Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got more than 30 scoop-worthy options to choose from. Get to planning with our day-by-day guide to what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
Art in the Garden Tour
May 18 – 19 | Various tour stops
This two-day garden tour features six unique residential gardens, plain-air painters and an after-tour party and art show at Mint Museum Randolph after the tours close on Sunday. Tickets are $20 in advance for Mint and Garden Club members, $30 for general public. Day-of tickets are $25 for members, $35 for the public.
Bigleaf Magnolia Art and Garden Festival
May 17 – 19 | UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens’ inaugural Bigleaf Magnolia Art and Garden Festival includes multiple art exhibits, art installations, adult art workshops, a silent auction of the garden totems on view and a kids’ afternoon with family garden tours and crafts.
THURSDAY
5Church Seven Year Anniversary Celebration
5Church Charlotte |6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Celebrate 5Church Charlotte’s seven year anniversary with a special tasting menu prepared by Executive Chef Whitney Thomas and Chef Partner and Top Chef Alumni Jamie Lynch. Book your table online. Can’t make dinner? Join the party at 9 p.m. with DJ Jamie Overcash. Cocktail attire. A portion of proceeds will benefit Levine Children’s Hospital.
Be Your Best Body Event
2915 Coltsgate Rd Ste 103 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Join Dr. Robert Graper and Dr. Garrett Harper as they cover cosmetic surgery and new non-surgical options at their Summer Seminar and Q&A. Guests will access to exclusive summer specials and savings on all sun protection products, and be able to consult with the experts.
LUNG FORCE Turquoise Tasting
May 16 | The Duke Mansion | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening at the Duke Mansion in support of LUNG FORCE, the American Lung Association’s lung cancer initiative. You’ll try seasonal bites paired with wine and beer, a silent auction, wine pull and live music.
The Bechtler Modernism + Film: Citizen Jane
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 6 – 8 p.m.
Don’t miss a screening of the film Citizen Jane at the next Modernism + Film event. The evening starts with a cash-only bar and complimentary light bites begins at 6 p.m. followed by the film screening at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for the public, $8 for museum members and $5 for students.
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
PNC Music Pavilion | 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the nearly-summer weather at PNC Music Pavilion as Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band the the stage. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Music at the Met
METROPOLITAN | 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Ellie Morgan will take the stage at this week’s Music at the Met. There will also be food and drink specials, oversized yard games, corn hole, a popsicle stand and more.
The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra LIVE at Alive After Five
Rooftop 210 | 5 – 10 p.m.
Alive After Five is back with a live performance by the The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra. You can also expect drink specials, giveaways and more.
FRIDAY
The OG Grand (re)Opening
NoDa Brewing Company | 3 – 10 p.m.
The original NoDa Brewing Company will reopen this weekend after a face-lift. To go with their new look, they’ll also have fresh sour beers on tap. Starting Friday, the brewery will be open Friday 3 – 10 p.m., Saturday 12 – 10 p.m. and Sunday 12 – 7 p.m.
Science on the Rocks: Winter Is Here
Discovery Place Science | 5 – 9 p.m.
This adults-only night at the museum is a must for any Games of Thrones fan. Expect themed challenges and games as well as specialty food and beverages like House of Targaryen Chocolate Rum Truffles, a White Walker cocktail and Jon Snowballs Mini Donuts. $12 general admission.
Hands-On Cocktail Class: Cocktail Fundamentals
Liberate Your Palate | 6:30 – 9 p.m.
In this hands-on class, you’ll learn all of the fundamentals of cocktail-making, including how to shake a cocktail, when to shake or stir and proper muddling techniques. $75 per person.
South End Hops Fest Beer Dinner with Angeline’s Charlotte
Angeline’s Charlotte | 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a multi-course beer themed dinner curated by Angeline’s chef with special guests from each brewery. $65 per person.
SATURDAY
Rosé Festival 3.0
Vin Master Wine Shop | 3 – 7 p.m.
Get your tasting glasses ready. You’ll taste more than 20 rosés from around the world, plus enjoy popcorn, chocolate and cheese tasting stations and live music. There will also be raffles each hour and a barbecue and chicken wings spread. $35 plus tax.
Greystar South End Hops Festival
308 W Carson Blvd. | 2 – 6 p.m.
The sixth annual South End Hops Festival features 50 tents sampling craft brews, wine and cocktails, food trucks, live music, adoptable pups and cooking with beer demos by the chefs from Angeline’s, JP Charlotte and Zeppelin.
Painting the Garden: a Plein Air Workshop
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
In this class perfect for beginners and amateur artists, local artist Jennifer Spaker will lead a three hour plein air class in the gardens. Bring your own supplies or opt to purchase a supply package. $60 per person.
Pastel Spring Arrangement DIY Class
Charlotte Flower Market | 10 a.m.
Master designer Tammy will lead this hands-on class where you’ll craft a beautiful spring arrangement that’s yours to take home. You’ll also learn about the proper way to care for fresh flowers, best practices for cutting and prepping and arranging styles. $50+.
Third Annual Montford Park Block Party
Montford Park Neighborhood | 4 – 9 p.m.
The third annual Montford Park Block Party includes live music by Side Effect and Whatever, vendor booths and food and drink for purchase from neighborhood vendors including Beverly’s Gourmet Foods, Cantina 1511, Groucho’s Deli and more. Free admission.
Charlotte Ballet’s Brews & Ballet
Center for Dance | 1 – 3 p.m.
Thought the worlds of beer and ballet could never collide? Think again. The first Brews & Ballet will feature performances of local, choreographic voices paired with local craft beers. You and your crew can enjoy a craft beer reception on the lawn outside Center for Dance, followed by an abbreviated performance of Choreographic Lab at 2 p.m.
2019 Relay For Life of Charlotte | When Heroes Team Up
First Ward Park | 5 p.m.
Lace up for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Charlotte. The family-friendly event includes interactive activities, food trucks, entertainment and more.
Uptown Flea
406 N. Tryon Street | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Shop more than 60 vendors in one spot, offering everything from handmade goods, vintage wares and plants. There will also be food trucks on site.
Ballantyne Village Wine Festival
May 18 | Blackfinn Ameripub – Ballantyne | 12 – 7 p.m.
Get your wine glasses ready to sip and taste a wide selection of local, regional and national wine varieties and vineyards. The day also includes live music and local vendors. General Admission: $30 in advance / $35 at the door.
May Pop-Up Market
May 18 | Ballantyne Village | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Shop the latest in fashion, accessories and art from Ballantyne Village boutiques and more than 30 local vendors, plus a fresh produce market.
Annual Mega Rosé Tasting at SouthPark
Foxcroft Wine Co-SouthPark | 1 – 4 p.m.
Raise a glass to warmer weather by tasting your picks from more than 40 selections of rosé and enjoying light Mediterranean fare. $30 in advance, $35 at the door.
4th Annual Pints For Paws Charlotte
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery | 12 – 6 p.m.
via Facebook
The fourth annual Pints for Paws Charlotte will include raffles, adoptable pups, local vendors, music, a puppy photo booth, silent auction and more. The day benefits The Live.Wag.BARK! Foundation, a Charlotte nonprofit that educates pet owners on responsible pet ownership.
MeckDec Day Celebration
Charlotte Museum of History | 12 – 4 p.m.
Celebrate the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and the fight for freedom in the Queen City with a Colonial cooking demonstration, historic reenactments and how you can get involved in maintaining the spirit of Charlotte.
SUNDAY
Rooftop BARRE & Brunch
Fahrenheit-Charlotte | 9:30 a.m.
Grab your mat and head to the rooftop at Fahrenheit for a 55-minute Barre POPT class with a view. After class, enjoy a brunch buffetcomplete with mimosas.
South End Hops Fest Recovery Brunch
Zeppelin | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Post-South End Hops Fest, recover with brunch at Zeppelin, complete with beermosas and live music.
Festa Italiana Charlotte 2019
Gateway Village Charlotte | 1 – 7 p.m.
The 14th Annual Festa Italiana Charlotte 2019 offers a day full of all-you-can-eat Italian fare from local restaurants and award-winning chefs paired with bottomless wine, prosecco and Peroni beer. In addition to tasty menu items like the three-foot seafood and vegetable risottos and cannolis, there will be a kids zone, live entertainment, a silent auction and more. Proceeds benefit St. Anthony’s Foundation of Charlotte, which supports organizations dedicated to helping people with intellectual, developmental, and physical special needs and challenges. $100 general admission.
Oregon vs. California : Blind Tasting Pinot Noir
Corkbuzz Restaurant – Charlotte | 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Learn to taste like a Master Sommelier using the three elements of wine: sight, nose and palette. Tasting grid and blind tasting supplies provided. $55 per person.
