Looking ahead to the weekend from your desk? Don’t worry, us too. Let’s start planning together with our picks for what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
FRIDAY
Diamonds Direct Engagement Party with Tacori
Diamonds Direct | 5 p.m.
Whether you’re scoping out the right ring, looking for bands or shopping for your bridal jewelry, don’t miss this kick-off to Diamond’s Direct TACORI showcase. Browse endless designs usually not available in Charlotte, meet with local bridal vendors, enjoy wine and catering by 5Church, and cross your fingers to win one of many giveaway prizes. RSVP: jessieg@diamondsdirect.com.
Monster Mash
Blue Blaze Brewing | 6-11 p.m.
Embrace this Friday the 13th at Blue Blaze, where they’ll welcome guests into a haunted taproom. Don your best costume for a chance to win prizes, dance the night away and enjoy eats from a food truck onsite. Admission is free.
Heirloom’s Scary Dinner
Heirloom | 6:30 p.m.
It’s a night of frights and bites as Chef Clark whips up a dinner of creepy creations. Guests will enjoy a four-course meal paired with local wines and beers. Preview the menu here.
Hunstad Kortesis Beauty Bash SouthPark Office
Friday, October 13, |Â 4-7 pm | Piedmont Row Drive
Major discounts, giveaways every hour, time with the professionals and docs, non-profit donations. A great event if you are considering beauty treatments.
ALL WEEKEND
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Sale
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens – McMillan Greenhouse | Friday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It’s time to plant for those Spring blooms! Find just what you’re looking for at this weekend’s UNC Charlotte Botanical Garden’s plant sale. Browse shrubs, trees, perennials, wildflowers, ferns and more. All proceeds support the operations of the gardens and greenhouse.
Charlotte Symphony: Cirque Goes to the Cinema
Belk Theater | Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Watch with awe as your favorite film scores come to life through aerial flyers, acrobats and contortionists. Both performances at 7:30 p.m.
First Ward Fall Festival
First Ward Park | Friday, 6 p.m. and Saturday, 2 p.m.
Welcome Fall with a weekend filled with food trucks, craft beers and a jam-packed line-up of Americana musical performances. Free admission.
Jazz Room Presents: Trick or Treat Edition (Songs of the Fall)
Stage Door Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center | Varying times on Friday and Saturday
Settle into a table at The Jazz Room to experience both the delightful and frightful sounds of the season. Some of Charlotte’s most talented jazz artists will play jazz standards including Autumn In New York, the Great Pumpkin Waltz and Blues for Dracula. Tickets are $14 in advance, $16 at the door.
Charlotte Wine & Tapas Week
25+ Local Restaurants
Drink and taste flavors from around the world as over 25 eateries offer special selections of wine and tapas beginning October 13. Packages range from $30-$35 and include two glasses of wine and two tapas. Start planning your night out here.
SATURDAY
Open Heart Open House Party
5821 Fairview Road Suite 115 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Celebrate Evolve medical Associates’ 12th anniversary with an open house featuring special event pricing on all services and products, live music, pink cocktails, easy bites, raffles, mini facials and more. Get there early, the first 40 guests will go home with a VIP swag bag!
Ayrsley Fall Festival
Piedmont Social House | Noon-6 p.m.
Ayrsley is hosting their inaugural Fall Festival complete with food samples, pumpkin painting, raffles, games, live music and event a stein hoisting competition. Free admission.
Watch Manchester United vs Liverpool
Draught | 9 a.m.
If soccer > sleep, catch the game at Draught beginning at 9 a.m. Enjoy brunch complete with tea and biscuits, $2 mimosas and $4 doubles.
Southeast Asian Street Food Festival
1817 Central Ave. | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The 4th Annual Southeast Asian Street Food Festival celebrates the flavors and culture of Southeastern Asia. See traditional dance and youth performances, taste the most popular foods on the streets of Southeast Asia and even partake in a pho-eating contest! Admission is free and all benefits from sales, a silent auction and raffle benefit SEAC youth program which serves youth in east and west Charlotte.
Over The Edge hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas
Hyatt House
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas will host the Over The Edge for the serious thrill-seeker. Watch (or participate if you’re brave enough) as “edgers” rappel 17 stories down a skyscraper.
Rescue Me 5K
The Unknown Brewing Co. | 9 a.m.
Lace up for the 5K route, then stick around for games, contests, beer and food. Plus, a 100-yard dash fun run just for kids. The third annual RescueMe 5K benefits Operation Sidekick, a program dedicated to training and providing rescued service dogs to veterans.
Break Away Music Festival
AvidXchange Music Factory | 3 p.m.
Nope, concert season isn’t over yet! Get your tickets now for Breakaway Charlotte, where Zedd, Lil Dicky, Blackbear, Cheat Codes and more will take the stage.
Be an Angel: Best Buddies North Carolina Gala
The Fillmore | 6 p.m.
Support Best Buddies North Carolina with an evening of cocktails, fine dining, silent and live auctions and dancing. The best part? Proceeds benefit building Best Buddies leadership and friendship programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the state.
Sycamore 3 Year Anniversary Celebration
Sycamore Brewing | All day
Sycamore is turning three and throwing a party to celebrate. Expect special beer releases, giveaways, two live music stages, five food trucks and more.
27th Annual Latin American Festival
Symphony Park | All day
The Latin American Festival is back for its 27th year with a day full of music and dance performances (including Grammy-nominated salsa star Tito Nieves), a selection of Latin American food and an interactive street festival. $10 per person, kids 8 and under are free.
SUNDAY
8th Annual Dilworth/South End Chili Cook-Off
Design Center | 11 a.m.
Ready your tasting spoons! Sample chilis from local restaurants and neighbors as they compete to win prizes at the 8th annual Dilworth/ South End chili cook-off. As you taste, enjoy live music, pumpkin painting, beers from local breweries, raffles, kids activities, VIP visitors and more. $10 per person, kids are free.
Open Streets 704
Preview the route | 1-5 p.m.
Leave the cars at home as streets across Charlotte make way for being, walking and strolling along the events 5.5 mile route. Along the way, stop by the wellness zone, green zone, family zone or arts and science zone for family-friendly fun. All activities are within walking and biking distance of the Madison Park, Selwyn Park, Montford Park, Freedom Park, Myers Park, Ashbrook, LoSo, and Colonial Village neighborhoods.
Charlotte Bloody Mary Festival
The Fillmore | Noon – 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the ultimate brunch accompaniment as Charlotte’s bars and restaurants compete for the title of the best Bloody Mary in the Queen City. Taste and try unlimited samples of unique takes on the classic, enjoy live music and entertainment, and shop with local vendors.
