The Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward Tour returns May 16 and 17, running from noon to 4 p.m. each day through Charlotte's oldest historic district. The walkable, self-guided tour showcases private courtyards, Victorian front porches, and outdoor living spaces along a route that includes complimentary food, wine, and cocktail tastings from more than a dozen restaurants and vendors.
Presented by Friends of Fourth Ward, the neighborhood's civic organization since 1976, the tour doubles as a window into one of Uptown's most concentrated blocks of historic architecture, walkable dining, and green space. Live music from Prevox Trio, Isaac & Adele, The Porchlights, and Leisure McCorkle runs throughout both days.
What's new on the route
Spaghett — the Italian concept from James Beard nominee Chef Sam Hart, now open in the Historic Morrison House on West 10th Street — joins the tour for the first time. On Saturday only, Executive Chef Kendall Moore and award-winning mixologist Amanda Britton will offer complimentary tastings.
The Dunhill Hotel and The Asbury will hold an open house with tastings featuring Sticky Biscuits and a bourbon cocktail. And from 1 to 4 p.m. each day, docent-led tours of Historic Settlers Cemetery — Charlotte's oldest, founded in 1768 — are included with admission.
Tickets and the giveaway deadline
Day-specific tickets are $35 per person and valid for either Saturday or Sunday. Weekend Flex tickets are $45 and allow the buyer to choose which day to attend — useful for securing a spot before sellout while keeping options open.
A staycation giveaway from the Dunhill Hotel and The Asbury — one night in a Vintage Queen Room, a $50 dining certificate at The Asbury, and complimentary parking — requires ticket purchase by noon on Friday, May 8. Winner chosen by random drawing.
Regardless of ticket type, each stop or tasting location may be visited once. Tickets are non-refundable and the tour runs rain or shine.
Getting there
The ticket booth is at the corner of West 9th and North Poplar Streets in Fourth Ward. The 9th Street light rail stop is 0.3 miles from the booth. Limited free on-street parking is available within the neighborhood on a first-come, first-served basis, and ride share is encouraged.
Children who cannot be carried require a ticket. Strollers can be difficult on Fourth Ward's brick-paved sidewalks and may not work on narrow garden walkways. Leave dogs at home.
The full vendor list
Complimentary tastings courtesy of Arbol Eatery, The Asbury, Assorted Table Wine, Beverly's Gourmet Foods, Doc Porter's Distillery, Don Q Rum, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin, the Dunhill Hotel, Indigo Tea & Coffee, The Daily, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Pizzeria Sapienza, It's Poppin' Gourmet Kettle Korn, Republic National Distributing, and Spaghett (Saturday only). Additional vendors are expected before the tour.
The Secret Gardens Tour is presented by Friends of Fourth Ward with support from gold sponsor Howard Hanna Allen Tate. Full details, photos, and the complete vendor guide are at Fourth Ward Charlotte. Tickets at Eventbrite.