Between shopping to your heart’s content, laughing out loud at the opening weekend of Charlotte Squawks, gallery crawling and more, there’s more than enough fun to be had this weekend. Our round-up of what to do and where to go this weekend in Charlotte:
THURSDAY
Charlotte Ballet’s Inspired Works
Thursday-Saturday, performances are at 7:30 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate 20 years of artistic leadership from Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux before he retires in June. Inspired Works, which includes a line-up handpicked by Bonnefoux, showcases all-time favorite works and choreographers.  Tickets begin at $25. Purchase here.
Charlotte Squawks 13: Charlotte, We Have a Problem
Through June 25
Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Turns out, the Queen has a sense of humor after all. Laugh out loud at the 13th edition of this SNL meets Queen City show from the creative minds of Mike Collins and Brian Kahn. Who will be squawked next?Tickets begin at $24.50. View the full performance schedule and purchase tickets here.
FRIDAY
#WalkCLT 2017
Starts at Recover Brans, 1528 Bryant Street
5Â p.m.
Discover the walkable destinations in the FreeMoreWest neighborhood with a 5K walk or run. The route starts at Recover brands, where walkers and runner can enjoy special offers from participating local businesses. Stroll the Stewart Creek Greenway for fun activities along the way, and cross the finish line at Blue Blaze Brewing. This event is free, family-friendly and open to the public. A $10 registration option includes a custom live-printed T-shirt and a beer ticket redeemable at Blue Blaze Brewing.
South End Gallery Crawl
South End Neighborhood |Â 5 p.m.
The June Gallery Crawl on June 2nd will feature a diverse mix of art from a variety of artists at seven galleries and artsy locations, all within walking distance of each other. Explore the list of participating galleries and exhibits here.
Jazz at the Bechtler: Trane 1964 – Crescent and A Love Supreme
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
6 p.m.
Pay tribute to one of the most recognizable names in jazz, John Coltrane, with this edition of Jazz at the Bechtler. The Ziad Jazz Quartet will play two performances, focused on showcasing the albums Crescent and A Love Supreme. Concerts will be performed at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. $14 per person, $8 for museum members. Purchase online.
SATURDAY
East Boulevard Sidewalk Sale
Dilworth neighborhood
10 a.m.
The annual scoopcharlotte sponsored East Boulevard Sidewalk Sale is back and bigger than ever with 14 chances to shop local pop up boutiques, jewelry trunk shows and plenty of super sales. Plan your day of shopping with our detailed post on the full scoop.
Blue Blaze Brewing 1 Year Anniversary
Blue Blaze Brewing
12 p.m.
Celebrate one year of pouring fresh, local craft beer at Blue Blaze Brewing. On Saturday, raise a glass of Blue Blaze brew while enjoying live music and lunch from Fresh Med food truck.
#LongLiveArts Free Community Festival
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, the John S. and James L. Knight Theater, and the Mint Museum Uptown
All day
Whether you’re a museum regular or first-timer, make plans to visit four of Charlotte’s best museums as they team up to offer free admission as part of the second annual #LongLiveArts Free Community Festival. In addition to free admission during regular museum hours, enjoy free tours, live entertainment, food trucks and more.
Around the World Carnevale Fundraiser Event
The Village Tavern at SouthPark
7 p.m.
Travel the globe with an evening of music, food and cocktails unique to each country, plus a carnevale costume contest. Tickets are $25 or $45 per couple. Proceeds will benefit Advocacy & Awareness for Immune Disorders Association (AAIDA), a non-profit for research, education and advocacy. $25 per person, $45 per couple. Tickets will also be available for purchase the day of the event.
Carolinas CARE 5K Run
McAlpine Creek Park
8 a.m.
The Annual Carolinas CARE 5K Run leads runners through a scenic route along the McAlpie Creek Greenway, with participants receiving a free T-shirt and finisher medal. Proceeds go towards funding for programs focused on ending Chronic Homelessness Among people living with HIV/AIDS in our county. $25 per person.
Vintage Charlotte Summer Market
Camp North End
11 a.m.
The sixth annual VTGCLT Summer Market features jewelry, clothing, home decor and more from over 80 of the region’s vintage and handmade vendors. In addition, Not Just Coffee, Birdsong Brewing Co,, Bleu Barn Bistro, The Dumpling Lady and King of Pops Charlotte and more will be on-site. For the VIP experience, shop the night before from 6-8 p.m. for $20. Early bird entry at 10 a.m. on Saturday is $7, while general admission beginning at 11 a.m. is $2.
National Trails Day with Carolina Thread Trail
10 a.m.
South Fork Trail and River, McAdenville
It’s National Trails Day, and the Carolina Thread Trail is celebrating with free guided hikes along the South Fork Trail and Blueway, free kayak rentals, yoga, food trucks and live music. Bring the family and Fido for a day in the great outdoors. Register ahead to reserve your spot along one of the guided hikes.
5th Annual NoDa 5K
NoDa Brewing Company
6 p.m.
Lace up for this year’s NoDa 5K. Get your steps in along the neighborhood route, then enjoy live music, vendors, food truck offerings and race awards. $35 in advance, $40 on the day of the race. Register online.
Annual Rose Wine Tasting
Grapes Wine Bar, Matthews
6:30 p.m.
Grapes Wine Bar will open seven different roses for thirty guests to sip and savor. $25 per person, reservations are required. Call to reserve: 704.845.0524.
Train: Play That Song Tour with OAR and Natasha Bedingfield
PNC Music Pavillon
7 p.m.
Enjoy an early summer evening at PNC Pavilion with Train, O.A.R and Natasha Bedingfield. Lawn tickets begin at $25 each. Purchase online.
Bark & Boil
Jackalope Jack’s Restaurant & Bar
1 p.m.
Friends, both two-legged and four-legged are invited to a Bark & Boil at Jackalope Jacks benefitting Dog Days of Charlotte. In addition to the low country boil servings, vendors will be on-site providing pet-themed swag, treats and education.
SUNDAY
Pounding for Parker Community Event
19725 Oak Street, Cornelius
4:30 p.m.
Help pound out pediatric cancer with a family-friendly festival supporting the Pounding For Parker Foundation. The day includes food trucks, brews for purchase from Eleven Lake Brewery, lacrosse activities from the Carolina Miners, a visit from the Cornelius-Lemley Fire & Rescue Station One fire truck, a silent auction and more. Free admission.
Charlotte Symphony Summer Pops: HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD
Symphony Park
Prelude at 7 p.m., Symphony performance at 8:15 p.m.
Hum along to familiar themes from Hollywood blockbusters including West Side Story, The Pink Panther, Beauty and the Beast, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter and more. Tickets begin at $12 each.
Hero Movie Nights at The Cotton Room: Ironman
The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill
7 p.m.
Round out your weekend with drink specials (think $3 domestics and $5 Tito’s) and a showing of the hero film Ironman at The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill.
June Front Porch Sundays
2151 Hawkins Street
12 p.m.
Your favorite block party is back in June with warm weather, cold beer, and the opportunity to shop local in one swoop. View the vendor list.
MONDAY
Inaugural Pounding for Parker Golf Tournament
Northstone Country Club
Registration begins at 10 a.m.
Help pound out pediatric cancer and register for a great day of golf on one of the area’s best courses.
Registration includes a swag bag, lunch and awards dinner. Mulligans are also available to purchase during registration. $150 per player. Dinner and drink tickets are also available for $50 each. Reserve your spot in the tournament.
