Whether you’re on the hunt for a fun date night out at Thursday’s Dean & Deluca event or want to support a cause with your next pint at Saturday’s Ales for Autism, this weekend is shaping up to be one for the books. Here’s where to go and what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
Thursday, March 30
Dean & Deluca Welcomes New Offerings
Dean & Deluca Phillips Place
6 p.m.
Dean & Deluca in Phillips Place will be adding meat, seafood and produce to its already tantalizing spread of fresh offerings. To celebrate, they are hosting a party on March 30 from 6 p.m.- 7:30 p.m., complete with tastings, vendor showcases, cooking demonstrations and promotions. Open to the public but RSVP please at: deandeluca.com/spring-tasting-nc or call 704.643.6868.
Alive After 5 Kick Off ft Straight Fire
Epicenter
5 p.m.
The go-to after work party is back this Thursday night. Grab a cold one and your favorite coworkers to kick off the popular concert series with a performance from Straight Fire.
Friday, March 31
Spring Season Kick-Off Friday Night Fire Pit
Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill
5:30 p.m.
The spring weather and extra hours of daylight won’t be wasted at Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill, where they’re keeping the cider bar open late (until 9 p.m.) for a Friday night bonfire.
Shake.Stir.Sip.Socialize: Bartending 101 Cocktail Class
Hygge Co-Working
Want to really impress guests at your next dinner party. Forego the fancy recipe and learn to pour, mix, shake and stir Charlotte’s most popular cocktails like a pro. In this hands-on class you’ll receive instruction on proper techniques and whip up three drinks yourself. $65 per person.
Hissho Sushi Rolling Class
Hissho Sushi
6 p.m.
Take date night to a whole new level with a class at Hissho University. You’ll learn all about the history of sushi and even how to roll your go-to favorites. $40 per person, $75 for couples.
Charlotte Craft Beer Week
Various Locations
Friday kicks off the 8th Annual Charlotte Craft Beer Week. Tastings, showcases, food pairings, brewing tours and more abound through April 9. Meaning you may want to tap into some of that carryover vacation time. The best way to plan your Charlotte craft beer experience is through the events tab on their website. Cheers!
Spring Blood Drive
Various Autobell Locations
Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1
Helping others and that fresh, clean car feeling? There’s nothing better. Autobell Car Wash is partnering with the American Red Cross for a two-day blood drive Friday and Saturday at multiple area locations. All presenting donors will receive a certificate for a free full service car wash, including interior cleaning. Pre-register and check participating locations here.
Saturday, April 1
4th Annual Ales for Autism
NoDa Brewing Company
5 p.m.
Raise a glass of Sensory Overload 4.0 for a cause this Saturday at NoDa Brewing Company. The special release beer is part of the 4th Annual Ales for Autism event, supporting inclusion-based programs through Autism Charlotte. Tickets range from $25-$65. Purchase here.
Ayrsley Pub Crawl
Ayrsley Town Center
2 p.m.
Discover your new favorite watering hole in Steele Creek at the Ayrsley Pub Crawl. Check in at Piedmont Social House, then stay for a game or two before venturing to participating bars including Carolina Beer Temple, Wild Wing Cafe and Rooney’s Market. Get a stamp for visiting each location for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Plan to arrive early, the first 250 participants get a free T-shirt.
Charlotte Spring Home Show
Charlotte Convention Center
Through April 2
Put down the Pinterest boards and make your HGTV dreams a reality with inspiration from the Charlotte home show. Whether you’re itching for a minor renovation or a major remodel, professionals will be on hand to help get your home ready for spring. The show is open Saturday from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Free admission.
Cuisine of North Africa
Blue Restaurant & Bar
11 a.m.
Take a culinary adventure with Chef Gene Briggs as your guide to North African cuisine. Learn about each of the four unique courses as they are prepared in front of you, then taste them for yourself as each one is served with a wine pairing. $44.95 per person.
One Year Anniversary Pawty
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte
Celebrate Lucky Dog Bark & Brew’s first anniversary with a day of drink specials, live music from Simplified, giveaways and specials on boarding and daycare for the pups.
Friends and Beerfest: Burgers, Brews and Buds
Legion Brewing
12 p.m.
Legion Brewing kicks off charlotte Craft Beer Week with a day of music, food and, you guessed it, beer. C2 and the Brothers Reed, Lisa De Novo, The Bloodworth Project and Late Night Special will providing live music, while Roots food truck and Two Scoops Creamery keep everyone fueled up. Buy a raffle ticket to support E2D, an organization that equips economically disadvantaged students and families in our area with access to computers, digital broadband and digital literacy training.
The Catawba SwimRun
U.S. National Whitewater Center
8 a.m.
Challenge yourself in one of the newest additions to the USNWC’s race calendar. Complete a series of alternating run legs through the trail system and swim legs in the Catawba River from your choice of one lap or three lap routes. Registration begins at $50.
Twirl N’ Swirl 5K
7520 Pineville-Matthews Rd.
8:30 a.m.
Walk or run to support the Arts Empowerment Project in this family-friendly 5k. In addition to the 5k route, a Fun Run option for kids follows at 9:30 a.m. Register for the race online. Learn more about the Arts Empowerment Project here.
Birdsong’s 6th Annual Spring Beak Party
Birdsong Brewing Company
12 p.m.
Can’t make it out of town for a spring break vaca? Birdsong Brewing has got the next best thing. Their 6th annual “Spring Beak” party is the perfect setting for the launch of a new brew, fittingly called Paradise City. Pack up your beach chair for a day of fun in the sun, beachy decor and maybe even some sand between your toes. Live music and food trucks round out the party vibe, and King of Pops is even offering a special Paradise City Pop to top off the day.
Chocolate Tempering Workshop
The Secret Chocolatier
2 p.m.
Learn all about the art of chocolate tempering in this two-hour class led by the pros at The Secret Chocolatier. You’ll dip fruits, fill molds, make bon bon shells and temper chocolate by hand, giving you tons of new tricks to show off at home. $60 per person.
Sunday, April 2
Mother Shuckin’ Oyster Roast
NoDa Brewing Company
1 p.m.
Shuck away with the help of NoDa Brewing Company, Sea Level NC, Haberdish and Growler’s Pourhouse this Sunday. Between downing oysters, toast to NC Beer month with a pour of Mother Shucker, a special oyster stout collaboration with Front Street Brewery. A portion of proceeds benefit the non-profit organization, The Bulb.
April Front Porch Sundays Kickoff
Front Porch Sundays
12 p.m.
Juan Taco” Bring the whole family out for a Sunday on the community front porch in South End. Shop clothing, jewelry, art and more from over 50 local vendors, enjoy live music from Elonzo Wesley, stop by a food truck for lunch and grab a pint from Sycamore. You can even prepare for the week ahead with yoga with NC Yoga Bar at 4 p.m.
