At long last, the first weekend of Spring is here. From patio parties to brewery bashes, here’s the scoop round up of where to go and what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
Bernstein at 100: West Side Story and More
Belk Theater | 7:30 p.m.
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will honor Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday with performances of his Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story” and other celebrated works. The Musically Speaking Pre-Concert Talk, led by Assistant Conductor Christopher James Lees, begins at 6:30 p.m.
Weekend Warrior Flag Tourney
March 24-25 | Bank of America Stadium game field and PrimeSport Practice Fields
The Carolina Panthers will host their 15th Annual Weekend Warrior Flag Football Tournament in support of the USO of North Carolina. Teams of four will battle it out over two days of play ahead of the single elimination championship round. Register online.
Loire Valley Wine Flight Discount at Corkbuzz
Speciality sommelier flights: Each week Corkbuzz features a specialty Sommelier Flight, where featured wines are available for retail at half price. From March 20-26 try wines from the Loire Valley.
THURSDAY
Switchback Ridge Wine Dinner
The Pump House | 6:30 p.m.
The Pump House will feature a special four-course menu paired with Switchback Ridge wines. $99++.
Make & Mingle: Personalized Charging Station
Discovery Place Science | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Make a personalized docking station or desk organizer during Make & Mingle, an adults-only DIY workshop at Discovery Place Science. Workshop admission also includes light hors d’oeuvres and one beer/wine ticket. $40 per person.
FRIDAY
Cookie Inspired Beer Release
NoDa Brewing Company | 2 p.m.
Get your hands on a mixed four-pack of NoDa’s popular cookie series beers. Available in the tap room and on draft, variations include:
– Samoan Blonde (Blonde Ale)
– Minty Thin (Porter)
– Tagging-a-Long Brown (Brown Ale)
– Lemon Shortbread Kolsch (Kolsch)
Frank Family Wine Dinner at The Palm
March 23 | The Palm | 7 p.m.
This three-course pairing dinner includes culinary creations from The Palm chef Colin Johnson and wines from Frank Family Vineyards. Preview the menu. $125 per person. To RSVP, email theidal@thepalm.com.
Cookie & Cider Pairing
Red Clay Ciderworks | 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Red Clay Ciderworks is teaming up with A Smart Cookie to bring you an event that’s sure to satisfy your palate!Cider maker Jay Bradish and Baking Scientist Monica Nye, PhD, will walk you through four different pairings, each with their own unique flair. Seating for this event is limited to 24, so don’t wait to purchase your ticket!
Exhibition Opening: Wrestling the Angel
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Be among the first to experience Wrestling the Angel, a new Bechtler exhibition examining the role of religion and spirituality. Wrestling the Angel will be on display through September 9.
6th Anniversary Party
Salud Beer Shop | 6 p.m.
Celebrate Salud’s sixth anniversary with a DJ, specialty kegs, Farmhouse BBQ and a midnight champagne toast.
SATURDAY
Down Dog @ Draught
Draught Charlotte | 10 a.m.
Grab your mat and head to Draught every Saturday morning for a class with NC Yoga Bar. $10 includes class and a post-workout mimosa.
Sip into Spring with Reids
March 24 | Reid’s Fine Foods (both locations) | Beginning at noon
via Facebook
Celebrate the beginning of rosé season on the patios of both Reid’s locations. Enjoy the amazing rosé selection, taste cheeses, and learn how the unique qualities of wine and cheese enhance each other. Plus, enjoy special pricing on rosé from France and Spain.
Blue Star Blitz
Anne Springs Close Greenway | All day
The second annual Blue Star Blitz is a full day of fun on the greenway. Take part in competitive trail races, bike racing, geocaching and more. Plus, live music and a biergarten with over 30 beers to try. Register or buy tickets online.
Breakfast Desserts Festival
Camp North End | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Who says dessert is only for after dinner? Kick off your Saturday on a sweet note with treats from local bakeries and dessert trucks, like red velvet chicken and waffle cupcakes, cereal funnel cakes, homemade pop tarts and more. Don’t sleep in too late – there are perks for the early birds.
Kre8 Gastropub Grand Opening & Can Release
Wooden Robot Brewery | Noon – Close
Kre8 Gastropub will open on Saturday as an extension of Wooden Robot’s current taproom. Preview the menu here. The brewery will also celebrate a dual can release of two flagship beers: What He’s Having & What She’s Having.
OMB’s 9th Anniversary
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery | 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s 9th Anniversary will feature live music from Family & Friends, a special beer release and all of their favorite year-round offerings.
Mastering Clear Spirit Cocktails: Brunch Cocktail Class
Nest restaurant and lounge | Noon – 2 p.m.
Master the art of mixing clear spirit cocktails, like vodka and gin. The class includes two hours of education, three full-size cocktails and hands-on instruction and light brunch bites. $65 per person.
The 4.5ish Funk Fest (Anniv Celebration & Renovation Unveiling)
The Unknown Brewing Company | 1 – 10 p.m.
Celebrate Unknown’s anniversary with a full line-up of live music, a release of their annual anniversary beer and the unveiling of their new taproom and rooftop bar.
2018 Charlotte Brain Tumor Race
Romare Beaden Park | 8 a.m.
Help stomp out the #1 cancer killer of children at Charlotte’s fifth annual brain tumor race. Lace up for the 10K or 5K routes, then stay for a celebration and awards ceremony.
Easter Bunny Pics
Sycamore Brewing | 3 – 6 p.m.
Get the pups dressed and ready to pose with the Easter bunny, with donations benefitting Catering to Cats and Dogs.
Charlotte Wing Fest
Rooftop 210 | 2 – 6 p.m.
Charlotte’s favorite restaurants will compete for the title of “best wings in town”, and you’re the judge! Sample specialty wings and beer from area restaurants, and put your skills to the test in a wing eating contest. General admission is $25 and includes 12 tastings, live entertainment and a cash bar.
Taste of the Mint: A Different Kind of Modern
Mint Museum UPTOWN | 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
This edition of Taste of the Mint includes a docent-led tour of the exhibition ‘A Different Kind of Modern: American Scene Painting: 1933-1955,’ followed by a tasting of three small plates with wine pairings at Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth. 21+ only. $45 per person. 25% off for museum members.
Queen City Improv Room : Final Funny Four
Stage Door Theater | 8 p.m.
At the March Improv Room, teams will battle for your laughs to determine the city’s funniest four people. $10 per person.
3-2-1 Dash for Down Syndrome
Blakeney Professional Dr. | 8:30 a.m.
Dash to the finish line not once, but twice during this 3.21 mile race in honor of the extra chromosome present in people with Down syndrome. Proceeds benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte.
Guys & Dolls Auction Gala w/ the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Hilton Charlotte Center City | 5:30 p.m.
The 18th The Guys & Dolls Auction Gala allows attendees to bid on exotic trips, shopping sprees, in-home chef dinners, getaways and more. Black tie optional. General admission: $150, VIP: $225.
Easter Bunny Photos with CBHBB
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte | 1 -4 p.m.
The Easter bunny makes a special appearance at Lucky Dog Bark and Brew to pose with pups in support of Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks Rescue. All dogs must be fixed, friendly, and up to date on vaccinations.
SUNDAY
Brunchin’ Bluegrass
Triple C Brewing Company | Noon – 5 p.m.
Triple C’s first Bluegrass Brunch will include live tunes from Flat Tire Trio, brunch from Greek Eats food truck and mimosas and beer.
Oyster Roast
Historic Rosedale Plantation | 2 – 5 p.m.
Rosedale’s Oyster Roast will feature all the fixings, live music, a craft beer tasting from Birdsong Brewing and kids activities. $50 per person, $12 for children 4-12 and free for those three and under.
PCG Food and Beverage Symposium
March 25 | Johnson & Wales University
Discover the region’s culinary past, present and future with informative classes and discussions. $75 ticket includes sessions, breakfast, lunch and a reception.
Alcohol Ink Mini Workshop
Blue Blaze Brewing | 1 – 1:45 or 2:15 – 3 p.m.
Create a one of a kind jewelry dish or bowl in this 45-minute workshop using alcohol ink and ceramic surfaces. $20 per person (10% off when you register with a friend).
