From start to finish, there’s plenty to fill this weekend. Kick it off by crawling through Uptown’s art galleries, keep the good times going with an all-day Jazz festival, then wrap it up by shopping till you drop at Spring’s first pop-up shop. Start planning with our guide of where to go and what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
Thursday, March 23
Uptown Crawl
Charlotte Center City
6 p.m.
It’s never been easier to explore Uptown’s best art galleries. Hop on and off the free trolleys running from gallery to gallery at Thursday night’s Uptown Crawl. See here for a list of participating stops. Trolleys and admission to participating galleries is free.
Lucky Dog 0k & Run Club Kickoff Event
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte
6 p.m.
Getting back in shape for summer? Join the Lucky Dog Run Club, offering one, two and three mile routes each Thursday night. To kick off their new club, Lucky Dog is hosting a 0k (so no running just yet!) for everyone interested to review maps of the routes, enjoy low-calorie drink specials and more. It’s free to join and free to run.
March Crab Cake Sale– extended to cover spring breakers.
Clean Catch Fish Market
Through March 30
Don’t miss your chance to grab crab cakes from Clean Catch March 23-30. If you’re out on spring break this week, the sale has been extended just to accommodate you! They’re on sale for $9 per 6 oz. Three easy ways to order: email orders@cleancatchfish.com, call 704.333.1212 or text 704.272.4551.
Friday, March 24
Artstravaganza
Le Meridien Hotel
7:30 p.m.
Support the non-profit Different Roads Home while celebrating the power of art. The inaugural Artsravaganza will feature entertainment, local actors, a live auction, musicians and a performance from singer and songwriter Cindy Alexander. Admission also includes discounted parking, passed appetizers, a cash bar, artisan vendors and a $25 bid credit for the art auction. $50 per person. Use the code CHEAP at checkout for $15 off your ticket.
Saturday, March 25
Safe Place Celebration – Robert’s Walk
Freedom Park -> The Relatives’ Youth Crisis Center
8:30 a.m.
To wrap up National Safe Place Week, The Relatives is hosting Robert’s Walk and Community Celebration on Saturday. The walk starts at Freedom Park and winds up East Boulevard to end at The Relative’s Youth Crisis Center. There, the community is invited to celebrate with vendor booths, free food, music, giveaways and activities.
We’ve Got the Jazz Festival
NoDa Brewing Company
1 p.m.
Rediscover the joy of jazz with an all-day event at NoDa Brewing. The “We’ve Got The Jazz” Festival will feature a special release brew, local vendors, food trucks, games, raffles and of course, a carefully curated playlist of jazz music. The Harvey Cummings Project with DJ Smitty will entertain. The family-friendly event runs until 8 p.m. and is free, however registration online is required. Get yours here.
Bulldog Dilworth’s 4th Birthday Party
Bulldog Beer and Wine (Dilworth)
8 p.m.
Cheers to four years at Bulldog Beer and Wine’s Dilworth location. They’re ringing in their birthday with live music and specialty beers on tap.
The New South Trail Marathon
U.S. National Whitewater Center
8 a.m., Marathon 9 a.m., Half-marathon
Take to the trails with The New South Trail Marathon and Half Marathon. Choose from the full or half marathon routes that each run through the USNWC’s woodland trail system along the Catawba River. After you cross the finish line (or cheer on someone who does), enjoy food, beer from NoDa Brewing Company, awards and prizes from sponsors.
8th Anniversary Party
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
All day
Old Mecklenburg Brewery is celebrating eight years of brewing and pouring in the Queen City with the release of their Anniversary Alt (an annual release just for the occasion) and live music from Chuck Johnson & Charlyhorse at 7 p.m.
Charlotte Wing Fest
Rooftop 210
2 p.m.
Chicken wings and beer: a match made in foodie heaven. Sample wings, from hot to truly unique, with beer pairings from local restaurants as they battle for your vote. Plus, challenge yourself to the wing eating contest at 7 p.m. $30 online.
31st Annual Elizabeth 8k Road Race
“Hawthorne Recreation Center
Independence Park”
Registration begins at 6:45 a.m.
Lace up for Charlotte’s oldest running road race. The Elizabeth 8k loops through the beautiful historic neighborhood ends with a lively awards ceremony at Hawthorne’s. Legion Brewing is creating a special ale for the occasion, and there will also be a food drive benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank.
Children’s Author Live Reading Event
Traditions
2 p.m.
The tale of The Grumpy Frog comes to life when author Dana Perri stops by Traditions on Saturday. Shop the store while kids enjoy story time and activities. Autographed books and shirts will be available for purchase.
Memory Gala
The Westin Charlotte
6 p.m.
The Inaugural Memory Gala celebrates those who support, volunteer and make strides against Alzheimer’s. Join the Alzheimer’s Association for a cocktail hour, dinner, live and silent auctions as well as entertainment by Kingsdaddy. Support benefits the Alzheimer’s Association Western Carolina Chapter.
Charity Bartending Event
Three Spirits Brewing
3 p.m.
Love beer? Join Charlotte Girls Pint Out, and all-ladies craft beer organization, for their charity bartending event. A portion of tips will be donated to the Friesland Foundation, which provides scholarships to students at Title 1 schools in our area.
Know Your Craft 5K
Triple C Brewing Company
7:30 a.m.
The Know Your Craft 5k is back with a route around South End topped off with an after party at Triple C. Post-run, enjoy live music, beer and more while supporting Project 2 Heal, a non-profit that uses the healing power of dogs to help children, adults with special needs and veterans.registration includes a race t-shirt and one beer.
Sunday, March 26
The Oyster Roast
Historic Rosedale Plantation
2 p.m.
It’s a traditional Southern oyster roast at Historic Rosedale Plantation. Throw in some live music and craft beer and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a Sunday afternoon. In addition to oysters, the menu includes sides, a low country potato, onion and sausage boil and hot dogs for the kids. $50 per person.
Spring Fling Pop Up
Atherton Mill & Market
12 p.m.
Shop till you drop as over 30 vendors line Atherton Market at this Spring-themed pop-up shop. Browse clothing, jewelry, art and more. Coffee, wine, beer and food vendors will also be on site.
Cooking Class: Pasta For All!
Savory Spice Shop
4:30 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to lean to make fresh pasta? It’s easier than you think. Chef Chris leads this introductory class in making fettuccine and lasagna noodles. The pasta turns to full meals as the pastas are turned into a classic beef stroganoff and a tomato based lasagna. Recipes provided. $20 per person.
Mark your calendars! Upcoming events:
Rebuilding Together Charlotte
April 7-8
Roll up your sleeves to support the mission of Rebuilding Together April 7-8. The organization works with the elderly, disabled and veterans to provide critical home repairs that will ensure safety, accessibility and healthier living conditions. Their next project will be revitalizing the homes of four deserving residents in the Camp Greene neighborhood. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Rachel Demeter Racheldemeter@gmail.com or 574-261-8221.
