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5 Charlotte airport projects to watch
If Charlotte Douglas International Airport feels like a perpetual construction zone, that’s because there are several big projects ongoing to modernize the facility — and to accommodate the millions of passengers who travel through every year.
Why it matters: Charlotte’s airport is among the top 10 busiest in the world. It isn’t just rebounding from the pandemic slump in traffic anymore. It’s smashing pre-pandemic records.
By the numbers: Charlotte’s airport expects to exceed 60 million passengers either by the end of the calendar year or the spring of the following year, airport CEO Haley Gentry tells Axios.
A record 53.4 million passengers traveled through CLT in 2023, breaking the previous record of 50.2 million set in 2019, per airport officials.
The big picture: Charlotte’s airport reflects the city as a whole — rapidly growing, with construction around every corner.
Here are five airport projects and features to keep an eye on this year:
1. Airport overlook
A new airport overlook off Marshall Drive is on track to open this summer, and it will be very different from previous versions, Gentry tells Axios.
The new overlook will include two playgrounds, space for food trucks, covered and uncovered picnic tables, parking for cars, bikes and buses, plus exhibits.
“It’s a great free activity for families to enjoy,” Gentry says.
The overlook area will also include a USAir Flight 1016 memorial. 37 of the 57 people onboard the Columbia, S.C. to Charlotte flight died when the plane crashed into a Charlotte neighborhood in 1994.
2. Delta Sky Club
Delta Sky Club will open its first Charlotte location later this year. The nearly 15,000-square-foot space will seat more than 250 people. The exact location of the lounge at CLT has not been shared.
Access details can be found here.
Check out our CLT lounge guide
3.Sky bridges
The sky bridges, which will connect the hourly deck to the terminal, are scheduled to be completed this summer, per the airport.
4. Concourse A expansion
Concourse A phase II expansion will open this fall, adding 10 new gates, which will primarily be used by Delta. The 191,848-square-foot expansion costs roughly $231 million. It will include:
-Auto-tinting window glass to help control the temperature and sunlight inside the concourse.
-Seats equipped with charging capabilities.
-Two new artworks.
-Two open bars and a restaurant.
-Restrooms.
“We’re already talking about ‘where do our next gates come from? How do we accommodate the growth?'” Gentry tells Axios.
5. New direct flights
American Airlines recently launched a new daily direct flight from Charlotte to Tulum, Mexico.
Frontier will add eight direct flights from Charlotte this spring: New York’s LaGuardia Airport, Baltimore, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, Houston, Buffalo, San Juan and Cincinnati.
American will also launch a nonstop flight to Vancouver, British Columbia starting June 5. Spirit will add a direct flight to Houston that day, too.
American will add seasonal nonstop service from June through early September for Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Bozeman, Montana: Calgary, Canada; and Spokane, Washington.
Read more here: 5 Charlotte airport projects to watch
Everything you need to know about Lovin’ Life Music Fest in Charlotte
The Lovin’ Life Music Festival debuts this spring in Uptown. It’s an event that organizers hope will help make Charlotte more of a music destination.
Catch up quick: The inaugural three-day festival runs May 3-5 in First Ward with several major headliners.
Tickets are still available. Children under the age of 11 enter free.
General admission three-day passes are $299, VIP is $669 and Super VIP is $1,299.
One-day tickets are not available at this time.
Editor’s note: Many details surrounding the festival will be released closer to the event and we will update this story periodically as we learn more. This guide was last updated on April 2, 2024.
Planning to attend the festival? Here’s what you should know before you go:
Lineup
Big-name artists like Post Malone, Stevie Nicks and Noah Kahan will headline the festival.
Other artists include: The Beach Boys, Parmalee, Happy Landing Maggie Rogers, Dashboard Confessional, The Chainsmokers, Quinn XCII, Petey Pablo, Mt. Joy, Young the Giant, Dominic Fike, Jessie Murph, The Fray, Allen Stone, Ripe, Lily Fitts, Holly Humberstone, Ax & the Hatchetmen, Weston Estate, The Aces, Anees, Infinity Song, Nightly and Artikal Sound System.
Charlotte-native DaBaby and the Grammy-nominated Concord natives, The Avett Brothers, will also perform. Charlotte’s Sainted Trap Choir, which recently competed on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League,” is also on the lineup.
Schedule
Gates open at 1pm. An app with performance times will be released in the coming weeks but festival organizers confirm to Axios that there won’t be acts playing on both stages at the same time.
What to expect
According to the festival map, there will be one main stage and two other stages to watch performances.
Super VIP and VIP ticket holders are closest to the main stage.
General Admission Plus ticket holders have an elevated viewing area and the remaining space is designated for General Admission.
Read more at:Everything you need to know about Lovin’ Life Music Fest in Charlotte
Radiant Revamp: 5 Trending Statement Lights for Every Kind of Kitchen
Kitchen design and lighting have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days of the singular choice between overhead fluorescent lights or Tuscany-inspired lampshades.
Nowadays, there’s a unique statement fixture for every kind of kitchen—from farmhouse to industrial to minimalist and more.
The best part about upgrading your kitchen lights is that it can be a standalone change (no renovation required) that immediately transforms the space from utilitarian to unique.
Looking for fixtures to tie your decor together and light the way for future gatherings? Here are five of our top picks for trending lights from Instagram to help inform your next kitchen upgrade.
1. Dish lantern pendant
One of our favorite statement lights for a rustic or industrial-style kitchen is the dish lantern pendant, like these from @verandaestatehomes.
“Lantern pendants are great statement pieces for kitchen islands,” says designer Meggan Fadden Wynja, of the Color Cord Company. “This grounds the kitchen island and creates balance. The dish-shaped diffuser softens the look by adding a natural element and providing a glow below with bright indirect light above.”
Get the look: Get your industrial kitchen light glowing with this alabaster bowl pendant.
2. Twin lamp shade sconces
If your farmhouse kitchen needs ambiance lighting (think: glowy evenings and soft mornings), look no further than these twin lantern sconces from @novelinteriors.
“These are classics for a reason,” says Wynja. “They finish off a space nicely while providing the perfect amount of light—which will vary based on the shade’s material. Fabric or glass provides the best luminance, but the trend of wicker shades adds a wonderful natural element.”
Get the look: Add a dash of upscale glam to your farmhouse with a few of these Sussex shade sconces.
3. Vintage amber glass pendants
Another understated but powerful statement light we love? These gorgeous vintage amber pendants and the way they look in this “cottagecore” kitchen from @devolkitchens.
“These vintage amber glass pendants captivate with their warm, inviting glow, reminiscent of candlelight,” says designer Guillaume Drew, founder of Or & Zon. “Their popularity is due in part to the nostalgic atmosphere they create, which complements the current trend of blending modern and vintage elements in interior design.”
Get the look: Create a nostalgic vibe in your space by shopping this collection of amber glass pendants on Etsy.
Read more at:Radiant Revamp: 5 Trending Statement Lights for Every Kind of Kitchen
Detailed guide to 17 Charlotte-area farmers markets
Charlotte is home to a lot of great farmers markets.
Here’s what to know to navigate Charlotte-area farmers markets like a pro.
North End Farmers Market
The vibe: It runs Thursday, April 18, through October at Camp North End. This season’s market has a mix of 20 anchor vendors and weekly rotating vendors that sell everything from flowers to desserts.
If you go: 1701 N. Graham St. (Camp North End’s Keswick district.)
Open every Thursday from 4-8pm.
Vendors accept cash, card, SNAP and EBT.
There’s parking and it’s dog-friendly.
Uptown Farmers Market
The vibe: Starting April 13 through Dec. 14, you can shop from over 40 vendors selling fresh fruits and veggies, meat and poultry, and artisan foods and baked goods.
If you go: 300 S. Davidson St.
It’s open on Saturdays from 8am-12:30pm (rain or shine).
Vendors accept cards, SNAP and EBT.
There’s parking and it’s dog-friendly.
University City Farmers Market
The vibe: The market takes place every Saturday in May through October from 9am-1pm. Shop for veggies and fruits, pasture-raised eggs and meats, artisanal food, and natural beauty products while looking out onto the water.
If you go: NOVEL University Place at 6010 Jasmine Lane
Vendors accept cards, SNAP and EBT.
It’s dog-friendly and there’s plenty of parking.
Read more at:Detailed guide to 17 Charlotte-area farmers markets
What’s latest about sports?
Carolina Hurricanes
Hurricanes 5, Islanders 3
The Carolina Hurricanes overcame a 3 goal deficit and defeated the New York Islanders, 5-3 to take a 2-0 lead in their playoff series.
The Canes dominated possession time and total shots taken but could not light the lamp until midway through the second period. After that, it was almost all Carolina.
The Hurricanes took 110 total shots compared to 28 for New York. They managed 39 shots on goal, had 39 shots blocked, and missed the net 32 times.
The home team had 13 shots on goal in the decisive third period compared to one for the visitors.
After falling behind 3-0, Teuvo Teravainen scored the first of five straight off a nifty pass by Jake Guentzel on the powerplay.
Seth Jarvis made it 3-2 when he scored with just over nine minutes left in the third. At this point, it seemed like Carolina was on a continual powerplay because they held the puck in the New York zone for minutes at a time.
Brind’Amour called timeout and pulled Andersen from goal with about three minutes left in the game. Shortly after, Andrei Svechnikov found Sebastian Aho at the side of the net and Aho tipped it in much to the delight of a delirious crowd.
With the score tied at three, Jordan Martinook stole the puck behind the net and sent it to the net for the game-winner.
The goal was just nine seconds after the Aho goal.
The Islanders were definitely shell-shocked and were frustrated as they started with some late hits and cheap shots to close it out.
They took exception to Jake Guentzel’s empty netter and things got worse from there.
By time the final horn went off, they were called for six misconducts in the last minute. Carolina had three of their own, including one by Guentzel, who got one for mouthing off apparently.
The Islanders had never blown a three goal lead previously in their playoff history, (81-0).
Game three in New York on Thursday night should be interesting.
Read more here :Hurricanes 5, Islanders 3
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers select a versatile defensive back, Chau Smith-Wade, at No. 157 overall
CHARLOTTE—The Carolina Panthers selected Chau Smith-Wade, corner from Washington State, with the 157th pick overall in the 2024 NFL draft. The pick is a result of a trade with the New York Jets on Friday.
Smith-Wade played four years at Washington State, really coming on in his final two years. His junior year, he started all 13 games and was an Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 after leading the Cougars with eight pass break-up’s and tied for the team lead with three forced fumbles.
His senior season was shortened due to injury. In the first seven games, which he did play, Smith-Wade had 36 tackles, two for loss, and six pass break-ups. While he played outside corner in college, the Denver native says coaches and scouts around the league have expressed the belief he’d be best served at nickel in the NFL.
“I suppose I am small at corner, you know, given the height range there, but if I go in the league playing predominantly nickel, I’m the right size,” said Smith-Wade, who is 5’10”, 185 pounds, Saturday afternoon, before expanding on why he feels he could thrive there. “The talents that I do have from an a athletic standpoint, my quickness, my will to improve and able to see different patterns and route concepts.”
The Panthers were hoping to add some corner depth in the draft, after putting attention to other positions in free agency, and trading Donte Jackson to the Pittsburgh Steelers (as part of the Diontae Johnson trade). Smith-Wade’s rookie season will primarily be spent as a reserve behind Jaycee Horn, Dane Jackson and Troy Hill (who is set to play nickel).
Even though Smith-Wade hasn’t played nickel competatively yet, the idea of being closer to the ball is one he’s looking forward to.
“At nickel you’re never cold, you’re either in the run fit, you’re in the box or you’re guarding those quick guys in the slot, so you’re never cold at nickel,” he said.
“I really love that about nickel and the defensive back variety pack, out of the corners and safety, just being that nickel, you’re closer to the ball.”
Read more here :The Panthers select a versatile defensive back, Chau Smith-Wade, at No. 157 overall
Check out these AMAZING events this month of MAY!
Jiggy With the Piggy
Jiggy with Piggy Festival
We are celebrating 10 years of Jiggy with the Piggy! The festival will return in 2024 for its 10th year with the smells and tastes of barbeque and fun for the entire family. Make plans now to join us May 2 – May 5, in downtown Kannapolis.
Country Music Superstar Craig Morgan will help us celebrate our 10th Anniversary with a free concert, Friday, May 3, on the North Carolina Research Campus Horseshoe.
Read more at:Jiggy With the Piggy
20TH SPRING SHAKORI HILLS
GRASSROOTS FESTIVAL
MAY 2-5, 2024
JOIN US FOR THE 20TH ANNUAL SPRING SHAKORI HILLS GRASSROOTS
FESTIVAL OF MUSIC & DANCE MAY 2-5, 2024!
Read more at:20TH SPRING SHAKORI HILLS GRASSROOTS FESTIVAL
BBQ FEST ON THE NEUSE
MAY 3-4, 2024
DOWNTOWN KINSTON, NC
The World’s Largest Whole Hog Cook-off!
Read more at:BBQ FEST ON THE NEUSE
Check out these AMAZING Concerts and Plays this April!
Knight Theater
THE ALLMAN BETTS BAND
with special guest JD SIMO
MAY 20, 2024
Graystone Promotions presents The Allman Betts Band Individually, they’re Devon Allman and Duane Betts, two solo artists and modern-day guitar heroes who’ve both spent years creating their own version of American roots music.
Together, they’re the leaders of The Allman Betts Band, a supergroup anchored by sharp songwriting, fiery fretwork, and an historic legacy. Inspired by the classic sounds of the group’s family tree, The Allman Betts Band makes timeless rock & roll for the modern world, blurring the boundaries between blues, Americana, and southern soul. Over the course of two critically-acclaimed studio albums, hundreds of live shows, and annual performances of the Allman Betts Family Revival, The Allman Betts Band has established its own legacy of music and brotherhood.
Buy tickets here: THE ALLMAN BETTS BAND with special guest JD SIMO
FILLMORE
Alpha Wolf: Half Living Things
May 1
All Ages Welcome
Doors: 6:00pm
Show: 7:00pm
Ticket prices will increase the day of the show.
All dates, acts, and ticket prices subject to change without notice.
All tickets are subject to applicable service fees via all points of purchase.
Buy tickets here: Alpha Wolf: Half Living Things
Ovens Auditorium
An Evening with Leonid & Friends
May 12
Just announced: Leonid & Friends – The World’s Greatest Chicago Tribute are bringing their Spring Tour to Ovens Auditorium Charlotte 5/12!
Buy tickets here:An Evening with Leonid & Friends
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
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