Break out of your bubble, and maybe even your ZIP code, to explore all that our city has to offer this weekend. From a full-on foodie fest in Uptown to a race across land and sea in Rock Hill, here are our top picks for where to go and what to do this weekend in Charlotte broken down by day:
WEEKEND-LONG
Taste of Charlotte Festival
June 9-11
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Taste of Charlotte is the ultimate exploration of the restaurants, chefs and partners that make up the Queen City’s unique flavor. Stroll through six blocks of festival experiences, from four stages of entertainment, interactive tours, demos, samples and kids activities. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to score a free burger from nationally acclaimed Schweid & Sons Food Truck. Scoop contributor A Slice of Jess will be handing out her very own burger creation from the food truck on Saturday from 12 – 2 p.m. Admission is free.
THURSDAY
Sip & Stretch
Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne
6 p.m.
Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne is offering the perfect chance to stretch it out as they team up with NC Yoga Bar for a free outdoor class, live music, half price wine and $3 drafts.
South African Wine and Food Tasting
Vin Master Wine Shop
6 p.m.
Swirl, sip and savor five different South African wines, each paired with a bite of South African fare at this joint tasting hosted by The Indaba Education Fund and Country Vinter. Proceeds benefit organizations that empower children in the South African winelands. $25 per person. Call 704.307.5565 to reserve.
FRIDAY
Uptown Pops
Romare Bearden Park
6 p.m.
Sway along to familiar tunes from the theater and silver screen as The Charlotte Symphony performs concert under the city lights. Families, couples and groups of friends can claim a spot on the Romare Bearden Park lawn and grab dinner from one of five food trucks that will be on-site serving hungry crowds.Confirmed food trucks include The Dumpling Lady, Ole Buddy’s Oinker Express, Street Spice, Kona Ice and Moroccan Cookbook.
Blues at Blue
Blue Restaurant and Bar
8:30 p.m.
Take a quick trip to NOLA without leaving the Queen City. At Blue Restaurant and Bar, indulge in New Orleans fare while live jazz music transports you right to Bourbon Street. The Trouble Makers Band, with a guest appearance by Alex Myrick, will be performing beginning at 8:30 p.m. Book online.
Strawberry Moon Dining ExperienceÂ
Heirloom Restaurant
6 p.m.
Chef Clark Barlowe crafts a five-course tasting menu to celebrate the upcoming Farmer’s Almanac’s strawberry moon. $50 per person. Purchase tickets online.
Matthews Food Truck Fridays & Concert Series
120 S Trade St, Matthews
5 p.m.
The first Food Truck Friday of June is back with live music from Todd Johnson and a food truck line-up to delight every palate.
SATURDAY
The 3.5 Music Festival
The Unknown Brewing Company
2 p.m.
Age is just a number, so make plans to raise your glass to Unknown Brewery’s 3.5(ish) anniversary this Saturday. Six bands are set to take the stage, including performances from Empire Strikes Brass and the Dead 27s.
On top of non-stop live music, Cigar Row will be offering cigars infused with Unknown Beers. And don’t forget to grab a pint of their new release, a Geuze Inspired Lambic Ale called “3.5ish”. $1 from each beer sold will be donated to Purple Heart Homes. $10 per person. Register here.
Pump House River Run
575 Herrons Ferry Rd, Rock Hill
8 a.m.
The 2nd Annual Pump House River Run will have participants paddling along the scenic Catawba River and running along the Piedmont Medical Center Trail in this exciting two-stage adventure race. Register on-site beginning at 6 a.m. for $50 per person.
Mixology with Bob Peters
Earl’s Grocery
2:30 p.m.
Cool down with tips for mixing summer cocktails with Tequila. Renowned mixologist Bob Peters leads this free class at Earl’s Grocery.
Red Clay 2-year Anniversary Party
Red Clay Ciderworks
12 p.m.
Red Clay Ciderworks is toasting to two years with live music, a food truck, a corn hole tournament and special small batch releases throughout the day, one of which will be served shooting out of a Txotx (a Spanish cider barrel).
Farm to Chef Feast
New Town Farms, Waxhaw
12 p.m.
This multi-course lunch, hosted by Charlotte Magazine, challenges the city’s top chefs and their favorite farmers to partner together to craft a summer meal for attendees. Includes live entertainment and unlimited beverages. $75 per person.
Bearden Music Series
Romare Bearden Park
6 p.m.
Pack up your lawn chairs and blankets and head to Romare Bearden Park, where you can sprawl out and soak up the jazz music of Four80 East. The Bearden Music Series occurs monthly and is free to the public.
SUNDAY
The Equality March- Charlotte
First Ward Park
12 p.m.
This family-friendly march joins all Charlotte residents together to raise awareness of discrimination in our communities. The march starts at First Ward Park and heads down Brevard Street towards the Spectrum Center and ends in Marshall Park. Find more information here.
