Spring is in the air with sunny skies and warmer temperature this week. Here’s to hoping this is the first of many mild weekends to come. Get out there and enjoy it with our round-up of where to go and what to do this weekend ~ Food Trucks! Chili Cookoffs! Wine Dinners! Gallery and Cocktail Crawls! #springing.
Friday Night Festival
Friday, March 4
1327 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Come out and enjoy great local food, live music, an outdoor movie and plenty of great drink options from Craft, Unknown and The Gallery at this block party-esque bash. The first Friday Night festival is sure to be a hit.
South End Gallery Crawl
Friday, March 4
South End Galleries
The South End Gallery Crawl is back this Friday night and is the perfect way to discover the neighborhood that’s home to the largest number of art galleries in Charlotte. Explore paintings, sculpture, jewelry, live music and refreshments along the way. Start the night off with dinner at Food Truck Friday and then get to crawling! For the full list of participating venues and pop-up shops, plus tips on attending, visit them here.
Plaza Midwood Winter Fling
Saturday, March 5
VanLandingham Estate
Send off winter with the annual Shuck & Awe Oyster Roast. Celebrate the Plaza Midwood neighborhood with live music from the Shana Blake Band, local beer, a silent auction benefitting the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association and of course, oysters. Event is open to residents and non-residents, get your ticket here.
RunJenRun 5k
Saturday, March 5
Symphony Park
The 4th annual RunJenRun 5k will take place at the beautiful Symphony Park in SouthPark. All proceeds will benefit the GoJenGo Foundation, a community of caring people brought together for the common purpose of assisting people in their fight against breast cancer.
Cooking Class: Goodbye Winter!
Saturday, March 5
Mimosa Grill
Refresh your cooking skills just in time for Spring with a Saturday cooking class at Mimosa Grill. Admission is $40 and your spot can be reserved by calling 704.375.9715.
Lupus Foundation Gala
Saturday, March 5
CenterStage@NoDa
Celebrating its 10th year, the Lupus Mardi Gras Gala is gearing up for its most exciting event yet. Come enjoy dancing, live music, creole flavorings, a bustling casino, fortune telling and Gala King & Queen Coronation. Proceeds benefit the Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter. Reserve your tickets here!
BB&T Corporate Cup 5K & Half Marathon
Saturday, March 5
Childress Klein YMCA
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or walking with a team of co-workers, people all over Charlotte are lacing up for the BB&T Corporate Cup. The race, which had over 3,500 participants last year, starts and ends in Uptown, with a scenic route through South End, Dilworth and Myers Park. A post race party will feature live music, free food and over 20 vendors.
3rd Annual Charlotte Craft Cocktail Crawl
Saturday, March 5
Rooftop210
Tired of craft beer getting all the attention? Come see what Charlotte’s craft cocktail scene is all about with the bartenders at the EpiCentre. As you go from bar to bar, sip on the best hand-crafted creations all with one easy admission fee.
Christ Church Chili Cookoff
Sunday, March 6
Christ Episcopal Church
Support the Christ Church Youth Ministry and sample neighborhood favorites at next week’s Chili Challenge. $10 admission includes unlimited chili sampling (everything from mild to hot, from turkey to beef to veggie), salad and beverages. There’s also a “Chili Free” children’s ticket option: a $10 ticket includes a hot dog meal and entertainment area for preschool and elementary ages. After the tasting is done, celebrity judges will present awards for People’s Choice, Judges’ Choice and Showmanship. There will also be a Silent Auction that includes beach and mountain getaways, restaurant gift certificates, children’s birthday parties and more. All proceeds benefit the Christ Church Youth Ministry.
Dancing With The Stars of Charlotte
Monday, March 7
Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts
Celebrating its fourth year, Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte pairs local stars from some of Charlotte’s most esteemed corporations with the professional dancers of Charlotte Ballet to raise funds for the ballet company and each star’s chosen charity. In 2015, the event welcomed over 900 guests to the Knight Theater and raised nearly $775,000.
Robert Foley Vineyards Wine Dinner Benefitting the HeartBright Foundation
Tuesday, March 8
Bonterra Dining & Wine Room
Enjoy an evening with Bob & Kelly Foley as they pair Robert Foley wines with a five course gourmet dinner prepared by Chef R. Blake Hartwick. Each ticket purchased will pay for one patient for one year in the HeartBright Foundation’s Free Cardiac Resource Center.
Mark your calendar! Upcoming events in the QC:
Fuori Porta
Aqua e Vino
Sunday, March 13
Get patio weather ready with a classic Sunday lunch-Italian family style. For $35 per person, get a three course meal on their al fresco patio. View the full menu and make reservations here.
