Spring Into April: 5 Local Outings For Your Calendar This Month

Friends! There are so many fun, family-friendly things to do in Charlotte this month. From art to recreation, adventure to celebration, tiny houses to giant bunnies, and some novel activities in between. Get out your calendar and make plans now to take part in some of these local excursions. Hope to see you there! 

South Fork Sampler

On Saturday, April 2, try a scavenger-hunt-style adventure race along the South Fork River, about 20 minutes from Uptown in Gaston County. Participants in the South Fork Sampler will paddle, bike and run to various checkpoints, getting to know this beautiful, historic natural area. The event benefits the South Fork River Health Project and the Catawba Riverkeeper's mission of ensuring clean and plentiful drinking water for nearly 4 million people throughout the river basin. Get more information and register here. 

Charlotte SHOUT!

After several pandemic-related postponements, Charlotte SHOUT! is back. This community festival, which runs from April 1-16, includes music, food and art, and features many talented local and international artists, dancers, musicians, poets, chefs and thought leaders. Charlotte SHOUT! is all about celebrating our city's creativity and innovation. Here's a list of events. And here are tips for planning your visits. 

Earth Day Celebrations

Kick off Earth Day weekend with the 10th Annual Charlotte Sustainability Awards, honoring organizations and leaders in our community working toward sustainability and smart growth, and by their actions, inspiring others to do the same. This event will be on Friday, April 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Depot on N. Tryon St. You can register here. 

Then, on Saturday, April 23, head to First Ward Park (301 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC, 28202) for Charlotte Earth Day: All Together NOW!, a community Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will celebrate the beauty and diversity of our ecosystems and raise environmental awareness. There will be parades, speakers, performances, music, information stations, and a family treasure hunt. This event is free and open to the public.  

Sensory-Friendly Tiny House 

Visit Marion Diehl Park (2219 Tyvola Rd., Charlotte, NC, 28210, from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 30 and Saturday, May 21 to play in Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation's Therapeutics Program Sensory Friendly Tiny House. Built with a grant through the Walt Disney Company and National Recreation and Parks Association's "Meet Me at the Park" initiative, this fun temporary exhibit is full of musical instruments, sensory bins, a rock wall and activities designed for kids ages 10 and under. 

Bike Charlotte 

Bike Charlotte returns for its 20th year April 26 - May 8. This citywide celebration of all things cycling overlaps National Bike Month and encourages the everyday use of bikes for transportation, recreation and discovery. There are a number of programs and events planned over the two week period to educate the community about cycling and safety, celebrate the diversity of Charlotte cyclists, and recognize those who've made significant contributions to local cycling. 

Worth noting: Your bike can ride for FREE from whenever you rack and ride on any CATS service, including the LYNX Blue Line.

See you out and about!