Before the kids head back to school and schedules fill up, make plans to enjoy one of our picks for girls outings this August:
The 36th Annual Southern Women’s Show
August 24 – 26 | Charlotte Convention Center | Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This month’s GNO picks are sponsored by the 36th annual Southern Women’s Show, coming to the Charlotte Convention Center at the end of August. Head over Friday, August 24 from 4-7 pm for a special Girls’ Night Out then head back over the weekend to checkout the hundreds of boutiques and vendors as well as chef demonstrations and visits from celebrity guests, including Savannah Chrisley, from USA’s Chrisley Knows Best.
Art of Reading Public Tour: The Invention of Wings
Wednesday, August 1 | Mint Museum Randolph | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Discuss Sue Monk Kidd’s The Invention of Wings, the pre-Civil War story that landed a spot in Oprah’s Book Club, and view art that depicts the events and customs in the book. Free admission.
McColl Alumni + Local Artist Showcase
Thursday, August 2 |Â Anne Neilson Fine Art | 6 – 8 p.m.
Celebrate the opening of the McColl Alumni + Local Artist Showcase with a reception at Anne Neilson Fine Art. The exhibition features a wide range of works, from glass to photography, from McColl Center For Art + Innovation alumni Linda Luise Brown, Ivan Toth Depeña, Diane Hughes, Carmella Jarvi and Terry Shipley and local artists Tony Griffin and Kristen van Diggelen Sloan.
Mini Manis, Margaritas and Makeovers
Mondays through August | The Ballantyne Hotel
Escape with the girls to The Spa at Ballantyne for a weekday break. From 5 – 7 p.m. each Monday in August, enjoy mini manicures, specialty margaritas and mini makeovers, along with exclusive discounts on select retail items. $75 per person. To register, call 704.248.4118.
Jazz at the Bechtler: Curtis Taylor
Friday, August 3 | The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 6 and 8:15 p.m.
Kick off the weekend with a jazz performance from Grammy-award winning trumpeter Curtis Taylor at the Bechtler. The evening also includes light bites and a cash only bar. Performances are at 6 and 8:15 p.m. $16 for non-museum members and $10 for museum members. Purchase tickets online or call 704.353.9200.
August First Friday Gallery Crawl with free Jeni’s Ice Cream
Friday, August 3 | South End | 5 – 10 p.m.
Spend an evening hopping from gallery to gallery as South End hosts their monthly self-guided art crawl. Discover work from local and international artists in five galleries, plus get free scoops from Jeni’s Ice Cream.
Master Your Makeup Routine
Saturday, August 4 |Â Hygge Coworking | Noon – 2 p.m.
Get ready for your Saturday night out with a makeup SkillPop class. Makeup artist Joy Nichelle Randall demonstrates the tips, tools and techniques that will help you take your daily routine to the next level. $28 per person.
Frock Shop Victory Garden – AT: Sprout to the Next Level
Sunday, August 5 |Â FROCK Shop | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Turn Sunday funday into a girls’ day out with a gardening lesson and avocado toast bar. Allison Modafferi will lead a hands-on demonstration of how to grow your own sprouts at home, then you’ll incorporate them into your own brunch creation. $30 per person includes your own jar of sprouts to grow at home, brunch bites and beverages.
Penland School of Crafts 33rd Annual Benefit Auction
August 10 – 11 |Â The Penland School Campus
Take a girls weekend trip to attend the 33rd Annual Penland Benefit Auction in the NC mountains. The gala weekend features the sale of over 240 works of art and attracts over 800 collectors to the Penland campus. View more information and start planning your trip here.
Baubles & Bags
Saturday, August 11 |Â 3405 South Tryon St. | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Shop ’til you drop as over 700 gently used and new designer handbags, accessories and jewelry items are up for grabs at the 13th Annual Baubles & Bags. All proceeds benefit Assistance League of Charlotte’s philanthropic programs: Operation Check Hunger, Operation School Bell, Mecklenburg County Teen Court, Assistance League of Charlotte’s Scholarship Fund and Outreach.
Charlotte Flower Arranging Workshop
Saturday, August 11 |Â 715 Providence Rd. | 2 – 4 p.m.
East Fork Pottery, based out of Asheville, is teaming up with new floral boutique In Our Nature for a flower arranging workshop. Nkemdi Thompson will teach your crew how to arrange flowers in a beautifully crafted slope vase. $150 ticket includes the lesson, vase, bouquet, snacks and libations.
Introduction to Aerial Fitness
Thursday, August 16 | AIR® Aerial Fitness Myers Park | 7:45 p.m.
Round up the girls and get ready to try an all-new fitness routine. Learn the basics of aerial fitness and settle into the silks yourself in this introductory level class. $25 per person.
The First Ever Uptown Flea
Saturday, August 18 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Shop over 80 flea vendors, collectors, vintage dealers, local shops and more at the first ever Uptown Flea. While you shop, enjoy live music and food truck offerings. $1 entry fee.
The Bridal Showcase
Sunday, August 19 |Â Charlotte Convention Center | Noon – 5 p.m.
Even if you’ve already made the walk down the aisle, grab your girlfriends and a bride-to-be to enjoy this summer’s Bridal Showcase. You’ll visit with over 100 of Charlotte’s top wedding specialists and vendors, sample cake and food, participate in contests and win door prizes, and end with a Grand Finale Fashion Show.
The Lion King
August 22 – September 9 | Belk Theater | Various times
One of Broadway’s all-time favorite shows makes a stop in the Queen City this month. Make plans to see this six-time Tony Award winning show with choreography by Garth Fagan and music by Elton John and Tim Rice. Tickets start at $30.
The Fine Art of ArtPop Opening Reception
Thursday, August 23 |Â Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art | 6 – 8 p.m.
This GNO celebrates the art you’re used to seeing on Charlotte’s billboards. ArtPop alums Janie Ball, Barbara Ellis, Nick Napoletano and Caroline Rust present new works as part of The Fine Art of ArtPop, on display through September 4. Celebrate at the opening reception August 23 at the Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art.
Food Trucks and Music in the Garden
Friday, August 24 |Â Wing Haven | 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Grab the girls and head into the Winghaven garden for an evening of food trucks, live music from Hot Chocolate and Vanilla Soul Duo and wine and beer al fresco. $12 for garden members, $15 for non-members.
