Check before you go: These Charlotte events and destinations are closed due to COVID-19
On March 16, county health Director Gibbie Harris signed an order banning gatherings with more than 50 people. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper also issued an executive order to stop mass gatherings of more than 100 people. And, Cooper ordered K-12 public schools across the state to close for at least two weeks.
The Charlotte Observer is updating a list of what continues to be open during the outbreak of COVID-19.
Concern over public health has prompted hospital visitor restrictions, universities across the state to hold lectures remotely, local businesses and governments to amend work-from-home and sick leave policies, and airlines to cut some flights while CLT airport increases its cleaning regime. The Charlotte Hornets, like all NBA teams, have suspended games for the rest of the season.
Here’s a list of events canceled or venues restricting access locally due to concerns over public health.
Additionally, information about events scheduled for the Charlotte Convention Center is here. Information about cancellations of arts event is here.
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge extended the closure of its resorts through May 19. Company officials said they will continue to monitor the ongoing COVID-19 situation and stay connected with federal and state health officials.
Full refunds are being offered to guests with a current reservation that falls within the revised closure period, as well as the opportunity to reschedule the reservation to a future date. Guests who reschedule by April 1 receive a complimentary $50 resort credit for each night booked if their revised stay falls within calendar year 2020. Updates will be posted on GreatWolf.com.
Regal, AMC movie theaters
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, Regal movie theaters, including the Manor, Phillips Place and Stonecrest in Charlotte, closed until further notice as a precaution because of the coronavirus.
Also closed are AMC theaters, including at Concord Mills mall.
Billy Graham Library
As a result of President Donald Trump’s recommendation to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, the library is now closed to the public, library leaders announced Monday, March 16.
“Closing our doors is not out of fear, but out of concern for the health of those who visit as well as our staff and volunteers,” Scott Holmquist, library executive director, said in a statement.
Updates: www.BillyGrahamLibrary.org
Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters postponed their March 29 appearance at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
The team announced March 16 that it suspended all remaining games on its domestic and international tours through mid-May.
“The Globetrotters encourage ticket holders to hold on to tickets, as the team will make every effort to reschedule postponed events as soon as possible,” according to a team statement. “All tickets for postponed games will be honored.”
LaCa Projects
Latin American Contemporary Art Projects, 1429 Bryant St., Charlotte, is closed to the public through March 31.
Staff are available via email for individual appointment bookings. For private visits, contact morgan@lacaprojects.com.
Updates: LaCaProjects.org.
Pennzoil AutoFair
Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Pennzoil AutoFair, originally scheduled for April 2-5, will be postponed until June 12-14.
“The move comes after extensive discussions with local public health officials, community leaders and at the advice of the CDC,” speedway officials said in a statement.
The American Flat Track event scheduled that weekend at The Dirt Track also has been postponed until a later date.
Speedway officials said they do not anticipate any further changes to the 2020 event schedule.
Charlotte Museum of History
The museum is closed until at least March 31, and all museum programs, events and activities are suspended.
Updates: CharlotteMuseum.org.
Children’s Home Society of NC
The Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, 2200 E. 7th St., Charlotte, has closed all of its offices to the public through March 30.
Programs remain operational. All staff have been encouraged to work remotely, and all internal and external meetings will be conducted virtually. All non-essential travel has been curtailed.
2020 Charlotte Wine & Food Week
Charlotte Wine & Food Week has been postponed.
Previously scheduled dinners and tastings have been or will soon be rescheduled.
Updates: CharlotteWineandFood.org.
Charlotte Works
Charlotte Works has closed the two NCWorks Career Centers in Mecklenburg County to the public through March 31, president and CEO Danielle Frazier said.
During the closure, the centers will still operate, but only virtual appointments will be taken, via phone and video.
Updates: CharlotteWorks.com.
Mecklenburg County Young Republicans
Following the CDC’s recommendation for postponing events with more than 50 people, the Mecklenburg County Young Republicans canceled their upcoming March meeting, which was going to feature NC political consultant Paul Shumaker.
According to the event’s Facebook page, Shumaker was going to give an updated reading on the North Carolina political landscape.
“In these challenging times it is vital for us to remember our history. We, as a nation have survived multiple wars, civil disorder, pandemics, and other times of crisis,” the cancellation email said. “Now, we are being asked to take proper precautions in order to save some of the most vulnerable of us from sickness and death.”
Art & Soul of South End festival
Charlotte Center City Partners has postponed the festival, originally scheduled for April 25.
Updates: www.charlottecentercity.org.
Levine Museum of the New South
The museum on East Seventh Street in uptown Charlotte will close to the public beginning Saturday, March 14, through at least Sunday, March 29, museum officials announced Friday.
“We make this decision today to safeguard the health and safety of our community, knowing that we are all in this together,” according to a museum statement.
The museum team will contact ticket holders who planned to attend New South for the New Southerner on March 31.
The museum also canceled CataLysT: An Evening with Danny Glover, which was scheduled for April 16. Museum team members will contact ticket holders and sponsors about the cancellation.
On Facebook, the museum will livestream its “Author Talks with Dr. Griffin” program as scheduled for 6 p.m. March 18.
Gantt Center
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, at Levine Center for the Arts on South Tryon Street in Charlotte, will close to the public effective Sunday, March 15, until further notice, center officials announced..
All programs during the closing also have been canceled.
Anyone with a pre-scheduled visit should reschedule by calling 704-547-3700 or emailing at gsa@ganttcenter.org.
Carowinds
The park has moved its seasonal opening date to Friday April 3, company officials announced Friday. Refund requests and questions may be sent to guestservices@carowinds.com.
For the full announcement, visit the Carowinds Facebook page.
NASCAR races
NASCAR postponed all races through May 3. Plans are to return to racing at Martinsville Speedway and hold all races this season, with scheduling to be determined, NASCAR President Steve Phelps announced Tuesday.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont will be closed through Tuesday, March 31, and all public events, including continuing education programs and school programs, are canceled until May 11.
Charlotte running races
Several Charlotte running races have been canceled or postponed due to coronavirus concerns, according to the Charlotte Department of Transportation.
The races include March 14’s Shamrock 4-Miler Run and Kid’s Leprechaun Jog; the March 21 Corvian Green on the Green 5K and the March 21 Dash for Down Syndrome 5K, officials said Friday.
Participants in other upcoming running races should check with the event organizers for updates, city officials said.
Humane Society of Charlotte
Temporarily, all adoptions are being done by appointment only.
To adopt an animaI, visit humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/adoption and complete an application on the animal’s profile.
Myers Park Country Club
Effective Saturday, March 14, all club and banquet events are canceled through the end of March, club officials announced.
All community snack bowls have been removed, and all a la carte dining operations will be suspended until Tuesday, March 31.
Staff who can work from home now have that option and will be provided laptops, if needed.
Starting Tuesday, March 17, the club will offer curbside pick up service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.
Roaring Riot
The Carolina Panthers fan group canceled four upcoming events, including a trip to Raleigh for a Carolina Hurricanes NHL game and a trip to Las Vegas for the NFL draft.
“We’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone safety and security as we all navigate this pandemic and strength and recovery for those affected” by the new coronavirus, group leaders said in a statement.
Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte
Center officials have closed their office at 3115 Providence Road, and staff has shifted to working remotely, Executive Director Holly Whitfield said. The center is still accessible through voicemail and email.
All upcoming programming, including Adventures in Learning, Adventures in Travel and Tax Preparations has been suspended through May, Whitfield said.
Updates: www.shepherdscharlotte.org.
Inner Peaks Climbing
Inner Peaks Climbing on South Tryon Street in Charlotte is temporarily closing to the public March 16–March 31.
“During the closure, we will conduct a deep and thorough cleaning, and research additional sanitation measures for the long term,” according to a company statement.
Anyone who registered for instruction and programming that was scheduled for the next two weeks will be contacted for options on rescheduling and refunding.
Cornel West Appearance
West’s planned March 17 appearance at Wingate university in Wingate has been canceled, a university spokeswoman said Wednesday. The Community Conversation with Cornel West event has not been rescheduled.
Michael Bublé concert
Singer Michael Bublé has postponed his March 18 concert at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, along with concerts in Raleigh and other cities on his current tour.
Bublé plans to announce rescheduled dates soon, so fans should hold on to their tickets, Don Fox, the tour’s national promoter, said in a news release Thursday.
Details: www.SpectrumCenterCharlotte.com.
LIT AF Tour, hosted by Martin Lawrence
Martin Lawrence’s March 14 performance at Spectrum Center in uptown Charlotte has been canceled, the center announced Friday.
Lawrence’s appearance will be rescheduled, according to the center. Ticket holders are asked to hold onto their tickets for the new date.
“I am disappointed to postpone dates on the LIT AF tour, but the health and safety of my fans is a priority,” Lawrence said in a statement. “New dates will be announced once we all have more information. Stay safe out there.”
Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte
The chorus has canceled its April 17-18 concert, “The Big Gay Sing 5: Back to Broadway,” at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square in Charlotte.
GMCC hopes to announce rescheduled dates and a new venue soon. Current ticket holders will receive refunds from Blumenthal Performing Arts.
Details: www.gmccharlotte.org.
The Fillmore Charlotte
Most upcoming concerts at the The Fillmore on Hamilton Street have been postponed, including the March 20 Appetite for Destruction Tribute to Guns N’ Roses and March 28 Marshall Tucker Band performances.
Updates: Fillmorenc.com.
Charlotte National College Fair
The National Association for College Admission Counseling has canceled several of its spring National College Fairs, including the March 22 Charlotte National College Fair at The Park Expo and Conference Center.
Details: collegefairs@nacacnet.org; NACAC’s coronavirus web page.
Lake Norman Men That Cook
The Huntersville Happy Hour Rotary Club postponed its March fundraiser to Sunday Sept. 27., at Langtree Plantation in Mooresville. Details: LakeNormanMenThatCook.
Mighty Four Miler benefit run
The April 4 running race in Waynesville, the hometown of UNC Charlotte shooting victim Riley Howell, has been postponed to Oct. 25.
All net proceeds will benefit the Riley Howell Foundation Fund.
Mint Museum events
Much of the museum’s programming remains on schedule, but these events been canceled or postponed:
▪ Art of Reading Public Tour: The Invention of Wings at Mint Museum Randolph., March 15.
▪ Mint on the Dot talks at Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph, March 14-15.
▪ (tex)TILE conversation with ceramist and designer Shae Bishop at Mint Museum Randolph, March 18.
▪ Liquid Gardens: Dutch Design lecture series with Tanja Smeets of the Netherlands at Mint Museum Uptown, April 3.
Any further cancellations and postponements will be listed on on the Mint calendar and on the Mint’s COVID-19 page on mintmuseum.org.
C.W. Williams Community Health Center luncheon
The board of directors of the center on Wilkinson Boulevard in west Charlotte canceled Thursday’s luncheon to help prevent potential exposure and spread of COVID-19.
Details: www.cwwilliams.org.
Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte
Due to COVID-19, all performances of “One Man, Two Guvnors” have been postponed, along with remaining fundraisers at which large crowds were expected, Executive Director Chip Decker said Thursday.
The actions are part of a 30-day hold on all public activity at the Actor’s Theatre, Decker said.
Ticketholders and subscribers can direct questions to the ATC box office at 704-342-2251 or email at info@atcharlotte.org.
Charlotte Checkers
Because the American Hockey League has suspended operations indefinitely, Charlotte Checkers home games scheduled for Saturday and Sunday have been postponed or canceled.
Charlotte’s next scheduled home game is March 31.
Details: GoCheckers.com.
Charlotte Film Society
Because of the threat of COVID-19 in Charlotte and surrounding areas, the Charlotte Film Society has postponed all of its scheduled April screenings until a later date.
Center for Community Transitions
The Charlotte center suspended all programming and events until further notice.
The center’s Build People, Not Prisons fundraising event scheduled for March 26 has been postponed.
Updates: CenterforCommunityTransitions.org.
Nevins Inc.
Nevins Inc., which provides community-based jobs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will be closed for individuals for at least two weeks beginning Monday, March 16.
A determination will be made Sunday night regarding staff work requirements during the closure.
EnergyUnited
Statesville-based EnergyUnited, the largest electric cooperative in North Carolina, announced that effective Tuesday, March 17, it will close all of its electric and propane offices to the public and will not disconnect anyone for non-payment through the end of March.
“EnergyUnited will continue its daily operations, ensuring the continuous delivery of reliable energy services for all electric and propane consumers,” according to a statement Monday by EnergyUnited officials.
Updates: EnergyUnited.com.
Mills Eye Care
Mills Eye Care in Mooresville is closing at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, with tentative plans to reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, March 23.
Anyone with a true emergency can call Dr. Ed Mills at 704-677-4716 or Dr. Chris Mills at 704-264-7593. For questions about glasses or contact lenses, or scheduling, call or text the office at 704-664-9121. Text messages will be checked frequently during the closure.
Banking conference
The March 25 ABCs of Banking Law program and the March 26-27 Banking Institute in Charlotte were canceled Wednesday “due to the public health crisis” that has led to travel restrictions by many organizations, said Lissa Broome, director of the Center for Banking and Finance at UNC School of Law.
“With fewer speakers and panelists able to attend, we did not want to compromise the quality of the program,” Broome said in announcing the cancellations.
Registration fees will be refunded, she said.
For questions regarding conference registration, contact Laura Gough at goughl@email.unc.edu; 919-962-1679 and questions on hotel reservations, contact Jackie Ward at jcward@unc.edu. Any other conference-related matters, contact Jennifer Dela Rosa at jdelarosa@unc.edu; 919-843-9288.
Lake Norman Big Band
The band has canceled its upcoming show at Finish Line Restaurant in the Victory Lanes bowling center in Mooresville. The status of the next show, on April 20, will be determined based on the best public health knowledge in the next few weeks, leaders said.
Anyone who made reservations for the upcoming show should call Victory Lanes at 704-664-2695 to let them know if you want to apply your reservation to a future show or prefer a refund.
Showstopper Dance Competition
The competition’s Concord Regionals have been rescheduled for June 4-7. The regionals were originally scheduled for later this month.
Details: GoShowStopper.com.
Charlotte Girl Tribe Pop Up Event
The March 28 event has been postponed to June 13 at Charlotte Convention Center, Sarah Baucom, co-founder of Girl Tribe Co., announced Thursday.
Middle C Jazz
The venue on South Brevard Street in Charlotte will close from Sunday, March 15, through April 10.
Details: MiddleCJazz.com.
2020 Audubon North Carolina Summit
The upcoming summit in Charlotte has been postponed until the fall to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, Andrew Hutson, Audubon North Carolina executive director, announced Wednesday.
Refunds will be issued by March 20 to the 100 people who registered for the summit, which the Mecklenburg Audubon Society spent a year planning, Hutson said.
Members are invited to register for two upcoming events: An April 17 webinar on Fundamentals of Effective and Winning Advocacy Campaigns; and spring migration virtual field trip on April 18.
Details: NC.Audubon.org.
Children’s Hope Alliance
The Children’s Hope Alliance has postponed the Charlotte office open house/ribbon cutting originally scheduled for next week. A new date will be announced.
Charlotte Business Journal events
CBJ’s Most Admired CEOs dinner scheduled for March 25, the Family Business Awards program on April 22 and the 40 Under 40 celebration on May 14 will be rescheduled for later dates.
Updates: www.bizjournals.com/charlotte.
Loch Norman Highland Games
The annual competition and festival at Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville has been rescheduled from the spring to Aug. 15-16 at the request of the CDC and state authorities.
The Loch Norman website is being updated to reflect the change.
Charlotte performances of ‘Sweat’
Warehouse Performing Arts Center is moving all performances of “Sweat” to November, per the CDC’s recommendation to cancel events involving 50 or more people for the next eight weeks.
Ticketholders will receive an email with instructions on how to exchange, release, or refund their tickets.
WFAE Spring Fundraising Campaign
The station suspended its on-air campaign Friday to devote the time to coronavirus coverage.’
Both the campaign, which still needs to raise $170,000 to reach its goal, and a related raffle will resume later this year, station officials announced.
Donations can be made at WFAE.org.
Union Symphony Youth Orchestra
The Union Symphony Youth Orchestra and Prelude Junior String Orchestra canceled Saturday’s auditions and Sunday’s concert until further notice. Details: UnionSymphony.org.
Cabarrus Senior Health and Wellness Expo
The county postponed Wednesday’s free expo at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center. It’s now scheduled for June 17.
The postponement followed the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services recommendation that those over 65 or those with underlying health conditions avoid large gatherings, according to the county.
Details: www.cabarruscounty.us.
Rhythm and Run
The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame’s benefit run in downtown Kannapolis on Friday was canceled and will be rescheduled.
Baxter Village-Fort Mill Spring Festival & St. Patrick’s Parade
The annual festival and parade, scheduled for Saturday, March 14, has been canceled amid coronavirus community spread concerns, said Mike Martoccia, director of activities for Baxter Village/Fort Mill.
The annual event draws a crowd of at least 8,000 and 125 vendors, he said.
In lieu of the canceled festival and parade, three Baxter Village-Fort Mill restaurants will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with food, music and fun on Saturday: Lucky Duck, Killington’s and Grapevine Wine Bar, Martoccia said.
Lake Norman Humane
For the next few weeks, Lake Norman Humane is suspending general tours of the facility and animals, its Wednesday Tails for Tales program and new volunteer training that has not already been scheduled. Only approved adopters will be allowed into animal areas.
The lobby will still be open to drop donations and supplies and to have questions answered.
Lake Norman Humane is on Charlotte Highway (U.S. 21) in Mooresville.
NC Realtors events
NC Realtors, a trade association representing more than 48,000 real estate professionals statewide, has postponed all planned events and suspended non-essential travel for staff and volunteer leaders until April 17.
Association officials took the measures “out of an abundance of caution for the association’s members, staff, their families, and the community at large,” according to a statement on NCRealtors.org.
Cabarrus Arts Council
Remaining March events have been canceled, council leaders announced Friday.
The arts council has no plans to cancel April shows or activities, or to prematurely close its Tone exhibition in The Galleries, officials said.
Details: CabarrusArtsCouncil.org.
Lake Norman Language Academy
All group classes will be conducted online until further notice, leaders announced Sunday, March 15.
Details: LKNLanguageAcademy.com.
The Casual Creative Art Studio and Makery
All classes at the studio in Davidson have been postponed through the end of March.
Details: TheCasualCreative.org.
North Mecklenburg Republican Women
The club canceled Tuesday night’s meeting “in light of the increased concern over the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” club president Linda Angele told members in an email Tuesday morning.
“We understand that this is late notice, but the intensity of the concern seems to be growing exponentially,” Angele said. “We sincerely hope that we look back and see this as an overreaction but everyone’s health and well-being will always come first.”
Voice of Evangelism Revival Meeting
Voice of Evangelism International Ministries canceled its April 16-19 Revival Meeting at Hickory Metro Convention Center due to the coronavirus, Pastor David Lankford announced on the ministry’s website. The event draws about 700 attendees, he said.
The ministry is refunding the $100 registration fee and any other expenses people incurred, Lankford said.
Cabarrus County
Beginning Monday, March 16, Cabarrus County closed its libraries in Concord, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, Midland and Mt. Pleasant and its Concord and Mount Pleasant senior centers to the public. The county also stopped hosting events and programs at its facilities, including libraries, senior centers, the Cooperative Extension Center and parks effective Monday.
Library patrons can return checked out materials to drop boxes outside each library. Patrons will not accrue fines for materials due during the closure, government leaders said.
Library cardholders can access eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, online databases, continuing education courses and genealogy tools at cabarruscounty.us/library.
The county’s LunchPlus Club program will offer only drive-through pick-up service between 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. LunchPlus details: 704-920-1400.
Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture
All programming is canceled until April 5 or delayed until after April 5.
Details: 704-892-6031 ext. 160; parc@cornelius.org; www.Cornelius.org/parc
Davidson
The town government on Tuesday closed all town buildings to the public, including town hall.
Town staff will continue to serve the public, but have been asked to work remotely. The main phone line to Town Hall at 704-892-7591 will remain open to answer questions from residents.
The police and fire departments will continue normal operations.
The town’s public works department will continue working with a limited crew for maintenance of public areas.
Updates will be posted on the town’s social media pages.
Harrisburg
The town has canceled numerous recreational and other activities.
See the full list of canceled events at HarrisburgNC.org.
Huntersville Parks and Recreation
All programs, rentals, events and indoor facilities are closed through April 6.
Details: 704-766-2220; parks@huntersville.org; HuntersvilleParks.org.
Indian Trail
The town has canceled several events. See the list at IndianTrail.org.
Mooresville
The town has canceled various recreational and other activities, including the downtown April 3 Uncorked & Artsy event and the April 4 Festival of Food Trucks.
See the list at MooresvilleNC.gov.
Union County Public Schools
Beginning Wednesday, March 18, Union County Public Schools will offer free daily meals to children 18 and younger at Sardis Elementary and Rocky River Elementary.
Wingate Elementary and Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle, which began offering free meals on Tuesday, March 17, will continue to serve meals to children throughout the duration of the school closure.
The nutritious grab-and-go meals will be available at the four schools from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. seven days a week:
▪ Wingate Elementary, 301 Bivens St., Wingate.
▪ Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle, 601 E. Sunset Drive, Monroe.
▪ Sardis Elementary, 4416 Sardis Church Road, Monroe.
▪ Rocky River Elementary, 500 N. Rocky River Road, Monroe.
Meals can be picked up at the front entrance of the schools.
Weathering the Storm
The Salisbury Fire Department has canceled its Weathering the Storm – Emergency & Safety Preparedness Fair originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21, at the Salisbury Civic Center.
Updates will be provided on SalisburyNC.gov.
Summit Place of Southpark
Due to coronavirus concerns, Summit Place of Southpark on Runnymede Lane in Charlotte canceled its Wednesday, Match 18, FOCUS meeting. Details: SummitPlaceofSouthpark.
Senior dancing
Cabarrus County has indefinitely canceled its Friday and Saturday night dances at the Cabarrus County Senior Center in Concord.
CPR and QPR training scheduled for March 19 also has been canceled, a county spokeswoman said.
This is a developing story. If you know of an event canceled in our local area due to public health concerns, email reporter Joe Marusak at jmarusak@charlotteobserver.com.
This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 12:15 PM with the headline "Check before you go: These Charlotte events and destinations are closed due to COVID-19."