This Week Is HUGE, filled to the brim with back-to-school and back-to-work events on the agenda. Be sure to make time for some fun ~ from the first few fall festivals to foodie finds and more, here’s your guide to what to do this weekend in Charlotte. Want the shopping scoop for this week(end)? Â Our weekly post here.
ALL WEEKEND
Charlotte Greek Festival 2017
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral | September 7-10
The 40th annual Yiasou Greek Festival brings the sights and sounds of Greece to Uptown’s backyard. Spend a day learning through multiple Hellenic cultural exhibits, watching live music and dancing, shopping, wine tasting and more. Save your appetite for a taste of authentic Greek cuisine and an array of homemade pastries. Here’s the menu. Admission: $3 for adults, children 12 and under are free
Chinese Lantern Festival
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden | September 7-10
The Chinese Lantern Festival will bring over 800 larger-than-life paper, silk and glass lanterns in the shapes of exotic animals and fauna to the Garden this September and October. Watch in awe as dragons, peacocks, lions and flamingos meet you at every turn, marvel at Kung Fu shows and Shadow Plays and wander through the Asian-inspired display in the garden. View the nightly activity schedule.
23rd Annual Festival of India
September 9-10 |Â Belk Theater
Discover the rich culture and heritage of the Indian community in the Carolinas. The 23rd Annual Festival of India will bring captivating live performances, art exhibits and cuisine to the Belk Theater and Uptown city streets. Start planning your weekend here.
8th Annual Sip and Stroll: Art & Wine Festival
September 8-9 |Â EpiCentre
Stroll the best all-in-one art showcase with a glass of vino in hand at the 8th Annual Sip and Stroll. Photographers, painters jewelers and designers will come together to display their work at this two-day festival, complete with a meet the artist night, wine sampling, seminars, and even on-site waiting classes.
THURSDAY
Scoop Girls Beauty Meet Up at Neiman Marcus
Givenchy Beauty is arriving at Neiman Marcus SouthPark and scoop fans & followers are invited to an exclusive beauty meet up with the brand on Thursday, September 7th from 5 to 7 pm. Join us at the Givenchy Counter on Thursday, September 7th from 5 to 7 pm for make up touch ups, sips and and even a special scoop beauty gift ~ a complimentary Givenchy mini lipstick. RSVP here.
Sip & Stretch
Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne | 6:30 p.m.
Get in an after-work what session with the help of NC Yoga Bar and Aloft Ballantyne. After class, enjoy drink specials and live music from Matt Stratford. $5 per person. Register here.
Theatre At The Museum – Eat The Runt
Harvey B. Gantt Center | 8 p.m.
donna scott productions, the Harvey B. Gantt Center and Charlotte Art League have teamed up to produce Eat The Runt, a comedy by Avery Crozier. In a whole new theatre experience, the audience casts the show using their smartphones and watch as the story unfolds. Opening night will take place at the Gannt Center, while additional performances will be at the Charlotte Art League.
Opening Reception
New Gallery of Modern Art | 6-8 p.m.
Help welcome two new exhibits to the New Gallery of Modern Art with an opening reception celebrating Shaun Cassidy: Smelling the Roses & Aurora Robson: Anthroposcenery.
FRIDAY
Culture Feast 2017
NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza | 7 p.m.
Enjoy a community table dinner under the Uptown lights and dance the night away at Culture Feast. Admission includes a locally-inspired menu, live music from RevelWood Mission and craft beer provided by Triple C Brewing Company and wine by Shelton Vineyards.
Educators visit Discovery Place museums for Free
Discovery Place museums | Every Saturday in September
Did you know? All educators plus one guest receive free admission to all Discovery Place museums Saturdays in September. Discover new ideas to bring lesson plans to life and spend the day exploring.
Brad Paisley with Dustin Lynch, Chase Bryant & Lindsay Ell
PNC Music Pavilion | 7 p.m.
Belt out all your favorites as Brad Paisley takes the stage with special guests Dustin Lynch, Chase Bryant and Lindsay Eli.
SATURDAY
Tour of the U.S: East Coast Wines
Corkbuzz Restaurant – Charlotte | 1 p.m.
You don’t have to travel far to find great wine. Take a tour of the American East Coast to discover Corkbuzz’s favorite wines from the region. Taste and learn about current producers, world-class wineries and different grape varieties. $65 per person.
4th Annual South End Shuffle
South End Neighborhood | 9:30 a.m.
Grab your friends and neighbors to race in the 4th Annual South End Shuffle. After crossing the finish line, enjoy live music and beer from Wooden Robot Brewery. Proceeds benefit The Charlotte Rail Trail and The Purple Promise Foundation to End Melanoma.
Mint Museum Potters Market Invitational
Potters Market Invitational | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Over 50 of the state;s finest potters will showcase their work on the lawn of the Mint Museum Randolph. Meet the artists and browse for your new favorites pieces for purchase.
Mad About Modern Home Tour
Charlotte Museum of History | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate and discover Charlotte’s unique mid-century modern architecture with a guided tour of homes and exhibits. $25 in advance, $30 day of tour (20% off for museum members). View the map of included homes here.
18th Charlotte Oktoberfest
Symphony Park | 12:30 p.m.
Raise a toast to fall with the help of over 75 local and regional breweries at Charlotte Oktoberfest. Back for its 18th year, the festival will feature a special cider row and food vendors, and will be donating to local charities. Check out the festival’s FAQs.
BBQ & Blue Jeans benefiting Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center
2215 Sharon Lane, Charlotte | 6:30 p.m.
Kick back and enjoy a casual, fun-filled evening benefitting Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center. Dine on BBQ from Midwood Smokehouse, beer and wine, a silent and live auction and Bluegrass music. $125 per person. More info here.
Blackfinn Uptown 9 Year Anniversary Party
Blackfinn Ameripub – Charlotte | 9 p.m.
Cheers to nine years in uptown with Blackfinn Ameripub. Enjoy drink specials, a DJ and giveaways including a Panthers tailgating package.
Fiddle ‘n Pig Shindig 2017
Comporium Amphitheater, Fort Mill | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
This barbecue and bluegrass festival is back in its 12th year with a biergarten, and Grand Tasting highlighting North and South Carolina beers.
Love Desserts NoDa Dessert Crawl
NoDa Neighborhood | 12-5 p.m.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a desserts tour that you guide yourself! Hop from Joe’s Doughs, Popbar, Haberdish, Growlers Pourhouse and King of Pops to devour the best treats NoDa has to offer.
TXstrongCLT Hurricane Relief Yoga Fundraiser
Sugar Creek Brewing | 11 a.m.
Help support those rebuilding after the devastation of hurricane Harvey with a donation-based yoga class led by Jen Eddins of Y2 Yoga. A minimum donation of $10 benefitting the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund: Greater Houston Community Foundation is required for class participation, while additional donations are welcome and encouraged.
Charlotte Be The Match Walk+Run
University Research Park | 7:30 a.m.
Lace up to join the fight in ending blood cancer. This fun-filled walk/run with 5k, 1k and kids route options encourages participation in the Be The Match bone marrow registry, raises money to assist patients with transplant costs and funds life-saving transplant research.
Save the Date in Style
Specialty Shops SouthPark | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Grab your best gals for a day of sipping, strolling and shopping at the Specialty Shops SouthPark. This special bridal event features discounts and specialty services from participating shops, created with the bride-to-be’s needs in mind. Don’t forget to RSVP!
SUNDAY
StoneCrest at Piper Glen’s 1st Annual Tailgate Kick Off
Smoke BBQ Grille | 1 p.m.
Don’t miss the inaugural Tailgate Kick-Off sponsored by Smoke BBQ Grille. This family-friendly event features a variety of food options (including a BBQ buffet), kids activities, a charity raffle, music and more.
Booch and Pooch Craft Series
Lenny Boy Brewing Company | 12 – 4 p.m.
It’s a day of puppy love at Lenny Boy’s Booch and Pooch event, complete with crafting for your pup, a photo both and dog-loving vendors on site.
PLAN AHEAD
Elliott Puckette Recent Works Opening Reception
Wednesday, September 13 | 6-8 p.m.
SOCO Gallery is welcoming the fall 2017 season with a solo exhibition of new works by Elliot Puckette, whose work is in the permanent collections of The Whitney Museum of Art, The New York Public Library, and The Fogg Art Museum. Join the gallery for a public opening reception next Wednesday.
