and blacksmithing demonstrations. A food truck will be onsite to help you refuel after the festivities. Free to attend. matthewsheritagemuseum.org John Mayer Sob Rock Tour 2022 April 11 | 7:30 p.m. The guitarist and singer-songwriter comes to Spectrum Center with a tour named after his latest album and his blend of pop, rock, blues and soul. Tickets start at $44. ticketmaster.com Charlotte Knights home opener at Truist Field April 12 Homer and the team are back in business: Charlotte’s beloved minor league baseball team will host the Memphis Redbirds on the first night of a six-game set at Truist Field. It’s the first time Memphis will face the Knights at the uptown Charlotte ballpark. Stay for the fireworks on opening night. Ticket costs and availability may vary. milb.com/charlotte-knights
Pretty Woman: The Musical at Belk Theater April 12-17 The classic rom-com comes alive on stage with zesty choreography and an original score that delivers big fun. Tickets start at $25. blumenthalarts.org Charlotte StrEATs Festival at Gateway Village April 15-16 An extension of Charlotte SHOUT!, this culinary jubilee celebrates the chefs and neighborhoods that contribute to the city’s vibrant food scene. Friday is
Family Night, with demos from local culinary students, food trucks and more from 5-8:30 p.m. On Saturday from noon-6 p.m., expect more cooking demos, live music, vendors and food trucks, plus a Neighborhood Cookoff. Free to attend. Limited tickets (starting at $85) will be sold for a Restaurant Tasting from noon-3 Saturday. cltstreatsfestival.com
Waitress at Booth Playhouse April 19-May 22 Jenna, a waitress and small-town pie-maker, reclaims her life with a little help from her friends (and a baking contest). Featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Sara Bareilles. Tickets start at $34.50. blumenthalarts.org Billy Joel at Bank of America Stadium April 23 I 8 p.m. The “Piano Man” will perform his catalog of hits and classics from the past 50 years. Tickets prices vary. ticketmaster.com Charlotte Earth Day Celebration at First Ward Park April 23 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This imaginative take on an annual celebration of our planet is an educationally interactive experience. It features a self-guided “Around the World – Learn the Earth” tour for kids 5-15, performances by Chapel Hill’s PaperHand Puppets and a dance party. Various exhibits and food trucks will also be onsite. Free to attend; bring your own water bottle. charlotteearthday.com
Hamilton at Belk Theater April 26-May 15 Lin-Manuel Miranda's award-winning musical returns to Charlotte. Based on Ron Chernow’s biography, the show’s musical score blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway while telling the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton. Tickets start at $49; only single seats remained at press time. blumenthal.org Indigo Girls April 28 I 8 p.m. The Indigo Girls return to The Fillmore at AvidExchange Music Factory, with Danielle Howle. General admission tickets are $45, plus fees. livenation.com
