5 reasons to visit Charlotte this spring

From a stacked music festival and exhilarating NASCAR races to rooftop dining and waterfront hiking, Charlotte, NC (aka the Queen City) is the place to be this season.

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The Charlotte Knights kicked off their spring season on Tuesday, April 2.

Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Whether you frequent Charlotte, NC often or only know it from the latest season of “Love is Blind,” the Queen City is blooming with springtime fun.

Here are five can’t-miss activities and events happening this season (that are absolutely worth the trip):

🎶 A brand-new music festival

Get ready to rock, because the first-ever Lovin’ Life Music Fest is happening Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 5 in Uptown’s First Ward.

Post Malone, Stevie Nicks, Noah Kahan, Maggie Rogers + The Chainsmokers are headlining the inaugural multi-genre festival. The full lineup features 40+ artists on three stages, including Charlotte native DaBaby and a full set from The Avett Brothers.

Three-day passes are still available and start at $319.

⚾️ Spring sports

It’s go time for professional baseball and soccer. Catch a game and cheer on these Charlotte-based teams:

Nuvolé Rooftop TwentyTwo is a dining experience located on the 22nd floor of Uptown’s AC Hotel.

Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

🏙️ Rooftop dining downtown

The Queen City has an abundance of unique rooftop bars and restaurants . It’s hard to choose a favorite, but here are a couple good callouts: The Charlotte Beer Garden has one of the largest selections of draft beer available in one restaurant + Graham Street Pub & Patio is conveniently located near Bank of America Stadium and Truist Field.

Wherever you end up, your food and drinks are almost guaranteed to be paired with views of Charlotte’s stunning skyline .

🏎️ A huge NASCAR race

Prepare for full-throttle fun this Memorial Day weekend, because the 65th running of the historic Coca-Cola 600 is on Sunday, May 26. The NASCAR races begin at 6 p.m. at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Pro-tip: Arrive early for driver appearances + a Matchbox Twenty concert.

Find an adrenaline rush at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

🥾 Outdoor adventures

The Charlotte area has countless opportunities to enjoy nature, including:

Poll

Which Charlotte event makes you want to hop in the car the most? Let us know .

Plan your spring getaway

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Anne — originally from Annapolis, Maryland and based in Roanoke, Virginia — joined 6AM City as a City Editor for RALtoday in January 2022. She is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and has contributed to publications including Garden & Gun and Washingtonian. When Anne’s not writing, she’s hiking through the Blue Ridge Mountains, practicing hot yoga, or finding her new favorite foodie spot.