We are always happy to say goodbye to winter and welcome sunshine back to Charlotte, but this May is especially exciting as we also welcome the return of bigger (and safer) gatherings – live concerts, open air markets, food and culture celebrations and more! You’ll also find a workshop on how to keep your kids safe on the road, the opportunity to deep dive into the importance of black entrepreneurship and a chance to save lives by donating blood. Another great week in the Queen City!
Featured Event:
South End Wine & Hops Fest
Thursday, May 13 – Sunday, May16
Enjoy a meal with wine pairings from Chef Ken Aponte at Alchemy, skate and sip on sparkling wines, or enjoy a full day filled with wine, local brews & ciders. There’s something for everyone during the South End Wine & Hops Fest! Tickets available now.
Thursday:
Celebrate International Hummus Day at Yafo Kitchen
Thursday, May 13
It’s hard to imagine a better way to celebrate International Hummus Day than with a free sample of Yafo’s new Tunisian hummus (with purchase of an entree).
River Jam Race Series at USNWC
Thursday, May 13, 5:30p – 7:30p
Mix up your running routine and hit the trails at USNWC on the 2nd Thursday of the month (through September). Cross the finish line then celebrate your hard work at River Jam. Registration required.
Acoustic Grace at Brooklyn Grace
Thursday, May 13, 7:30p
Get up close and personal with some of Charlotte’s most talented singer-songwriters and a cappella performers during this live, monthly showcase at Uptown’s historic Brooklyn Grace venue. In-person (registration required) and virtual options available.
Black Entrepreneurs Panel with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library
Thursday, May 13, 6:00p
Join this live, virtual discussion about the importance of black business ownership with a panel of black entrepreneurs. Registration is required.
Stitches & Stories with the Mint Museum
Thursday, May 13, 4:00p
Join acclaimed visionary artist, Joyce J. Scott, in conversation about the work of her mother, extraordinary quilt and fiber artist, Elizabeth Talford Scott. Registration is required for this virtual discussion.
Friday:
Jazz at Victoria Yards Summer Series
Friday, May 14, 6:00p – 9:30p
This summer, JazzArts Charlotte, in partnership with Charlotte Center City Partners, is bringing the region’s top jazz musicians to Victoria Yards. Grab your tickets now for the first show in the series featuring Mac Arnold and the Plate Full ‘o Blues.
2nd Friday at Oak Street Mill
Friday, May 14, 6:00p – 10:00p
2nd Friday Street Festivals are back in Cornelius! There will be live music, food trucks, local brews and plenty of fun for the kids with proceeds supporting Ace & TJ’s Grin Kids.
Ride with the Music with CATS
Friday, May 14, 5:00p – 7:00p
Enjoy live music from Piedmont Temperance Movement at the East/West Station (southbound side near ramp). Check the schedule for more performances throughout the month of May.
Saturday:
Gear Up to Go Out with Safe Kids Charlotte
Saturday, May 15, 1:00p – 3:00p
Join Atrium Health and other safety experts to learn about bike/scooter safety including helmet fittings, bike care and how to be safe while walking and biking.
Shopping Under the Stars at Nebel’s Alley Night Market
Saturday, May 15, 3:00p – 9:00p
Kick-off another season of shopping under the stars at the Design Center in South End. Grab dinner, enjoy live music and shop local makers, vintage treasures and other small businesses.
Surrounded by the Sound Music & Arts Festival at Pinhouse
Saturday, May 15, 11:00a – 11:00p
Enjoy good vibes, great beer and two stages of live music with various artists performing throughout the day. Tickets available for purchase.
University City Farmers Market at The Shoppes at University Place
Saturday, May 15, 9:00a – 1:00p
Get your fresh goods from local farmers and artisanal food makers and enjoy the best North Carolina has to offer. The Market runs Saturdays through October.
Art in the Garden Tour with Charlotte Garden Club
Saturday, May 15, 10:00a – 4:00p & Sunday, May 16, 1:00p – 4:00p
Support the Charlotte Garden Club and tour six private gardens around the area. Local painters will be stationed at each location to capture the beauty of these southern landscapes.
Sunday:
Pounding for Parker Foundation Blood Drive at Lost Worlds Brewing
Sunday, May 16, 12:00p – 5:00p
May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month and in recognition of the smallest fighters, Pounding for Parker Foundation and OneBlood will be hosting a blood drive at Lost Worlds. Save lives, grab a beer and support the mission of this amazing organization.
Uptown Photo Walk with The Light Factory
Sunday, May 16, 1:00p – 3:00p
Take a stroll around uptown Charlotte and view the city through the eyes of talented photographers including Carey J. King and Will Jenkins. Registration required.
Save the Date:
Ignite Night at McColl Center
Thursday, May 20, 6:00p – 9:00p
Celebrate Charlotte’s creative community with local artists and art lovers. During this hybrid event, all participants will be given the same supplies to create a unique piece of art. Registration required.
Food & Culture Festival with Eat Black Charlotte
June 4 – 12
Check out local, black-owned restaurants and other food businesses serving prix fixe menus throughout the week. Registration required for special events held at the end of the week-long celebration.
Matthews Outdoor Concert Series at Stumptown Park
2nd & 4th Fridays of the month through September
Grab your pod and get tickets now for an upcoming concert at the park. Attendance is limited and tickets go on sale two weeks prior for each event.
