Ready for your dose of Charlotte culture? From open museum days to jazz concerts and exhibit openings, this weekend’s got it all. Here’s the scoop on the events to fill your calendar:
THURSDAY
b.good Opening
400 S. Tryon St. | 10:45 a.m.
b.good’s newest location will open Thursday in Uptown. Stop by for summer specials including a watermelon and feta salad, grilled local corn, their Sal Bacado Burger and the refreshing peach and cherry smoothie. The first 100 guests to purchase an entrée after 2 p.m. will receive a free entrée on their next visit.
Baba Brew Dinner featuring Unknown Brewing
Babalu Dilworth | 7 p.m.
Chef Brandon Murphy will prepare a four-course pairing menu joining the fresh flavors of Babalu and the unique characteristics of Unknown Brewery’s beers. $54.54 per person.
Wine and Chocolate Pairing with Rickety Bridge Winery
Vin Master Wine Shop | 6:30 p.m.
Can you think of a sweeter way to kick off your pre-weekend? Join Vin Master Wine Shop and Rickety Bridge Winery for a tasting featuring five different sips and treats. $15 per person. Call 704.307.5565 or email vinmasterclt@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
IPA Day 2017
Sycamore Brewing | 4 p.m.
Raise a glass to National IPA Day at Sycamore. The brewery is celebrating with six different IPAs on tap for just $3 per pint. The first 288 people will receive a free IPA day pint glass.
Florida Georgia Line: Smooth Tour
PNC Music Pavilion | 7 p.m.
Sing along to your favorite country songs as Florida Georgia Line takes the stage at PNC Pavilion.
Art Exhibit Opening: Phases
NoDa Brewing Company | 5 p.m.
Help welcome a new exhibit to NoDa Brewing Company’s private room, Daina Nathaniel’s “Phases”. Thursday’s opening reception will be a celebration of her work, which uses recycled materials and encourages accessibility of the arts, and will feature food for purchase, beer from the bar and discussions with the artist.
FRIDAY
Goodbye, Goodyear
Goodyear Arts | 6 p.m.
Celebrate the art showcased at Goodyear Arts over the past year with a final farewell. The evening includes new interior and exterior alterations to the space, including murals and virtual installations, and free beer while it lasts from Petty Thieves Brewing Co. and Sierra Nevada.
South End Gallery Crawl
South End Galleries | 5 p.m.
For a fun ate night, stroll through six of South End’s favorite galleries and art destinations, each one offering free admission and special collections.
Food Truck Friday Dilworth
1324 East Blvd. (Corner of Scott Ave. & East Blvd.) | 6 p.m.
No dinner plans? No problem. Bring the whole family out to Food Truck Friday Dilworth for live music and menu options even your pickiest eater will devour. Parking available.
Jazz at the Bechtler: Lee Morgan featuring Justin Ray
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
The Ziad Jazz Quartet is joined by trumpet player Justin Ray to pay tribute to the sound of Lee Morgan, who played alongside some of the biggest names in late fifties jazz. Expect to hear songs including “Sidewinder”, “Ceora”, and “Mr. Kenyatta”. Tickets are $14 for the public, $8 for museum members.
Panthers Fan Fest 2017
Bank of America Stadium | 6 p.m.
Be there as the Carolinas Panthers take the field for the first time in 2017 at Fan Fest. Get excited for the upcoming season with performances from TopCats, Sir Purr, PurrCussion and Black & Blue Crew. The Panthers start an open practice at 7:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks and laser show. $5 per person.
SATURDAY
2nd Annual Friends and Beerfest: IPA Edition
Legion Brewing Company | 4 p.m.
Join Legion Brewing for their second annual Friends and Beerfest in celebration of National IPA day. Multiple area breweries will be on-site with IPA sample, plus there will be live music al day, a taco bar and sweet treats from Two Scoops Creamery. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door. Includes a tasting glass and a sampling card for five 4 ounce tasters. Additional sampling cards will be made available for purchase at the festival for $10.
Claire’s Army Gala
Museum of the New South | 6:30 p.m.
Claire’s Army is a Charlotte-based organization providing support for families fighting childhood cancer. Support their mission with an inaugural gala featuring cocktails, dinner, auction, live band and dancing. Black tie optional.
Museums on Us
Multiple locations | All weekend
Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders gain free access to participating museums on the first full weekend of each month. Photo ID is required and is good for one general admission. Participating museums:
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
Levine Museum of the New South
Mint Museum Randolph
Mint Museum Uptown
Bacon Bash
Blackfinn Ameripub | 2 p.m.
Satisfy your love for bacon with the help of Blackfinn Ameripub where you can sample bacon-infused appetizers, desserts and cocktails. The event also features giveaways and specialty drinks. $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Foreigner W/ Cheap Trick And Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience
PNC Music Pavilion | 7 p.m.
Foreigner takes the stage for their 40th anniversary tour, along with Cheap Trick, at PNC Pavilion. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Charlotte Popsicle Fest
Rooftop 210 | 3 p.m.
Your favorite childhood summer treat is all grown up. Cool off with samples of “poptails” with flavors including margarita, pop cow mule and vodka Italian ice. $25 ticket includes eight sample tickets.
Bars Bands and Brews
Unknown Brewing Company | 6 p.m.
Hear from up and coming local hip hop and rock bands with a cold brew in hand at the latest Bars, Bands and Brews. $5 admission.
SUNDAY
Watermelons for Wishes
Blue Blaze Brewing | 2 p.m.
Blue Blaze Brewing is teaming up with Make-A-Wish for the release of a special watermelon infused beer. A portion of proceeds benefit the 2017 Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge. Want more watermelon? Buy one on-site to carve up for a snack.