April HAPPENINGS

and food trucks, and encourages attendees to explore the ecosystems of the Earth. Free to attend. First Ward Park, 301 E. 7th St. charlotteearthday.com

Charlotte StrEATs

April 15-16

The second annual food and beverage festival takes place over two days at Gateway Village. On Saturday, a Tasting Tour includes bites from 20 restaurants, cooking demos, craft cocktails and live music. Sunday’s main event features food trucks, a neighborhood cook-off, demos, music and more. Tasting Tour tickets start at $75; the festival on Sunday is free to attend. cltstreatsfestival.com

Charlotte Wine + Food Week

April 18-23

This annual event supporting local nonprofits features restaurant vintner dinners, a wine collector’s gala and live auction, and the signature grand tasting, with more than 100 wines, live music and bites from local restaurants. This year’s proceeds benefit four Charlotte children’s charities. For tickets and more information, visit charlottewineandfood.org

Women of Distinction Fashion Show at Quail Hollow Club

April 20 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

This event from the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary honors three local women and includes a fashion show featuring local boutiques, a silent auction and luncheon. Proceeds support educational opportunities and scholarships for students from the local Boys & Girls Clubs.

Opera Carolina presents La traviata

April 20, 22 and 23

Verdi’s tragic love story set in and around Paris comes to Belk Theater. Ticket prices vary. operacarolina.org

Charlotte Ballet presents Peter Pan at Knight Theater

April 21-30

Take a magical journey to Neverland in this never-before-seen version of the classic tale, with choreography by Charlotte Ballet II Director Christopher Stuart. Tickets start at $30. charlotteballet.org

Straight Jokes No Chaser at Spectrum Center

April 21 | 8 p.m.

Mike Epps hosts this comedy tour, with appearances by Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, Earthquake and DC Young Fly. spectrumcentercharlotte.com

BOOM Charlotte at Camp North End

April 21-23

Expect the unexpected at this performance and visual-arts showcase that includes contemporary and experimental works. Some performances are free; fringe-artist performances (dance, spoken word, music and more) are $10. boomcharlotte.org

Lost Girl at Central Piedmont Community College

April 21-30

A coming of age tale centered around Wendy, J.M. Barrie’s beloved character from Peter Pan. Performances are at the new Parr Center theater. Tickets start at $10. cpcc.edu

Regional Festival of India at Stumptown Park in Matthews

April 26 | noon - 6 p.m.

This offshoot of the annual Festival of India includes performances, an art gallery featuring works by more than 40 local artists, cultural exhibits, a bazaar and a food court. Admission is free. indiafestival.net

Phillips Place Spring Market + Shopping Stroll

April 29 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Celebrate the spring season with exclusive store offers and activities. Shop local artisan vendors, enjoy live music, a mobile coffee bar, kids’ crafts and more. phillipsplacecharlotte.com

Queen’s Cup Steeplechase

April 29

Events include a hat contest, pony rides and Corgi races, but for many attendees, it’s all about the tailgating. Proceeds support Alzheimer’s Association of Western North Carolina. Gates open at 10 a.m.; opening ceremonies start at 12:30. queenscup.org

Museums + galleries

In Transition at Elder Gallery through April 15

J. Stacy Utley’s first solo exhibition at the gallery includes paintings and photographs that examine issues related to gentrification. “As an architect, Utley recognizes the ways in which urban development frequently poses a threat to underserved and exploited communities. As an artist, he has developed a visual dialogue to address this threat.” eldergalleryclt.com

La Isla del Tigre at SOCO Gallery through April 26

This solo exhibition by Jackie Milad features 12 vibrant multimedia works by the Baltimore City-based artist. The title is a reference to the Honduran volcanic island where Milad’s mother is from. The show runs concurrently with Refrigerate After Opening, a solo exhibition by Charlotte artist Andrew Leventis. socogallery.com

Ways of Working at Jerald Melberg Gallery through June 3

A solo exhibition of works by Romare Bearden highlighting many of the artist’s most frequently used mediums. Though best known for his collages, Bearden also created screenprints, etchings, monotypes and more. jeraldmelberg.com SP

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

June

3:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Join

Scan here for tickets and more information.