It’s officially time to get out there and enjoy the fall weather. To get you started, we’ve rounded up 28 must-do events to fill your weekend. Here’s what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
Our Pick for Best Event This Week!
Talking Walls Charlotte
October 16-19 | Citywide
Help eliminate the “beige” from Charlotte’s vernacular with Talking Walls, a citywide public art and mural festival highlighting artists with diverse styles and backgrounds. Expect live art battles, paint parties and more. View all events and locations here.
Carolina BalloonFest
October 18-20
Over three days, the 46th annual Carolina BalloonFest will treat its more than 40,000 spectators to mass balloon ascensions, live entertainment, NC wines and craft beers along with special events including the Saturday night Balloon Glow. Get your tickets here.
The Jazz Room at the Stage Door Theater
October 18-19 | Stage Door Theater
Award-winning pianist and composer Ernest Turner will perform a tribute to jazz legend and North Carolina native Thelonious Monk in honor of his 102nd birthday. $14 advance. $16 at the door.
THURSDAY
WP Feeds the Need Benefitting Dahlia Grove
WP Kitchen + Bar | 5-10 p.m.
Have dinner at SouthPark’s WP Kitchen + Bar and support a great cause. Between 5-10 p.m., the restaurant will donate 10% of sales to Dahlia Grove, an organization that seeks to employ, empower, inspire and encourage the women rescued from human trafficking as they regain their independence and freedom. Call 704.295.0101 to reserve or book on OpenTable.
Wine & Culinary Journey
Zeppelin | 6-9 p.m.
Join the culinary and wine experts at Zeppelin for a culinary journey through wine tastings paired along with creations by the chef. All tickets sales benefit Classroom Central. $40 per person.
It’s Time to Drink New Sh!t: Going Back to Cali
Fin & Fino | 6:30 p.m.
Join host Jeff Kellogg, a sommelier, Charlotte-based wine distributor, and owner of Kellogg Selections, as he guides guests through a three-course, family-style menu inspired by Northern California paired with five Kellogg wines.
Music at the Met
METROPOLITAN | Every Thursday through October 17 | 6 – 9 p.m.
The fall series of Music at the Met continues with your last chance to enjoy live music, food and drink specials from participating restaurants and a sunset over the city. In the series’ finale, Late Night Special takes the stage.
October MEGA Wine Tasting
Vin Master Wine Shop | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Don’t miss this month’s mega wine tasting featuring more then 20 wines for just $15. Cutoff is at 7:45 p.m.
Open Art House
Art House Charlotte | 9:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Find your new favorite piece of art during the Open Art House hours from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. No appointment necessary. Don’t forget to bring a picture of the space you’re looking to fill, plus measurements or fabric swatches.
Pop-up Art Gallery
Sycamore Brewing | 5-8 p.m.
Don’t miss a live edition of the Let’s Talk Art with Brooke podcast at Sycamore Brewing. Stop in for a drink and to enjoy Patricia Boyer’s art.
Dilworth Laughs – Third Thursdays
Dilworth Grille | 7 p.m.
The monthly comedy night at Dilworth Grille features host Crystalle Ramey and comedians Joy Wills, Patrick Dalton and headliner Ian Aber.
FRIDAY
Angeline’s Wine Fest Eve Dinner
Angeline’s Charlotte | 6 – 9 p.m.
Angeline’s Executive Chef Robert Hoffman, along with wine expert Beverage Manager William Farquharson, will guide guests through a night of six courses of culinary delights paired with wine. Tickets sales benefit Classroom Central.
Ray LaMontagne: Just Passing Through
Ovens Auditorium | 8 a.m.
Don’t miss your chance to see Ray LaMontagne as he takes the stage at Ovens Auditorium. $29+.
SATURDAY
Charlotte Grilled Cheese Fest 2019
1441 South Tryon St. | 12-5 p.m.
Sometimes you just can’t top a simple, but sublime, grilled cheese. Sample multiple grilled cheeses from local restaurants, plus enjoy live music, activities, a cash bar and more. $30+.
Cooking Demonstration with Chef Gene
Legion Brewing SouthPark | 11 a.m.
Welcome fall with a demonstration by Chef Gene Briggs, featuring a Harvest Bowl, Butternut Squash Soup with Roasted Mushrooms, Traditional Cassoulet and Pumpkin Tiramisu. $45 per person includes the menu demo, food and beer tastings, take-home recipes and 20% gratuity.
Charlotte Cider Fest
Rooftop 210 | 6-10 p.m.
The sixth annual Cider Fest is your chance to sample ciders and learn about cider mixology. General admission includes unlimited samples, while VIP guests also enjoy a mixology class and two hard cider cocktails.
BOAT: A Goodyear Arts Fundraiser
Goodyear Arts | 8 p.m.
Goodyear Arts’ third annual immersive fundraiser will take your crew aboard a lively cruise ship, complete with drinks, small bites and live music. proceeds support operating and programming expenses beyond those covered by grants. Resort wear encouraged. $50+.
3rd Annual 2019 Pug-O-Ween
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte | 4-9 p.m.
Lucky Dog’s 3rd Annual Pug-O-Ween benefits the Mid Atlantic Pug Rescue, with a costume contest, bobbing for beers and more. 10% of all bar sales during the event will be donated to the Mid Atlantic Pug Rescue
Sweetest Day
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market | 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with at the farmers market, where bakers and vendors will offer pastries, cookies, brownies, pies and more. Many will also have gluten free, vegan and alternative sugar substitute options.
Baubles and Bowties Gala 2019
The Ballantyne | 6 p.m.
Don’t miss this elegant evening of dinner, dancing and entertainment. All proceeds benefit Dancers Against Cancer. $150 per person.
10th Annual Ghosts & Legends Tour
Corner of 36th & Davidson Streets | 6:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
Meet your notorious neighbors spanning more than 120 years of local history during the 10th Annual Ghosts & Legends walking tour. The first tour kicks off at 6:45 p.m., and last leaves at 10:45 p.m. Tours are free and open to the public.
TWISP Hard Seltzer Launch Party
Catawba Brewing Company | 2-10 p.m.
Don’t miss the launch of Catawba’s Twisp Seltzer – an all-natural, clear line of hard seltzers. The day includes morning yoga hosted by Sweatnet Charlotte, a dance class by THE JAM: CLT, a Plaza Midwood treasure hunt and the first 150 guests receiving a free slim koozie at noon.
International Gin & Tonic Day
Inishmore | All day
In Dilworth, Inishmore will partner with Tanqueray to celebrate International Gin & Tonic Day, compete with a glassware giveaways and $10 drink specials all day.
SUNDAY
Lights Camera Fashion
SouthPark Mall | 2-6 p.m.
Don’t miss the 9th annual Lights Camera Fashion event this month taking place at SouthPark mall. Enjoy sips and snacks at center court, a fashion show featuring fall and holiday styles modeled by the JLC leadership team and exclusive perks at participating mall retailers. $50 per person.
1 Year Birthday Bash
The Waterman Fish Bar | All day
Help The Waterman celebrate its first anniversary with $1 house oysters all day and $1 draft Narragansett, also offered all day. They’ll also be giving away six $50 gift cards for use at The Waterman or Sea Level NC.
Class: Repurpose Your Holiday Meal Leftovers
Savory Spice Shop | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Plan ahead with Chef Sarah Filbey as she shows guests how to repurpose holiday meal leftovers with easily recreated recipes. Guests also receive 15% at the shop the evening of the event. $20 per person.
Isabella Santos Foundation Blood Drive
NoDa Brewing | 12-5 p.m.
Make your appointment now to support the Isabella Santos Foundation at their next blood drive. All donors will receive a pint voucher from NoDa Brewing Company and a OneBlood Cancer Awareness t-shirt. Plus, OneBlood will match ever donation collected with a $10 additional donation.
Pigs ‘N Pearls
Sugar Creek Brewing | 1-4 p.m.
Cheers over all-you-can-eat oysters and BBQ in support of InReach, an organization providing services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. $50 advance tickets ($60 at the door) include food, two drink tickets, live music, corn hole, raffles and more.
