From smartphone photography classes to dog jogs, there’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy all the Queen City has to offer this weekend. Plus, kick off the season with Panthers Fan Fest. Our day-by-day round-up for this weekend’s must-dos.
ALL WEEKEND
2018 Joedance Film Festival
August 3 -4 | 701 N Tryon St.
The annual Joedance Film Festival returns to Charlotte’s Fourth Ward neighborhood this weekend, supporting filmmakers, producers, writers and directors with area connections and raising funds for rare pediatric cancer research and clinical trials at Levine Children’s Hospital. View 2018 film selections here.
Summer Concert Series
August 3 – 4 | Blakeney Shopping Center
Blakeney’s live music series continues as Groove Masters takes the stage on Friday, followed by MJ Acoustic Duo on Saturday. Lawn chairs, blankets and leashed dogs welcome.
THURSDAY
IPA Day 2018
Sycamore Brewing | 2 – 9 p.m.
Sycamore is celebrating National IPA Day by opening at 2 p.m. and serving six different IPAs for just $3 per pint. The first 500 guests will also score a free IPA day pint glass. Papi Queso food truck will also be on site with live music starting at 5 p.m.
Open House at McColl Center
McColl Center for Art + Innovation | 6 – 9 p.m.
Toast to a successful artist residency season by honoring McColl Center summer artists-in-residence Eliana Arenas, Julio Gonzalez, Monique Luck, April Marten, Antoine Williams and Stephanie J. Woods. You’ll also get to experience The Open Orchard, an exhibition by artist-in-residence Sam Van Aken. Free admission with wine and beer available for purchase.
Rebuilding Spirits
Hoppin’ | 6 – 9 p.m.
Head to Hoppin’ to enjoy self-pour craft beer and wine while supporting safe and affordable housing in our community. All proceeds from an onsite raffle and 10% of Hoppin’ sales will benefit Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte.
FRIDAY
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.
2018 Fan Fest
Bank of America Stadium | 7 p.m.
Get ready for football with Fan Fest. The Panthers kick off the season with an open practice, performances from the TopCats, Sir Purr, PurrCussion and the Black & Blue Crew, and ends with a fireworks and laser show. $5 admission tickets.
Sparkling Group Wine Profile
Corkbuzz Restaurant – Charlotte | 6:30 p.m.
Summer is the perfect time to break out the bubbly. A Corkbuzz Sommelier leads this class that explores how sparkling wine is made, regions for production and your unique preferences. $50 per person.
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.
Janet Jackson: State of the World Tour
PNC Music Pavilion | 8 p.m.
Head to PNC to watch Janet Jackson take the stage as she makes a stop on her State of the World tour. $30+.
Dogs Days Movie Promo
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte | 4 – 10 p.m.
Ahead of Dog Days’ official release, Lucky Dog will host a day of giveaways including mini movie posters and advance screening passes. They’ll also have beer specials for the occasion.
Small Batch Release: Ciderita
Red Clay Ciderworks | 3 – 11 p.m.
Red Clay’s Ciderita, a refreshing blend of lemon, lime, salt and agave, is back just in time to save you from the summer heat. This small batch is served in their tap room only, so don’t miss your chance to grab a glass.
SATURDAY
3rd Annual Friends and Beerfest: IPA Edition
Legion Brewing | 4 p.m.
Enjoy unlimited tastings of regionally-produced IPAs, live music, food, giveaways and more as National IPA Day and Legion’s third annual Friends and Beerfest collide. $40 per person.
Mint on the Dot
Mint Museum Randolph | 1 and 1:30 p.m.
While browsing the exhibits, stop to listen in on one of two 10-minute art chats offer each Saturday at 1 and 1:30 p.m. Look for the “Mint on the Dot” signs along the gallery floor. Chats are also offered Wednesday evenings.
Dog Jog
NC Velo (9815 Rea Road) | 9:30 a.m.
You and Fido can get your exercise in at this weekend’s Dog Jog, where attendees will raise funds and bring awareness to local non-profit Stand For Animals Veterinary Clinic. There will also be day-of discounts at NC Velo and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon.
Women’s Health Day
Birdsong Brewing Co. | Noon – 10 p.m.
Invision Diagnostics and Birdsong Brewing Co. team up for a day promoting women’s health. Meet local healthcare community leaders and get your annual mammogram before enjoying brews from Birdsong and treats from King of Pops.
Rockin’ for the Kids- A Fundraiser for A Child’s Place
SouthBound Music Yard | 6:30 p.m.
Underground Detour will be playing the best in rock n’ roll as you enjoy tacos and margaritas at The Music Yard at SouthBound. Proceeds benefit A Child’s Place. $10 admission.
SUNDAY
August Front Porch Sunday
2151 Hawkins Street | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This month’s Front Porch Sunday features over 60 vendors, a free bootcamp class, local produce, beer from Sycamore Brewing and much more. Free admission.
Botanical Macro Photography with your Smartphone
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens | 1 – 3 p.m.
Think you can’t snap professional-looking photos with your iPhone? Think again. Learn how to take close-up pictures of nature from photographer Wendy Wilson in the McMillan Greenhouse at the UNC Botanical Gardens. $20 for non-members, $15 for members. Class fee includes a lens for your smartphone you get to keep.
Counting Crows with special guest +LIVE+: 25 Years and Counting
PNC Music Pavilion | 6:30 p.m.
The weekend’s not over just yet. At PNC, Live and Counting Crows take the stage beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Picnic in the Park feat. Todd Murray
Fourth Ward Park | 4 – 6 p.m.
The next Picnic in the Park features live music from Todd Murray. Pack a picnic, bring a lawn chair and enjoy free music in Fourth Ward.
