Raise a glass for a cause at the Duke Mansion, strike a pose under the shadow of the Firebird or take a stroll among the secret gardens of Uptown during this weekend of non-stop action around the Queen City. Our guide of where to go and what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
Thursday, May 18
Turquoise Tasting
Duke Mansion
7 p.m.
Help support the American Lung Association’s mission to improve lung health and prevent lung disease in the beautiful ambiance of the Duke Mansion. Toast to the inspiring women affected by lung cancer and those fighting to educate, research and advocate with wine and beer, complemented by an assortment of seasonal tastings. The evening also features music, raffle baskets and a wine pull. Tickets are $125 per person. Purchase yours online.
Attendees also have the option to remember or honor a loved one with a floral arrangement, displayed at the event and then yours to take home. Read more here.
The Art of Yoga
Levine Avenue
5:30 p.m.
Levine Center for the Arts and The Charlotte Observer have teamed up with a free night of yoga, art and good eats on Thursday night. The fun kicks off with a free outdoor yoga class on the plaza around the Firebird statue (prime Instagramming spot), then continues with food trucks, a cash bar, and three hours of free gallery access at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and Mint Museum Uptown. Pre-register and reserve your spot here.
Friday, May 19
Bechtler By Night: Gear Up
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
5 p.m.
Discover the Bechtler collection under the cover of the night sky with the May edition of Bechtler By Night. Enjoy free admission to the museum from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., enhanced by games, scavenger hunts and even Bechtler BINGO. This month’s theme is Gear Up, so expect kinetic-themed exhibits and activities throughout the museum. Light bites will be served from the Modern Café, along with a cash-only bar serving wine, beer, spirits and the featured cocktail of the evening, a Moscow Mule.
Mark O’Connor and Friends
Knight Theater
7:30 p.m.
The Altsounds series concludes with 2017 Grammy Award winner Mark O’Conner and his family band taking the stage at Knight Theater, infusing the air with rich sounds of bluegrass and Americana. Tickets begin at $29, purchase yours here.
Mec Dec Day Celebration
Corner of Trade and Tryon
12 p.m.
It’s the 242nd anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, thought to be the first to come from the American colonies. Celebrate with a parade, historical re-enactments and a reading of the declaration.
Saturday, May 20
Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward
Fourth Ward Neighborhood
12:00 pm until 4:00 pm
On May 21 and 22, gates to the gardens of one of Charlotte’s most historic and beautiful neighborhoods will welcome guests for tours. The Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward gives a one-of-a-kind glimpse into private gardens, courtyards, rooftop terraces and other outdoor living spaces to visitors and locals alike. Stroll the sidewalks while exploring vibrant public art, historic homes and other points of interest along the route.
Tour hours are from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. each day. Tickets are $20 each. Purchase online, at Alexander Michael’s Restaurant & Tavern and at Park Road Books.
Champagne 101 Wine Class
Corkbuzz Charlotte
1 p.m.
Between weddings, showers, vacations and graduations all coming up, it’s safe to say it’s celebration season. Before you propose your next toast of champagne, learn all about the world’s most famous sparkling wine, from its historic origins to cuisine pairings. This Corkbuzz class explores Blanc de Blancs, rosé and Prestige Cuvées through tasting and toasting. 1 p.m. $75 per person. Reserve your spot here.
North Carolina Lung Cancer Initiative LUNGe Forward 5k
Park Road Park
7 a.m.
Did you know that lung cancer takes more lives than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined? Lace up for the Charlotte LUNGe Forward 5 K Run, Walk and Rally to support those affected by the disease in North Carolina. The morning begins with speakers and survivor recognition, then continues with your choice of a 5k walk/run, one-mile course or a kids’ dash for those six and under. Proceeds benefit the Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina.
The Fresh Expo
Symphony Park
11am-5pm
Nothing screams Spring like healthy habits and green living. Learn a few tips from the Fresh Expo community from dietary changes to sustainability tricks to incorporate into your everyday life. Vendors will be on-site to guide you through tastings and experiences that will inspire you to live better. General admission tickets are $8 for each adult, children through age 15 are free with paying adult. Purchase tickets here.
Mixology with Bob Peters and Wooden Robot
Earl’s Grocery
2:30 p.m.
Like spirits and beer? Good news, you won’t have to choose at this edition of Mixology with Bob Peters. Bob is teaching us all how to turn sour Wooden Robot beers into refreshing summer cocktails. Get there early to grab a seat! Free admission.
Low Country Boil
Piedmont Social House
4 p.m.
Perfect your crawfish pinching skills with our friends at Piedmont Social House as they host their 1st Annual Low Country Boil. Expect all-you-can-eat crawfish and fixin’s, an event t-shirt and koozies. Top it off with a smooth serenade from Heroes at Last and their huge beer selection. $25 per person.
Lost Hollow Music Festival
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate the blues among gardens in bloom at the weekend-long Lost Hollow Music Fest. Each day features a range of musicians, food and beverage vendors, activities and more. General garden admission applies, free for Garden members.
Montford Park Block Party
1515 Mockingbird Lane
4 p.m.
Add Montford Park to the running contest of coolest CLT neighborhoods. Come see what all the talk’s about with their free block party this Saturday. Cross your fingers to win during the raffle, challenge neighbors to the YWCA obstacle course and learn about the vibrant business community. Grab food from multiple food and beverage vendors, and on the music stage, welcome bands Side Effect, Pluto for Planet and Swim in the Wild. Free admission.
Lush Life: 2017 Jazz Arts Initiative Spring Gala
The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte
6 p.m.
Do your part to keep the music playing strong by supporting the Jazz Arts Initiative Academy Programs at their inaugural Lush Life Gala. The black tie event will feature cocktails, dinner, desserts and awards. Plus, your chance to win one of three items donated by Windsor Jewelers. $200 per person. Purchase tickets here.
5th Annual Charlotte Beer Fest
Rooptop 210
4 p.m.
All of your favorite Charlotte-area breweries are bringing their best brews out for the 5th Annual Charlotte Beer Festival. Enjoy samples of craft and specialty beers and live music under the Queen City skyline. General admission tickets are $20, VIP (includes a t-shirt and early admission) is $30. Buy your tickets online here.
2nd Annual Bacon Fest
Sycamore Brewing
12 p.m.
Calling all bacon-crazed foodies: Bacon Fest is back with eight food trucks serving up their best bacon dishes at Sycamore Brewing. Enjoy a day of feasting along with live music and beer, wine and cider selections.
Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec Present: Pieces Of A Dream
Romare Bearden Park
5 p.m.
Romarefest features an opening performance by The Peace and Love Band followed by Pieces of a Dream. Don’t forget your lawn chair. Free admission.
Cheerwine’s Centennial Celebration
Downtown Salisbury
12 p.m.
It’s a celebration of all things North Carolinas as Cheerwine toasts to it’s roots and next 100 years in downtown Salisbury. Enjoy a day of live music, the People’s Choice BBQ Competition, Cheerwine-inspired food items (think Cheerwine Cake), NC foodie favorites, free Cheerwine, a beer garden, kids activities and more. Free admission.
More scoop: As part of the event, Food Lion Feeds and Rowan Helping Ministries have teamed up to host a non-perishable food drive. For every two food items or $5 donated, fans will be entered to win a gift basket!
Carolina Harbor Opening Day
Carowinds
11 a.m.
Stock up on sunscreen, because Carolina Harbor waterpark is officially open. The kiddos will love the thrills found on the plunge down Blackbeard’s Revenge or enjoy just splashing around in Kiddy Hawk Cove. Buy your tickets or season passes here.
Sunday, May 21
Xtend Barre Charlotte’s 3 Year Anniversary
Xtend Barre Charlotte
5 p.m.
Help Xtend Barre celebrate three years in Charlotte with a high-energy live DJ class followed by sips and light refreshments. Register here.
Starving Artists Pop-Up Market
1517 Camden Rd.
11 a.m.
Support your local artists and pick up the perfect go-to gifts and home accents at the Starving Artist Popup. You’ll find bath products, jewelry, candles, paintings, gift sets and more. Food trucks will also be on-site.
Lost Hollow Music Festival
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Sunday: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Don’t miss out on your chance to jam in the garden. Sunday Lost Hollow hours are from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward
Fourth Ward Neighborhood
12:00 pm until 4:00 pm
The second day of the Secrets of Fourth Ward tour goes from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Round out your weekend with an afternoon of strolling and picture-taking.
Festa Italiana Charlotte 2017
Gateway Village
1 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of music, art, wine, Prosecco and cuisine from the best chefs in the area. Proceeds benefit the St. Anthony Foundation of Charlotte, a non-profit that provides support for organizations that assist people with mental and physical challenges.
