It’s the unofficial last weekend of summer. But not to worry, there are plenty of ways to make the most of it. From festivals to concerts to craft markets, here’s what to do and where to go this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
Matthews Alive Festival
August 30 – September 2
via Facebook
Support local non-profits at the annual Matthews Alive Festival, featuring carnival rides, games, food, a parade, live entertainment and more. Proceeds support area non-profit groups.
Labor Day Celebration
August 31 – 1 | U.S. National Whitewater Center
Get outside and celebrate Labor Day Weekend with multiple days of fun: Saturday kicks off with The Dry Tri race, followed by yoga, the Aqua Rock Deep Water Solo Climbing Competition and River Jam at night. Sunday features the Labor Day 5K and 15K Trail Race followed by yoga, live music and a fireworks display.
Fall Flavors Preview Weekend
August 30 – 31 | SAS Cupcakes-Blakeney
Fall flavors are coming to SAS Cupcakes in Blakeney, and you can be among the first to try them. At this preview weekend, try all six of their fall flavors (pumpkin spice, caramel macchiato, Nutella pretzel, pumpkin cheesecake, chai tea and cookie butter) at one time.
THURSDAY
Music at the Met
METROPOLITAN | Every Thursday through October 17 | 6 – 9 p.m.
This Thursday kicks off the fall series of Music at the Met, you chance to enjoy live music, food ad drink specials from participating restaurants and a sunset over the city. This week, Rayen Belchere takes the stage.
Carolina Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Bank of America Stadium | 7 p.m.
Football is back in the Queen City. get your tickets now to see the Carolina Panthers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday night.
80s Trivia
NoDa Brewing Company | 6 p.m.
Think you know everything about the 80s? Put your knowledge to the test at NoDa Brewing, where host Tyler Norris will run an 80s-themed trivia night. Food truck TIN Kitchen will be on site.
August Beer Dinner
August 29 | The Suffolk Punch
Executive Chef Eric Litaker and Brewer Brant Butler team up to present a five-course menu with beers selected to pair with each plate. $65 per person.
FRIDAY
Patio Paradox: Housetramentals
Merchant and Trade | 9 p.m.
At Patio Paradox Vol. 5: Housetramentals, hear Neil Jackson and world-renowned Saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield, the last sax player to perform and record with Prince. No cover.
Rum Runner Dinner
Napa on Providence | 7 p.m.
Napa on Providence’s first rum runner dinner includes four courses from Chef Ken Aponte paired with four tasty rum runners. Reservations required, call 704.900.8535 to reserve your spot. $70++ per person.
Belk College Kickoff Tailgate Concert
Romare Bearden Park | Gates open at 6 p.m.
The Second Annual Belk College Kickoff Tailgate Concert features country star Chase Rice and special guests Tyler Farr, Filmore, Gyth Rigdon, Warrick McZeke and DJ Slim McGraw. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets start at just $25
Peter Frampton FINALE
PNC Music Pavilion | 7:30 p.m.
Hear Peter Frampton perform timeless hits like “Do You Feel The Way We Do,” “Show Me The Way,” and “Baby, I Love Your Way” as he hits the road for one last time. Tickets start at $29.50.
SATURDAY
Belk College Kick-off
Bank of America Stadium | 3:30 p.m.
Grab your tickets now for the Belk College Kick-off game where the University of South Carolina will take on University of North Carolina at Bank of America Stadium. Before the big game, enjoy live music, food and beverages, a kids’ zone and more at the Belk College Kickoff FanFest presented by OrthoCarolina, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Ride! Ballantyne
Morrison Family YMCA at Ballantyne | 7:30 a.m.
The 16th annual Ride! Ballantyne offers routes ranging from 30 miles to 80 miles with a variety of faster flat roads and challenging hills to climb. Proceeds support the YMCA Annual Campaign, which provides programs ranging from teaching youth to swim and read to helping cancer survivors gain their strength to fight the disease.
Chocolate Tempering Workshop
The Secret Chocolatier | 2 p.m.
Learn the ins and outs of chocolate tempering, dip items, fill molds, make bon bon shells and more in this two-hour, hands-on class. $60 per person.
Bacon Day 2019
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery | 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
In celebration of National Bacon Day, every Snooze location in America will feature three special menu items featuring Tender Belly’s dry-rubbed, slow-cured bacon. All proceeds from the Bacon Day dishes at the Plaza Midwood location will benefit Friendship Gardens.
Charlotte Fashion Week – Party of the Century
The Ivey’s Lobby | 6:30 p.m.
As part of Charlotte Fashion Week, the Party of the Century / The 100th Show includes a finale fashion designer runway show, live entertainment, art and more. $35+.
SUNDAY
Around the Crown 10K
Romare Bearden Park | 7 a.m.
Starting and finishing at Romare Bearden Park, runners will run the entirety of Charlotte’s three-mile major inner loop, I-277, and the streets of uptown Charlotte. After crossing the finish line, the finish festival includes refreshments and activities for all ages.
Front Porch Sunday
2161 Hawkins Street | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
September’s edition of Front Porch Sundays will include more than 60 tented vendors, four food trucks, live music and more.
Dog Days of Summer
NoDa Brewing Company | 12 – 7 p.m.
Celebrate the passing of North Carolina’s SB 290, which allows four-legged best friends back inside brewery taprooms, at NoDa Brewing with dog treats and doggie pools.
$3 Beer Day
Lenny Boy Brewing | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Cheers to the long weekend with $3 beer and $3 kombucha mimosas all day, plus food specials and live music from 3 – 6 p.m.
MONDAY
Third Annual Labor Day Celebration
Blue Blaze Brewing | 2 – 7 p.m.
The celebration at Blue Blaze includes $12 pitchers all day, new beers, free hot dogs, live music from Province of Thieves, water games and sparklers.
6th Annual Charlotte Kosher BBQ Championship
Levine JCC | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The sixth annual Kosher BBQ Championship is your chance to taste the best in Kosher BBQ, plus enjoy live music, a kids zone, performances and more.
Rooftop Yoga
Rooftop 210 | 6:30 p.m.
Get some extra relaxation in on your day off with all-level yoga at Rooftop 210. $5 general admission includes class and one drink ticket.
Revolt Comedy Show #11
Heist Brewery | 8 p.m.
Extend your long weekend just a little bit longer with laughs from The Revolt Comedy Show, a monthly event highlighting comedic performers. $3 admission.
