Have plans for the first weekend of summer? Now you do. Follow along with our guide of what to do and where to go this weekend in Charlotte:
THURSDAY
Urban Cookhouse Park Road Grand Opening
Urban Cookhouse | Opens at 11 a.m.
Help welcome another new addition to Park Road Shopping Center this Thursday. Urban Cookhouse offers a “farm to fire” take on sandwiches, salads and entrees featuring locally sourced products and fresh ingredients.
Cocktails in the Courtyard
The Duke Mansion | 5 p.m.
Unwind from the workday with a gardenside cocktail at one of the South’s finest destinations. Cocktails in the Courtyard is back for the summer Monday-Thursday.
Rescue to Runway
Vestique Boutique | 7 p.m.
Fashion and puppies? Count us in. Catch the latest trends and the area’s most adoptable pups as models walk the runway accompanied by man’s best friend. In addition to the oohs and ahhs, there will be raffle prizes, wine and appetizers. Purchase tickets here.
Uptown Crawl
Uptown Charlotte | 6 p.m.
Explore Uptown’s art scene for free this Thursday at a complimentary trolley runs between galleries and museums showcasing the culture of the Queen City. View participating galleries.
Wine & Dine
The Dock | 7 p.m.
Take a seat inside Stoke Charlotte’s speakeasy, The Dock, for a tasting menu and wine pairing crafted by Chef Chris Coleman. Hailey Trefethen of Trefethen Family Vineyards will guide guests through two reserve wine tastings to accompany the menu. $85 per person. Call 704.358.6558 to reserve.
Carolina Farm Trust Dinner
Mama Ricottas | 6 p.m.
This four-course dining experience features a menu crafted by Chef Tom Dyrness using Street Fare Farm locally grown produce. Benefits Carolina Farm Trust and Street Fare Farm. $45 per person. Call 704.714.9894 to reserve.
FRIDAY
High Design Pop Up
520 Providence Rd. | Through Sunday
Start making space, because you’ll want to completely redecorate after browsing the upholstery, lighting, furniture, decor accessories and more at this three-day sale event. Over 25 brands will be featured, including Lee Industries and Century Furniture, with all items in new condition. Open Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
SATURDAY
California & Beyond: Exploring the West Coast
Corkbuzz Charlotte | 1 p.m.
Take a trip along the vineyard-dotted West coast as the experts at Corkbuzz guide you through the unique wines from Washington, Oregon and California. You’ll learn the differences in grape varieties, wine making techniques and regional history while tasting your way through the coast. $60 per person. Reserve your spot here.
The Hiker’s Challenge
Blue Blaze Brewing | 2 p.m.
Go head-to-head with the best in Charlotte during the Hiker’s Challenge, a four-stage, single-elimination challenge that features challenges such as lacing a boot, fly-fishing and pitching a tent. Prizes include a two night stay in Beech Mountain, gift cards and outdoor gear. If you prefer to spectate, sip on a pint of Blue Blaze beer, dig into a plate from Killer Q BBQ and jam out to live music from River Ratz bluegrass.
City Barbeque Grand Opening
8948 JM Keynes Dr. Suite 420 | 11 a.m.
Bring your appetite to City Barbecue’s grand opening in University City. Indulge in their low and slow style smoked brisket, pork and award-winning turkey, and don’t miss an appearance by Sir Purr, The Carolina Panthers Drumline and the Panthers Top Cats. 10% of the grand opening day sales will go to The Miracle League of Charlotte.
Cooking Class: Tomato 101
Luca Modern Italian Kitchen | 11 a.m.
Get ready to prep, cook and taste tomato like never before. Chef Luca leads this delicious class alongside a special yet-to-be-announced celebrity guest chef. $45 per person. Claim your spot here.
4th Annual Margarita Wars
Rooftop 210 | 2 p.m.
It’s the unofficial drink of the summer, ready just in time to kick off the season. Charlotte’s finest bartenders will battle it out for the title of Best and Most Original Margarita in the city at this year’s Margarita Wars. The best part? You get to be the judge. $20 per person. Buy your ticket here.
Fly2Y2
Flywheel Sports | 3:45 p.m.
Flywheel and Y2 have joined forces for a three-part workout that includes a high-energy cycle class, one-mile run and restorative yoga class. Post-sweat session, join the party on the patio with raffle prizes, live music, a pint from Lenny Boy Brewing Company and tasty bites from Namastay Kitchen & Hangout. $45 per person.
Summer Jazz SeriesÂ
Freedom Park | 6 p.m.
Pack a lawn chair and head to the park for the first concert in the 2017 Summer Jazz Series. Freedom Park will be filled with the smooth sounds of Nils featuring Brandon Willis and Gabriel Bello. Free admission. Learn more.
Red, White & Brew Fest
Fidelli Kitchen | 3 p.m.
Fidelli Kitchen is starting the July 4 festivities early with a wine tasting, live music on the patio, drink specials and cold treats from Two Scoops Creamery. Free admission, wine tasting ticket is $10 per person.
SUNDAY
Charlotte Symphony Summer Pops: BEST OF BROADWAY
Symphony Park | 8:15 p.m.
Conductor Christopher James Lees leads the Charlotte Symphony in an evening of the most celebrated Broadway show tunes. Hum along to classics from The Sound of Music, Grease!, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera and more. Gates open at 5 p.m.
Moo & Brew Birthday Bash
Moo & Brew | 4 p.m.
Deschutes Brewery is launching in North Carolina, and to celebrate, they’re throwing a party. Join them for live music featuring SUSTO, Jamie Overcash and others, as well as food and great beer. $5 per person.
Sierra Nevada Beer Camp Dinner
The Cellar at Duckworth’s | 1 p.m.
To pair with Sierra Nevada’s Beer Camp collaboration pack, Chef Fred presents a six-course pairing menu for this special beer dinner. Preview the menu here. $60 per person. Call 980..349.4078 to reserve.
