It’s a holiday weekend, and the perfect time to try something new. Whether you’re looking to take in some live music, DIY a new project or find a new favorite wine, find it all in our round-up of the best events in Charlotte this Memorial Day weekend:
ALL WEEKEND
JAZZ ROOM presents: Sean Mason Trio plays Ahmad Jamal
May 24 – 25 | Stage Door Theater
via Facebook
A Charlotte native, pianist Sean Mason and his trio will present a modern approach to the music of Ahmad Jamal. $14 advance. $16 at the door.
Charlotte Ballet presents chuthis.
May 24 – 25 | Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance
Choreographer Peter Chu, who joined Charlotte Ballet for this season’s Innovative Works and last season’s Rite of Spring , will return to Charlotte to present his company, chuthis. The company will perform two works: Smile Masking and paper cuts in an empty bag.
Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola
May 23 – 25 | Uptown
via Facebook
Now in its 25th year, Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola brings live music, NASCAR driver and car appearances, exhibits and more to Uptown. Day activities are free, while concerts may charge a ticket price. Here’s the line-up:
Thursday, May 23:
6:30 p.m. — Kameron Marlowe Music, Kannapolis, NC native on Team Blake on The Voice season 15
7:30 p.m. — Abby Anderson
8:45 p.m. — Corey Smith
Friday, May 24:
6:30 p.m. — Caylee Hammack
8 p.m. — Tyler Rich
9:45 p.m. — Brothers Osborne
Saturday, May 25:
6:30 p.m. — Charity Case
7:45 p.m. — Sugarcreek
9:45 p.m. — Styx
Memorial Day Celebration
May 25 – 26 | U.S. National Whitewater Center
The USNWC offers plenty of ways to get outside during the holiday weekend. Their Memorial Day Celebration includes 5 and 8 mile trail races in the Memorial Day Trail Race, yoga, live music from Anders Osborne and Ryan Montbleau and a fireworks display Sunday night.
THURSDAY
May MEGA Wine Tasting
Vin Master Wine Shop | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
In South End, Vin Master Wine Shop will host a public tasting of up to 20 wines from all over the world for just $15. Be there by the cutoff time at 7:45 p.m.
Building Equitable Cities with Henry Cisneros
Project 658 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Henry Cisneros, former mayor of San Antonio and former HUD Secretary under President Bill Clinton, leads this action-oriented conversation offering practical people-based and place-based strategies for driving equitable growth in cities. Free admission with light appetizers and free childcare provided.
Make & Mingle: Wood CLT Skyline
Discovery Place Science | 6 – 8 p.m.
Take a piece of the Charlotte skyline home with you when you make your own 10.5” x 22” wooden wall piece at this adults-only DIY craft workshop. $40 per person.
FRIDAY
Don Julio Tequila Dinner
Napa on Providence | 7 p.m.
At Napa on Providence, enjoy three courses crafted by executive chef Ken Aponte, paired perfectly with Don Julio premium tequila. $75++ per person. Call 704.900.8535 to reserve your spot.
Sounds on the Square featuring Blue Honey
Spirit Square | 7 – 9 p.m.
Nashville-based duo Blue Honey will take the stage at this edition of Sounds on the Square, bringing a blend of country and blues to Uptown. Free admission, lawn chairs recommended.
Oyster Stout Release Party
Town Brewing Company | 5 – 9 p.m.
Help celebrate Town Brewing Company’s release of our Heroes in a Half Shell smoked oyster stout with free samples (starting at 6 p.m.) and chat with Oysters Carolina owner Ryan Bethea.
The North American Comedy Brewery Tour At GoodRoad CiderWorks
GoodRoad CiderWorks | 8 – 11 p.m.
This nationwide comedy tour combining laughs and brews comes to Charlotte this weekend. $15 general admission.
SATURDAY
ArtPop – Pop Up Gallery Show
Evoke | 6 – 9 p.m.
ArtPop’s quarterly Gallery Show features local pieces and the chance to meet artists while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres and live music. Celebrated artists include Cass Bradley, Hamilton Ward, Irisol Gonzalez Art, Marvin Espy Artist and Margaret Fleeman.
Paws on the Patio
Rea Farms | 2 – 5 p.m.
Head to Rea Farms on the last Saturday of the month for Paws on the Patio at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. The afternoon, presented in partnership with the Humane Society of Charlotte includes adoptable pets, raffles and giveaways, caricatures of your pets and more. $1 from each beer and frozen drink will benefit Humane Society of Charlotte.
Memorial Day Oyster Roast
NoDa Company Store | 12 – 4 p.m.
NoDa Company Store will team up with Oysters Carolina for an oyster roast featuring raw or grilled oysters and bluegrass music by the Tobacco Road Revival Band.
Create a Beautiful Spring Wreath at Heist
Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts | 1 – 3 p.m.
Head to the new Heist Brewery location to create your own fragrant spring wreath using lavender and eucalyptus. $80 per person, includes your first beer.
Art Workshop: Create Your Own Quilt
McColl Center for Art + Innovation | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Alumna artist Beverly Smith will help attendees create a miniature quilt by learning to transfer photo images to fabric, sew hand-machine stitches and add dimension with embellished quilt tops. Bring your own photograph, cloth or buttons with sentimental value to make it your own. All other materials provided. $50 for McColl Center members, $55 for non-members.
Artist Reception- Cari Anne Schlie
Blue Blaze Brewing | 6 – 8 p.m.
See original artwork by Charlotte artist Cari Anne Schlie as her show comes to a close at Blue Blaze Brewing. The installation invites the viewer to think about how their personal footprint is connected to their local community and global ecosystems.
Chocolate Tempering Workshop
The Secret Chocolatier | 2 – 4 p.m.
Learn the ins and outs of chocolate tempering in this two-hour class led by the professionals at The Secret Chocolatier. You’ll also get to take home some of your own treats. $60 per person.
SUNDAY
Memorial Day Weekend Pig Pickin’ w/ Sweet Lew’s BBQ
Birdsong Brewing Co. | 12 – 3 p.m.
via Facebook
Birdsong and Sweet Lew’s Barbeque will team up for a pig pickin’ for a cause this Memorial Day weekend. Grab a beer and a whole hog barbecue sandwich plate with sides, a portion of sales benefits Purple Heart Homes.
Coca-Cola 600
Charlotte Motor Speedway | 6 p.m.
Be there for the 60th running of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Tickets also include a salute to the military and a pre-race concert by Cheap Trick.
& BEYOND
Dollar Hot Dog Day
May 27 | BB&T Ballpark | 2:05 p.m.
Celebrate Memorial Day with a day game as the Charlotte Knights host the Durham Bulls. Fans can enjoy Sahlen’s Hot Dogs for just $1 each.
