Before your fall calendars get too full, make time for these fun events going on this weekend. From a carnival-themed ball at the Mint to the city’s s’MACcdown, here’s your guide of where to go and what to do this weekend in Charlotte.
THURSDAY
Cyrano at Opera Carolina
130 North Tryon Street | 7:30 p.m.
Opera Carolina’s 2017-2018 season starts with Cyrano, a tragicomic opera from David DiChiera. Read more about the classic love story and purchase tickets here.
Ramey Wine Cellars Dinner
Bonterra Dining & Wine Room | 6:30 p.m.
Make reservations now for this five-course dinner created by Executive Chef Blake Hartwick and hosted by George Staikos, National Sales Manager for Ramey Wine Cellars. Menu highlights include shrimp and scallop dumplings, red snapper, smoked duck breast, bison short rib, and a North Carolina artisanal cheese board. View the full menu here, then call 704.333.9463 to reserve. $85 per person plus tax & gratuity.
Meet Me at WP: Kyle Mosher
WP Kitchen + Bar | 5:30 p.m.
Meet local artist Kyle Mosher at the next #MeetMeAtWP. Enjoy complimentary small bites, $6 specialty cocktails, a viewing of Mosher’s work and, for the first fifty guests, a limited edition, signed piece of art. RSVO at Laura@msquaredpr.com.
Oyster Roast
Wing Haven | 6-9 p.m.
At this fun event at Wing Haven, relax in nature and dig into low country oysters, corn chowder and other bites from Reid’s Fine Foods. The evening is complete with live music from Brad Bailey and local brews and specialty cocktails. $60 for members, $75 for non-members. All proceeds support the programs and operations of Wing Haven.
The Forum CLT Art Showcase
Camp North End | 7 p.m.
Calling all art lovers! This art showcase is a unique blend of poetry, dance, song, beatboxing and more. $5 admission.
Charlotte Symphony Chamber Singers
Myers Park United Methodist Church | 7:30 p.m.
The Charlotte Symphony Chamber Singers will perform alongside Nicolas Haigh on the organ a selection from Bach to Brahms, Herbert Howells and Ralph Vaughan Williams. Tickets are $15 each.
Division Wine Co. Dinner
Good Food on Montford | 6 p.m.
Join Owner and Winemaker Thomas Monroe of Division Wine Company for a fun, intimate dinner at Good Food on Montford. There are only 12 seats available, so don’t delay! Call 704.525.0881 to reserve your seat. $60 per person plus tax and gratuity.
Chateau Montelena Five Course Wine Dinner
Georges Brasserie | 7:30 p.m.
Georges Brasserie’s Chateau Montelena Wine Dinner will feature a Five Course Chef Tasting including Smoked Salmon, Brie En Croute, Clams, Quail and Venison  – all followed by a Smoked Pear Tart for Dessert.
FRIDAY
Under the Big Top: Fall Ball 2017
Mint Museum Randolph | 8 p.m.
Join the Young Affiliates of the Mint’s Fall Ball 2017: Under the Big Top. The signature ball will be a celebration of performance arts in our community with some surprises in store. Dance the night away to live music, dine on heavy hors d’oeuvres, and delight in the spectacular on the magnificent lawn of Mint Museum Randolph. All proceeds from this event will be used to offset the cost of Charlotte-Mecklenburg student tours at the Mint. Black tie optional. $100 for members, $120 for non-members. Register here.
Wagner Family Wine Dinner featuring Caymus
The Palm | 7 p.m.
The Wagner Family, who have been making wine in Napa Valley for over 40 years, bring their Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon and other favorites to pair with courses from The Palm’s Chef, Colin Johnson. Call 704.552.7470 to reserve your spot.
Veterans Day Breakfast & Tour
The Billy Graham Library | 8 a.m.
Veterans of all ages are welcome to enjoy a buffet breakfast, fellowship and inspiring word from Jim Walker, BGen, USMC (Ret). A guided Journey of Faith tour will follow the breakfast. Free, but advanced reservation is required. Call 704.401.3263 for more information.
A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race
U.S. National Whitewater Center | 6:15 p.m.
Who said you have to be an early bird to win the race? Break out your headlamps and flashlights for the 4th annual A Shot in the Dark Night Race. Participants can choose from a 5k or 10k route, then stick around for s’mores, hot chocolate and a beer next to the bonfire.
Cheese & Cider Pairing
Red Clay Ciderworks | 7 p.m.
Red Clay Ciderworks and Orrman’s Cheese Shop bring you a night of cheese and cider pairings. Cider maker Jay Bradish and cheese expert Rachel Klebaur will walk you through four different pairings, each with their own delectable panache. $18 per person.
Holiday Sip & Shop
Bold Missy Brewery | 7 p.m.
Get a head start on your holiday shopping with the help of the vendors at Bold Missy Brewery’s Sip & Shop. Browse goodies from local vendors including Beautycounter, The Cozy Carpenter, The Alley Way Market and many others.
SATURDAY
Holiday Open House at Reid’s Myers Park
2823 Selwyn Ave. | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Reid’s Fine Foods invites you to see and taste all of their holiday catering and gift offerings at this weekend’s holiday open houses. Taste an entire Thanksgiving feast, (plus place your catering orders!), take part in a wine tasting and sample items from local vendors.
The Breakfast Club
Visulite Theatre | Doors at 8, show at 9
Love a good throwback Thursday? You’ll fall for the classic sound of one of the most recognized 80s tribute bands in the country. Don’t miss your chance to see them live this weekend at Visulite Theatre. $10 in advance, $12 day of show.
Charlotte Marathon
Uptown Charlotte, finishes in Romare Bearden Park | Start times vary by race
The Charlotte Marathon returns to Uptown with five race options: the marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 5K and kid’s 1-mile run. Along your chosen route, take in the sights of Charlotte’s tree-lined streets and bustling city blocks. Beyond the finish line, celebrate together with a festival in Romare Bearden Park.
Gobsmacked!
Knight Theater | 8 p.m.
All the way from the UK, a cappella show Gobsmacked! will delight music-lovers of all ages at the Knight Theater. Prepare to be mesmerized by the human voice with beatboxing, harmonizing and much more. Tickets start at $25.
CLT s’MACdown Mac-n-Cheese Competition & Craft Beer Tasting
Rooftop 210 at the EpiCentre | 2 p.m.
Fall Oyster Roast
Sycamore Brewing Company | 2 p.m.
Celebrate oyster season with a bucket ($9) or all-you-can eat ($40) oysters at Sycamore Brewing. First come, first serve with condiments and shucking knives provided. Live music from Rich Challenge Band.
4th Annual Gift of Adoption Cornhole Tournament
Triple C Brewing Co. | Noon – 5 p.m.
Support families wishing to adopt with a corn hold tournament benefitting the Gift of Adoption Fund, which partially offsets the significant cost of adoption. Enjoy live music, food, raffles, beer and a silent auction in addition to beating the competition in the tournament.  $25/team,  $65 /includes food and drinks.
Band Together for Care Ring
Lenny Boy Brewing Company | 6 p.m.
Rock out to the sounds of The Fidgets and Groove 8 Â as you support those in our community lacking necessary healthcare. Tickets include drink tickets, food truck meal and admissions. Proceeds benefit Care Ring. $30 per person in advance, $30 at the door.
7th Annual Chili Cook Off
The String Bean, Belmont | Noon – 4 p.m.
Over in Belmont, residents are dusting off their chili recipes to compete for the winning title. In addition to the cooking and tasting the day will include craft beer, a pepper eating contest, music and kids activities. The winning team will donate the winnings to a charity of their choice.
Ballantyne Live: Rod Fiske
Blackfinn Ameripub – Ballantyne | 10 p.m.
In Ballantyne, ring in the weekend at Ballantyne Live. Rod Fiske will be playing your singalong favorites beginning at 10 p.m.
NC Apple Pressing & Cider Day at Red Clay
Red Clay Ciderworks | Noon – 11 p.m.
It’s apple cider season, so why not celebrate with an adult twist on the classic? Learn the cider making process with live apple pressing demonstrations and even get tips for making your own at home. The day will also feature a live band, pumpkin painting, fresh doughnuts, treats and vendors onsite.
SUNDAY
Heirloom Hemp Dinner
Heirloom | 6:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the first legal hemp dinner in North Carolina for over 80 years. Chef Clark Barlowe will prepare a five-course tasting menu using Carolina hemp products. Note: there are NO psychoactive or mind-altering properties within the hemp being used.
Pet Photos with Santa
SouthPark Mall | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Is your pet on the naughty or nice list? Either way, they’ll need their annual picture with Santa. Bring them to SouthPark Mall for their glamour shot. P.S. if Santa needs a night off, we’ll gladly take his place!
Finders Keepers Market November
NoDa Brewing Company | 1-6 p.m.
Make shopping easy with a trip to November’s Finders Keepers Market. A number of local vendors, including Zavia Handmade, Purple Girl Designs by Amber and more will have home goods, jewelry, clothing and more ready to shop. Plus, NoDa Brewing Company brews on tap.
