Now that you’re back from your July 4 vacay, stick around the Queen City this weekend because there’s a lot going on. Here’s the itinerary for your weekend “staycation”:
Vivace’s New Bar Bites Menu
Ongoing, served Monday-Friday from 4PM-6PM
Vivace Charlotte
Plan a happy hour at Vivace’s sunny patio (one of Charlotte’s best, in our opinion) to enjoy their updated bar bites menu. Executive Chef Mike Suppa has done it again with perfectly curated small plates perfect for warm weather; think gorgonzola stuffed figs, caramelized onion pizzetta and their ode to Southern fare, fried olives. Pair the appetizers, priced between $4-$6, with a new summer cocktail like the Blueberry Caipirinha, Maraschino Mule or refreshing Limonada for a weekday Italian getaway.
Sky High Art Show
Thursday, July 9
Sky High Sports
Join the staff at Sky High Sports for their first ever Staff Art Show. Browse pieces for purchase or just marvel at the talent of the staff right here in Charlotte. There will also be live music from local duo Dalton and Liam and jump time specials.
South End Neighborhood Block Party
Thursday, July 9
The Unknown Brewing Company
It seems being neighbors with one of Charlotte’s best breweries has its advantages. This Saturday, Unknown Brewing is showing its love for the South End neighborhood by throwing a block party. What’s even better? Instead of the old neighborhood potluck, ROOTS food truck will be on site serving up your favorites and the beer will be flowing all evening. There will be live music from Heroes At Last, outdoor games and free arcade play. Oh, how we love good neighbors.
SLATE Interiors Artist Reception + Jewelry Showcase
Friday, July 10
SLATE Interiors
Come help SLATE Interiors celebrate one of their resident artists in their Artist Reception and Jewelry Showcase this Friday. Holly Keogh’s work captures those long lost family memories that don’t quite make it to the picture frames, but are memorable nonetheless. Catch a bit of nostalgia, enjoy light bites and beverages and mingle with artists at this month’s artist reception. Holly’s fiance, Blaine Hurdle of Pins & Needles, will also be on site with a jewelry pop-up shop.
Fillmore Craft Beer Sessions
Saturday, July 11
NC Music Factory
Join The Fillmore for their Summer Craft Beer Sessions. There will be forty local and regional breweries, food trucks, games and best of all: unlimited beer sampling. We have a feeling you’ll leave with a new favorite.
Wine 102: Charcuterie & Cheese Pairings
Saturday, July 11
Mimosa Grill
After this class, you’ll jump at the chance to host happy hour. It’s part two of Mimosa Grill’s wine class with Sommelier Mark Orsini, and this time they’re spilling the secrets of creating a perfect charcuterie and cheese plate to go with your favorite glass of red or white.
#GoodMorning Breakfast at Good Bottle Company
Saturday, July 11
Good Bottle Company
We’re not fans of setting the wakeup alarm on the weekend, but now we finally have a reason. South End beer shop Good Bottle Company is opening its doors for breakfast (yes, breakfast) this Saturday. Enjoy breakfast favorites like pancakes with a twist; on the menu this week is a sweet potato and bacon pancake, or chorizo cheddar drop biscuits. Of course, they’ll also have breakfast inspired beer on draft and pour over coffees.
Bearden Music Series
Saturday, July 11
Romare Bearden Park
Get ready for another installment of the Bearden Music Series. Pack a picnic, grab a drink and listen to the sounds of bluegrass from Moonshine Racers
& Justin Fedor of The New Familiars.
Wooden Robot Opening Weekend
Saturday, July 11
Wooden Robot Brewery
There’s a new brewery in town and they’re inviting everyone to come check it out this weekend. Wooden Robot Brewery in South End will release four new brews in celebration of its official grand opening weekend: Tart Saison, Coffee Vanilla Blonde, Mango and Cash (brewed in collaboration with Heist Brewery) and Paranoid Android (brewed with Birdsong Brewing Company). Roots Farm Food truck will be on site with an oyster roast to pair perfectly with the brews.
Picnic with a Purpose
Saturday, July 11
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
Bring a teddy bear and your appetite to the farmers market this weekend. On Saturday, the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market is teaming up with Turnaround Toys to collect new and gently used teddy bears for kids in need. Everyone who comes to the market will get a free watermelon slice, thanks to the NC Watermelon Association. Food trucks, baked goods vendors, and growers will be on site, so that families can enjoy a wonderful picnic lunch at the market.
Joedance Film Festival Film Selections Reception
Sunday, July 12
Dandelion Market
Haven’t heard of Joedance? Let us introduce you. The Joedance Film Festival honors the late Joe Restaino and raises funds for rare pediatric cancer research and clinical trials at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC. Joedance is also committed to supporting Charlotte filmmakers, producers, writers and directors by screening their films at the film festival. And now you can be the first to know who will be a part of this year’s festival by attending the 2015 Selections Reception. Enjoy food and a cash bar while celebrating the films you’ll be able to see August 7-8 in Uptown’s Historic Fourth Ward neighborhood.
Chase Rice Concert
Monday, July 13
Ballantyne Village
Yes, you read that right! Ballantyne Village is welcoming home North Carolina native Chase Rice with a free concert next Monday. It’s taking place in the Plaza, and we imagine you will want to get out there early. Plan to bring your own chairs, but no coolers are allowed.
Annie
Tuesday, July 14-Sunday, July 19
Belk Theater
Everyone’s favorite little girl is back with classics like “Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard Knock Life” at the Belk Theater. Annie will have you laughing along and remembering the first time you fell in love with its classic story. Catch it before it’s gone!
Taming of the Brews – A Ladies Only Event
Tuesday, July 14
Sugar Creek Brewing Company
Think beer is just for the boys? Think again and join Girls Pint Out for an event just for the brew-loving gals. At Taming of the Brew explore the sensory experience of craft beer with a flight tasting and discussion with a Certified Cicerone craft beer expert.
Party in the Park
Wednesday, July 15
Romare Bearden Park
Break up the work week with family night out or a fun date night to Romare Bearden Park. Bring a picnic dinner and some folding chairs. It won’t feel like Wednesday night when The Entertainers start playing classic beach music favorites!
Taste of the Mint – America the Beautiful
Wednesday, July 15
Mint Museum Uptown
Celebrate the Mint’s newest exhibition, America the Beautiful: Works on Paper from The Mint Museum, with a night of local tastes and a private exhibition tour. In this month’s Taste of the Mint, Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth is crafting an exclusive summer menu for attendees complete with beverage pairings and dessert.
Mark your calendars! Upcoming events in the QC:
Queen’s FeastÂ
Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 26
Participating Charlotte Restaurants
It’s back! Queen’s Feast is the best time to try all of the Charlotte favorites you haven’t gotten to yet. 120 area restaurants are joining together to serve up exquisite three course meals at only $30 or $35 per person. Hurry and make your reservations now!
Red Clay Ciderworks Grand Opening
Saturday, July 18
Red Clay Ciderworks
Who’s ready for some cider in the heart of this craft beer craze? We are. Come welcome Red Clay Ciderworks to the neighborhood at their grand opening event on July 18. They’ll have live music, giveaways, games, food trucks and even a Red Clay Hard Cider Slushie!
