Whether you’re dressing to the nines for the Bechtler’s “Taboo” gala, getting outside for three days of music and activities at Tuckfest or indulging your sweet tooth at Sweet Escapes, we’ve got your guide of where to go and what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
Thursday, April 20
4th Annual Pink to Drink
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
6 p.m.
Sugar Creek Brewing Company, Broken Spoke and The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery are joining forces to support the 16th Annual 24 Hours of Booty. Help them by enjoying live music, beer and menu selections from ROOTS catering. Don’t forget to wear your pink!
Friday, April 21
Taboo! The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art’s 2017 Fundraising Gala
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
7 p.m.
Watch as art comes to life at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Arts Eighth Annual Fundraising Gala. Guests will be fully immersed in a “taboo” themed experience, from an inspired menu and bar, compelling decor, entertainment, a silent auction and special access to exhibits. All proceeds benefit the museum’s exhibits, public programs and community outreach initiatives.
Tuckfest
Friday, April 21- Sunday, April 23
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Celebrate the outdoors with three days of races, demos and live music at the USNWC. Fuel your competitive spirit with trail, bike, paddle-boarding, kayaking and adventure racing, or simply chill out by the rapids with a non-stop schedule of live bands.
2017: Havana Nights
Hilton Charlotte Center City
7 p.m.
Pack your bags for a night in Havana, and don’t forget your dancing shoes. This year’s Green Tie Gala features music from the Live Exchange Party Band, fundraising for UNCC scholarships and plenty of chances to break out your best salsa moves.
Portugal vs. The States Wine Tasting
Gallery Restaurant
6:30 p.m.
Is your favorite wine Portuguese or from somewhere closer to home? Certified Specialist of Wine Ryan Gilbert of Country Vintner and Sommelier Juan Fernandez lead this side-by-side blind comparison of four different wines from both Portugal and the U.S. Taste and guess the correct country of origin while snacking on small plates. $55 per person. Reservations are required at 704.248.4100.
Saturday, April 22
Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend
April 19-22
Various locations
Save your appetite for the Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend, coming to the Queen city April 19-22. The weekend features multiple restaurant and wine pairing dinners and special events, along with Big Bottles & Blues, a casual wine and food tasting featuring an auction benefiting five local children’s charities. See the full line-up of events here.
Reid’s South Park Patio Concert Series
Saturday, April 22
Reid’s South Park
7 p.m.
The weather is here and Reid’s patio series is back with live music from The Holdouts. Hear them play your favorite classic rock favorites while sipping on cocktails on the expansive patio. Tickets are just $10. Purchase in-store starting April 17.
Paws and Pasta at Vivace
Saturday, April 22
Vivace Charlotte
1 p.m.
Cuddly pups and tasty pasta; what’s not to love? Vivace is teaming up with South Charlotte Dog Rescue for a fun and free event featuring not only delicious food from Vivace, but adoptable dogs from South Charlotte Dog Rescue. Support the rescue’s mission to find these pups their forever homes with a $5 raffle ticket, you may be the lucky winner of prizes from local businesses. It’s also your first chance to order from their new Spring cocktail and bar bites menu and see a cooking demo.
6th Annual Sweet Escapes
April 22
Mint Museum Randolph
Any event that involves over 500 pounds of chocolate is okay in our book. The sixth annual Sweet Escapes Event features hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, live music and a silent auction supporting Community Link’s fight against homelessness in the Charlotte area. $90 per person.
University City Wine Fest
Shoppes at University Place
2 p.m.
Sip on wine from over 25 participating wineries and stroll the charming boardwalk at the Shoppes at University Place at the first University City Wine Fest. Enjoy your unlimited samples with live music and take home a souvenir tasting glass.
Moo & Brew Festival
April 22, 2 p.m.
AvidXchange Music Factory
Another pairing we love? Burgers and beer. Be the judge as local restaurants compete for the title of “Creative Loafing’s Best Burger” and sip on samples from multiple breweries. To top it off, jam along to live music from Blues Traveler Ancient Cities among others.
Rosé Festival
Vin Master Wine Shop
3 p.m.
‘Tis the season for rosé! Taste over 20 different flavors from around the world while feasting on chocolate and cheese pairings on the lawn and patio at Atherton Mill. Plus get 10% off all bottles ordered. $15 per person.
Earth Day Celebration
Anne Springs Close Greenway
10 a.m.
Celebrate Earth Day in the great outdoors. The whole family can partake in guided nature and history hikes, yoga classes, horse rides, kayaking, canoeing and more. There will even be a “Greenway Runway” where creative designers-in-training can turn renewable materials into next year’s hottest trends.
Hippie Fest
Hodges Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch
11 a.m.
Let loose at the grooviest event this Spring. Hippie Fest brings together hundreds of local artists, vendors, bands, food trucks and free spirits at Hodges Family Farm. Free admission, parking is $5.
Big Saturday 2017
Charlotte Country Day School
10 a.m.
Big Saturday is back at Charlotte Country Day. They’re celebrating 56 years of carnival tradition with a color fun run on Friday, followed by rides, games, a talent show, bake sale and so much more.
Pet Palooza Festival
Independence Park
10 a.m.
Bring your pup to the biggest pet event of the year. Pet Palooza features a 2K dog walk, live music, a food truck “paw-vilion” and plenty of beer and wine for the owners.
Sunday, April 23
SouthPark Mall Family Expo
Symphony Park
12 p.m.
Spend an afternoon with free family fun, trampolines, obstacle courses, Knockerball Soccer, sack races, a DJ, giveaways and more. All activities are free and open to the public.
Plan ahead ~ Next Tuesday…
HK Centers Mommy Makeover Meet Up at Sullivans Southend on 4/25
Just Us Girls
Graper Cosmetic Surgery
Tuesday, April 25
6 p.m.
Graper Cosmetic Surgery is hosting a Just Us Girls evening to offer info and opportunities to freshen up your look without surgery at their Just Us Girls event on Tuesday, April 25th. There will be lots of fun savings, door prizes and refreshments, plus learning for you to enjoy with a few good girlfriends, like Test Your Skin IQ and The Wrinkle Retreat. Plus you’ll save 20% on all skin care products and get great discounts on injectables, peels, laser treatments and more. RSVP by calling 704.375.7111 or email rsvp@grapercosmeticsurgery.com.
Traditions Celebrates Local Talent
Traditions Interiors & Accessories
Tuesday, April 25
11 a.m.
Traditions Interiors & Accessories is hosting a one day only Local Talent Event to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Don’t miss your chance to shop the work of ten local artists who will be on-site during the event.
