Lucky Cocktails, Women’s Expo, French Cooking, Starving Artists, Bulldog Beauty + MLK Day Celebrations Plus Lots More. Our Picks on What to Do and Where to Go in Charlotte for this Week and Weekend:
Now that we’ve all dug ourselves out of the snowpocalypse of 2017, it’s time to turn our sights to the weekend and warmer temps ahead. Not to mention it’s a three day weekend with MLK day on Monday. Fill your calendars with the best happenings featured on our round-up of what to do and where to go in Charlotte this weekend:
Featured event: Make your reservations now for Queen’s Feast 2017
It’s back! Make your reservations NOW for Queen’s Feast January 20-29. It’s the best time to check out new hotspots or visit tried and true favorites as over 130 restaurants offer three courses for just $30 or $35 per person. Start your culinary adventure here.
An American in Paris
January 10- January 15
Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Grab your tickets now for An American In Paris, the Tony Award-winning musical chronicling the story of an expat discovering life in Paris after World War II. Evening and matinee performances available. Tickets begin at $25. Purchase online here.
Charlotte Symphony: Star Wars the Music
January 11-January 14
Knight Theatre
Join the Charlotte Symphony in a land far, far away as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Wars. John Williams’ celebrated and familiar scores come to life Wednesday January 11 through Saturday January 14 at the Knight Theatre. Performances are at 7:30 pm or 8 pm depending on the night. Purchase tickets online here.
Make Friday the 13th the “Lucky Seventh Day”
Friday, January 13
Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Don’t like the idea of Friday the 13th? Consider this “lucky” cocktail the perfect fix. Stop by for a tasting of the “Lucky Seventh Day” cocktail at The Gallery bar. $20 per person. Reserve your spot by calling 704.248.4100. More information.
Carolina Women’s Expo
Friday, January 13
Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Start the weekend off right with shopping and a chance to win brand name handbags at the Carolina Women’s Expo. Attendees receive a complimentary champagne cocktail, light hors d’oeuvres and the chance to shop till you drop. 5 pm- 7:30 pm. Admissions is free. Proceeds benefits the Humane Society of Charlotte. More information.
Little District at Legion Brewing
Friday, January 13
Legion Brewing
Take it easy Friday night with beers and tunes at Legion Brewery as Little District takes the stage. Begins at 8 pm.
Reid’s South Park Oyster Roast
Saturday, January 14
Reid’s Southpark
The patio will be open at Reid’s South Park for their Second Annual Oyster Roast this Saturday. Stop by for fresh oysters and beer specials. Free admission. Begins at 4 pm.
Hearty French Classics Cooking Class
Saturday, January 14
Blue Restaurant & Bar
Chef Gene Briggs gives in-the-kitchen instructions teaching attendees how to whip up French classics including French onion soup, crock madame, beef bourguignon and vitreais (a sweet cake with apples and salted butter caramel). $44.95 per person. Reservations required 704.927.2583.
2017 Bulldog Beauty Pageant
Saturday, January 14
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte
Calling all beauty queens! It’s time to dress your darling bull in their pageant best for Lucky Dog’s 2017 Bulldog Beauty Pageant. There will be prizes for prettiest, most handsome, best butt wiggle, Mr. & Mrs. congeniality, best smile and more. Entry fee is $25, benefiting Bullies 2 the Rescue.
Brunch and Brews
Saturday, January 14
Three Spirits Brewery
Chef Abdullah has a pretty impressive resume: he’s a two-time National Bread and Pastry Champion, Food Network Star and co- owner of Cafe Ganache. This weekend don’t miss your chance to dine on a four-course brunch prepared by the Chef featuring fresh pastries and made to order entrees paired with beer from Three Spirits Brewery. $25.50 each. Buy your tickets here.
Ballantyne Live: The Parks Brothers
Saturday, January 14
Blackfinn Ameripub – Ballantyne
Ballantyne newcomer Blackfinn Ameripub is hosting its very first Ballantyne Live event featuring The Parks Brothers. But don’t be prepared for just your average live music experience, Ballantyne Live promises your favorite singalongs from yesterday and today. Dust off your shower singing voice and see what the hype is all about. Begins at 10 pm.
Woof Gang Bakery Grand Opening
Saturday, January 14
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming SouthPark
Woof Gang Bakery, which looks like a dog’s paradise, is celebrating it’s official grand opening this weekend. Stop by from 10 am- 7 pm for giveaways, adoptable dogs from 10 am-2 pm and free treats for a year if you’re one of the first 20 families in line. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade & Memorial Service
Saturday, January 14
Uptown Charlotte
More than 100 community organizations, floats, bands and performing groups will march down Tryon Street for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade. The parade route begins at 9th Street and continues down Tryon to Stonewall Street. The parade begins at 10 am.
On Sunday, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s actual birthday, going a memorial service held in Marshall Park at 2 pm. For more details on all MLK weekend celebrations, please see here.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Legacy Celebration
Sunday, January 15- Monday, January 16
Levine Museum of the New South
The whole family can enjoy special exhibits, films, performances and more for free at The Levine Museum of the New South as they host their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Legacy Celebration. While you’re there, visit K(NO)W Justice K(NO)W Peace, a community-created exhibit opening on Friday where activists, law enforcement, media, civic leaders, clergy and students worked together to tell the story of local and national police-involved shootings.
Women’s Showcase 2017
Sunday, January 15
Charlotte Ballet
Celebrate the accomplishments of female choreographers and artists with a line-up of performances at the Women’s Showcase 2017. 7 pm. $10 per person.
Red Clay Sunday Brunch
Sunday, January 15
Red Clay Ciderworks
Round out your weekend with Red Clay Cider’s monthly Sunday brunch. This time PepperBox Doughnuts and The Breakfast Food Truck will be serving up sweet and savory brunch items that pair perfectly with Cidermosas, Cider Bellinis or a cold brewed nitro Pure Intentions coffee. Begins at 12 pm.
Lenny Boy $2 Beer & Bite Day
Sunday, January 15
Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
Lenny Boy is making it easy to find a new Sunday hangout spot with their first $2 Beer & Bite Day event. All day long they will be offering $2 16-ounce beer pints while A Bao Time food truck series up a specialty $2 bite.
Starving Artist Popup Market
Sunday, January 15
Charlotte Art League
See firsthand the talent that lives in your own backyard by shopping or browsing the handmade vendors at the Starving Artist Market. Who knows? You may head home with just the thing to gift or complete your home decor. 12 pm – 4 pm. Free admission.
