After all that summer traveling, make plans to stay in town this weekend and get a dose of Charlotte culture. From live music to an art gallery tour, a cocktail class and cheering on the home team (go Panthers!) you’ve got plenty of options to fill up your calendar.
Jazz at the Bechtler: Coltrane Revisited
Friday, August 7
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Ease into the weekend with a smooth performance from the Ziad Jazz Quartet at the Bechtler. The classic quartet is celebrating the music of John Coltrane in this month’s Jazz at the Bechtler event with two performances: one at 6:15 PM and one at 8 PM.
South End Gallery Crawl
Friday, August 7
South End Neighborhood
Join your neighbors on a self-guided walking tour of South End’s art galleries on the first Friday of each month. The South End Gallery Crawl is the perfect way to spend a summer night, as you ease in and out of the galleries, pausing to listen to live music and stop for some good eats at Food Truck Friday along the way. For details on planning your night, start here.
Lady Antebellum
Friday, August 7
PNC Music Pavillion
You’ve heard them on the radio and now you can hear them live in Uptown. Get your tickets now for the Lady Antebellum Wheels Up 2015 Tour with Hunter Hayes & Sam Hunt.
River Slam
Friday, August 7- Sunday, August 9
U.S. National Whitewater Center
It’s two full days of live music on deck this weekend at the USNWC at their inaugural River Slam festival. Starting Friday night through Saturday, performances from JJ Grey & Mofro, Koa, Yarn, Sol Driven Train and Delta Rae will flow from the live stage and the Amphibious Duathon (a combination race featuring trail running and flatware paddling) will run Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Earl’s Grocery Mixology Lab
Saturday, August 8
Earl’s Grocery
Serve up one last summer soiree with the tips you’ll learn at this Saturday’s Mixology Lab with Bob Peters. Each month, the bartender behind The Punch Room shares his craft and a favorite recipe with the class held at Earl’s grocery. This class will focus on all things watermelon, and Bob will even be joined by Earl’s Chef Mark Jacksina who will help attendees find new ways to use summer’s favorite fruit in both eats and drinks.
Carolina Panthers Fan Fest
Friday, August 7
Bank of America Stadium
Dust off your black and blue because football season is almost here again. Kick off the 2015-2016 season with the annual Carolina Panthers Fan Fest. This free event includes an open practice, fireworks and performances by the TopCats, Sir Purr, PurrCussion and Black & Blue Crew. Fans will receive a team roster photo card and a schedule, fueling the excitement for the new season.
Fourth Annual 5K Walk 4 Mommy
Saturday, August 8
Uptown Charlotte
Join non-profit “Walk 4 Mommy†in raising $15,000 to assist single parent households in need of financial and healthy living support in our area. Bring children, adults, corporate teams and whoever can lace up for this 5K along Midtown Park. Register here!
Cooking Pizza with ilios noche’s Chef James
Monday, August 10
Ilios Noche
Now you can finally learn the secrets behind making your favorite pizza at home. Ilios Noche in Rea Village is hosting a pizza class with Chef James that covers all the basics: how to mix dough, build your pizza, bake it and of course, enjoy.
Mark your calendars! Upcoming events in the QC:
Triple C Third Anniversary
Saturday, August 22
Triple C Brewery
Third year’s the charm for this South End brewery. Celebrate their third birthday with Triple C later on this month. You’ll find great smoked BBQ for lunch, beer flowing all day and two live band performances starting at 3 PM.
Great Gatsby Gala supporting the Greater Carolinas MS Society
Saturday, August 29
Wells Fargo Atrium Uptown
It’s the 27th year of this twenties-themed gala benefiting the National MS Society. Get your ticket now to the Great Gatsby Gala and get ready to dance the night away, enjoy wine and beer and participate in the silent auction. New this year is the VIP Speakeasy Lounge, offering a private pre-event reception, exclusive hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails from the private bar and a gift.
