About this Event
On May 18th and 19th, 2024, from Noon to 4 pm each day, the Friends of Fourth Ward will host the Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward, an urban garden & lifestyle tour in the heart of uptown Charlotte. From the micro to the magnificent, the tour showcases a mix of private gardens, courtyards, rooftop terraces, and unique outdoor living spaces that are rarely, if ever, open to the public. This walkable, self-guided event allows tour-goers to explore these hidden oases while strolling the brick-paved sidewalks of this charming neighborhood in full bloom, complete with food and cocktail tastings at gardens and restaurants along the way. In addition to the featured gardens, the tour will highlight public art, historic homes, and special points of interest along the tour route, effectively making all of Historic Fourth Ward – and the extraordinary quality of life it offers – part of the tour.
Secret Gardens includes admission to a variety of private and communal gardens, as well as Fourth Ward Park, Historic Elmwood Pinewood Cemetery, and the Historic McNinch House restaurant and Victorian home. McNinch House also will offer wines-by-the-glass for purchase. Optional docent-led tours of Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery begin at 3:30 pm each day. The historic St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 7th & Tryon Streets will offer tours of its serene gardens each day during tour hours, as well as a free performance by the Charlotte Choir School in the sanctuary from 1:00-1:30 on Saturday only.
Additional Tour Attractions Include: Complimentary food and cocktail tastings (while they last) in gardens and restaurants along the tour route, and live music by Leisure McCorkle. Free golf cart rides from Ride Charlotte (first-come, first served; hop on when space available) throughout the neighborhood during tour hours.
Hospitality and Tasting Partners include: Broken Shed Vodka, Herradura Tequila, Diplomatico Rum, Queen City Grounds, Sea Level, Blue Chair Bay Rum, Potts Chocolate, Pizzeria Sapienza, It’s Poppin’ Gourmet Kettle Korn, 1800 Tequila, Tin Cup Mountain Whiskey, Be Refreshed Beverage Co.(Vinada NA Wines, Ritual, and With Co. NA mocktails), Spaghett (Sunday only), and more. Follow us @fourthwardCLT on Facebook and Instagram for updates!
Tickets: Day-specific tickets are $30 per person and are good for either Saturday or Sunday. Weekend Flex tickets are $40 per person and allow the buyer to choose which day to attend (Saturday or Sunday). Weekend Flex tickets are a great option for those who want to secure a ticket early, before sell-out, while keeping their options open for which date to attend. Regardless of Ticket Type, you may only visit each tour stop or tasting location once. The tour is walkable and self-guided. Tickets are non-refundable. Fourth Ward events sell out fast, so buy your ticket today!
During tour hours, ticket holders must redeem their tickets for tour guidebooks at the Tour Ticket Booth at the corner of West 9th & North Poplar Streets in Fourth Ward. The ticket booth also will be the only location for same day ticket purchases, if tickets are still available.
PLEASE NOTE: When purchasing a ticket, please check the receipt attached to your confirmation email. The receipt will clearly state which ticket type you have purchased. (The body of the Eventbrite email is confusing.) You will NOT receive paper tickets by mail. Please bring a printed or digital copy of your Eventbrite ticket or receipt with you to the Ticket Booth when you arrive.
Children who cannot be carried require a ticket. We love dogs, but, out of respect for the resident dogs and cats of Fourth Ward, please leave your furry friends at home.
Secret Gardens is presented by the Friends of Fourth Ward, with support from Gold Sponsors Allen Tate Center City, Charlotte City Club, and Ride Charlotte.
Parking: Tour-goers are encouraged to use ride share services or light rail to access Center City. The 9th Street light rail stop is .3 miles to our ticket booth at the corner of W. 9th & N. Poplar Streets, or you may choose the 7th Street stop if you would like to shop at The Market at 7th Street before or after the tour. Limited free on-street parking is available within Fourth Ward on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional center city parking information: http://www.charlottecentercity.org/transportation/parking/
Covid-19 Health and Safety Protocols: None at this time, but Friends of Fourth Ward follows federal, state and local guidance. Should conditions change, you will receive an Eventbrite email notifying you of any changes.
About Historic Fourth Ward and Fourth Ward CLT The historic Fourth Ward in Uptown Charlotte blends restored 100-plus-year-old Victorian homes with luxury condominiums, urban apartments, parks, and businesses. It is the oldest of the handful of designated Historic Districts in the city. This remarkable fusion of old and new is a defining characteristic of one of America’s most unique urban neighborhoods.
Among the vibrant threads in the vivid tapestry of the Fourth Ward is the Friends of Fourth Ward, under which the Fourth Ward Foundation and Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association flourish. These volunteer-driven, non-profit organizations raise funds, promote social activity and equity, and celebrate the diversity of the neighborhood.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Historic Fourth Ward, W. 9th & N.Poplar Streets, Charlotte, United States
