It’s never too early to start planning for the weekend. From ballet performances to restaurant week, art shows and even a special opera show at the market, there’s plenty of options to fill your calendar. Here’s our day-by-day guide of where to go and what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
Pop-up Artist Market
January 27-28 | Vin Master Wine Shop | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sip and shop unique items from local artists and jewelry makers while stocking up on gifts for Valentine’s Day. Plus, enjoy $5 mimosa specials.
Charlotte Ballet’s Innovative Works
January 26 – February 17 | Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance
Plan to attend the opening weekend of Charlotte Ballet’s Innovative Works, one of the company’s most popular performances. Tickets include a dessert reception with artistic staff and dancers after the show.
ASC Connect with Culture Day
January 26-27 | Participating locations across Charlotte
You’ll have plenty of options to explore Charlotte’s culture during ASC’s Connect with Culture Day. Discover museums, exhibits and interactive experiences throughout the county, all for free. View all participating locations and start planning here.
The Phantom of the Opera
January 17-28 | Belk Theater
Photo via Facebook
The classic production returns to Charlotte. Tickets begin at just $25; purchase online here.
Queen’s Feast – Charlotte Restaurant Week
January 19-28 | Various participating locations
LAST CHANCE WEEKEND. Browse all the participating hotspots and use our top picks as a guide when you make your reservations.
The Music of Abba with Arrival from Sweden
January 26-27 | Knight Theater
The Charlotte Symphony and Swedish Abba tribute band ARRIVAL team up for a night of all-time favorite hits, from Dancing Queen to Mamma Mia. Buy your tickets here.
THURSDAY
Uptown Art Crawl
Uptown Charlotte | 6-9 p.m.
Discover Uptown’s culture on a budget during this month’s Uptown Crawl with free admission to art galleries and museums and free trolley rides from stop to stop. 6- 9 p.m.
This month’s participating galleries include:
- New Gallery of Modern Art
- Sozo Gallery
- Projective Eye Gallery
- McColl Center for Art + Innovation
Final Draught
224 East Seventh St. | 6 p.m.
Curious about the “gig economy?” Hear from Charlotteans who have made the leap from side hustle to main gig. The discussion, led by Amy Chiou, director of Queen City Forward, will be led by panelists Kimmery Martin, Charles Thomas, Austin Light. Light bites will be served with beer and wine available for purchase. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Purchase here.
Instabeerupclt
The Hop Shop | 6 p.m.
The first #Instabeerupclt of 2018 is coming up this Thursday. Bring some friends and be prepared to meet new ones at The Hop Shop.
Sycamore Beer Dinner – Vegan & Vegetarian Tapas
Sycamore Brewing | 7 p.m.
Join Chef Will Williams of Seasoned Provisions, UpDog Kombucha and Sycamore Brewing for an evening of sipping and tasting from a specially developed tapas menu. The selections, all vegan and vegetarian, can be paired with kombucha for $45, beer for $50 and wine for $60.
FRIDAY
Opera at the Market
7th Street Public Market | 6 p.m.
Enjoy opera in a whole new setting as Opera Carolina artists take over 7th Street Public Market for performances of popular opera and musical theater numbers.. While you’re there, enjoy food and drink specials from Assorted Table Wine Shoppe and Zia Pia Italian Kitchen.
Murder in Wonderland
Draught Charlotte | 7:30 p.m.
Get lost in a classic “whodunnit” tale as the annual Cystic Fibrosis Murder Mystery party turns participants into characters (and likely suspects!) of a murder mystery. $25 donation includes light hors d’oeuves and the show.
River’s Edge Craft Dinner – Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
U.S. National Whitewater Center | 6:30 – 9 p.m.
The next River’s Edge Craft Dinner features a five-course menu crafted by Executive Chef Michael Rayfield with a 6 oz. beer pairing for each course from Lenny Boy Brewing Co. $60 per person.
SATURDAY
Free Oyster Roast at Reid’s Myers Park
Reid’s Fine Foods, Myers Park | 4-6 p.m.
Don’t miss this free oyster roast at Reid’s Myers Park! Shucking begins at 4 p.m. and oysters will be first come, first serve.
3rd Annual Fashion Breathes Life Gala
Mint Museum Expansion Space | 6 p.m.
Turn your girls’ night out into girls give back at this fun evening supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Mint Museum plays host to prominent designers showcasing top fashions, a live and silent auction and an elegant dining experience. Buy tickets.
2018 Winter Beer Fest
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte | 3 p.m.
This year’s Winter Beer Fest offers three hours of unlimited beer samplings from over 10 breweries. $20 per person through January 26, and $30 at the door. Bring the pups!
Grand Opening Party
Toucan Louie’s | 2-6 p.m.
Help officially welcome Toucan Louie’s to the neighborhood at their Grand Opening Party. Enjoy free 4 oz. bags of coffee roasted in-house, beer and food samples, live music, kids activities and more.
Liberate Your Palate Cocktail Class: Mixology Basics
Nest Restaurant and Lounge | Noon – 2 p.m.
Become the bartender among your family and friends with the help of Saturday’s Mixology Basics class. You’ll learn the fundamentals of mixing, muddling, garnishing and more as you make (and sip!) three full-size cocktails: a mint julep, mojito and a bees knees. Brunch-themed light bites provided. $65 per participant.
Wedding Planning Workshop
The Lodge at Ballantyne | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Don’t plan your big day without consulting with the professionals. Get the scoop from a local wedding planner, photographer, venue coordinator, event rental specialists and more. $50 per person.
2018 Symposium: Urban Roots: Transforming the Urban Landscape
UNC Charlotte Center City
Joe Lamp’l, creator and host of public television’s Growing a Greener World, will keynote this all-day symposium hosted by UNC Charlotte’s Botanical Gardens. The focus will be on transforming the urban landscape. $100 per person.
South End Farmers & Artisans Market
Atherton | 9 a.m. -2 p.m.
Make a day out of your Saturday morning trip to the market. After browsing produce, meats, plants and more from local farmers and artisans, stick around for a cup of joe from Not Just Coffee, a sip of something stronger at Vin Master Wine Shop and relax outside. The market is dog-friendly.
Winter Blues, Brews & BBQ Fest
Sugar Creek Brewing | 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Embrace the winter blues with live music from House Stompers and Poplar Tent Revival and good eats from Shine BBQ. Wash it down with a fresh local Belgian beer by the fire pits, and don’t miss a tour of the brewery.
Salsa Night at Cantina 1511
Cantina 1511 Uptown | 8 p.m.
Learn the hottest salsa moves from Cantina’s very own instructor Dawn Victoria. Then, enjoy the music and video of VJ’s Hermidas and Candyman as you dance the night away.
SUNDAY
Charlotte Jazz Orchestra Returns to Morehead Tavern
Morehead Tavern | 4 p.m.
Fingers crossed for good weather as the Charlotte Jazz Orchestra takes the stage at Morehead Tavern for some Sunday afternoon tunes.
Oyster Roast 2018
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden | 1-4 p.m.
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is partnering with Saltwater Markets out of Clover, SC to host their second annual oyster roast. Enjoy the garden and all-you-can-eat steamed oysters, live music and more.
Drake Brunch
Draught Charlotte | 10 a.m.
Love Drake? Love brunch? We’ve got your Sunday plans covered. Make reservations now to enjoy Draught’s new brunch menu, featuring their OMG avocado toast bar. There will also be a $5 bloody Mary bar, $2 mimosas, $4 double mimosas and $15 bottles of champagne. The DJ starts at noon!
PLAN AHEAD
3rd Annual Sugar Shock
Monday, Jan. 29 | The 658 Center, 3646 Central Ave. | 6:30 -9 p.m.
We know you’ve been waiting for it. So here’s your excuse to eat dessert for dinner. Charlotte’s best pastry chefs will gather for the third annual Sugar Shock, a six-course tasting of the best sweets around. Proceeds benefit the Project 658 culinary program and community feeding project.
Elyse Winery Dinner
Wednesday, January 31 | The Pump House
Reserve your seat now for this special five-course meal paired with Elyse Winery wines. 6:30 p.m. $85++.
