Trade in the long car rides for a relaxing “staycation” in town this weekend. Don’t worry, we’ve got more than enough to keep you busy and beat the heat. Here are our picks on what to do and where to go this weekend in Charlotte:
Coffee & Chocolate Pairing
Thursday, July 21
The Daily Details
Coffee and chocolate: it’s the best of both worlds at this Thursday’s SkillPop class. Join Blair from Pott’s Chocolate and Matt from Pure Intentions Coffee at The Daily Details, Uptown’s newest, prettiest salon, for an evening of tasty pairings and an inside look into how each got to your cup or plate.
Charlotte Restaurant Week 2016
July 22-31
Various participating locations
It’s time to flock to those restaurants on your must-try list. Charlotte Restaurant Week, which starts Friday, features tons of local restaurants offering special menus for $30 or $35 per person. Map out your favorites and make those reservations before they book up….most of our favorite spots on the list are already booked solid before 8:30 pm. See your 2016 options and start planning here.
SCOOP TIP [Conversely] this is also the best week to get into those hard-to-reserve or always-an-hour-long-waiting-list who are NOT participating in restaurant week as many of the madding crowd will be at Queen’s Feast. So if you can’t reserve at the one(s) you want…there’s always a silver lining.
SummerSHARE Charlotte
Beginning July 11
Did you know that summer is when many local non-profits are in need the most? Do your part by buying something off of your favorite organization’s summer “wish list” during the SummerSHARE Charlotte campaign running July 11-22. Over 75 non-profits are participating in the second annual campaign, with the goal of gifting the organizations with 3,000 of their most-needed items. Start by browsing the item lists on their website: www.sharecharlotte.com/summershare.
Tread Nightly/Tread Brightly
Friday, July 22-Saturday, July 23
U.S. National Whitewater Center
This weekend you won’t have to decide between your evening and morning runs. Start off with the Tread Nightly Trail Half Marathon and 4-Miler on Friday evening, camp out overnight, then rise and shine for the Tread Brightly Half Marathon and 4-Miler the next morning.
Swing Dance at the 7th Street Public Market
Friday, July 22
7th Street Public Market
Check “learn to swing dance” off of your bucket list once and for all. Gottaswing Charlotte is hosting an introductory swing dance lesson followed by a night of dancing at the 7th Street Market. Admission is just $5.
If/Then
Through Sunday, July 24
Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
If/Then has become a Broadway favorite, and has made its way to the Queen City. Enjoy performances through Sunday, July 24. Buy tickets here.
Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series
Saturday, July 23
Stumptown Park
Enjoy a family night out at the Matthews Summer and Music Series. This week it’s a showing of Norm of the North, beginning at dusk. Vendors will be on-site with food and drink options.
Namaste + Sip
Saturday, July 23
NoDa Yoga
Detox to retox with the Assorted Table Wine Shoppe and NoDa Yoga. Start off with a 45 minute yoga class followed by a wine tasting session featuring four organic and eco-friendly vinos. Each wine will be accompanied by snacks and chocolate treats. Cost is $45. Register online.
Bloom: Transformations
Saturday, July 23
McColl Center for Art + Innovation
At Bloom, performers soar through the air and dance across the floor to take you on a journey through life, death and rebirth. The immersive experience will have two performances on Saturday evening, one at 6 pm and the second at 8:30 pm.
Winestock Music Festival
Saturday, July 23
Treehouse Vineyards
It’s like Woodstock, but with wine. Treehouse Vineyards will be filled with live music and flowing wine this Saturday, where a $10 admission fee includes a special edition wine glass, a raffle ticket for awesome prizes, wine sampling and a wine tour. There will also be a “Best Hippie” contest at 3 pm, we’re expecting pictures.
Rubik’s Cube Cake-Off
Saturday, July 23
Discovery Place
The inventor of the world’s favorite puzzle is turning 72, and Discovery Place is celebrating with a Rubik’s Cube Cake-Off. Local bakeries and pastry chefs will enter their creations in pursuit of the grand prize. Attendees will be able to taste and vote for the People’s Choice Award. Judging takes place on Saturday at 12 pm, but the cakes will be on display through Sunday.
Thirsty Nomad Brewing Grand Opening
Saturday, July 23
Thirsty Nomad Brewing, SouthEnd
Cheers to the newest brewery to hit the Charlotte scene. Thirsty Nomad Brewing Company is opening its doors this Saturday with a grand opening celebration from 2 pm-10 pm. Sip on beer, wine, cider and even coldbrew coffee. After the grand opening, Thirsty Nomad will be open Fridays from 4 pm-10 pm and 12 pm-10 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Freedom Summer Series
Saturday, July 23
Freedom Park
Come out to the park for a Saturday evening of jazz under the stars. This month enjoy the smooth sounds of the Urban Jazz Coalition with opener Dante Lewis. What to know before you go: bring lawn chairs or blankets, no outside alcohol or glass containers permitted, food and drink vendors will be on-site.
Cool off at the Duke Mansion
Monday-Thursday evenings in July
Wind down with a new type of happy hour amongst the beauty of the Duke Mansion. Grab a refreshing cocktail from the cash bar, then spend the evening strolling through the gardens. No reservations required. 5-8 pm.
