No need to head out of town this weekend. From ice cream classes to live art at the Ballantyne, we’ve got the makings of a perfect staycation right here. Our guide to what to do this Memorial Day weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola
May 24-26 | Uptown Charlotte
Before the Coca-Cola 600 on Saturday, head Uptown for vendor displays, kids activities, visits from racing athletes, interactive booths and more. Local and national headliners will take the live music stage at Romare Bearden Park each night beginning at 6:30 p.m. Free admission to the festival, tickets for Thursday-Saturday headliner concerts range from $25-$35.
Memorial Day Celebration
May 25 – 27 | U.S. National Whitewater Center
The USNWC’s Memorial Day celebration stretches all weekend long, from yoga and river jam on Friday to the The Dry Tri: Paddle, Bike, Run and another night of River Jam on Saturday. The fun continues on Sunday with the Memorial Day Trail Race, yoga classes, multiple live music acts and fireworks.
Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk Tides and Indianapolis Indians
May 24 – 26 | BB&T Ballpark
Nothing screams summer like spending an evening at the ballpark. You’ll get three chances this holiday weekend, Thursday – Sunday t 7 p.m. Don’t miss fireworks after Friday and Sunday’s games.
I Dream
May 24-25 | 430 S Tryon St.
This modern rhythm and blues opera recounts the final 36 hours of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through classical, jazz, contemporary and Broadway styles. Tickets begin at $20.
Summer Concert Series
May 25-26 | Blakeney Shopping Center
Grab your picnic blankets and lawn chairs for the kickoff of Blakeney’s summer concert series. Hipshack takes the stage on Friday and Leslie and Friends performs Saturday night.
Memorial Day Weekend at the Market
May 26 – 27 | Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
The vendors at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market won’t just have all the ingredients you need for your holiday BBQ, they’ll also be passing out free recipes sure to complete your cookout spread.
THURSDAY
Rosé All Night
Reid’s Fine Foods, Both Locations | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy complimentary tastes of this season’s best Rosé wines from four local wine experts on the patios of both Reid’s locations.
Big View Diner Ice Cream Class
Big View Diner | 6:30 p.m.
Beat the heat by learning how to make cold treats with the pros at Big View Diner. The class will learn to make strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, a traditional chocolate ice cream sandwich and orange creamsicle push pops. $45 per person, dinner is included.
Minutes and Years and Parks Brothers at Alive After Five
210 E Trade St. | 5 – 10 p.m.
Start your weekend early at Alive after Five. The Parks Brothers will warm up the crowd before Charlotte’s own Minutes and Years takes the stage. Lead vocalist, Jaron Strom, competed on this season of The Voice.
Steele Creek Live Concert Series
Piedmont Social House | 6 p.m.
Head to the lawn in front of Piedmont Social House for Steele Creek’s live music series, complete with a weekly cornhole tournament. Swingin’ Richards takes the stage at 6 p.m.
FRIDAY
Group Red Wine Profile
Corkbuzz Charlotte | 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
France produces some of the best red wines in the world, isn’t it time you got acquainted? Your crew can learn, taste and discover new favorites with the guidance of a sommelier. $42 per person.
The Prisoner Wine Company Tasting
5:30 – 7:30 | Reid’s SouthPark
Celebrate National Wine Day (!!) with a complimentary tasting of the full line of unexpected, artful wines from The Prisoner Wine Company with Reid’s SouthPark team.
Before, During, and After Prohibition with Old Forester
Dot Dot Dot Charlotte | 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Taste Old Forester 86, Dot Dot Dot’s Personal Selection Single Barrel, 1870 Original Batch and 1920 Prohibition Style with brand ambassador Cameron Brobst. To pair, executive chef David Quintana will serve his take on the Kentucky “Hot Brown”. $45.
Sounds on the Square: Blumey Awards Student Night
Spirit Square | 7 – 8:30 p.m.
High school students featured in the 7th annual Blumey Awards will perform Broadway favorites during this free outdoor entertainment series. Refreshments available for purchase. Bring your own lawn chair.
Music Matchup at Coaltrane’s Char Grill
Coaltrane’s Char Grill | 8:30 p.m.
Put your music skills to the test during Music Matchup at Coaltrane’s Char Grill. Compete for prizes, listen to music and enjoy great drink specials.
Ri Ra’s 21st Anniversary Party
Rí Rá Charlotte | 5:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Rí Rá isn’t sparing a single details in their 21st anniversary bash. Expect 21 giveaways (including a trip to Ireland!), food and drink specials, 90s trivia, live music, a DJ and more. Admission is free, but RSVP to ensure entry and enter to win raffle prizes.
Movie Nights in the Square: Footloose
Spirit Square | 8:45 p.m.
Enjoy a screening of Footloose and free popcorn under the Uptown lights at this edition of Spirit Square’s May movie nights. Concessions and beverages will be available for purchase. Don’t forget to bring your own lawn chair!
SATURDAY
8th Annual Battle of the Casks
Duckworth’s Kitchen & Taphouse, Park Road | 1 – 5 p.m.
At Duckworth’s, eight breweries will battle it out for bragging rights, and you’re the lucky taster. $25, incldudes one 6 oz. our from each participating breweries (8 pours total), and a tasting glass. Call 704.527.5783 to get your ticket.
Lobster & Beer Summer Fun Fest
Sycamore Brewing | Noon – 10 p.m.
In the ultimate nod to summer, Sycamore will host an all-day festival featuring beer, a full live music line-up and special lobster features from the area’s favorite food trucks. Visit Cousins Maine Lobster, Baltimore Crab Cake Company, Gyro Twins Truck, Papi Queso Food Truck, Cuzzo’s Cuisine Food Truck, Carolina Seafood and more while sipping on beer and Sycamore’s own cider.
That’s What She Said Improv Comedy Show
Charlotte Comedy Theater | 8 – 9:30 p.m.
An all-female cast performs a laugh-out-loud long-form show at Charlotte Comedy Theater. $10 per person.
Charlotte’s Big Block Party
VBGB Beer Hall & Garden | Noon – 6 p.m.
Charlotte’s biggest block party is back with local bands and DJs games, vendors and more, with proceeds benefitting the American Kidney Fund. Enjoy free parking in the AvidXchange parking deck. $5 per person.
Movies in the Park: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Midwood Park | 8 p.m.
Enjoy a showing of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” on the big screen during Midwood Park’s first movie night of the year. Bring your own picnic and enjoy something sweet from King of Pops, who will be on site.
Hyzer Hefeweizen Release
Triple C Brewing Company | Noon – 10 p.m.
Triple C’s traditional German Wheat Ale is back for summer, in cans and on draft. While you’re sipping, enjoy live music from Pluto for Planet from 4 – 7 p.m. and food from New Wrap Order.
Live Music at The Music Yard
SouthBound | 5 – 9 p.m.
The Music Yard’s spring series finale features Josh Phillips Big Band at 8:00 p.m. and Fish out of Water at 6 p.m. Carolina Makers & Company pop-up shop, featuring local handmade and artisan vendors, will be open 5 – 9 p.m.
Chocolate Tempering Workshop
The Secret Chocolatier | 2 – 4 p.m.
This two-hour instructional class will have you tempering and dipping like a pro in no time. Fill molds, make bon bon shells and take home your own creations (and new skills). $60 per person.
SUNDAY
Art Live
Sunday, May 27 | The Ballantyne | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
via Facebook
Enjoy art and cocktails in the beautiful setting of The Ballantyne as Jonathan Grauel, Laura McRae Hitchcock, Diane Pike, Jean Cauthen and Emily Andress paint outdoors for guests to watch.
Fire Up Your Engines Watch Party
May 27 | 6 p.m. | Draught Charlotte
Catch the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 at Draught Charlotte while dining from their dinner menu.
Spring Oyster Roast by Birdsong & RockSalt
Birdsong Brewing Co. | 1 – 4 p.m.
Enjoy a special brew of Mexicali and fresh oysters by the bucket as Rocksalt and Bird Song team up for a spring oyster roast. $15 per bucket, raw oysters are $15 per dozen.
Queen City Makers Summer Kick Off Market Party
Elizabeth Billiards | 5 – 10 p.m.
The second annual Memorial Weekend summer kick-off party brings together local makers and artists, including Lush Life Art, The Concord Exchange, Maggie Loves Spike, Sarah Wiley Jewelry and more.
Tiki Party
Howl at the Moon Charlotte | 7 p.m. – close
There’s no better way to welcome summer than with a tiki party. Howl at the Moon will have everything you need, from summer jams to lawn games, giveaways and island drink specials.
