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The 10 best Uptown spring events to go to, from Puppies and Pints to Bon Jovi

Dustin Peck/Charlotte Observer Files
Dustin Peck/Charlotte Observer Files PHOTO BY DUSTIN PECK PHOTOGRAPHC
WilliamsSubaruThis Uptown events guide is proudly sponsored by Cantina 1511. Did you know Cantina 1511 offers seven different lunch specials — each including chips and salsa, entree and a drink — for under $10? You can take advantage of these lunch specials Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Plus, its Uptown location has live entertainment every night of the week including comedy, karaoke, trivia, live music and salsa dancing. There's something for everyone! Follow Cantina 1511 Uptown on Facebook to stay up to date on all events and specials.


Here are the top events to go Uptown for this season:

Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Spend an afternoon in Buzz City while cheering on the Hornets. Get tickets here. $15+.

When: April 1, 1 p.m.

Where: Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St.

8th Annual Charlotte Black Film Festival

Settle in for four days of independent films, workshops, networking, the Digital Village, master classes, the Fashion of Films Showcase, the Red Carpet Vision Awards and other activities. The festival’s purpose is to act as a voice for independent filmmakers of color and empower African-American cinema as an art form. Get tickets here. $10-$129.

When: April 5-8

Where: Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St.

Disney Trivia at Flight

Time to brush up on your princess knowledge and fairytale factoids. Flight’s Pop Culture Trivia topic in April is Disney, with up to $500 up for grabs in cash and prizes. Bonus: The Friday drink special is $3.50 Sugar Creek Brewing on tap, and parking is validated at Hearst Tower.

When: April 6, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Flight, 314 N. College St.

Puppies and Pints

The Ivey’s Hotel is celebrating its one-year anniversary in the library lounge with beer sampling (thanks to Legion Brewing) and puppy petting (in the form of adoptable dogs from North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue). 5Church Charlotte will also be on the scene, offering custom dog treats.

When: April 9, 6-9 p.m.

Where: The Ivey’s Hotel, 127 N. Tryon St.

Via Instagram @northmeckanimalrescue
Via Instagram @northmeckanimalrescue

Wine & Cheese Class

Some work days just need to end with wine and cheese. Nibble and sip on a variety of items sourced locally and from around the world. Josh of the Assorted Table Wine Shoppe and Rachel from Orrman’s Cheese Shop shall be your guides. Bonus: Your ticket purchase gets you 10 percent off any cheese purchases that night. Get tickets here. $25.

When: April 11, 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: Orrman’s Cheese Shop, 224 E 7th St.

Via Instagram @orrmanscheese
Via Instagram @orrmanscheese

7th Street Public Market Stop and Shop

This seasonal market will be held outside, along the Light Rail line, with a selection of small businesses to shop. Don’t overlook the live music, either. (Or the fact that the light rail also has a fresh “drinking trail” extension.)

When: April 12, 4-7 p.m.

Where: Just outside 7th Street Public Market, 224 E. 7th St.

Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend

Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend brings wine makers and chefs from around the world to Charlotte to enhance the community’s appreciation of great wine and food. Indulge in a variety of restaurant dinners, tastings, a seminar and a gala in the name of wine and food. Uptown events include a Restaurant Dinner at Mimosa Grill Featuring Fisher Vineyards, The Grand Gala & Live Auction at The Mint Museum Uptown, the 1000-Point Tasting at the Sky Room and the Grand Tasting & Silent Auction at the Atrium at Two Wells Fargo Center. See the full schedule of events here.
This year’s beneficiaries are Charlotte Concerts, The Council for Children’s Rights, Mitchell’s Fund, Pat’s Place Family Advocacy, and The Relatives. Get tickets here. $69+.
When: April 18-21
Where: Locations vary.

Bon Jovi’s “This House Is Not For Sale” Tour

How is it that Bon Jovi’s music never gets old? Catch him live in April while you can, since this tour was the band’s first outing since their 2013 “Because We Can World Tour.” Browse tickets here. $19+.

When: April 21, 7:30 p.m. pin

Where: Spectrum Center, 333 E Trade St.

Jamaican Me Hoppy Craft Beer Festival

Indulge in unlimited samples of more than 150 pours of craft beer, wines and ciders while listening to live music by The Movement, Sun-Dried Vibes and Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds at this event presented by Charlotte Brewery Tours. Also expect Jamaican and Caribbean performances, stunts by fire juggling experts and wares sold by vendors. Jamaican food will be available and proceeds will support the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation. Get tickets here. $35+.

When: April 21, noon-6 p.m.

Where: Uptown Charlotte, 419 E. 7th St.

6th Annual Charlotte Beer Festival

Sample beers and listen to live music, with a 2018 Beer Festival glass included in your purchase. Get tickets here. $15+.

When: May 19, 3-7 p.m.

Where: Rooftop 210, 210 East Trade St.

Featured photo: Dustin Peck/Charlotte Observer files 

This story was originally published April 2, 2018 at 1:00 AM with the headline "The 10 best Uptown spring events to go to, from Puppies and Pints to Bon Jovi."

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