Is it just us or does summer tend to fly by faster each year? Soak up every last minute by diving into the best in Charlotte events happening this weekend. Our day-by-day guide:
ALL WEEKEND
The 36th Annual Southern Women’s Show
Charlotte Convention Center | Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The 36th Annual Southern Women’s Show is coming to the Charlotte Convention Center this weekend. 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.
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.
THURSDAY
The Fine Art of ArtPop Opening Reception
Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art | 6 – 8 p.m.
Celebrate the art you’re used to seeing on Charlotte’s billboards as 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.
Shop Eat Cure at Waverly
Waverly Charlotte | 5 – 8 p.m.
Enjoy specials and sales from Waverly merchants and restaurants while supporting the Move for Jenn Foundation, benefitting sarcoma amputees and research. Participating merchants include Fab’rik, Scout & Molly’s, CycleBar and more.
Summer Concert Series
Anne Springs Close Greenway | 6:30 p.m.
The summer concert series at Anne Springs Close Greenway continues with a performance from Fantasy Band and multiple food trucks offerings. $5 parking, $5 entry fees apply to non-members.
Top Shelf Tequila Dinner
Sullivan’s Steakhouse | 7 – 9 p.m.
Sullivan’s Top Shelf Tequila Dinner features a chef-inspired four course menu expertly paired with Cazadores Blanco, Reposado and Anejo tequilas. $55 per person. Reserve your seat online.
Race for the Cure Kick off Party
Resident Culture Brewing Company | 5 – 8 p.m.
Get excited, and sign up, for Charlotte’s Race for the Cure on October 6. The kick-off party includes Kendra Scott merchandise, free pint glasses (while supplies last), food options and plenty of beer.
FRIDAY
Food Trucks and Music in the Garden
Wing Haven | 5:30 – 8 p.m.
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.
Curt Butler – Solo Show
Shain Gallery | 6 – 8 p.m.
The next show at Shain Gallery celebrates all new work from North Carolina artist Curt Butler.
Framed Wood Sign, Centerpiece Box or Bottle Opener Box Workshop
AR Workshop Charlotte | 7 p.m.
Make your own framed wood sign or centerpiece box in this hands-on class at AR Workshop. All materials are provided, simply BYOB! $37.50+.
Food Truck Friday Dilworth
1324 East Blvd. (Corner of Scott Ave. & East Blvd.) | 6 – 10 p.m.
Food Truck Friday returns to Dilworth for an array of tempting food trucks, live music from Poncho Afterglow and a school tools donation drive. The most needed items include pencils, crayons, notebook paper, folders, binders and bookbags.
Sounds on the Square: Caroline Calouche & Co
Spirit Square | 7 p.m.
Watch in awe as performers from CC & Co. bring aerial arts, contemporary dance, acrobatics and more to this edition of Sound on the Square. Concessions and beverages will be available for purchase. Don’t forget your lawn chair!
Cookie & Cider Pairing
Red Clay Ciderworks | 7 p.m.
\
Cider maker Jay Bradish and Baking Scientist Monica Nye, PhD, walk attendees through this perfectly sweet and tart cider and cookie pairing. $19 per person.
Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots
Bank of America Stadium | 7:30 p.m.
Head to Bank of America stadium to see the Panthers take on the Patriots in the preseason. Grab your tickets here.
Live on the Green ftg. Front Country w/ Elonzo Wesley
First Ward Park | 7 p.m.
For the last show before the finale festival, Live on the Green presents the Americana and roots sounds of Front Country and Elonzo Wesley. In addition to live music, enjoy food truck and local beer options for sale. Free admission.
Music Matchup
Coaltrane’s Char Grill | 8:30 p.m.
Put your music knowledge to the test in this weekly competition at Coaltrane’s. Plus, enjoy $3 draft beers all night.
On the Border – Eagles Tribute Band
The Fillmore Charlotte | 8 p.m.
See this tribute band play all your favorite Eagles jams on stage at The Fillmore. $10 per person.
SATURDAY
Bar Method Open House & 3rd Birthday Celebration
Southpark & Waverly Locations | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bar Method has plenty of reasons to celebrate this weekend: It’s their three-year anniversary in SouthPark and grand opening in Waverly. To celebrate, they’re offering free classes at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. at both locations, swag bag giveaways, 70% off new client trail month packages, raffle prizes, local vendor offerings and light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Pre-register for free classes online.
Reid’s SouthPark Summer Concert Series Feat. The Bad Daddies
Reid’s Fine Foods SouthPark | 7:30 p.m.
The Bad Daddies will take the stage at the next installment of Reid’s Patio Concert Series. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Reid’s SouthPark store. Email callie@msquaredpr.com with questions.
The Great Gatsby Gala
The Hilton – Charlotte Center City | 7 – 11 p.m.
Head back to the roaring 20s for a night of  swing dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts from Charlotte restaurants, a silent auction and more, all benefitting the National MS Society. Gatsby attire or black tie.
Rèserve Series Dual Bottle Release
Wooden Robot Brewery | Noon – 2 p.m.
Wooden Robot will host an exclusive, limited dual bottle release of Rèserve Dorèe ’18 and Rèserve Dorèe de pêche ’18. $20 (plus tax) per 500mL bottle, limit 4 bottles per person.
Legal Remedy Beerthday Celebration
Legal Remedy Brewing, Rock Hill | All day
Legal Remedy Brewing will celebrate their four year anniversary with a full line-up of live music performances, plenty of beer, food specials and a souvenir glass for guests. $5 admission.
Bearden Music Series feat. Orquesta Mayor
Romare Bearden Park | 6 – 9 p.m.
The next edition of the Bearden Music Series features Orquesta Mayor, who will play an array of genes, from salsa to merengue and bolero. Food and beverage vendors will be on site. Free admission.
Totally 90s: Charlotte
Epicentre | 4 p.m.
Go back in time to bar hop in Uptown 90s style. Bar crawlers will enjoy 90s themed drink specials, the best jams of the decade, giveaways and prizes. General admission is $23.99 online.
Popsicle Fest
Rooftop 210 | 3 – 7 p.m.
Cool down with sweet summertime treats at the second annual Popcicle Fest. Sip on six “poptails” based on popular King of Pops Flavors with a general admission ticket, or get eight samples with a VIP ticket. $25+.
Yiasou Greek Festival 5K
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral | 6:30 a.m.
Ahead of the Yiasou Greek Festival, set a personal record at the Yiasou Greek Festival 5K. Known as one of the “flattest” routes in Charlotte, the 5K course takes runners and walkers through the tree-lined streets of Dilworth.
Compost & Container Gardens: Unlock Your Small Space Potential
Free Range Brewing | 1 – 3 p.m.
You don’t need acres to enjoy a garden and greener living. The Patio farmer and Crown Town Compost team up for this hands-on class that teaches attendees how to begin container farming and composting. Ticket includes instruction, samples and seedlings and one libation from the bar. $20.
Late Summer Bridal Bouquet
Charlotte Flower Market | 10 a.m.
Master Designer Tammy leads the class in arranging a late summer bridal bouquets using orange roses, seeded eucalyptus, astilbe and garden blooms. Take home your creation and enjoy 15% off all additional take-home purchases on event day. $65 per person.
That’s What She Said Improv Comedy Show
900 North Carolina Music Factory Boulevard | 8 p.m.
You’ll laugh out loud with the all-female cast in this Charlotte Comedy Theater improv show. $10 per person.
SUNDAY
Rooftop Barre & Brunch
Fahrenheit-Charlotte | 9:30 a.m.
Get in your workout while catching a view of the Charlotte skyline at Fahrenheit’s barre and brunch. Your $25 ticket includes a 55-minute full body workout, brunch buffet and one mimosa (gratuity not included).
Art Show
Thirsty Nomad Brewing | 3 – 6 p.m.
Shop local art from multiple creative vendors including WaterWorks Band, ArtPop, Megan Dunbar Photography and more. Plus, The “Chimi” Spot food truck will be on site from 3 – 5 p.m.
Picnic in the Park feat. Jeff Brown
Fourth Ward Park | 4 – 6 p.m.
Picnic in the Park wraps up in Fourth Ward with music from Jeff Brown. Don’t forget to pack a picnic and a lawn chair.
PLAN AHEAD
Hilliard Studio Method Five-Year Anniversary
August 29 |Â Hilliard Studio Method Myers Park
New and existing Hilliard Studio Method clients are invited to celebrate the studio’s five-year anniversary with free classes all day, complimentary dry styles by DryBar, mini massages, Green Brothers Juice Co. juices, a Fit Atelier pop-up shop, giveaways and the reveal of the newly updated Myers Park studio.
14th Annual Potters Market Invitational
September 8 |Â 2730 Randolph Road | 10 a.m – 4 p.m.
This one day sale brings the work of over 65 North Carolina ceramic artists to the Mint Museum Randolph lawn on September 8. The day includes live pottery demonstrations of both wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery, a raffle, live bluegrass music, a beer garden and docent tours of the Mint’s ceramics collections. All tickets purchased before September 1 are $10. On the day of the event, tickets will be available at the entrance for $12 each.