As we await news of the timing regarding North Carolina’s phase two opening, Charlotte seems to be leaning in to the virtual events we can do from home this Memorial Day Weekend. We did find a few out-of-doors options for you, please wear your PPE for your safety and that of other attendees if you go.
Our picks on Socially Distant Things To Do Outside This Weekend
Bandit Flight Team Flyover
May 21 | 6:11-6:35 pm
The Bandit Flight Team will fly over Charlotte as a “salute to the Charlotte area’s frontline COVID-19 responders.” View from home or while practicing safe social distancing.
Field of Flags 2020
May 22 – 25 | Lowe’s YMCA, Mooresville
In Mooresville, celebrate Memorial Day at the 2020 Field of Flags, which is open to the public all weekend. Flags can be purchased for $35 to honor a veteran.
Primal Belmont May Market Days
May 23 | 1-6 pm
Primal Brewery in Belmont will be hosting the outdoor May Market Days featuring StarvingArtistMarketCLT Artists and vendors while following all CDC mandates and social distancing protocols.
Visit the Uptown Farmers Market
300 S. Davidson St.
Visit the vendors in person for a wide array of fresh produce, meats, fish, coffee, tea, baked goods and other delicious foods while practicing safe social distancing. Pre-orders available – check with individual vendors to arrange pick-up at the market.
And some other ideas…
Take a Hike Near Charlotte
Host a Small & Safe Outdoor Patio / Porch / Yard Party
Head over to a Less Crowded Local Park
Drive around to see Charlotte’s Murals
Visit a Farmers Market
Pick Your Own Strawberries / Produce
VIRTUAL EVENTS
Virtual Wine Classes from Corkbuzz
Sip and learn from your own home as Corkbuzz brings their fun and education wine classes to you via Zoom. Upcoming classes:
- Napa Valley | May 20
- Tour of France | May 21
- Burgundy Basics | May 22
- Blind Tasting with Max East and Laura Fiorvanti, Master Sommeliers | May 23
- Tour of California | May 25
Virtual Cooking Lesson Presented by The Bearded Homecook
May 20 | 11:11 am
Celebrate Make-A-Wish’s 40th Anniversary by learning to cook an amazing brunch for your family with the Bearded Homecook. Tune in to their Facebook page at 11:11 A.M. and cook-along.
Wine & Cheese Tasting | Workshop Livestream
May 20 | 6 pm
Gather around the (virtual) table in this exclusive workshop with Josh Villapando, owner of Assorted Table Wine Shoppe, and Rachel Klebaur, owner of Orrman’s Cheese Shop. $90 per person.
St. Jude Week of Hope – Wine Wednesday
May 20 | 5-6 pm
Join in on the “Week of Hope” to for a BYOB virtual livestream supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Virtual Wine Tasting with Winemaker from Copain Wines
May 21 | 7 pm
Foxcroft Wine Co. will host this virtual wine tasting with Winemaker & General Manager of Copain Wines, Ryan Zepaltas. The tasting package includes one of each featured bottles:
- 2016 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay “Tous Ensemble”
- 2018 Mendocino Rosé of Pinot Noir “Tous Ensemble”
- 2017 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir “Tous Ensemble”
- 2016 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir “Les Voisins”
SkillPop: Patio Farming Basics
May 21 | 7 pm
It’s never been a better time to learn how to grow your own food right on your patio. In this virtual SkillPop class, Farmer Erin of The Patio Farmer will guide attendees through the basics of maintaining your own herb or vegetable garden. $20.
Beer 101: Brew & Chew
May 21 | 6 pm
Rachael Hudson, Advanced Cicerone, Head Brewer, and Co-Founder of Pilot Brewing Company will lead this exploration of the brewing process, guided tastings and food pairings. $70 per package.
Livestream: Regional Italian Pasta Making with Cicchetti
May 22 | 6 pm
Alex Piatt, Executive Chef of Aria Tuscan Grill & Cicchetti and Brion Cephus, Retail Manager of Cicchetti will lead this a hands-on workshop exploring traditional Italian pasta dishes and how you can make them at home. Workshop package includes everything you need to make dinner for two guests.
Watch the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 at home
May 24 | 6 pm
Sure, the race feels different this year for a city typically abuzz with activity, but you can still watch the race from home.
Virtual Memorial Day Ceremony
May 25 | 11 am
The Town of Huntersville and American Legion Post 321 will host the 19th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony virtually. Residents can submit photos of service members to honor and remember their loved ones.
VIRTUAL ARTS & CULTURE
Celebrate International Museum Week with The Mint Museum
The Mint Museum is extending International Museum Day to a whole week, featuring a week of content focused on highlighting—and demystifying—the museum experience. Start by exploring a joint project between The Mint, the Bechtler, the Gantt Center, and the Levine Museum of the New South called Interactive CLT, which brings augmented reality into museum galleries. View the first video in the series highlighting Leo Twiggs’ Conversation, with Curator Jonathan Stuhlman, PhD, and Community Relations Director Rubie Britt-Height. Stay tuned to the museum’s Facebook page for the latest content and #CuratorsPicks.
Charlotte Pride Spring Spotlight
May 18-23
In partnership with a wide variety of local artists and entertainers, Charlotte Pride brings you a full week of entertainment spotlighting the creativity and passion of LGBTQ artists in the Charlotte area. Each night, tune in to Facebook live to catch a themed broadcast of artists and entertainers as they pour their heart and soul into their craft for your enlightening, edifying, and entertainment enjoyment.
Happy Hour Arts Exchange
May 20 | 5-6 pm
Charlotte Art League will host this 8-part conversational happy hour series on thought provoking Art related topics starting May 20. The first topic will cover Words & Pictures with Guest speaker Glenn Proctor.
CLT After Dark
May 21 | 10 pm
CLT After Dark returns for another week of virtual variety show fun from host and local musician Noel Freidlinem and well-known guests.
Porch Vibes Spring Fest
May 22-24
Porch Vibes Spring Fest is a free digital fundraising festival showcasing Charlotte musicians with food & beverage demos, art, performances, and short films benefiting Frontline Foods Charlotte and the talented musicians and artists participating. 70% of the funds raised will go directly to the musicians and artists who have been negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
WDAV’s (Virtual) Small Batch with Classically Black Podcast
May 22 | 5 pm
Thwis virtual Small Batch will feature double bassist Dalanie Harris and violist Katie Brown, cohosts of Classically Black Podcast. For the complete Small Batch effect, pickup grab-and-go options from Free Range Brewing.
Jazz at Home from the Bechtler
On demand
If your Friday nights just aren’t the same without Jazz at the Bechtler, you can tune into Jazz at Home, a video series featuring some of Ziad Rabie’s favorite moments from past concerts.
Virtual Speak Series: History on the Greenway
May 26 | 8:30 am
Join Greenway volunteers Joe & Flora Doraski for a virtual hike as they explore the history on the Anne Springs Close Greenway, including the importance of the Nation Ford Road and historic cabins on the property.
VIRTUAL FOR THE FAMILY
Family First: Gym Jam Fitness with Kie
May 22 | 3 pm
Don’t miss the first virtual Family First workshop from Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, Gym Jam with Kie with instructor Kiesha Jennings.
Create Your Own Alien with Discovery Place Science
On demand
Older kids can learn about genetics while creating their very own alien in this on-demand edition of Discovery Place’s Stay at Home Science series.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History’s Virtual Bug Week
May 24-May 30
During this week-long digital experience, kids can get to explore the wild world of insects, spiders and other interesting arthropods. Submit your own questions and stay tuned to Facebook Live to follow along.
Town of Cornelius Virtual Memorial Day Program
May 25 | 10 am
Join the Town of Cornelius and American Legion Post 86 in honoring our nation’s servicemen and women with a virtual program featuring distinguished speakers, patriotic music and a 21-Gun Salute.