April is North Carolina Beer Month and the state has more craft breweries than any other state in the South. Charlotte's hops are among the top with nearly two dozen craft breweries in operation and even more on the way. It's less than a 4-hour drive from Atlanta up I-85 to the Queen City, and here are a few ways to explore what Charlotte's got on tap.
Moo & Brew Craft Beer and Burger Festival
Moo & Brew will offer samplings from various breweries and tastes from local restaurants vying for the title of " Best Burger." In addition to the burgers and beer, there will be performances by groups Sinners and Saints, Bubonik Funk, Truckstop Preachers and more.
April 16, 12:30-2 p.m. VIP admission, 2-6 p.m. general admission. General admission $45, VIP $65. AvidXchange Music Factory, 1000 NC Music Factory Boulevard, Charlotte. www.mooandbrewfest.com
Bayne's 2nd Annual Craft Beer Olympics
Teams of two will compete in various events from Giant Jenga to Cornhole and LadderBall to determine who will take home the gold. Free pizza will be served to all participating Olympians and prizes will be awarded to winners. Drinking is not required to participate.
April 16, 3 p.m., $30 team entry fee. Bayne Brewing Company, 19507 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius. 704-897-6426, www.baynebrewingcompany.com.
Tuck Fest is a three-day festival that celebrates the outdoor lifestyle through competitions like trail running, kayaking, biking, climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, slacklining and adventure racing. Guests of any age or skill level are welcomed to participate in the over 20 competitions in and around the river. There will also be live bands, food and beer.
April 22-24, 10 a.m. Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Parking is $5 and prices vary. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte. 704-391-3900, tuckfest.org.
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery invites you to their crawfish boil. Enjoy Louisiana favorites like shrimp, crawfish and jambalaya. There will be local food and music all day.
April 23, free. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 215 Southside Drive Charlotte. 704-525-5644, www.oldemeckbrew.com.
Charlotte Brews Cruise offers a complete look at the city's craft beer community. The brewery tours give you the opportunity to visit multiple breweries, taste samples, learn the brewing process, get a behind-the-scenes look at how and where the beer is made and talk to the people who make it. The best part is you don't have to worry about drinking and driving; the cruise takes care of it all during the tour.
Every Saturday in April, tours start at $49. Charlotte Brews Cruise, 1031 Churchill Downs Ct. Charlotte. 704-550-2005, www.brewscruisecharlotte.com.
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