There’s nothing we love more than a long weekend, except a long list of Things to Do during said long weekend. It’s the official unofficial end of summer, and the Queen City is keeping us all busy. Begin by celebrating Women In Music with The Smirnoff ICE Relaunch Tour, devour the best wursts at OMB, get in the fall spirit at the FestiFall NodaHood Market, cheer on your favorite team at the Duke Mayo Bowl, enjoy many Labor Day events, and more.
THINGS TO DO THURSDAY, AUGUST 31
Smirnoff ICE Relaunch Tour Featuring Russell Dickerson + Priscilla Block
Thursday, August 31,
The Smirnoff ICE Relaunch Tour is on the road in support of Women In Music to bring epic performances of old meets new artists and they’re making a stop right here in the Queen City. Join them this Thursday for performances by Russell Dickerson and Priscilla Block. Must be 21+ to attend! Tickets can be purchased here.
Shop the Labor Day Sale at Bedside Manor
Bedside Manner is taking 20% OFF select merch through Labor Day. In store and online, no promo code needed.
THINGS TO DO FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Matthews Alive Labor Day Festival
September 1 – 4
Spend the long weekend riding carnival rides, shopping local, listening to live music, watching a parade and much more at the Matthews Alive Labor Day Festival. The festival is dedicated to the support of local non-profit organizations. Visit here for a full list of events happening each day.
First Friday Gallery Crawl in South End
Friday, September 1, 5 – 9p
Stroll the streets of one of Charlotte’s artsiest neighborhoods and enjoy local art in all forms including galleries, murals and installations. Make a night of it with dinner or drinks at one of South End’s many restaurants and breweries.
THINGS TO DO SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Labor Day Celebration at U.S. National Whitewater Center
September 2 – 3
A weekend full of activities to celebrate the holiday! Begin with the Labor Day 5k and 15k Trail Race on Saturday morning, followed by yoga throughout the day and live music at 7 p.m. On Sunday, start the day off with The Dry Tri at 8 a.m., followed by yoga and live music starting at 6 p.m.
OMB’s Best Wurst Fest
September 2 – 3
Best Wurst Fest is back again! Olde Meck gives you the very best of their wurst on September 2nd and September 3rd. Grab a cold beer, compete in a Sausage Toss Game, enjoy the live music, and get ready to bask in the glory of all that is sausage.
FestiFall NoDaHood Market
Saturday, September 2, 1 – 6p
Temps are slowly starting to dip (and we mean slowly), but that’s not stopping us from getting in the fall spirit. Head to NoDa to shop among 100 local vendors of all sorts, with DJs, food trucks, great drinks and more. Free to attend.
Duke’s Mayo Classic
Saturday, September 2, 7:30p
An exciting day for football as the Carolinas go head-to-head to see who will take home the championship. Watch as the University of North Carolina Tar Heels will face the University of South Carolina Gamecocks at the Bank of America Stadium. Purchase tickets here.
THINGS TO DO SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Around the Crown 10K
Sunday, September 3, 7:30a
Benefitting Carolina Farm Trust and Sustain Charlotte, the Around the Crown 10K is the perfect way for runners to experience this amazing city. Starting and finishing in Uptown Charlotte, runners will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to run the entirety of the Queen City’s 3 mile major inner loop, I-277. Pre-registration ends 9/1/23. Also a fun KIDS RUN.
So You Think You Can Bark
Sunday, September 3, 2p
As Stand For Animals’ signature fundraising event, So You Think You Can Bark has furry friends and their humans competing to see who will give the most impressive paw-formance. Animals are teamed with force-free dog trainers to learn tricks that they and their humans can show off on stage. A panel of local celebrities will be judge to see who is the winner! Tickets can be purchased here.
THINGS TO DO ON LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
A Delicious Labor Day Menu at Port City Club By David Burke
Spareribs and Fried Oysters?! You can count us there. Be sure to make your reservations now as they book up fast! P.S. if you’re enjoying Labor Day on the water, you can still order takeout from Port City Club with their Burke in the Boat program, where you order from your boat and pick up at the restaurant when ready. View the details here.
Charlotte Labor Day Parade
Monday, September 4, 11a
The Charlotte Labor Day Parade is back! Organized by the Labor Day Committee in conjunction with the Southern Piedmont Central Labor Council and other local labor unions, the parade honors the accomplishments of organized labor in our country, region, and community. The parade will begin at the Hal Marshall Center, proceeding down Tryon Street, through the Square, turning left onto 3rd Street, and ending at College and 3rd Streets.
Take The Family To Milkshake Happy Hour at ACE No. 3
Also known as “Shake Break”, guests can enjoy half priced shakes (excludes alcoholic options) on weekdays from 2-4 p.m. Both classic and seasonal flavors included. Yum!
Nerd Night at Resident Culture Plaza Midwood
Monday, September 4, 7p
Bring the crew to test your skills and claim victory on your favorite video games, card and board games, and tabletop RPG sessions. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s room for you to have a night of unforgettable nerdy fun. Oh, and there’s free pizza (while it lasts!).
Live Music at BAR ONE Lounge
Monday, September 4, 7 – 9p
Wind down with live music and world class cocktails at Bar One Lounge. Fun fact: Bar One has live music EVERY Monday night, so be sure to stop by and check it out!
