Get out and enjoy the first full weekend of fall with over 35 picks of the best festivals, shows, gallery openings, charity events and more. Our day-by-day guide to this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
9th Annual Sip and Stroll: Art, Wine, & Music Festival
September 28 – 29 |Â Rooftop 210
The 9th Annual Sip and Stroll is your chance to enjoy two days of wine tastings and art. The fun starts Friday with a kick-off party featuring wine, live music and a chance to meet the artists. On Saturday, enjoy an outdoor art show, live music, seminars and samples from over 40 vineyards. Each day is $29.99 (or $49.99 for both days) and includes 10 wine tastings each day.
THURSDAY
Pink Pint Night
Thursday, September 27 | NoDa Brewing Company | 4 – 9 p.m.
The 7th annual Pink Pint Night kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with live music, food trucks, a special pink brew, silent auction and more. Supports the Levine Cancer Institute’s Project PINK, which provides mammograms to local uninsured women.
Reid’s Wine Dinner Featuring Catena Zapata and El Enemigo Wines
Reid’s Fine Foods Myers Park | 6 – 9 p.m.
This four-course dinner features Catena Zapata and El Enemigo wines from the Andes Mountains and a chef-crafted menu. $65 per person. Email leyla@reids.com or call the wine department at 704.377.1312 to reserve your seat.
Yeast Expected: A Beer and Pizza Pairing Dinner
Mama Ricotta’s | 6 – 8 p.m.
There’s nothing quite like a beer and pizza pairing. Mama Ricotta’s and NoDa Brewing Company agree, and will offer a four-course dinner with a different style of pizza and beer for each course, plus a chance to meet the chef and brewer. $35 per person.
Instabeerupclt
Pilot Brewing | 6 – 9 p.m.
Instabeerupclt is back at one of Charlotte’s newest breweries. Don’t miss your monthly chance to network and meet new friends over some post-work brews.
DIYÂ Fall Inspired Body Scrubs
Lenny Boy Brewing Co. | 7 – 9 p.m.
Indulge in the cozy scents of the season as you make your own seasonal scrubs from natural and organic ingredients. Plus, get an introduction to essential oils. $14 per person.
Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest Sampling
Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse Ballantyne | 6 – 8 p.m.
Sample Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest, Kellerweis and Pale Ale, plus meet with a rep and enter to win giveaways. Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest will be on special for $4.
FRIDAY
Mint Museum Bring a Friend Day
Mint Museum Uptown and Randolph | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
On Friday, Mint Museum members can bring up to four additional guests at both Uptown and Randolph locations.
Andrew Leventis: Mise-en-Scene
Friday, September 28 |Â Sozo Gallery | 6 p.m.
Find the beauty in the everyday in the opening of Andrew Leventis’ Mise-en-Scene. Each work recreates an overlooked moment in film, from city sidewalks to vintage tea sets.
Charlotte’s Best Stand Up Show
Spirit Square | 10 p.m.
As part of the Queen City Comedy Experience, this late night stand up show will feature local comedians Cuzzin’ Clyde, Jake Manning, Lauren Faber, Will Jacobs, Aaron Weber and host Lauren Ansley.
Wine Women & Shoes 2018
Friday, September 28 |Â The Westin Charlotte | 6:30 p.m.
As the name suggests, this year’s Wine, Women & Shoes event has all the makings of a girls night out. See fashion, sip on wine, nibble on hors d’oeuvres, enter to win giveaways and more.
Oktoberfest
Chima Charlotte | 6 – 8 p.m.
Taste unlimited craft beers and select appetizers at Chima’s bar and lounge. Each guests will receive a complimentary beer glass. Â $30 per person.
Cookie & Cider Pairing
Red Clay Ciderworks | 7 p.m.
Cider maker Jay Bradish of Red Clay Ciderworks will team up with Baking Scientist Monica Nye from A Smart Cookie for a pairing of ciders and cookies. $19 per person.
SATURDAY
Fall Into Fabulous- Fashion Show
Saturday, September 29 | Waverly Charlotte | 6 – 9 p.m.
Get a sneak peek into the hottest fashions for fall as new pieces from Waverly’s boutiques hit the runway, plus enjoy food and fun with emcee Michelle Boudin. This event is also a chance to give back – bring gently used handbags and accessories to donate to Dress for Success. Free admission.
11th Annual 5k/10k For Kids Cancer
Saturday, September 29 |Â Ballantyne Corporate Park | 8 a.m.
The 11th Annual Isabella Santos Foundation 5K/10K is back with multiple route options, including a one mile fun run. Beyond the finish line, enjoy food and refreshment options, raffle prizes and plenty of kids activities.
Reid’s Concert Series Featuring Underground Detour
Reid’s Fine Foods SouthPark | 7:30 p.m.
The Reid’s Patio Concert Series continues with live music by the Underground Detour Band. Tickets are $10 each and available at Reid’s SouthPark.
Best of Burgundy Wine & Jazz Fall Tasting
Petit Philippe | 6 – 8 p.m.
Oliver Lotterie of Vineyard Brands will host this tasting featuring wines from Matrot, Sauzet, Alain Gras, Girardin, Ponsot and Liger-Belair, live jazz music and tasteful appetizers. $45 per person. Call 704.332.9910 to reserve your spot.
First Annual End of Summer Community BBQ
Fran’s Filling Station | 5 – 8 p.m.
Fran’s inaugural End of Summer Community BBQ has something for everyone. Enjoy food, live music by Jeremy Davis and Taylor Winchester of Elonzo Wesley and treats for your four-legged friends.
Greek Wine Tasting
Vin Master Wine Shop | 3 – 5 p.m.
Taste your way through five Greek wines, plus enjoy paired bites. $35 per person. Call 704.307.5565 or email vinmasterclt@gmail.com to RSVP.
ArtWalk & MusicFest
Downtown Matthews | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Matthews ArtWalk & MusicFest includes a juried fine art show and high school exhibit, artisan craft market, jazz music, kids activities and a sip-n-stroll area with wine and beer. Free and open to the public.
Puptember Fest
Catawba Brewing Company | 3 – 7 p.m.
The inaugural Puptember Fest will feature adoptable pets, prizes and giveaways, goodies from Pet Wants Charlotte: The Urban Feed Store and a Halloween pet costume contest. All donations will benefit Catering to Cats and Dogs.
Taco Lucha Fest
817 Hamilton Street | 12:30 – 9 p.m.
Taco Lucha Fest is back this year with tacos from 15 restaurants, live Luchadore wrestling beer sampling from over 30 breweries and live music by Judah & the Lion, Coolio, The Business People, Amigo and DJ Overcash. $29+.
19th Charlotte Oktoberfest
Bojangles’ Coliseum | Noon – 5 p.m.
At the 19th Charlotte Oktoberfest, guests will able to taste brews from over 75 breweries in one place. Plus, get a commemorative glass and enjoy live music by Matt Mullins and the Bringdowns and The Kind Thieves.
2018 Mad About Modern Home Tour
Charlotte Museum of History | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate Charlotte’s mid-century modern architecture and history with a tour of private homes at the 7th annual Mad About modern tour. $25 per person.
Lowcountry
The Fillmore Charlotte | 7 p.m.
The 10th annual Lowcountry event benefitting Communities In Schools will include a buffet catered by Reid’s Fine Foods, craft libations and a silent auction. $100 per person.
Knights Uptown Rundown 5K & Fun Run
BB&T Ballpark | 5:30 p.m.
Lace up for the second annual Uptown Rundown 5K, where after the race you’ll enjoy an after party on the main concourse of the ballpark with live music, food and a kids fun run with Homer. All proceeds benefit Charlotte Knights Charities.
Beer Release: S’mores Blonde Ale
Blue Blaze Brewing | 2 – 7 p.m.
Blue Blaze Brewing will release their s’mores blonde ale in cans for the first time, and celebrate with live music by Jettison Five and food from the Carolina Moon food truck.
Bikes and Beers Charlotte 2018
Brewers at 4001 Yancey | 9 a.m.
15 and 30 mile routes challenge riders on a loop that begins and ends at Brewers at 4001 Yancey. After the ride, enjoy two free beers and an official pint glass, live music, games and local food trucks. A portion of proceeds benefit Trips For Kids Charlotte and their mission to improve youth cycling in Charlotte.
2018 Greater Charlotte Heart Walk
First Ward Park | 7:30 a.m.
Charlotte’s annual Heart Walk includes a 3-mile route Uptown, a Kids Heart Challenge, an expo and more all insupportable of the American Heart Association.
Art and Beer Bash
Barista Craft Highland Creek | 6 – 10 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of beer, live music and art from over 11 handmade vendors. Free admission.
SUNDAY
Pumking Fest 2018
Brewers at 4001 Yancey | 2 – 9 p.m.
Join in this Southern Tier tradition with different styles of Pumking Imperial ales, Pumking inspired dishes, games and live music beginning at 2 p.m.
Bloody Mary Festival 2018
The Fillmore Charlotte | Noon – 5 p.m.
Partake in the ultimate Sunday Funday with unlimited samples of Charlotte’s best bloody Mary’s, games, artisan vendors and more. $35+.
CLT 250th Anniversary Party
Levine Museum of the New South | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Can you believe our city is 250 years young? Celebrate Charlotte’s past, present and future with an all-day anniversary party complete with refreshments performances and kids’ activities. Free admission.
Fall Market at Central Coffee – South End
Central Coffee Co. | Noon – 4 p.m.
Soak in the best things about fall at Central Coffee’s Fall Market featuring multiple artisan vendors, pumpkin pie lattes and pecan bourbon pie and the Panthers’ game on the projector.
CupcakeFest
Oasis Shriners, 604 Doug Mayes Place | Noon – 5 p.m.
Give in to your sweet tooth at CupcakeFest, where local bakeries will compete for your vote to win the title of “best cupcake”. Enjoy samples, a frosting bar, cupcake eating contest and more. $5 general admission.
Open Streets 704
Preview Route | 1 – 5 p.m.
Enjoy a car-free Sunday afternoon as Open Streets 704 returns with a four-mile route of community and family activities. Make your way through the four zones (arts and science, family, nature and wellness) by bike or on foot. See the full route here.
