Feeling the need to mix it up a bit this weekend? We’ve got just the thing. Browse through our round-up of the best events to fill your calendar with. Your guide to where to go and what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
Thursday, March 9
March Money Madness
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille
6 p.m.
Get in on the action at March Money Madness, presented by The Junior League of Charlotte. Excitement runs high each year as the games play, attendees enjoy appetizers, raffle prize winners are announced and the silent auction heats up. Past prizes include a Bond Street Wines tasting party, tickets to the Wells Fargo Championship, a class package from Hilliard Studio Method and more. Proceeds benefit The Junior League of Charlotte. Purchase here.
Susan G. Komen Charlotte Laugh for the Cure
McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Laugh for a cause with comedians Craig Shoemaker and Jason King to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, auctions and a laugh-out-loud comedy show hosted by WBTV’s Molly Grantham. Tickets are $65 for general admission and $80 for VIP. Click here to purchase.
Historical WestEnd Then and Now Presentation
Blue Blaze Brewing
6:30 p.m.
In order to understand the future of one of Charlotte’s changing neighborhoods, we’re looking to the past. Historian Dr. Tom Hanchett will lead a tour through the history of our city’s historic WestEnd neighborhood, from Johnson C. Smith University to West Boulevard and everywhere in between. The first 50 beers are free.
Friday, March 10
Sleeping Beauty at Charlotte Ballet
Friday, March 10-Sunday, March 19
Knight Theater
Follow Princess Aurora through the enchanted classic tale brought to life by the Charlotte Ballet. Opulent sets, fanciful choreography and exquisite costumes set the scene for this storybook romance with performances through March 19. Tickets start at $25.
Couture for a Cause
Mint Museum
7 p.m.
The spotlight is on all things couture at this special runway experience benefitting Autism Charlotte. The evening features a fashion show with internationally acclaimed designer Luis Machicao, auctions and live entertainment. General seating tickets are $150, buy yours here.
PCG Food & Beverage Symposium
Friday, March 10- Sunday, March 12
The Art Institute of Charlotte
Take a hard look at food culture in the Carolinas with a symposium led by the regions farmers, chefs, educators, mixologists and more. The Piedmont Culinary Guild brings all of the movers and shakers in the culinary industry together for a weekend of workshops, a keynote address from Charlotte historian Tom Hanchett and a local food trade show. $175 ticket includes access for both days, lunch, admission to trade show and Saturday cocktail party. See here for more information.
Saturday, March 11
A Tour of Italy
Corkbuzz Charlotte
1 p.m.
Explore the wine regions of Italy-no passport required! Learn about wine laws and history, six major wine regions spamming from Alto Adige to Sicily, styles of production and suggested pairings. After a few sips and tips, you’ll be the master of the wine aisle. $55 per person. Register online here.
Rich & Bennett’s 17th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl
Uptown Charlotte
Check in begins at 12 p.m.
Join thousands of your closest friends in toasting to St. Patrick’s Day at Rich & Bennett’s 17th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl. Spend the day visiting Uptown bars while donning your signature bar crawl T-shirt and enjoying drink specials and free admission. Check in begins at The Pub Crawl Party Lot at 219 E. 7th Street at 12 p.m.
Color Me Green 5K Color Run
U.S. National Whitewater Center
10 a.m.
Another way to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit is to literally go green. At the Whitewater Center, participants in the Color Me Green 5K race through the trails trying to avoid being bombarded with green dye. Race day registration is $42.
Lenny Boy Patio Release Party
Lenny Boy Brewing
12 p.m.
Lenny Boy is teaming up with Mid-American Apartments for the official celebration of their newly renovated and expanded patio. Plus, you’ll get a free plate of BBQ with the purchase of a 22oz. SouthEnd MAAgic Yogi beer. Live music provided by Josh Lewis from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. and Jah Will Band from 4 p.m.- 7 p.m.
5th Annual RunJenRun 5K
Symphony Park
8 a.m.
Walk or run through the 5K route to support Go Jen Go, a non-profit that provides financial assistance and emotional support to individuals and families in the Carolinas battling breast cancer. Kids can sign up for the one mile fun run and race around the Kids Fun Zone. After the race, re-fuel with treats from Reid’s Fine Foods, kids activities, beer and music from the Throwback Thursday Party Band. Opt for the VIP experience with access to food, coffee, a heated tent and more.
South End Craft Crawl
South End Neighborhood
1 p.m.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect chance to check out South End’s breweries, here it is. On Saturday, free trolleys will take crawlers to 12 breweries and bottle shops throughout the neighborhood. Many stops will have live music and special releases or features. Trolleys run from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. View all participating breweries here.
Plan ahead
NC Fine Wines ShowCase
Monday, March 13
The Duke Mansion
Got a palate for NC wines? Celebrate the top 12 wines from the North Carolina Fine Wines Competition at the Duke Mansion next Monday. The top picks will be served with butlered hors d’oeuvres and stories from vineyard representatives. $100 per person. Purchase your tickets here.
Job Hunting Skills Seminar for High School Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
Tuesday, March 14
Heaton Hall at Myers Park Baptist Church
If you have a high schooler on the hunt for that perfect summer job, take note. Promenade of Charlotte, Inc. is hosting a one-night seminar that goes over all the basics: where to look for a job, interview best practices, what to wear and more. The event also features a panel discussion with businesses that hire teens. $20 per person. Get the full scoop here.
JP Charlotte’s Out of the Kitchen
Wednesday, March 15
The Westin Charlotte
This inaugural event features a three-course meal prepared table side, bringing Charlotte’s top chefs out of their kitchen and interacting with guests. Proceeds benefit Girls on the Run. View the full chef line-up and purchase your tickets here.
Flywheel’s 5th Birthday Party
Saturday, March 18
Flywheel Sports
Help Flywheel celebrate their 5th birthday with maxed out classes (think DJ rides, a Super FLY 5 ride, raffles in classes, treats in the lobby…) and a whole lotta fun. Leading up to the big day, challenge yourself to daily challenges starting on March 13 to be entered to win a Charlotte Hornets package. Find more info here.