Cinco de Mayo is just the kickoff to a weekend full of derby parties, charity events and even a knight out at the ballpark. Our guide to where to go and what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
Friday, May 5
Here’s our post on where to eat for Cinco de Mayo, with deals, parties and our fave Mexican restaurants in CLT.
Carolina Voices Presents The Big Sing
Friday, May 5- Saturday, May 6
McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square
7:30 p.m.
Can’t hold a tune? Be inspired by the professionals as the Carolina Voices ensembles take the stage to perform choral classics. Both Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 7:30 p.m.
Time Laps 24 Hour Relay Race
U.S. National Whitewater Center
7 p.m.
Race ’round the clock at the fourth annual Time Laps 24-Hour Relay. You and your team will relay your way to the finish line where a bonfire, s’mores, live music and a post-race party await.
Sounds on the Square feat. Girls Rock Charlotte
Spirit Square
7 p.m.
Help welcome the newest live music series as Sounds on the Square welcomes Girls Rock Charlotte to the stage. Bring your lawn chair each Friday evening for music from local musicians. Concessions and beverages will be available for purchase.
South End Gallery Crawl: May Edition
Southend Charlotte
5 p.m.
Explore the art scene in South End with their monthly gallery crawl. Make your way through six participating galleries open late to welcome guests and neighbors alike. Start planning your night with all the details here.
Skew The Masters Fine Art Opening Exhibition
Ciel Gallery
6 p.m.
Peruse the work of Ciel Gallery member artists as they put their own unique spins on master through the ages. Inspiration comes from the work of Picasso, Chagall, Vangogh and more. A free opening reception opens the show to the public from 6- 9 p.m. More details.
Saturday, May 6
12th Annual Pink Knights Game
BB & T BallPark
6 p.m.
Support the home team and the Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund as the Knights take the field at the 12th Annual Pink Knights game. Partners Charlotte Radiology and Belk lead the fight against breast cancer with special merchandise and a jersey auction.
Derby Days
Mint Museum Randolph
3 p.m.
Grab your hat and mint julep, Derby Days is back for its 27th year. Catch the most exciting two minutes in sports with a large-screen viewing, open wine and beer, food trucks, a raffle, game son the lawn and more. Proceeds help sponsor free tours of the museum for Charlotte Mecklenburg school students. Tickets are $40 for members and $55 for non-members. Get yours here.
Rosé Fest
Seaboard Taproom & Wine Bar
1 p.m.
Relax in the shaded courtyard at Seaboard Taproom & Wine Bar with a new favorite rosé. Enjoy unlimited samples from over 30 rosé options, live music, a commemorative tasting glass and complimentary small bites. $45 per person.
Crowntown Throwdown Cornhole Tournament
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
11 a.m.
Put your cornhole skills to the test as teams from across the city compete for prizes including big green egg grills, yeti coolers and more in support local non-profit InReach. The day rounds out with live music, a silent auction and beer. $40 per player ($80 per team) to enter. Sign up here.
Goodyear Arts Prom
Goodyear Arts
8 p.m.
Ever wish you could go back and relive your high school prom? Travel back to the glory days and support Goodyear Arts and their new space. Attendees will don their best formal wear while dancing to favorite 80s and 90s jams. Tickets start at $50 per person. Reserve yours here.
Charlotte Food Fight 2017
Stumptown Park, Matthews
3 p.m.
Save up your appetite for the fifth annual Charlotte Food Fight. Multiple area food trucks will compete for your vote after a day of sampling dishes that must include a secret ingredient: Magnolia Coffee. Proceeds benefit local charities and initiatives.
5th Annual Foxy Derby
Leroy Fox
3 p.m.
Join the winner’s circle at the fifth annual Foxy Derby. Bow-ties, hats and sundresses will fill the patio of Leroy Fox for the viewing of the derby, along with live entertainment, frosty mint juleps, games and Southern fare to snack on. Donations will be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.
Cooking Class-Tribute to James Beard
Blue Restaurant & Bar
11 a.m.
Dust off your apron for four courses of cooking demonstrations led by Chef Gene Briggs. See each course prepared in front of you, then enjoy with a wine pairing. $44.95 per person.
Sunday, May 7
Open Streets 704
1 p.m.
Ever wonder what our city would be like without cars? Ditch the traffic for your bike and sneakers during Open Streets 704, where streets will have limited or restricted through traffic and welcome vendors, activities for all ages and more. The day kicks off with a bike decorating contest at the corner of Pecan and Commonwealth at 1 p.m. Along the route, activities and events are organized into four categories: the arts and science zone, green zone, wellness zone and the family zone.
May Front Porch Sundays with Greater Charlotte SPCA
2151 Hawkins Street
12 p.m.
South End has all the makings of a Sunday well spent: stoppable vendors, yoga, beer, live music and dog adoptions. Enjoy it all along the rail trail at this edition of Front Porch Sundays.
