We’re saying goodbye to rainy April and hello to sunny May! The Queen City is kicking off the month with lots to do this weekend. End the busy work week with celebratory margaritas and live music for Cinco de Mayo, watch the Kentucky Derby in style at Derby Days, head to one of the many art festivals in town, or the golf tournament, grab a bite to eat from the Carolina BBQ Festival, and much more. As usual, Charlotte does not disappoint!
THINGS TO DO THURSDAY, MAY 4
Wells Fargo Championship
May 1 – 7
It’s tee time, ladies! One of the largest, most prestigious sporting events in the Charlotte region is back May 1 – 7. The professional golf tournament is known for attracting some of the best players around, all the while raising money for a good cause. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
Thoughtful Baking Co. Pastry Passport
Get your sweet tooth ready! Thoughtful Baking Co. has created a Pastry Passport spotlighting seven other local businesses to help Charlotte discover some of the best pastries that this city has to offer.
How it works:
- Pick up a free Passport at any Thoughtful Baking Co. stand at any farmers market (Matthews, Davidson, Charlotte Regional, South End or Uptown)
- Make a purchase from any participating vendor and receive as stamp
- Once you have collected them all you are eligible to receive a delicious prize from Thoughtful Baking Co.
Waverly Wine Walk
Thursday, May 4, 6 – 8p
Sip wine and shop your way through Waverly as you enjoy specials, discounts, and giveaways from participating merchants. Check-in will be held at the Waverly Gold tent on the patio of Carolina Ale House. Your ticket includes a variety of wine pours including red, white, and sparkling.
THINGS TO DO FRIDAY, MAY 5
First Friday Gallery Crawl
Friday, May 5, 5 – 9p
Stroll the streets of one of Charlotte’s artsiest neighborhoods and enjoy local art in all forms including galleries, murals and installations. This event is free and doesn’t require an RSVP or tickets. Make a night of it with dinner or drinks at one of South End’s many restaurants and breweries.
CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATIONS
Cinco de Mayo at Metropolitan
Thursday, May 4, 6 – 9p
Come celebrate at the Metropolitan! Expect live music, festive beverages, taco food trucks, face painting, caricature art, photo-ops, and more for the whole family to enjoy.
Cinco de Mayo Plaza Midwood
Friday, May 5, 12 – 6p
Head to the bustling streets of Plaza Midwood for the ultimate Cinco de Mayo celebration. The afternoon will feature International acts and festive music by renowned artists, live music performances, an arts and crafts area for the little ones, an Instragram-worthy photo booth area, and a dog costume contest.
Cinco de Mayo at The Music Yard
Friday, May 5, 3p
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Music Yard! Come out to listen to music, drink, eat, and rally in the festivities. There will be live bands/DJs performances and face paintings. General admission is free but tickets are required for tables.
Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl
Friday, May 5, 6 – 11p
This exciting event will take you on a tour of some of the city’s best bars, where you’ll enjoy Mexican-inspired drinks and great food all night long. With a variety of bars participating, you’ll have the chance to sample everything from classic margaritas to fresh tequila cocktails. Don’t forget about all of the delicious Mexican-inspired food available, too.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Myers Park Library
Saturday, May 6, 1 – 2:30p
Join Myers Park Library as they make Mexican folk art “papel picado” and tacos to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. This program is for teens ages 12-18. Registration is required.
THINGS TO DO SATURDAY, MAY 6
YAMs 32nd Annual Derby Days
Saturday, May 6, 3 – 7p
Named the “Best Party for Young Socials”, Derby Days brings together more than 300 of Charlotte’s Young Professionals to enjoy a day of live music, lawn games, Mint Juleps, open wine and beer, food trucks, lawn games, Insta-worthy photo backdrops, Kentucky Derby raffle and a large-screen viewing of the Kentucky Derby, dubbed “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” There’s even a Best Dressed and Best Hat Contest.
Charlotte Garden Club 2023 Art in the Garden Tour
Saturday, May 6 – Sunday, May 7
Spend your weekend exploring six inspiring, creative private gardens in Montclaire, First Ward, Eastover, and Elizabeth with the Charlotte Garden Club. Start your tour at any of the six gardens, with the option to visit all six in one day or split it up over the weekend. As you stroll, shop a variety of goods from unique artists and vendors in the gardens.
13th Annual Kings Drive Art Walk
Saturday, May 6, 11a – 6p
With a focus on fine and emerging artists, Kings Drive Art Walk is the perfect outing for those that love arts, crafts, music, and family entertainment. The festival will be located on the King’s Drive section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway and is free to attend.
South Carolina Strawberry Festival
Saturday, May 6, 2023 – 10:00am until 10:00am
The SC Strawberry Festival occurs in Fort Mill, SC the first full weekend of May each year. The family-friendly event is fun for all ages. For more details about this event, please visit the website here.
Craft Vintage Market at Brewers at 4001 Yancey
Saturday, May 6, 12 – 5p
Shop over 20 vintage, craft, handmade, and boutique small businesses at the Craft Vintage Market at Brewers at 4001 Yancey. There will also be a live DJ and lots of games to play including jumbo pong, cornhole, mini golf, and much more.
Spring Fling Fest
Saturday, May 6, 1 – 8p
BBOC cordially invites the entire Charlotte Community to come fellowship in celebration of Spring in UPTOWN CLT at the VAPA CENTER! Spring is all about Renewal and Growth and with all the amazing things that are happening in Vapa Center for local artists, a celebration is in order! Bring your entire family for food, fun, and live entertainment during the inaugural Spring Fling Fest!
Opera Guild of Charlotte & Opera Carolina 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Party
Saturday, May 6, 3 – 8p
Join the Opera Guild of Charlotte and Opera Carolina for their 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby party. Expect the evening to be filled with Southern fare, Mint Juleps, a silent auction, derby hats, and Southern style. Tickets can be purchased here.
Fahrenheit Charlotte Rooftop Derby Party
Saturday, May 6, 4 – 7p
Head to the rooftop at Fahrenheit for a Derby party featuring drinks, light bites, raffle prizes, a DJ, race viewing areas, and more. Derby attire is encouraged with a $100 gift card going to the best dressed.
THINGS TO DO SUNDAY, MAY 7
Hello Huntersville Music & Arts Festival
Sunday, May 7, 12 – 6p
Head to Huntersville for a day filled with art and music that highlights local/regional area artists and musicians. Listen to live music while supporting local artists, food, and beverage vendors. This event is FREE to the public.
Best of Charlotte Bridal Show
Sunday, May 7, 1 – 4p
Calling all brides! Head to the charming Pleasant Grove Farm for the ultimate day out with shopping, photo ops, giveaways, and more. Brides, grooms, & bridal parties, bring your whole group for a great time!
Front Porch Sunday
Sunday, May 7, 11a – 4p
Head to South End for a day full of shopping, sipping and spring fun. Browse the work of 70+ local artists, enjoy live music, cold beer and great community engagement.
Carolina BBQ Festival 2023
Sunday, May 7, 11a – 4p
The most delicious festival is back! Pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond will be celebrating the whole hog tradition and so much more, all while fundraising for a great cause. The festival will be complete with live music, vendor activations, wine, beer, and cocktails. The goal is to raise funds for local and national charities that support and feed our communities. Purchase your tickets here.
Rosalie Reynolds Explore History: Robinson-Spangler Room
Sunday, May 7, 3 – 5p
Start digging into Charlotte-area history and pretty soon you’ll discover the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. As part of the Rosalie Reynolds EXPLORE HISTORY! series, Marcellus “MT” Turner and John O’Connor share the impressive resources available now — and tell what’s to come. This event is free to attend, but donations are welcome.
NEXT WEEK
MONDAY
2023 Women’s Impact Fund Annual Meeting
Monday May 8, 5:30-8:00 pm
Join local giving circle Women’s Impact Fund on Monday, May 8 at 5:30pm in uptown for their 19th Annual Meeting! All are welcome to this celebration event where they will make grants to nonprofit partners, elect new leadership, and reflect on their program year. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the organization and meet women interested in philanthropy and social impact.
WEDNESDAY
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Sounds of Joy at Bazal
Wednesday, May 10, 6 – 10p
Mark your calendar for an amazing evening of art, music, and mingling with Charlotte Symphony musicians at BAZAL. Join them upstairs for cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres accompanied by a quartet of Charlotte Symphony musicians displayed as an art installation. Later, head downstairs for dancing and dessert with DJ Indigenous in BAZAL’s prohibition-style nightclub.
