The weekend’s almost here and it’s time to get out there. Whether you’re looking for live music with a view, a healthy VegFest or to retox with a beer festival, we’re got the lowdown on what to do and where to go this weekend in Charlotte:
Sunset at Metropolitan – Featuring Five on Sundays
Thursday, May 12
METROPOLITAN
Each Thursday evening in May, Sunset at Metropolitan is hosting a free outdoor concert on their massive patio space overlooking the skyline (think prime time sunset view). The Thursday concerts start just in time for happy hour at 5:30 and runs until 8:30, still early enough to get the kids in bed.
If you can’t make it out on a weeknight, not to worry. You can also enjoy live tunes on Friday (courtesy of Dressler’s) and Saturday evenings (courtesy of Hickory Tavern). Here’s this weekend’s line-up:
May 19 – 5 On Sundays (5:30pm – 8:30pm)
May 20 – Brad Bailey Jazz Trio (6:30pm – 9:30pm)
May 21 – Heywire (6:00pm – 9:00pm)
New South for the New Southerner: Queen City Brews
Thursday, May 19
Levine Museum of the New South
Whether you hail from above the Mason-Dixon or call the Tar Heel State home, consider this beer history class your official welcome to the New South. Explore Charlotte’s journey to becoming one of the top craft beer scenes in the nation with Daniel Hartis, author of Charlotte Beer. Attendees will also sample beers from Birdsong Brewing, NoDa Brewing and Sugar Creek Brewing. $5 for members, $12 for non-members. Includes program, wine and a Southern buffet dinner from Mert’s Heart and Soul.
Shake. Stir. Sip. Socialize Craft Cocktail Classes
Thursday, May 19
The Gallery Southend
You’ve seen some of Charlotte’s best bartenders at work, but how about getting behind the bar yourself? Learn how to make three gin based cocktails that are perfect for upcoming Spring soirees. The event includes hands-on instruction, a personal cocktail station, recipes and a custom simple syrup to take with you.Tickets are $55 per person and can be made online here.
Science on the Rocks: Summer Camp
Friday, May 20
Discovery Place
Relieve the days of bug spray and campfires with Science on the Rocks’ adults-only party this Friday. Enjoy tent races, Nerf archery, spooky stories, friendship bracelets and more.
Swing Dance at the 7th Street Public Market
Friday, May 20
7th Street Public Market
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to swing dance in a casual environment, we’ve got the event for you. This Friday, 7th Street Public Market is turning into a dance hall for $5 introductory swing dance lessons and a chance to practice afterwards. Come out early to grab dinner from market vendors.
Art House Charlotte Open Gallery
Friday, May 20-Saturday, May 21
Art House Charlotte
Art House Charlotte is opening its (gallery) doors for your shopping pleasure. View works from over 20 artists this weekend, with an exclusive designer preview on May 19th.
KnightSounds: Romeo & Juliet
Friday, May 20-Saturday, May 21
Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts
It’s a tale you may think you know, but you’ve never seen like this. Charlotte Symphony has partnered with Charlotte Ballet for the KnightSounds finale complete with in-theater screens and a free live outdoor feed on the Levine Center for the Arts plaza.
One World Today Class
Saturday, May 21
Hilliard Studio Method
Burn for a cause at Hilliard Studio Method’s One World Today class. When you sign up, a donation of $30 will go directly to One World Today, an organization that gives girls in Uganda the opportunity to attend school when circumstances would have proved otherwise. Email info@hilliardstudiomethod.com or call 704.236.3377 to sign up.
Charlotte VegFest
Saturday, May 21
Grady Cole Center
Just in time for summer, Charlotte Vegfest is a celebration of all things healthy and sustainable. The free event will feature a variety of vegan foods, local restaurants and food trucks, local vendors, live music, speakers, nutritional experts, vegan cooking demonstrations, free prizes, gift bags and more.
4th Annual Charlotte Beer Festival
Saturday, May 21
Rooftop 210
Celebrate Charlotte’s growing beer scene with an all-day event with a view. Up on Rooftop 210, enjoy tastings from over 75 brewers while enjoying live music from the Early Ray Band. Ticket purchase includes drinking tickets and a beer festival glass.
Charlotte Food Fight 2016
Saturday, May 21
Stumptown Park
Stumptown Park will be humming with food trucks this Saturday at the 4th annual Charlotte Food Fight. While you sample tastings and vote for your favorites, enjoy live music and beer. 100% of the proceeds from this event go to sponsor Relay for Life of Charlotte.
The Dreamchaser’s Brewery Grand Opening
Saturday, May 21
The Dreamchaser’s Brewery
Waxhaw and Union County’s first brewery is opening its doors this weekend. They’ll have five beers on tap and a portion of proceeds from opening day will be donated to help sponsor a field trip for Waxhaw Elementary. In addition to their tasting room, you can enjoy your brews in the beer garden until 6 pm.
Butchery Class
Saturday, May 21
Passion8 Bistro
Get a rare glimpse into the traditional methods of Butchery from Pietro Annunziata. $52 per person, call to reserve your spot.
Explore Neighborhood History: Inventing Charlotte’s Greenways
Sunday, May 22
The Duke Mansion
How well do you think you know your neighborhood? Dive deeper with Historian Dr. Tom Hanchett and explore just how Myers Park led to a proposal for a sweeping city plan that stayed on the shelf for nearly a century. Landscape architect Beth Poovey of LandDesign, Charlotte discusses how the Greenway’s design finally came to life. Free to attend, but reservations are required here or by calling 704.714.4453.
