We’re well into the dog days of summer, and what do you have to show for your CLT weekends? If you need more checkmarks on your Charlotte Summer bucket list, this week and weekend will help you get there. Here’s the round-up:
Ride the New Charlotte Streetcar Goldline
Starting Tuesday, July 14
Take a ride on Charlotte’s first streetcar line in 77 years this week. The 1.5 mile CityLYNX Gold Line runs from the Time Warner Cable Arena to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center with six stations along the way. A bonus? It’s completely free.
South End Blend
Thursday, July 16
Wooden Robot Brewery
The Historic South End is teaming up to get all South End neighbors together to…blend! Meet new people, network and just hang out over some cold brews from newcomer Wooden Robot Brewery. They’re even throwing in some free appetizers and drinks for the first people to show up. Make sure to RSVP here and tell ’em scoop sent ya.
Queen’s Feast
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.
Caped Crusaders Take Over South End
Friday, July 17
South End Exchange
Become someone’s superhero at South End Exchange this weekend. The “Caped Crusaders 4 Cures†team invites you and yours to come dressed in your favorite superhero attire or get a kick out of kids taking pictures with theirs and support a great cause. Proceeds from specially marked items go directly to 24 Hours of Booty which benefits local and national Cancer fighting organizations.
Top Hats & Tails Ladies Night
Friday, July 17
Blackfinn Ameripub
It’s ladies night at Blackfinn this Friday, and for a good cause. Teal Diva, a local non-profit supporting women affected by ovarian and other cancers, is throwing its first annual Top Hats & Tails Ladies Night complete with specialty cocktails samples, passed hors d’oeuvres, vendors and more. $10 of admission price goes directly to Teal Diva and the first 50 ladies in the door get a special gift! Don’t forget to RSVP, and you know what to tell ’em – scoop sent you.
I ♥ Science on the Rocks
Friday, July 17
Discovery Place
Can you believe it’s been a full year since Discovery Place first launched it’s oh so fun Science on the Rocks event? Help them celebrate by enjoying the best of the best of the past year’s festivities at this “greatest hits” edition of SOTR. Just in case you’re not familiar with a few of their favorite things, let’s review: liquid nitrogen wine slushies, vaportinis, a hand-on-fire challenge, jet-propulsion beer pong and more will be on the playlist for the July 17 event.
Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne’s Summer Soirée
Friday, July 17
Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne
Bring the whole family out to Aloft’s Summer Soirée. Enjoy live jazz, local art and drink specials in their “backyard” to support the Morrison YMCA. Admission is free.
Artist Reception- Wan Marsh
Friday, July 17
Sozo Gallery
Haven’t swung by the Sozo Gallery yet? Here’s your official invitation. Find them tucked in the plaza of the Hearst Tower for fresh, original artwork from local and national artists. This Friday, celebrate featured artist Wan Marsh at their Artist’s Reception. Wan’s work has been recognized internationally and featured throughout the state.
Girls Night Out at Charlotte Fine Art Gallery
Friday, July 17
Charlotte Fine Art Gallery
Grab the girls for an artistic night out. The Charlotte Fine Art Gallery is hosting their monthly girl’s night out event where you’ll get the instruction and supplies needed to create your own Starry, Starry Night. Register here!
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!
Just Grill It! Cooking Class
Saturday, July 18
Upstream
If you’re a fan of Upstream’s cuisine, you’ll want to take advantage of this chance to learn from the best. Take the chef’s tips to your own kitchen at this Saturday’s Just Grill It! cooking class. This class includes tastings, beverages and take-home recipes.
Where the Wild Things Are Party
Saturday, July 18
Sugar Creek Brewing
We all love donating to a good cause that benefits kids. Craft beer isn’t a bad idea either. Do a little bit of both this Saturday as Guys With Ties and Sugar Creek Brewing Company host a“Where the Wild Things Are” themed party to raise money for Promising Pages, which takes books others have simply outgrown and gives them new life. Their mission is simple; imagine the possibilities if we could offer this to all at-risk children in the Charlotte area…and beyond!
South End Jazz Series
Saturday, July 18
The Trolley Museum
The South End Jazz Series is back with Marcus Jones & MNT. Register now for $15 advance general seating (save $5 over purchasing them at the door!) or opt for the VIP treatment with packages including complimentary parking, VIP seating and dinner. Regardless of which package you choose, bottles of wine start at just $15 and that’s good news for everyone.
Shania Twain in Concert
Sunday, July 19
Time Warner Cable Arena
Man, I feel like… I want to go to this concert and relive the magic that was 90’s country. Join Shania Twain at her first North American tour in over 11 years in the heart of Uptown.
Summer Tea in the Carolinas
Wednesday, July 22-Saturday, July 25
The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Celebrate summer at the Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge with their Summer Tea in the Carolinas. Don your straw hats and summer best Wednesday through Saturday and enjoy all of the traditional tea fixings, plus the option to add a mint julep for $10. Reservations are required: 704-248-4100.
Party in the Park
Wednesday, July 22
Romare Bearden Park
The weekly hump day throwdown is back this week with the pop and party sounds of The Holiday Band. Pack a picnic, move and groove to the beat and celebrate that you’ve made it halfway through the week.
Mark your calendars! Upcoming events in the QC:
Summer Food Truck Rally at Historic Rural Hill
Friday, July 24
Historic Rural Hill
Historic Rural Hill is inviting the whole family to their Summer Food Truck Rally. Enjoy live music from The Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project, NC beer and wine, children’s activities, games, hayrides and of course, tons of food trucks.
Summit Room Supper Club Pig Pickin’
Monday, July 27
The Summit Room
Just like you remember your parents having when you were little, The Summit Room’s Supper Club is a celebration of food, family and neighbors. This time around they’re serving up a summer pig pickin’ with all the fixings, dessert plus two beers on tap. Call (980)237-2227 for tickets.