happenings

April HAPPENINGS

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 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 Queen’s Cup Steeplechase

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

Tuck Fest at the Whitewater Center

April 29-May 1 Run, paddle and climb at this annual tribute to the great outdoors. Activities include the “short-bike world championships,” yoga sessions and a dog jog through the trails. Bring chairs or a blanket and enjoy the demos and live music. Free to attend. Parking is $6 per car. Race registration costs vary by competition. whitewater.org

Charlotte Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty: A Fairy-Tailored Classic at Knight Theater

April 29-May 8 Choreographer Matthew Hart takes the audience on a journey with this reduced version of the Marius Petipa classic. Hart stays true to the beloved choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s score, with tutus and tiaras illuminating the tale of Princess Aurora and her court. Tickets start at $25. charlotteballet.org

Queen’s Cup Steeplechase Silver Jubilee

April 30 Tailgate time: Don your seersucker, break out your best hat and sip mint juleps at one of Charlotte’s most highly anticipated social events of the year. The annual steeplechase returns after a pandemic-related hiatus. A portion of proceeds benefits Alzheimer’s Association of Western North Carolina. General admission tickets start at $60. Children 12 and under are free. queenscup.org

Regional Festival of India @ Matthews

April 30 | noon-6 p.m. The beloved Festival of India is set to return to uptown Charlotte this fall, but you can get a taste of the festivities this spring at Stumptown Park in Matthews. Enjoy traditional instrumental and dance performances, peruse wares from Indian vendors, taste a variety of food and experience cultural exhibits. Free to attend. indiafestival.iacofcarolinas.org

Museums + galleries

Peter Callas: Life on Fire at Elder Gallery Through April 23 The internationally renowned Callas specializes in Anagama kiln-fired ceramics, which uses firewood as fuel. 1520 S Tryon St., eldergalleryclt.com

Still Standing: 100 Years and Counting at Brooklyn Collective

Through May 20 This group exhibition celebrates the 100-year anniversary and legacy of the Mecklenburg Investment Company (“M.I.C.”) building and the historic Brooklyn neighborhood. Fifty percent of art sales support the nonprofit Brooklyn Collective. 229 S Brevard St.; brooklyncollectiveclt.org

IN CONVERSATION: Ashlynn Browning + Katy Mixon at Hodges Taylor Gallery

April 1-June 10 This exhibit offers the viewer a peek into the exchange between Raleigh-based painter Browning and Charleston, S.C.-based mixed-media artist Mixon, illuminating “the parallels they recognize in their work and beyond.” 1414 S Tryon St., Suite 130, hodgestaylor.com

At the Root at SOZO Gallery

April 13-May 28 This group exhibition is described as a “visual investigation into spirituality and intimacy.” At the Root features the work of contemporary artists Jill Hotchkiss, Ana Maria Mariani, Michela Martello and Kristen van Diggelen Sloan. 904 Pecan Ave., Suite 101, sozogallery.net SP — compiled by Amanda Lea

Scan the QR code on your mobile device to view our online events calendar — updated weekly — at southparkmagazine.com

RED POPPIES MARCH 1 2020, 2020, Conte on Paper, 22 x 30 inches

Jerald Melberg Gallery is pleased to welcome Donald Sultan, a titan of American art, to Charlotte. His iconic paintings, conte crayon drawings and screenprints will be presented in the artist’s inaugural solo exhibition with the gallery.

DONALD SULTAN

Iconic Florals

April 23 - June 11, 2022

625 South Sharon Amity Road Charlotte, NC 28211 704-365-3000 gallery@jeraldmelberg.com www.jeraldmelberg.com M-F 10-6 Sat 10-4