Assemble your weekend crew for an eventful weekend in the QC. From gallery crawls to horse races, our picks on where to go and what to do in Charlotte this weekend:
First up, our pick of the weekend:
Art & Soul of South End
Saturday, April 29
South End Neighborhood
12 p.m.
Embrace all that South End has to offer in a single day at the Art & Soul Festival. Celebrate community artists and creatives with a stroll down Artist Alley, feast from food trucks, jam along to live music, take a walk on the Rail Trail and even hop aboard the free trolley for a history lesson the way to South End’s most popular breweries. View all the details, and start planning your action-packed Saturday, here.
Thursday, April 27
Wuthering Heights
Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. shows
Emily Bronte’s literary masterpiece comes to life in this passionate adaptation performed by the Charlotte Ballet. Matinee and evening performance tickets are available online beginning at $25.
Collaborative Dinner: Spring Celebration
The Asbury
6:30 p.m.
Welcome Spring with a dinner honoring chefs, farmers and artisans who support sustainability and contribute to North Carolina’s food culture. Chefs and farmers will collaborate on a five-course tasting menu, narrated by the creators themselves. $65 per person, wine pairings are $25. Reserve online or call 704.342.1193.
Uptown Crawl
Uptown Charlotte
6 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to explore Uptown’s art galleries for free this Thursday night. Hop aboard the trolley or wander on foot as participating galleries open their doors to the public. View all participating galleries here.
Friday, April 28
Fiddlehead Cellars Tasting
Dilworth Tasting Room
6 p.m.
Dilworth Tasting Room hosts an evening of wine tasting that will have you thinking you’ve traded the Queen City skyline for vineyard views. Features tastings of Fiddlehead Cellars’ latest releases, including Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Noir and an appearance by special guest Robe Fry.
Saturday, April 29
Earthfest 2017
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Each Day
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is celebrating Earthfest all weekend long. Join in a guided hike at 1 p.m., create up cycled crafts, enjoy live entertainment and more. Local outdoor organizations including Carolina Threat Trail and Carolina Raptor Center will host hands-on activities and educate visitors on how they can make a difference beyond Earth Day. Â Food vendors and trucks will also be on-site. You can even indulge in a wine tasting at The Garden Store from noon to 2 p.m. Event is free with garden admission.
Catawba Lands Conservancy’s Pop-Up Picnic
Freedom Park
6 p.m.
If you ask Catawba Lands Conservatory, there’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors than an old-fashioned picnic. Feel free to bring your own picnic, or try a chicken salad creation from The Mayobird food truck between live music concerts and family activities. Ride your bike there and get a free tune-up. Beer and wine available for purchase.
Must Love Dogs Spring Fling
VBGB Charlotte
3 p.m.
Looking for others who share your love of dogs? Bring your pup to VBGB for music and fun. Plus, your dog can even get their portrait take. $10 admission, benefitting Spray Neuter Charlotte.
The Queen’s Cup Steeplechase
Brooklandwood Racecourse
Gates open at 10 a.m.
Don your best hat and finest frock for The Queen’s Cup Steeplechase. See who makes it into the winner’s circle after a day of socializing and tailgating with friends. Get your tickets here.
Sycamore Spring Fest ’17
Sycamore Brewing
12 p.m.
Beer: check. Weather: check. Live music: you bet. It’s a recipe for a perfect Saturday at Sycamore’s spring fest. Jam to live music on two stages, taste special release beers and dine from food trucks.
Charlotte VegFest
THE PARK EXPO AND CONFERENCE CENTER
11 a.m.
The Humane League presents a celebration of healthy and sustainable living at Charlotte VegFest. Explore vegan foods, view cooking demonstrations and get tips from nutrition experts. Free admission.
Hops for Hospice
Foxcroft Wine Co. SouthPark
1 p.m.
17 area breweries will line the patio at Foxcroft Wine Co. SouthPark at this year’s Hops for Hospice. Taste and try your favorites, dine on small bites crafted by Chef Chris and bid in a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Call to reserve your spot: 704.365.6550.
Do GOOD Week Celebration
NoDa Brewing Company
1 p.m.
Doing good feels good when you’re toasting to your community. Conclude DO GOOD week by lending a helping hand to local non-profits at NoDa Brewing Company. Live music and food vendors will round out the celebratory atmosphere.
Grand Opening Celebration
GoodRoad CiderWorks
11 a.m.
Help welcome Good Road Ciderworks to the neighborhood with live music, great food on-site, new releases and ciders poured into your own grand opening souvenir glass. $10 admission ticket includes glass and your first pour, with additional drink tickets for $5 each.
Walk MS: Charlotte
Symphony Park
7:30 a.m.
Join the fight to end multiple sclerosis. Lace up for Walk MS Charlotte at Symphony park. Participants can choose between a 1 or 3 mile route. Register: carolinaswalkMA.org.
Sunday, April 30
Brunch Cooking Class
Maggiano’s Little Italy Charlotte
10 a.m.
Burst out of your brunch bubble for a behind-the-scenes experience by the chefs at Magliano’s. See how they whip up brunch favorites and enjoy mimosas, pastries, fruits and a menu sampling. $30.