Wow. So Much To Do. Say your final goodbyes to summer and celebrate fall with so so many fun things to do this weekend. Choose from over five festivals to attend, shop at local markets and pop-ups, celebrate Oktoberfest, see The Wizard of Oz, brunch in style, and much more.
THINGS TO DO THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Toast The Trends with Five One Five
Thursday, September 21, 10a – 8p
Mark your calendars! Come toast the trends with Five One Five featuring local stylist Kristin Heinrich, the Jen Collection, and Bentley’s Buds and Brews flower truck. There will be giveaways and lots of fun prizes to win, a styling session, and more goodies!
SouthPark After Five
Thursday, September 21, 5 – 9p
Thursdays in SouthPark just got a whole lot better. The neighborhood is coming alive with SouthPark’s free weekly entertainment and happy hour series happening every Thursday until October 12. Bring the friends and family for free live music, delicious food trucks, hands-on art experiences, and more. This week, jam out to the Coconut Groove Band Steely Dan Tribute and take a picture with Queen Charlotte.
Storyteller’s Night at Jesse Brown’s Outdoors
Thursday, September 21, 6p
Jesse Brown’s SouthPark location will be transformed into a venue built for live theater where three, 20-minute stories will be told of extraordinary adventures, experiences, or life-changing situations. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Hospital and Hospitality at Church and Union Charlotte
Thursday, September 21, 6p
For one night only, patients from Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital will step into the roles of hosts, managers, servers, and chefs alongside Executive Chef Aaron Dearing, General Manager Matthew Pressley, and the rest of the Church and Union team. It will be a heartwarming evening for all, including attendees. Reservations begin at 6 p.m., with 100% of the proceeds from the event going directly to the children’s hospital.
The Wizard of Oz
Thursday, September 21, 7:30p
There truly is no place like home as the greatest family musical of all time lands on the Theatre Charlotte stage. With a whimsical reimagined feel, L. Frank Baum’s classic novel comes to life with your favorite characters, beloved songs, magical special effects, and dazzling choreography. This is the last weekend it will play at Theatre Charlotte, so be sure to get your tickets today!
THINGS TO DO FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Oktoberfest Week 1 at Gilde Brewery
September 22 – 24
Head to Gilde Brewery for the opening weekend of Oktoberfest. There will be Oktoberfest events ever Friday through Sunday until October 8, including live music, stein holding competitions, keg taps, outdoor inflatable axe throwing, and more.
Mecktoberfest Weekend 2 at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Friday, September 15 – Sunday, September 17
It’s finally that time of year, Mecktoberfest is back at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery! This is your chance to experience Charlotte’s most recognized fall beer festival. Enjoy traditional German fare alongside live music performances in the spacious Biergarten. Make it a night to remember with a 1-liter DAS BOOT and stein holding contests.
Festival In The Park in Freedom Park
September 22 – 24
Since 1964, Festival in the Park has been bringing good music, good art and good times to Charlotteans and visitors from around the world. The sounds of “big band music” drift across Freedom Park’s lake whose still surface reflects the lights strung from Camelot exhibit tents.
Hispanic Heritage Festival of the Carolinas
Saturday, September 23, 3 – 10p
The 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival is here with Latin Grammy and Latin Billboard Award Winning headliners and cultural fun for the whole family. The festival will take place at Truist Field and feature artisan food, amazing music and performances, and an overall celebration of culture in Uptown Charlotte. Plus, there will be fireworks at the end of the show. Purchase your tickets here.
Roaring in Pink, a speakeasy fundraiser supporting Carolina Breast Friends
Friday, September 23, 7 – 11p
You’ll need a speakeasy password for access to Roaring in Pink and you’ll want to be dressed in your finest 1920s attire as you feast on a variety of era-inspired offerings, tip your glasses, and dance the night away.
Nina McLemore Fall Trunk Show & White + Warren & Kinross Cashmere Pop-Up Shop at Paul Simon Women
September 22 – 30
Shop ’till you drop this weekend at Paul Simon Women in SouthPark. Save the date for other fall special events coming to the store next month!
THINGS TO DO SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
17th Annual National Alpaca Farm Days
September 23 – 24
So many alpaca farms near Charlotte to visit! For National Alpaca Farm Days, head to a participating farm to meet the alpacas, shop for alpaca fleece products, and learn all about the adorable animals.
Potters Market at the Mint
Saturday, September 23, 9:15a – 4p
Organized by The Mint Museum, the 2023 Potters Market at the Mint will feature 55 top potters working in North Carolina. The potters were selected through a competitive jury process and will be exhibiting and selling their best work. The event helps support the artists and introduces ceramic arts and collections of The Mint Museum to new audiences. The event includes pottery demonstrations, live music, a beer garden, and food concessions. Visit here to learn more and purchase tickets.
UNC Charlotte International Festival
Saturday, September 23rd, 10a – 6p
The International Festival is centered around booths arranged in colorful marketplace style representing the cultures of over 50 nations. The booths are staffed by UNC Charlotte international students and members of Charlotte’s international community and feature art, crafts and costumes from each participating country. Many booths offer international food for sale. Festival entry and parking are FREE! The International Festival is open to the public.
South End Rail Trail Clean Up
Saturday, September 23, 10a – 12p
Come clean up the Rail Trail in South End! Registration begins at 10 a.m. at the New Bern Light Rail Station with the cleanup being from 10 a.m. to noon. All cleaning supplies will be provided by Keep Charlotte Beautiful. Following the Clean Up, The Union will host a Volunteer Appreciation Event, beginning at 12 p.m., to celebrate all of our volunteers’ efforts and raffle off prizes from 30+ local business sponsors. Volunteers (21+) will receive a FREE drink ticket courtesy of South End Social to use at The Union, along with raffle tickets for 30+ prizes courtesy of their sponsors. The first 100 Volunteers will also receive a custom event drawstring bag with giveaway items.
Triple C 11 Year Anniversary
Saturday, September 23, 12 – 10p
Triple C is turning 11 and you’re invited to celebrate! Come out for new beer releases, a killer vendor market, a guest food truck The Oinker (in addition to Izzy’s), live music from Mojo Ruckus (2 – 5 p.m.) and Long Strange Deal (6:30 – 9:30 p.m.), and at least one mini-truck.
Festival of India
Saturday, September 23, 12 – 8p
The 27th Annual Festival of India will feature lots of cultural exhibits, Indian dance performances, art galleries and interactive activities for the kids, shopping, delicious Indian cuisine, and more. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
Latin American Festival
Saturday, September 23, 12 – 8p
The Latin American Festival is taking place in a new location “The Amp Ballantyne” in the heart of the Ballantyne. The event welcomes internationally renowned musical acts, gastronomic variety, and cultural representation from 19 Latin American countries organized by the community through an authentic mercadito, typical dance performances, and more.
The Waterman Fish Bar NoDa Brewing Pop Up
Saturday, September 23, 2p
Join The Waterman at NoDa Brewing (North End location) for a Raw Bar and Maker’s Market CLT Pop Up. SIP delicious craft brews, SLURP oysters on the half, and SHOP ‘til you drop from over a dozen local crafters and vendors! They’ll be shucking 500 oysters from 2pm-til gone.
Jach Flora Dried Bouquet Workshop at Paddywax Candle Bar
Saturday, September 23, 7 – 8p
Make something special to take home with Jach Flora’s Dried Bouquet Workshop at Paddywax Candle Bar. Your ticket includes one custom dried floral arrangement, one Paddywax vessel (used as the vase for the arrangement), and complimentary champagne.
THINGS TO DO SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
All White Mamas Brunch at Bazal Gallery Lounge
Sunday, September 24, 11a – 2p
Brunch with Mama J of VH1’s Love and Hip Hop at Bazal Gallery Lounge. There will be a live performance by Silkk debuting their new hit song. A portion of tickets will be donated to the local non-profit Crittenton House. Don’t forget to wear white!
Fight the Flame 5k and 1k Family Roll & Stroll
Sunday, September 24, 9a
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the annual walk-run event, Fight the Flame. Held in the beautiful McAlpine Creek Park located at 8711 Monroe Road Charlotte, people of all fitness levels are invited to participate and help raise awareness of CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome). Tickets can be purchased here.
Ciao Italia Matthews Journey to Italy
Sunday, September 24, 12 – 8:30p
Journey to Italy without leaving Matthews at this free event! Immerse yourself in Italian culture with food, and wine, a live demonstration on how to make pasta,a 200 lb clay sculpture being created live on stage, a Frank Sinatra tribute band playing traditional Italian songs, a car show, and much more. All happening at Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade Street, in Matthews.
NEXT WEEK
Don’t forget $11 Botox, $15,000 in Prizes, BOGOs and More Super Savings in the Week of Beauty September 25 – 29 at at Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery.
ONGOING
Charlotte International Arts Festival
September 15 – October 1
The Charlotte International Arts Festival annually celebrates imaginative visual and performing arts from the most creative international and local minds. Fun for everyone, from families to individuals ~ stay awhile, play, and welcome curiosity. With over 200 attractions, many for free, this festival has something for everyone.
SCarowinds
Select Nights, September 15 – October 29
SCarowinds, the Carolinas’ premier Halloween event, is back with a vengeance. Among this year’s new attractions is the Procession of Nightmares parade, where all of your deepest, darkest dreams have come to life on the park’s midways. You’ll sleep with the lights on after experiencing this new season of SCarowinds with nothing but pure fear straddling the North Carolina-South Carolina state line. Every corner has a fresh coat of fright with horrifying haunted mazes, spine-tingling scare zones, and live entertainment. Online tickets can be found here.
