The temperatures aren’t the only thing heating up in the Queen City! The season of fun and festivals is in full swing. Enjoy tasting your way through the Carolinas with some of the South’s favorite food and drink, support local businesses and charities as they continue doing good for Charlotte neighbors and friends, take in a live show or show your appreciation for the vibrant creative community in our area.
On-Going:
Arts+ Workshops
Various dates in May & June
Arts+ is back with live and in-person workshops throughout May and June. Try your hand at paperclay, journaling, woodblock printing and more. Registration is required.
Rocky Shoals Spider Lillies at Landsford Canal State Park
Now through early June
Don’t miss this spectacular display of Mother Nature’s spring-time magic on the banks of Landsford Canal State Park in South Carolina. The blooms are at their best over the next 3-4 weeks.
Thursday:
Pride & Purpose with PFLAG Charlotte
Thursday, May 19, 6:30p – 8:30p
Support PFLAG’s mission of providing peer support, education and outreach efforts during their first in-person Pride & Purpose fundraiser. Tickets are on-sale now.
Friday:
Emmet Cohen Trio Pays Homage to Piano Greats
Shows on Friday, May 20 & Saturday, May 21
Spend an evening with this Harlem-based trio as they perform selections from “Future Stride” which pays homage to the piano greats of the past. Tickets are available now for the four showtimes.
St. Sarkis Armenian Festival
Friday, May 20 – Sunday, May 22
Taste the flavors of traditional Armenian cuisine including homemade pastries and desserts, as well as beer and wine. Online ordering and curbside pick-up are available.
Dave Matthews Band at PNC Music Pavillion
Friday, May 20, 7:00p
If you were listening to the radio in the early 2000s you surely have a list of favorite Dave Matthews Band songs a mile long. Catch this legendary band at PNC Music Pavilion this weekend. The event is outdoors and will take place rain or shine.
Friday & Saturday Shopping Events This Weekend
Schedule your consultation today with the Givenchy counter at Neiman Marcus. Email tania.pereira@neimanmarcusstores.com for available times.
@cotswoldmarketplace annual clearance & storewide sale.
5/22 1-5 PM @lennyboybrewingco
Come meet Elle and the team, and 32 of the best wedding vendors in CLT
Saturday:
Annual Art Auction at The Light Factory
Saturday, May 21, 6:30p – 9:00p
Get your tickets now for The Light Factory’s annual art auction featuring work donated by both national and local photographers. There will be live music, a local food truck and lots of art!
MeckDec Day 2022 with Charlotte Museum of History
Saturday, May 21, 11:00a – 4:00p
Learn a little local history as the museum celebrates the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Events include a book talk, live reading of the MeckDec, tours and more.
Charlotte Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Saturday, May 21
Gather in Ballantyne’s Backyard for the 15th annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Fest! Tickets are available now and admission includes a souvenir tasting glass.
Charlotte Memory Gala with Alzheimer’s Association
Saturday, May 21, 6:00p
Put on your best ‘garden chic’ springtime dress and join the Alzheimer’s Association to celebrate the lives of those impacted by dementia as well as raise funds to support their mission of education, advocacy and research. Tickets and other sponsorship opportunities are available now.
Secret Gardens of 4th Ward Tour
Saturday, May 21 & Sunday, May 22
Enjoy exclusive access to some of the best kept secret gardens in Charlotte’s historic Fourth Ward neighborhood. Gather inspiration for your own outdoor oasis and enjoy food and beverage tastings along the way.
Queen City Cannabis Cup
Saturday, May 21, 12:00p – 6:00p
Stop by the 2nd Annual Queen City Cannabis Cup and learn more from visiting hemp businesses while also enjoying live music and local food trucks. Tickets are available now.
The Cheerwine Festival in Downtown Salisbury
Saturday, May 21, 12:00p
You aren’t a true Southerner until you’ve enjoyed an ice cold Cheerwine on a humid North Carolina afternoon! Stroll the streets of Downtown Salisbury and celebrate this beloved beverage with Cheerwine-inspired treats and drinks, plus lots to do for the whole family.
Charlotte Bike + Brunch Tour
Saturday, May 21, 10:00a – 3:00p
Ride through the historic neighborhoods of the Queen City and learn more about the place we all love to call home. The tour moves at an easy pace appropriate for all level of bikers and includes a stop for brunch.
Nebel’s Alley Night Market – Plant Market
Saturday, May 21, 4:00p – 10:00p
Good news for green thumbs – Nebel’s Alley Night Market is being taken over by plant lovers! Spend an evening in South End surrounded by plants and plant-focused vendors from around Charlotte.
Lakefront Hops Fest
Saturday, May 21, 2:30p – 8:00p
Join the businesses around Langtree LKN for a celebration of local breweries, bands and food! Proceeds benefit Girls on the Run and their mission to remove financial barriers for young girls to have access to social, emotional and physical support and life skills.
Sunday:
Carolina BBQ Festival at Camp North End
Sunday, May 22, 12:00p
Head to Camp North End for their first annual Carolina BBQ Festival! Pitmasters from across the state will be on-site to showcase their regional BBQ expertise. Tickets are available now.
B.A.B.E Bash
Sunday, May 22, 1:00p – 5:00p
Spend a day with like-minded, female entrepreneurs supporting women in business around the Charlotte area. Enjoy shopping, sipping on cocktails and more all while spending exclusively with woman-owned businesses. Tickets are on-sale now.
Save the Date:
Wine Dinner at Roots Cafe
Thursday, June 2, 6:00p
Tickets are on-sale now for this special evening of delicious food and wine pairings with Chef Craig of Roots Cafe.
Get your tickets now to the South End Wine & Hops Festival, coming in June!
