The temperatures are creeping up and calendars are filling in for this weekend in the Queen City. From Derby parties to live music, Cinco to Mother’s Day…..here’s your guide of what to do and where to go in Charlotte this weekend:

Metropolitan Music Series
Thursday, May 5-Saturday, May 7

Get the full scoop here!

Each Thursday evening in May, Sunset at Metropolitan is hosting a free outdoor concert on their massive patio space overlooking the skyline (think prime time sunset view). The Thursday concerts start just in time for happy hour at 5:30 and runs until 8:30, still early enough to get the kids in bed.

If you can’t make it out on a weeknight, not to worry. You can also enjoy live tunes on Friday (courtesy of Dressler’s) and Saturday evenings (courtesy of Hickory Tavern). Here’s this weekend’s line-up:

May 5 – Simplified (5:30pm – 8:30pm)
May 6 – Brad Bailey Jazz Trio (6:30pm – 9:30pm)
May 7 – Apple Brothers (6:00pm – 9:00pm)

Summer Soiree at Metrolina Antique and Vintage Market
Thursday, May 5
Metrolina Antique and Vintage Market

Come see what treasures you can find at the largest antique and vintage market in the Southeast. The Summer Soiree runs from May 5 through May 8. It’s a perfect Mother’s Day weekend outing!

Strings at Springs Featuring Charlotte Symphony
Thursday, May 5
Anne Springs Close Greenway

Enjoy the weather and the sounds of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at the Anne Springs Close Greenway’s Comporium Amphitheater. Summer Pops conductor Albert-George Schram will lead the performance of the works of composers including Mozart and Tchaikovsky. Buy your $10 tickets online or text Greenwaytix to 51555.

Culinary Canvas Series Dinner with Chef Paul Verica and Rosalia Torres-Weiner
Thursday, May 5
C3 Lab

Why just dine when you could enjoy a full cultural experience? CLTure, Friendship Gardens and C3 Lab are teaming up with Chef Paul Verica of Heritage Food & Drink and Charlotte artist Rosalia Weiner to create an evening with elements of cuisine and art. Attendees will enjoy a five course meal expertly paired with cocktails and craft beer, live art and curated music.

TEE Party at Phillips Place
Thursday, May 5
Phillips Place

Get in on the fun of golf week with the 5th Annual TEE Party at Phillips Place. This free block party event features live music from Simply Irrestistible Band & Right On, golf themed activities, simulators and available cash bars. Don’t worry, they didn’t forget about Cinco De Mayo. Grab a MargariTEE, their signature drink, to join in on both celebrations.

Here’s our post on where to spend tonight if you want a major Cinco experience.

Mother’s Day Sip & Shop
Friday, May 6
7th Street Public Market Mother’s Day Sip & Shop

Attention all procrastinators! Sometimes it pays to wait until last minute. Pick up the perfect gift for mom at the semi-annual Sip & Shop event hosted by 7th Street Public Market. Browse local vendor booths and receive a free sparkling wine courtesy of Assorted Table Wine Shoppe. 50 glasses will be poured at 5 pm and another 50 at 6 pm, so plan accordingly.

Can’t make it down to 7th Street Friday?

No prob. Here are our shopping suggestions for Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts.

Hats Off To Parks
Friday, May 6
Romare Bearden Park

Support local park projects in our community at the 6th Annual Hats Off to Parks event. Carolina Soul Band will be singing beach music and Motown favorites while attendees enjoy a silent auction, BBQ dinner and a cash bar.

Mother’s Day Weekend Wine Walk
Saturday, May 7
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Celebrate with mom all weekend and treat her to a wine walk in the Garden on Saturday, May 7. Guests will sample five different wines at stops around the Garden. Tickets are available for $25/guest or $40/pair online or available day of.

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Saturday, May 7
Southpark Mall

Join in a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy a sampling of beer and bourbon. Some of the best barbeque vendors are on-site if you get hungry all while enjoying seminars in the tasting theater and live music all day.

Gardener’s Garden Tour
May 7- May 8, 2016
Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary

The Gardeners’ Garden Tour is celebrating its 22nd year with a lineup of five private garden tours in addition to open hours at Wing Haven Gardens. The weekend long even is $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the event.

Mother’s Day Breakfast and Tour
Saturday, May 7
Billy Graham Library

Moms and their families are invited to join us at the Billy Graham Library for our Mother’s Day Breakfast and Tour. We are delighted to honor mothers of all ages with a delicious buffet breakfast, an uplifting message and a guided Journey of Faith tour. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m., with the event (including tour) running through 10 a.m. Each mother in attendance will also receive a special gift. Tickets are $20 per person; children 3 and under are free.

The Fourth Annual Foxy Derby
Saturday, May 7
Leroy Fox

The time has come to don your best hat, fix a bow-tie for your beau, and join the Winner’s Circle as we celebrate the 142nd Annual Kentucky Derby! We’re so happy to announce that we will once again eat southern fare, drink frosty mint juleps, and merrily play Kentucky Derby inspired games, all while showing off those colorful hats! We have partnered with the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte again this year and will be donating to the amazing cause, so do your part and get “Down & Derby” with us!

Charlotte Mother’s Day Wine & Picnic Tour
Saturday, May 7
Departs from uptown Charlotte

Treat the special mom in your life to a fabulous Mother’s Day enjoying NC wine country. This special Mother’s Day wine tour features luxury travel, wine tasting, chocolate, picnic lunch, and fun with new friends and delicious NC wine.

Derby Days
Saturday, May 7
Mint Museum Randolph

Enjoy an afternoon of entertainment that includes live music, lawn games, and a large-screen viewing of the race live from Louisville, Kentucky. Attendees arrive decked out in sundresses and seersucker to watch “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” listen to music, and enjoy free beverages and food from top area restaurants.

Romare Fest
Saturday, May 7
Romare Bearden Park

The whole family can enjoy a full day of live performances celebrating one of Charlotte’s most beloved (and most Instagram’ed) parks. The day starts off with family entertainment from 12-5 pm, continues with live Jazz artists and ends with a fireworks show.

Here’s our post on Where to Go for Mother’s Day Brunch, and here are our ideas on What to Wear.

Mother’s Day 5K
Sunday, May 8
Symphony Park

Do something a little bit different this Mother’s Day and participate as a family in the Mother’s Day 5K. After the race, kids will enjoy face painting, a bouncy house, and an arts and crafts area perfect for making a last minute card for mom. Meanwhile, Mom will enjoy complimentary mimosas. It’s a win-win.