The Luminere light show puts on awe-inspiring displays at Biltmore. Plus, catch Spring Fever in New Bern or envelope yourself in Charlotte SHOUT!
There is nothing better than a fully activated city. It felt like something was happening in every corner of Charlotte over the weekend, from the “No Kings” rally at First Ward Park to the RnBrew one-year anniversary festival at Urban District Market to the anticipated return of Art, Beats + Lyrics at the newly opened Blume Studios.
And that was just a normal weekend! This week marks the launch of Charlotte SHOUT!, a special time when there truly is something happening in every corner of the city. I love walking around Uptown during SHOUT!, taking in the cross sections of culture.
If you’re contemplating a visit to the Queen City, April 3-19 is the time to arrive. With activations taking place at more than a dozen venues around the city, make sure to stop by Levine Avenue of the Arts, which is always a good time during SHOUT!
Learn more about that festival below, along with a couple other cool events taking place across North Carolina this week.
Luminere at Biltmore Estate in Asheville
Now through Oct. 18
1 Lodge Street, Asheville
Christmas at Biltmore has long been a tradition thanks to its awe-inspiring light displays both inside and on the grounds of the hallowed estate. This year, to mark Biltmore’s 130th anniversary, visitors can experience an evening light show on select evenings from spring to fall that highlights the mansion’s history in a dazzling show.
Having launched on March 26, Luminere uses projection mapping, lighting, and music to reimagine the Biltmore House and its surrounding landscapes with the help of the renowned Klip Collective.
The exhibit follows a self-guided route through the Biltmore grounds, not only on and in the house itself but the gardens, Conservatory, and treescape. All of which become canvases for projections that tell the story of the Vanderbilts’ Carolina estate with custom lighting and an original score composed by Julian Grefe.
“Opening Luminere is an incredibly meaningful moment for us,” said Chase Pickering, vice president of guest experience and great-great-grandson of Biltmore founder George Vanderbilt. “My family has always believed in preserving the past while embracing the future. With Luminere, we’ve created something entirely new that honors our legacy while offering guests a fresh perspective on the estate.”
While the show will soon be offered only on select nights, for the next two weeks the display will take place daily. Check out the schedule and available tour packages at the website.
Charlotte SHOUT!
April 3-19
Various venues
Launched in 2019 as part of Charlotte’s 250th birthday celebration, this arts, music, food and cultural festival has become an annual staple for Charlotte’s creative scene, with activations occurring at more than a dozen venues around the city.
This year’s fest features more than 200 events and attractions, with a theme that invites visitors to “let wonder lead the way.”
One of the highlights each year is the Charlotte StrEATS Festival, a free event that highlights the city’s nascent culinary scene. As for what’s going on this week, we recommend checking out Will White’s Wondrous Wardrobe, a new immersive, fashion-led public installation curated by one of Charlotte’s most foremost designers and inspired by Alice in Wonderland. It’s located at 400 S. Tryon Street and open Tuesday-Sunday at select times.
There’s far too much going on for us to do it all justice, so check out this helpful guide from the event organizers if you’re planning a visit.
Spring Fever at Rivertown in New Bern
Saturday, April 4, 3 p.m.
Riverfront Convention Center, 203 S. Front St., New Bern
There’s no better way to shake off those winter chills than with Beach, Boogie and Blues, which is the name of the eastern NC radio station that puts on this festival but also describes the event rather well.
Gather at the riverfront for a springtime mix of classic beach music, funky grooves, and modern country performances.
Alex Williams puts together electrical arrangements with his piano and guitar, Spare Change is a La Grange-based party band with a playlist that puts most jukeboxes to shame, and the I-42 Band puts on a high-energy dance party that provides the perfect kickoff for spring.
https://new.cardinalpine.com/local/scottish-loch-norman-highland-games/
