When spring weather is in full swing, we say it’s ok to break the rules and start planning for the weekend as soon as possible. To help, our round-up of where to go and what to do this weekend:
(and for shopping news for this weekend, our weekly update here.)
TO DO ALL WEEKEND
Charlotte Ballet: Spring Works
April 26 – 28 | Knight Theater
Experience spring’s sense of energy of discovery with the Charlotte Ballet. Spring Works showcases the work of three new choreographers to Charlotte Ballet: Bryan Arias, Filipe Portugal and Helen Pickett. Tickets begin at $25.
JAZZ ROOM presents: Eileina Dennis sings Sarah Vaughan
April 27 – 28 | Stage Door Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Charlotte’s Jazz Arts Initiative’s monthly series, The Jazz Room @ The Stage Door Theater, kicks off theirs 11th season with Eileina Dennis singing a special Jazz Appreciation month tribute to Sarah Vaughan. Tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at the door.
Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1
April 27 – 28 | Belk Theater
Pianist Kirill Gerstein joins conductor Christopher Warren-Green and the Charlotte Symphony for a performance of Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 and Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra.
THURSDAY
WP Feeds the Need with Jasmine Jordan
Thursday, April 26 | WP Kitchen + Bar | 5 – 10 p.m.
Join Jasmine Jordan, daughter of Michael Jordan, as WP Kitchen + Bar donates 10% of the evening’s sales to Rakeem Christmas Foundation’s mission of creating safe havens for kids to grow and play. Call 704.295.0101 to make your reservation to meet Jasmine Jordan and dine for a good cause.
Shake Shack Grand Opening
1605 East Woodlawn Road | 11 a.m.
Get ready for burgers, chicken sandwiches, frozen custard concretes and crispy crinkle fries. Shake Shack’s first NC location will open on Thursday at 11 a.m. in Park Road Shopping Center. The first 100 guests in line when the restaurant opens will receive a Shake Shack X 704 Shophat. Ribbon-cutting is at 10:45 a.m.
Outlot Wine Tasting
Vin Master Wine Shop | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Drop-in to taste Outlet Wines of Sonoma County, from sauvignon blanc to cabernet, plus access special pricing on bottle purchases. $5 per person.
Instabeerupclt
GoodRoad CiderWorks | 6 p.m.
Bring old friend or meet new ones at this monthly beer and networking meet up. Free to attend.
Uptown Crawl presented by HomeTrust Bank
Uptown Charlotte | 6 – 9 p.m.
Discover the best of Charlotte’s art scene with free admission to Uptown museums and art galleries, including the New Gallery of Modern Art, Sozo Gallery, Sage Salon & Studio and more. Walk between venues or catch the complimentary trolley.
FRIDAY
Christy Kinard and Kim Schuessler – Sisters Show
Friday, April 27 | Shain Gallery | 6 – 8 p.m.
Help Shain Gallery celebrate sister duo Christy Kinard and Kim Schuessler as they bring all new work to the gallery.
Centerpiece Box & Framed Sign or Tray DIY Workshop
AR Workshop Charlotte | 7 -10 p.m.
It’s time to wine and DIY with the help of AR Workshop Charlotte. In this class, customize your own framed wood sign or centerpiece box. BYOB!
Music Bingo
Coaltrane’s | 8:30 p.m.
Each and every Friday, Coaltrane’s hosts Music Bingo – a fun-filled mash-up of music trivia and bingo. Enjoy $3 drafts while you prove your music knowledge.
Moonlight Series: Flashlight Hike
Anne Springs Close Greenway | 8:15 – 9:15 p.m.
Break out your flashlights to experience the Greenway after hours. This family-friendly night hike will have you looking for frogs, listening for owls and exploring the nighttime forest. Free to greenway members, $5 for non-members. No registration required.
2-Year Anniversary Party
The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill | 5 p.m.
Help The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill celebrate their two-year anniversary with half off old fashioneds, $2 select drafts and the chance to win a $100 bar tab.
Murder Mystery Dinner
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery | 7 p.m.
Break out your 20s best for a night of clues, comedy and murder. Solve the crime before the true culprit gets away!
Jimmy Buffett
PNC Music Pavilion | 8 p.m.
Pack your bags for Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett returns to Charlotte with tunes to match our spring and summer fever. Show begins at 8 p.m.
SATURDAY
Bourbon & BBQ
Reid’s Fine Foods Myers Park | Noon – 3 p.m.
Help Reids welcome spring with the launch of their new mobile smoker and cocktail menu. Enjoy small batch bourbon and beer samples, a rose and red blend tasting and a heaping plate of ribs, cornbread and slaw for $13.99.
Merchant & Trade Spring Season Opener & Patio Kick-Off Party
Saturday, April 28 | Merchant and Trade
Head to the rooftop for the ultimate warm-weather girls’ night out. Merchant and Trade’s all-inclusive party features an open bar, food, two DJs and stunning city views. Limited tickets available. $10 at the door.
Paws and Pasta
Saturday, April 28 | Vivace Charlotte | 1 – 4 p.m.
Join Vivace and South Charlotte Dog Rescue for a free event featuring plenty of pasta, adoptable pups and raffle prizes with proceeds benefitting SCDR.
Charlotte Art Collective’s Spring Art Show and Sale
2821 Park Road | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Browse and shop artwork from over 20 Charlotte artists, including jewelry, photography, original prints and mixed media, at this one-day juried show. A raffle including over $500 of art and craft will benefit Dilworth Cares and Dilworth Soup Kitchen. Free admission.
International Sandwich Festival
Aldersgate Senior Living Community | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The third annual International Sandwich Festival is a free festival highlighting the cultural diversity of east Charlotte with popular food trucks, musical entertainment and more. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged.
April SOURS Bring May Flowers
Duckworth’s Kitchen & Taphouse | 11 a.m.
Find out what the buzz is all about with a full day of rare sour and wild beers. View the full list of beers here.
DIY Workshop: Plank Wood Signs Trays and Lazy Susans
AR Workshop Charlotte | 6 – 9 p.m.
It’s time to refresh your home for spring! Create and customize your own plank wood sign with non-toxic stain and designer paint colors.
Moo & Brew Fest
AvidXchange Music Factory | 12:30 – 6 p.m.
This burger and beer festival offers samples from various breweries, tastes from local restaurants vying for the title of “Creative Loafing’s Best Burger” and music performances by Shovels & Rope and more. $20 – $55. Proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.
23rd Annual Queen’s Cup
Queen’s Cup Steeplechase | 10 a..m. – 7 p.m.
Ready your hats and sundresses, because on Saturday it’s off to the races. The 23rd Queen’s Cup will feature thoroughbreds competing at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
CHASF Gala
Mint Museum UPTOWN | 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Support the Charlotte Housing Authority Scholarship Fund through the recognition of multiple award winners. Proceeds help the organization provide scholarships and mentor services to student recipients.
2018 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Charlotte
NoDa Brewing Company | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hey guys – think you have what it takes to walk a mile in her shoes? Put your balance to the test in this year’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. Each step helps support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Hair of the Dog
Tabor Charlotte | Noon – 5 p.m.
Celebrate Capitol’s 20th anniversary with food from Noble Smoke, Backberry Farm beer, a Bloody Mary bar, live music nd a pop-up shop.
Gala After Party
Mint Museum Randolph | 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Didn’t score tickets to the Mint’s sold-out Coveted Couture Gala? Not to worry. Dance the night away as you “crash the gala” with a special performance by Harley Viera-Newton and champagne by Eric Solomon Selections. $185 per ticket.
The Music Yard Spring Concert Series
SouthBound and Mac’s Speed Shop Courtyard | 6 – 11 p.m.
Head to The Music Yard as their spring concert series continues with music from Black Masala and Jouwala Collective. While you’re there, take in a mixology lesson from BackStage Lounge’s Savvas and offerings from SouthBound’s Taco Stand.
HousingFest Unplugged
The Barrel Room at Triple C | 6 – 9 p.m.
In support of the Urban Ministry Center, HousingFest Unplugged features performances from Justin Fedor and Reeve Coobs. $10 suggested donation at the door.
2018 Tunnel to Towers Charlotte Tower Climb
Duke Energy Center | 8 a.m. – Noon
Honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller and countless others who worked to save others on September 11, 2001 by climbing to the 50th floor – all 1194 steps – of the Duke Energy building. Can’t make it to the top? Challenge yourself to make it to floors 14, 26 and 34, optional turn-around sites.
4th Annual Teal Diva 5k for Ovarian and other Gynecologic Cancers
Freedom Park | 9:30 p.m.
Lace up for this 5K through Freedom Park. Proceeds benefit the mission of Teal Diva to offer survivors hope and the opportunity to connect with each other, advocacy resources and research initiatives.
Wine @ The Market
Atherton Mill | 6 – 8 p.m.
The ultimate sip and shop at Atherton features hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and a silent auction. $35 per person in advance, $40 at the door.
Miles Against Melanoma 5K
The Arboretum Shopping Center | 8 a.m.
The annual Miles Against Melanoma 5K features a survivor ceremony, 1-mile fun run, 5K course and kid’s dash. Proceeds will benefit the Melanoma and Immunotherapy Fund at Carolinas HealthCare System’s Levine Cancer Institute.
Chocolate Tempering Workshop
The Secret Chocolatier | 2 -4 p.m.
Learn the ins and outs of chocolate tempering from the professionals at The Secret Chocolatier. This two-hour beginner class includes instruction in dipping, tempering, filling molds and more. $60 per person.
Chocolate & Cider Pairing
Red Clay Ciderworks | 3 – 5 p.m.
Red Clay Ciderworks and The Secret Chocolatier team up for a pairing of four handmade artisan chocolates and four craft ciders, led by The Secret Chocolatier owner Robin.
Family Fun Puzzle Run
Northcross Shopping Center | 8 a.m.
The whole family can lace up for this Saturday’s Family Fun Puzzle Run, benefitting the Autism Society of North Carolina. The route starts and ends at Northcross Shopping Center.
SUNDAY
Public Opening: The Glamour & Romance of Oscar de la Renta
Sunday, April 29 | Mint Museum Randolph
via Facebook
As part of the Mint’s Year of Fashion, Mint Museum Randolph will bring the designs of one of the world’s most beloved designers, Oscar de la Renta, to Charlotte. Experience designs worn by First Ladies, actresses and celebrities as ‘The Glamour and Romance of Oscar de la Renta’ exhibition celebrates its public opening from 2 – 6 p.m.
Family Spring Carnival
Symphony Park | 2 – 5 p.m.
Gather the family for a carnival featuring characters, games, face-painting, giveaways and more. All activities are free, plus enjoy food and drink for purchase.
Say I DIY- Wedding Signs and Gifts Workshop
AR Workshop Charlotte | 2 – 5 p.m.
Before you say “I Do”, DIY your way to gifts and decor at Sunday’s DIY Wedding Workshop. AR Workshop Charlotte will walk you through a variety of wood and canvas projects. BYOB!
Open Streets 704
Various Charlotte locations | 1 – 5 p.m.
Ditch the car and opt to explore Charlotte by foot or bike during Open Streets 704. The four-mile route connects NoDa, Villa Heights, Belmont, Plaza Midwood and commonwealth neighborhoods with wellness, green, family and arts and science zones.
Vino and Vinyasa
Barista Craft Highland Creek | 3:30 p.m.
The last Sunday of each month, Barista Craft and Charlotte Family Yoga offer Vino and Vinyaya, a one-hour yoga class and a complimentary beer or wine afterwards. $10 per person.
Carolina Catch: Sip-N-Sample with Chef K & Debbie Moose
The Asbury | 5 – 7 p.m.
Raleigh food writer and seafood/fish expert Debbie Moose and Chef Krenz for this sip-and-sample event and book signing. $10 includes nibbles and a drink, plus the chance to visit with Debbie and Chef Krenz.
From Stage to Screen
Knight Theater | 5 p.m.
Join the Charlotte Concert Band on a journey of musical hits of the stage and screen, from Les Misérables to Star Wars. $10 – 20.
Pints for Paws Adoption Event & Fundraiser
Bold Missy Brewery | 1 – 4 p.m.
Find your new best friend at Sunday’s Pints for Paws fundraiser event. Visit with adoptable pups, enter raffle drawings and enjoy Bold Missy brews to support Long Trails to Happy Tails Dog Rescue.
GEAR UP FOR THE GOLF!
Tee Party at Phillips Place next Wednesday
May 2 | 6:30 p.m.
Plan ahead to attend golf’s biggest par-tee. Get the scoop on how to score an invite to see Martina McBride in concert before the official kick off of the Wells Fargo Championship.
