Already planning ahead to the weekend? Same here. Fill your calendar with a visit to the opera, a night out at the museum, wine tastings and more. Our guide to what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
FEATURED EVENT
Moffett Wine Dinner
January 23 | The Stanley | 7 p.m.
At this intimate wine dinner, guests will enjoy a five-course farm-to-table dinner crafted by chef Paul Verica paired with Moffett Wines. Preview the menu here. $95 per person plus tax & gratuity. Call 980.229.2741 or email steve@thestanleyclt.com for reservations.
ALL WEEKEND
Opera Carolina’s “Carmen”
January 19, 20 and 24 | Belk Theater
via Facebook
Carmen’s free spirit and gypsy ways made her a feminist heroine and the focus of an opera recognized as the most famous of all time. In fact, it’s likely you’ll recognize the music from shows, movies and commercials even if you’ve never seen the show. Get tickets for your girlfriends now for one of Carolina Opera’s three performances of “Carmen”.
Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week®
If trying more local restaurants is on your resolutions list for 2019, you’re in luck. Queen’s Feast returns January 18 – 27 with over 130 restaurants offering three or more courses for just $30 or $35 per person. Make your reservations now!
THURSDAY
You Drink, Town Donates
Town Brewing Company | 4 – 10 p.m.
Swing by this new brewery to enjoy beer and live music while giving back: $1 from every beer sold will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
January MEGA Wine Tasting
Vin Master Wine Shop | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (cutoff is 7:45 p.m.)
Vin Master’s monthly mega tasting invites wine lovers to toast up to 20 wines from all over the world for just $15. Pay on arrival.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Sacramento Kings
Spectrum Center | 7 p.m.
Grab your tickets now to see the Charlotte Hornets take on the Sacramento Kings at home.
FRIDAY
Bechtler by Night: Here’s to a New Year
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 5 – 10 p.m.
Every third Friday of the month, head to the Bechtler to experience the galleries for free under the cover of the night sky. This month you can also create your own picture frames, design unique snowflakes, sip on cranberry mimosas, nibble on complimentary light bites and enjoy live music.
Hands-on Mixology Class – Winter Warmers
Sweet Spot Studio CLT | 6:30 p.m.
In this hands-on class, learn to make cozy cocktails that will stand up to the winter cold including a spicy Aztec hot chocolate, hot buttered rum and a spiked cider. $70 per person.
Science on the Rocks: Fantastic Bugs & Where To Find Them
Discovery Place Science | 5 – 9 p.m.
At this adults-only night at the museum, explore the all-new Bug Lab exhibition, mingle with wizards and fantastic beasts, try a liquid nitrogen butterbeer straight from Hogsmeade, craft your own wand, concoct your own edible potion and more. $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Roaring Twenties Birthday Beer Release
Bold Missy Brewery | 5 – 10 p.m.
Travel back in time for a Gatsby-themed celebration honoring Bold Missy’s head brewer and sales rep. There will be prizes for best dressed, live music and a special beer release of the Suffragette Dark Berry Kettle Sour.
The 16th Annual Legacy of Black Women Film Showcase
McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square | 6 – 9 p.m.
The 16th Annual Legacy of Black Women Film Showcase features short films written, produced, directed by and/or featuring black women as well as a student competition. There will also be local vendors and refreshments available at a pre-film reception. $30 tickets.
SATURDAY
Unveiling the Secrets of Bordeaux – Tasting Class
Reid’s Fine Foods Myers Park | 2 – 4 p.m.
Explore the history and traditions that make wine from the Bordeaux region some of the most beloved worldwide in this tasting class. Reserve your spot by calling the wine department at 704.377.7686.
Donut and Beer Brunch
Mere’s CLT | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Start your weekend off on a sweet note with a pairing of three mini donuts and three beers. $25 per person. Call 704.472.5513 to reserve your spot.
Artist Talk: Tom Stanley
Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy | 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hodges Taylor will present TOM STANLEY: en route to here, a solo exhibition featuring a selection of paintings and works on paper from the past two decades. Don’t miss an artist talk, moderated by Lia Newman, Curator of Van Every/Smith Galleries at Davidson College, on Saturday.
Atrium Health Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade
Uptown Charlotte | 10 a.m.
Celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at Uptown Charlotte’s parade. More than 100 community organizations marching bands and step teams will march down Tryon Street (beginning at 9th Street and ending at Stonewall Street) alongside floats and local performing groups.
Life is a Cabaret
Midtown Ballroom Charlotte | 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening at the cabaret enjoying performances by Midtown Ballroom’s students and professionals, plus enjoy hors d’oeuvres. $25 in advance, $35 at the door.
Group Red Wine Profile
Corkbuzz Restaurant – Charlotte | 3 p.m.
Learn more about how red wine is made, regions of wine production, grape varietals and more, plus learn about your personal preferences. $65 per person.
2019 Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Charlotte
First Ward Park | 7:30 a.m.
“America’s Sweetest Race” challenges participants to either a 15k or 5k route dotted with marshmallow sweet stations ending with a post race party complete with music, hot chocolate and other tasty treats. Make-A-Wish® is the official race charity of the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k.
The Whiskey Club of Ballantyne – Crown Royal
The Ballantyne | 6:30 p.m.
Savor tastings of Crown Royal, Crown Reserve, Crown XO and Crown XR paired with light hors-d’oeuvres. $65 per person.
Lenny Boy Raw Bar “Pop-Up”
Lenny Boy Brewing Co. | 3 – 5 p.m.
Enjoy free Oysters on the half shell (while supplies last) from The Waterman, delicious craft beer and kombucha from Lenny Boy. Plus, enjoy live music by Ezra Root and Pepperbox Doughnuts on site.
Lucky’s 2nd Anniversary Celebration
Lucky’s Bar & Arcade | 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Help Lucky’s celebrate their two year anniversary with drink specials, a DJ and free tokens to play and compete the night away.
SUNDAY
Bubbly Benefit Brunch
GoodRoad CiderWorks | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Enjoy a chef-inspired brunch buffet with a DJ, specialty brunch cocktails, community art, a cider tour and shoppable vendors. Benefits the American Cancer Society. $35+.
Beans N’ Bots Chili Cook-Off
Wooden Robot Brewery | 1 – 3 p.m.
Sample multiple recipes and cast your vote for the best at Wooden Robot’s first chili cook-off. The winner gets a gift basket worth over $100. Plus, enjoy $1 off medium brews all day.
