Charlotte’s RnBrew focuses on daytime fun and culture, instead of late-night drinking and clubbing. Plus, spring is in full swing in North Carolina, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.
The pollen has already been at it for a few weeks now but as of this past weekend, it’s official: We are now in springtime.
Spring in North Carolina is a time of daffodils and dogwoods, MerleFest and Dreamville Festival. Then there are the … vernal vikings? The annual Viking Experience Festival kicked off over the weekend in Oxford, NC, and will continue March 28-29.
Think of it as a Renaissance fair for vikings, with interactive characters roaming encampments, live music, dancing, games, artisan vendors, food, axe throwing, mead tasting, fight pits and more. I suggest if you’re in the Oxford area (about an hour’s drive due north of Raleigh) you stick around for the After Hours show (for adults only).
With spring in full effect, we’ve got plenty more reasons to step outside on any given weekend these days. Let’s take a look at a few more.
Hillsborough Last Fridays: The Art Walk
Friday, March 27, 6-11 p.m.
Downtown Hillsborough
Hillsborough hosts its Last Fridays events on the final Friday of each month all year round. While the Live on the Lawn concert series doesn’t return to the South Lawn at the Old Courthouse until April, nor the Makers Market to the North Lawn until May, there is plenty going on for the first Art Walk of the spring this Friday.
Check out artist receptions at the Thomas Stevens Gallery and Hillsborough Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop, opening receptions for new exhibits at three more galleries, and live music for free at five different venues spread across downtown Hillsborough. Performers scheduled to play on Friday night include The Sugaree String Society, Jackson Street Band, The Beautiful People Club, JP Leon Band, and The Rattletraps.
One highlight is the opening reception for Care of Our Common Home, a collaborative exhibit at Margaret Lane Gallery that came together as a result of the Hillsborough Climate Challenge, featuring artwork made from recycled, sustainable and earth-friendly materials. Check out the details about that event and the many other events to check out here.
RnBrew in Charlotte
Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Urban District Market, 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte
Launched by Yameen Thomas and Lance Pryor last March, RnBrew has grown from around 120 people who attended the first event to approximately 2,000 people expected to attend the one-year anniversary event on Saturday.
Centered on coffee, culture and community—rather than alcohol and late-night clubbing—this monthly event has become a staple for Charlotteans and all those who travel from around NC to make it, inspired fully by FOMO and the craving for connection.
“We wanted to package something so unique, and that’s what we were able to do,” Thomas told Queen City Nerve. “I like to call it lightning in a bottle.”
Some of the city’s best DJs will spin R&B, hip-hop, amapiano, house and global grooves while the “Brew Crew,” which is how Thomas and Pryor refer lovingly to RnBrew patrons, take part in card games, putting contests, photo ops and old-fashioned community.
Dillsboro Glass Arts Festival
Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dillsboro Creative Arts Center, Dills Street, Dillsboro
Dillsboro is a mountain town so small that most of its mailing addresses carry the designation of neighboring Sylva. However, that doesn’t mean there’s any lack of culture. The inaugural Dillsboro Glass Arts Festival will prove it.
With premier regional artists carrying out live mobile glass-blowing and lampworking demonstrations, the free festival provides a great opportunity to check out one of western North Carolina’s most timeless traditions and even bring home a piece of your own.
