Summer weekends can get busy, but you’ll want to keep your calendar clear for these not-to-be-missed events in the Queen City. Our round-up of what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
The Color Purple
July 10 – 15 | Belk Theater | Various performance times
Jazz, gospel and blues bring this beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning story to life in the musical revival of The Color Purple. Grab tickets and an Uptown dinner reservation while the Tony Ward-winning show is at the Belk Theater July 10-15. Tickets start at $25.
The Jazz Room Presents: Amos Hoffman plays Kenny Burrell
July 13 – 14 |Â Stage Door Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Amos Hoffman, Israeli jazz guitarist and oudist, plays familiar works made famous by Detroit-born guitarist and composer Kenny Burrell, who has shared the stage with Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday and more. Tickets start at $14.
THURSDAY
One Year Anniversary
Sophia’s Lounge |Â 6 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Help Sophia’s Lounge toast to their one year anniversary with cocktails, small bites by Chef Jamie Lynch and music from DJ Steven Warwick. Reserve your table online or by calling 980.260.3227.
“Fire Up the Grill” BBQ Wine Tasting
Arthur’s Restaurant & Wine | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Post-shopping at the mall, enjoy a free wine tasting featuring picks that pair well with whatever you’ll throw on the grill this weekend.
Montauk / Summer Loving Relish Event
Thursday, July 12 |Â The Assembly Room at The Foundry | 6:30 p.m.
If you can’t escape to the Hamptons this summer, this Relish dinner event is the next best thing. Expect a lavish lobster bake, rosé and gin punches, ice cream sandwiches and even a watermelon seed spitting contest. $150 per person.
Beer Tasting w/ Primal Brewing
Little Big Burger CLT | 6 – 8 p.m.
Which beer pairs best with burgers? Help Little Big Burger CLT decide which brew to add to their line-up with a tasting of Primal Brewery beers.
Thursday Night Jam Session – Music Machine
Waverly Charlotte | 5 – 8 p.m.
Waverly’s monthly music series returns with live beach music by Music Machine in the terrace.
River Jam Run: Race Edition
U.S. National Whitewater Center | 6:30 p.m.
Lace up for a 5K or 10K run on the USNWC’s trail system, and stick around for live music from Super Doppler. Race registration is $15 in advance and $20 day of race.
We Got The Beat at Alive After Five
210 E. Trade St. | 5 – 10 p.m.
Take your happy hour up a notch with the help of We Got The Beat, a fun party band taking the stage at Alive After Five.
FRIDAY
Music Matchup
Coaltrane’s Char Grill | 8:30 p.m.
Show your competitive side at Coaltrane’s, where they host weekly music bingo and $3 draft specials each Friday.
Fútbol Food Truck Friday
2161 Hawkins St. | 5 – 10 p.m.
Ahead of the International Champions Cup coming to Charlotte July 22, enjoy special food truck offerings and two themed brews: a petite peach saison for Borussia and a raspberry blonde for Liverpool.
SATURDAY
Band Together Benefit for Behailu Academy
Saturday, July 14 | 3701 North Davidson Street, Suite #203 | 3 – 9 p.m.
Join Divine Barrel Brewing, Bold Missy Brewery, Crown Station and Yelp Charlotte for a fundraiser supporting NoDa-based Behailu Academy. The non-profit provides educational programs for underserved Charlotte youth. Enjoy live art exhibitions, food trucks, a band of the bands competition, local vendors and more. Free admission.
Engage Art Contest \ ‘KickOff’ \ Live Event
345 N College St. | 1 – 5 p.m.
The Engage Art Contest kicks off this Saturday at Spirit Square with something for everyone: live performances from top talent spanning spoken word, music and dance, free workshops, food trucks and more.
ArtPop- Pop Up Party
Saturday, July 14 | Evoke | 6 – 9 p.m.
Get ready for a new kind of art buying experience. Make plans to attend the next ArtPop – Pop Up, where you can browse local pieces and meet the artists over free hors-d’oeuvres from Evoke and live music. Featured artists include Katherine Kirchner-Photographer, Hilary Siber Art, RAJ ARTWorks, Denise Torrance and Deborah Kern Fine Arts.
Croatian Wine and Food Pairing
Saturday, July 14 |Â Bond Street Wines | 3 and 6 p.m.
Captivating Croatia, Bond St. Wines and Orrman’s Cheese Shop team up for a pairing event featuring five Croatian wines, three Croatian dishes from Chef Richard and educational information on each pairing. There will be two seatings: 3 and 6 p.m. $30 per person or $55 per couple. Reserve your seat here.
Hop, Chop, and Sauce It
Saturday, July 14 | Midwood Smokehouse Park Road | 2 – 5 p.m.
Midwood Smokehouse and Unknown Brewery will serve their jointly-brewed beer, Heaven and Helles, along with Midwood’s barbecue and build your own mac n’ cheese bar. Purchase tickets online.
Cheers to 3 Years of Beers
Free Range Brewing | All day
Free Range has been pouring beers for three years, and wants to celebrate with you. Their anniversary bash will include new beers on tap, multiple food trucks, family-friendly activities and live music.
Hip Hip Red Clay Comedy Improv Show Starring the Chuckleheads
Red Clay Ciderworks | 8 p.m.
Get ready to laugh (and possibly become part of the show!) as Red Clay Ciderworks will host a special musical improv show from The Chuckleheads. $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Mixology with Bob Peters
Earl’s Grocery | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Before you fire up the grill this weekend, get expert tips from mixologist Bob Peters on the best cocktails to sip at your next cookout. Free admission.
Main Street Fort Mill Jam
Downtown Fort Mill | 2 – 9 p.m.
Everyone will find something to love at Fort Mill’s Main Street Jam. The first of the town’s summer celebration series will feature live music, food and beverages from Cibi Cibi, Strudelteig Food Truck and Kona Ice, shopping, local vendors and more.
Luau Party – Cornhole Tournament
Angry Ales | 3 – 7 p.m.
Dreaming of a tropical getaway? Throw on your Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts for a Luau party at Angry Ales. The festive day includes a cornhole tournament, limbo contest, live music by The Bearded Buddhas, an authentic pig roast, drink specials and giveaways.
Bastille Day at Le Cochon d’Or
Le Cochon d’Or, Waxhaw | Open 5 – 10 p.m.
For Bastille Day, Le Cochon d’Or in Waxhaw will offer a special three-course menu featuring classic French favorite for $50 per person. Wine pairing available for an additional $18. Please call for reservations 704 256 5382
Summer Jazz Series feat. J’Michael Peeples and Art Sherrod Jr.
Freedom Park | 6 – 9 p.m.
Summer jazz in Freedom Park returns as J’Michael Peeples and Art Sherrod Jr. take the stage beginning at 6 p.m. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets. Free admission.
July Cocktail Class Series: Summer Entertaining
Hygge Coworking | 6:30 p.m.
via Facebook
Take a trip to the islands with these summer-themed cocktail classes from Liberate your Palate. You’ll learn to make three cocktails perfect for summer sipping (think tiki cocktails, margaritas and punches) using seasonal ingredients. $65 per person.
Raise a Glass; Raise a Roof
Red Clay Ciderworks | 3 – 6 p.m.
Raise a glass for a local cause at Red Clay Ciderworks, where they will donate $1 per pint sold to Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity and attendees can participate in a raffle for two prizes.
Flavors of the Summer: Blueberry
Lenny Boy Brewing Co. | All day
Truly embrace the flavors of summer at Lenny Boy’s celebration of all things blueberry. They will release four new beverages (all blueberry infused), local vendors will be onsite offering blueberry desserts, breads and treats and Shady Oaks Farm will be selling fresh produce.
Divine Barrel Brewing Block Party
Divine Barrel Brewing | 3 – 7 p.m.
South of the Bully & Friends will host this block party at Divine Barrel. Get to know the rescue and ways you can help while making friends with cute “adoptabulls”.
Artisan Food Fair and Watermelon Day
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This weekend at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, the NC Specialty Foods Association will be sampling and selling their unique culinary items in the Greenery Shed from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. In celebration of their annual Watermelon Day, the market will also be passing out free watermelon samples from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., sharing watermelon recipes and hosting the 484th Army Band – Woodwind Ensemble for a performance at 11 a.m.
SUNDAY
Taste of the Mint | Oscar de la Renta
Mint Museum Randolph | 1:30 p.m.
The best in food and fashion meet in this edition of Taste of the Mint. Enjoy wine and small plates crafted by Jamie Lynch of 5Church Charlotte, followed by a private tour of The Glamour & Romance of Oscar de la Renta. $50 per person, members save 25%.
Picnic in the Park feat. Maya Beth Atkins
Fourth Ward Park | 4 – 6 p.m.
Live music returns to Fourth Ward Park in this edition of Picnic in the Park. Maya Beth Atkins takes the stage at 4 p.m. Don’t forget a picnic, lawn chair or blanket. Free admission.
Cracking Up For Adoption 2018
The Comedy Zone – Charlotte | 6 – 8 p.m.
Laugh it up for a great and local cause with comedians Chris Ruppe and Cyrus Steele. Cracking up for Adoption is a fundraiser helping local families cover the cost of adoption. Tickets start at $15 per person.
