Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, make time to enjoy the best this weekend has to offer, from wine tastings to comedy shows and more. Our day-by-day guide to what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
Ice Skating at the USNWC
Opened November 19 | U.S. National Whitewater Center
Lace up and enjoy ice skating at the Upper Pond of the Whitewater Center, plus stop by the on-ice Airstream for hot and cold beverages.
Performances at Middle C Jazz
November 21-23 | Middle C Jazz
Pencil in a visit to Uptown’s new jazz club as two groups take the stage this weekend as part of their Grand Opening series. See Ziad Presents The Al Strong Quintet Thursday at 7:15 p.m. and Friday at 7:15 and 9:30 p.m., and the Joey Alexander Trio Saturday at 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for Thursday, $25 for Friday and $45 for Saturday.
CLT Find Pop Up at Beads Inc.
November 22-23 | Beads, Inc.
Get a head start on your holiday shopping as CLT Find teams up with Beads Inc. to showcase holiday best-sellers and more locally-sourced and unique gifts.
Charlotte Symphony: Dvorak’s New World Symphony
November 22-23 | Belk Theater
See the Charlotte Symphony perform Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” Tickets start at $19.
The Jazz Room at the Stage Door Theater
November 22-23 | Stage Door Theater
Greensboro-based vocalist Vanessa Ferguson, recently seen on NBC’s “The Voice”, returns to honor the legacy of North Carolina singer and pianist Nina Simone. $14 advance. $16 at the door.
THURSDAY
Beaujolais Nouveau Day Celebration
Seaboard Brewing – Taproom – Wine Bar, Matthews | All day
Celebrate the first wine of the season in Matthews at Seaboard Brewing’s Beaujolais Nouveau Day with the new 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau from Jean-Paul Brun available for sale as well as a curated wine list featuring all 10 Grand Cru Villages.
November Beer Dinner
The Suffolk Punch | 6:30 p.m.
Executive Chef Eric Litaker and Head Brewer Scott Christoffel team up to offer guests a five-course menu with beers paired with the flavors of each plate. $65 per person.
Beerly Funny Comedy Show – Free Monthly Showcase
Bold Missy Brewery | 7:30 p.m.
Laugh out loud as five comedians take the stage at Bold Missy Brewery for this free show. Tips welcome.
Taste of Cuba: SIP
Discovery Place Science | 6:30 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to explore the museum’s ¡Cuba! exhibition at this night out featuring coffee tastings, drink mixing demonstrations and more.
Thanksgiving Wine Tasting
Cork and Cask, Cornelius | 7-9 p.m.
Head to the Lake for this Thanksgiving Wine Tasting that will make finding the perfect pairings a breeze. The tasting includes six wines, retail discounts and a complimentary holiday-themed bruschetta. $12 per person.
FRIDAY
First Yoga, Then Party: Yoga at lululemon Atherton Mill
lululemon Atherton Mill | 8:30 a.m.
Help welcome lululemon to Atherton Mill with a free 60-minute all-levels flow class led by ambassador Ian Grosh. Afterwards, enjoy a first look of the new store.
Holiday Punches: Hands-on Cocktail Class
BLOC.clt | 6:30 p.m.
In the spirit of the holidays, learn how to create group cocktail punches in this hands-on class, where you’ll craft three punches and learn how to create each at home for your next event. $75 per person.
Artist Talks with the Sept/Oct Residents
Goodyear Arts | 6-9 p.m.
See the current exhibition, the Sept/Oct Residency Showcase, and join the artists at 7 p.m. for an informal artist talk and walkthrough in the gallery. Complimentary beer while supplies last.
11th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Piedmont Town Center | 6 p.m.
The Piedmont Town Center’s 11th annual tree lighting includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, character meet-and-greets, train rides, complimentary hot cocoa, kids activities and more. Support toysfortots‘ mission by bringing an unwrapped toy to the event. Free admission.
Rustic Thanksgiving
Anne Springs Close Greenway | 6:15 p.m.
In South Charlotte, celebrate a rustic Thanksgiving at the historic Graham cabin, where you’ll enjoy hors d’oeuvres, take a short history hike and dine under the stars. $50 members / $55 nonmembers.
Beaujolais Festival 2019
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Celebrate the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau with The Alliance Française de Charlotte. Taste French wines, indulge in French foods and enjoy live music, raffles and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit French Education and French Culture in the Charlotte area. $60 for non-members.
SATURDAY
QC Holiday Market
Unknown Brewing Co. | 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Shop (local) ’til you drop as more than 40 local handmade vendors and artists gather at Unknown Brewing Co. The day also includes live music, food from the Hot Tamale Food Truck and plenty of beer.
FireBIRD Side Chat
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 5-6 p.m.
Gather around the (artificial) fireplace in the Bechtler lobby for complimentary drinks, light bites and a discussion about the people behind the Bechtler and how everyone can be involved in the art world. Free admission.
2019 Tree Lighting & Santa Arrival
Blakeney Shopping Center | 4-9 p.m.
Blakeney is kicking off the holiday festivities with their annual Tree Lighting Celebration, which includes a vendor village, holiday characters, performances and more before Santa makes his grand entrance ahead of the tree lighting.
Desserts Blindfolded with Eclairesse
Birch Fine Tea | 5 p.m.
Indulge in a decadent blindfolded tasting of four desserts paired with four fine teas. $35 general admission.
Holiday Magic
Rea Farms | 4-8 p.m.
There will be plenty of holiday cheer at Rea Farms, where Santa will be available for free pictures, kids can visit with Mickey, Minnie and Frozen characters, kids can compete in cookie decorating and more. Don’t miss the tree lighting at 7 p.m.
2019 Carolina Craft Beer Crawl
Uptown Charlotte | 12-5 p.m.
Sample local Carolina craft beer and food pairings from Charlotte restaurants while taking in the Uptown views. Admission includes access to all venues, where you’ll receive one food sample paired with a local craft beer. $40-45 per person.
SUNDAY
2019 Vintage Charlotte Winter Market
The Fillmore Charlotte | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Want to spend the day browsing and shopping? VTGCLT’s 8th annual Winter Market will feature more than 60 of the region’s top vintage and handmade vendors. You’ll also have your pick of food and beverage vendors, including HEX Coffee and food trucks Bleu Barn Bistro and The Dumpling Lady. $7 early bird entry at 10 a.m., $2 general admission 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fall Oyster Roast
Birdsong Brewing Co. | 1-4 p.m.
Enjoy a classic fall oyster roast at Birdsong from the Rappahannock Oyster Company. Order yours steamed, roasted or raw and sip on Birdsong’s special Oyster Stout.
Harvest Blooms Class
The Broken Spoke | 2-5 p.m.
In this hands-on class, learn to use fall blooms to craft your own arrangement for Thanksgiving. The Broken Spoke will also feature food and drink specials, including $4 mimosas and bloody marys. $65 per person.
Bechtler Ensemble Presents: Death and the Maiden
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 6-8 p.m.
Wind down your weekend with a performance at the Bechtler, as the Bechtler Ensemble Concert performs The String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, also known as Death and the Maiden. $14 per person.
Pose & Purr Cat Yoga
Daily Mews Cat Café | 10:45 a.m.
Bring your own mat for this one-hour flow class complete with kittens at the Daily Mews Cat Café. $21.45 per person, tax included.
