When the weekend comes, the only worry you should have is which events to fill your calendar with. Get to planning with our guide of what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
Charlotte Jazz Festival
April 9-15 | Various locations
Celebrate Charlotte’s jazz music scene with a week of performances and special events, ranging from lunch hour jazz concerts to a second line parade and performances in the Jazz Garden at Romare Bearden Park. Access a full guide to activities and events online.
EarthFest
April 14 – 15; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Join in DSBG’s Earth Day celebration with two days of crafts, lawn games, music, hikes, sustainable vendors and more. Special activities include a Tahitian hula dance lesson on Saturday, a yard sale in The Garden Store all weekend and a family workshop featuring up cycled art on Sunday. Free for members, or included with general admission.
Come-See-Me Festival
April 12-21 | Rock Hill
For over 50 years, Rock Hill’s Come-See-Me Festival has helped families across the region welcome spring. The 10-day festival features 80 events and activities, including games, rides, music performances and fireworks. Search all events and start planning your day.
THURSDAY
We all cook with oil, but how many of us actually do it correctly? Chef de Cuisine & Instructor Chef Charlie will teach class participants the basics of cooking with different oils, and enjoy a three-course menu and wine. $80 per person. Email orders@cleancatchfish.com, call 704.333.1212 or text 704.272.4551 to reserve your spot.
Spring Art Salon
Thursday, April 12 – Friday, April 13 |Â 1541 S. Wendover Road
Browse over 200 beautiful works of art from 24 artists at the Spring 2018 Art Salon, hosted at the home of Jessica and Brandon Valentine. Make it a true girls’ night out on Thursday from 6 – 9 p.m., or enjoy during the day on Friday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
FRIDAY
Pop Up Rosé Tasting
Bonterra Dining & Wine Room | 5 – 7 p.m.
Join the go-to wine experts at Bonterra for a special pop-up rosé tasting. Enjoy 11 sips for just $11.
FreeMoreWest 5K on the Greenway
1432 W. Morehead Street | Â 6 p.m.
Finally, a race you don’t have to set your alarm for. The 6th annual FreeMoreWest 5K on the Greenway takes participants through the neighborhood’s historic and bustling business areas via greenway, and benefits Classroom Central. Come early for pre-race yoga beginning at 5 p.m. and enjoy post-finish line brews.
Exploring Red Varietals
Corkbuzz Charlotte | 6:30 p.m.
What really makes Cabernet Sauvignon so different from Pinot Noir, or even Malbec? Let us guide you through the differences in not only the grapes, but the regions of the world where they are most popular. This will be a casual class for newbies, or a brush up for wine pros. $65 per person.
Each and every Friday, Coaltrane’s hosts Music Bingo – a fun-filled mash-up of music trivia and bingo. Enjoy $3 drafts while you prove your music knowledge.
14th Annual St. Jude Charlotte Wine Dinner
Founders Hall | 6:30 p.m.
Support the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the 14th annual St. Jude Wine Dinner. Individual tickets are $200.
Craft(s) = BBQ Tasting + Workshop
AR Workshop Charlotte | 6:30 p.m.
Choose your own craft – a plank wood sign, tray or lazy Susan, while tasting offerings from City Barbecue. BYOB. Class cost begins at $59.50.
SATURDAY
2nd Annual Pop-Up Picnic
April 14 | Freedom Park
via Facebook
The Catawba Lands Conservancy and Carolina Thread Trail host the second annual pop-up picnic, an evening in the park with live music, beer and wine, food trucks, outdoor activities and picnic baskets curated and prepared by Charlotte restaurants. Pre-order your picnic basket beginning April 4 for pick-up at the event.
Live Music with Eli Yacinthe
Draught Charlotte | 7 p.m.
Grab some dinner from Draught’s new spring menu while listening to the acoustic sounds of Eli Yacinthe.
National Ham Day with Knob Creek
April 14 |Â Dot Dot Dot Charlotte
Kevin Creasy of Beam Suntory and Dot Dot Dot’s executive chef David Quintana will lead guests in a paired tasting of four cured hams and Knob Creek’s Small Batch, Single Barrel, Rye, and Smoked Maple. $30 per person.
Grillin’ and Chillin’
Mimosa Grill | 10 a.m.
Get ready for spring by grillin’ and chillin’ with Chef Marlow. Learn grilling secrets and taste food right out of the Big Green Egg. $48+, limited seating. Book online.
#ShapingCLT
Free Range Brewing | Noon – 2 p.m.
Join in this monthly conversation sparking civic action in our community. April’s topic will be Charlotte’s next steps as part of the #MeToo movement and feature speakers including artist Myloan Dinh, Tony Porter of A Call to Men, Laura Noble of the Noble Firm and CMPD Officer Muriel Hughes, moderated by attorney Sonya Pfeiffer. $10 per person. Purchase tickets online. Brunch available for purchase.
Recycle the Runway 2018
Northlake Mall | 1 -3 p.m.
See the avant garde recycled fashions created by area high school students on the runway at this unique fashion show. Free and open to the public.
CLT Find Market
Catawba Brewing Co. | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Meet the makers behind the best-selling local brands, plus sign up for craft classes with Crowned Sparrow Co. Kick off the day with a yoga class ($8 for class and a beer), then get to shopping!
The Music Yard Series
SouthBound courtyard | 6 p.m.
The Music Yard is your new Saturday night live music destination. Between SouthBound and Mac’s Speed Shop, Zack Mexico and Houston Brothers will take the main stage, vendors will line the courtyard and SouthBound’s taco stand will be open. Register online.
Sycamore Spring Fest 2018
Sycamore Brewing | Noon – 10 p.m.
Sycamore’s biggest celebration yet will include live music on two stages, indoor and outdoor beverage stations, limited edition event T-shirts and great beer-drinking weather.
Brunch Cocktail Class: Tequila Masterclass
Nest restaurant and lounge | 1 -3 p.m.
Step beyond the classic margarita and master cocktails mixed with agave. Class includes two hours of hands-on education, three full-size cocktails and brunch bites to pair. $70 per person.
Mixology with Bob Peters
Earl’s Grocery | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Mixologist Bob Peters takes class participants from farm to glass in this free mixology class featuring fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.
5th Annual Ales for Autism
NoDa Brewing Company | 5 – 9 p.m.
Drink for a cause at the 5th annual Ales for Autism, featuring music, food trucks, raffle prizes and beer. General admission ($25) includes a special event glass and koozie, and a pour of Sensory Overload 5.0. All funds raised support Autism Charlotte.
Tavern Night at Historic LattaÂ
Historic Latta Plantation | 6 – 8 p.m.
Travel back in time as the Ezekiel Alexander cabin is converted into a colonial-era tavern, complete with live music, a four-course dinner from Clark Barlowe of Heirloom and special beer releases and pairings from Free Range Brewing. Preview the menu and purchase tickets online.
Starving Artist Market
Lenny Boy Brewing | 1 – 6 p.m.
Shop from over 30 local artists and vendors offering everything from paintings to jewelry to pottery, plus enjoy Lenny Boy beer and kombucha and food from The Hunters Wife food truck.
3rd Annual Pints For Paws Charlotte
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery | Noon – 5 p.m.
People and pups alike will. love a day of fun in the sun at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Pints for Paws will feature raffle prizes, music, a puppy kissing booth, silent auction, dog adoptions and more. Proceeds benefit the Live.Wag.BARK! Foundation.
CharlotteRaceFest Half Marathon, 10k & Celebration
South Park Mall | 7:30 a.m.
Clock your personal best on the half marathon or 10K courses and enjoy the celebration after the finish line with craft beer, food, a live band and more.
Truffle Making Workshop
The Secret Chocolatier | 2 – 4 p.m.
Spend two hours being a real chocolatier in a professional kitchen, making your own truffle ganache and infusing flavors, and take home what you make (or what’s left of it). $60 per person.
Two Year Anniversary Pawty
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte | All day
Wish Lucky Dog a happy birthday and join them for their two-year anniversary. Expect live music, drink specials, giveaways and a photo booth for you and your pup.
One Year Anniversary Party
Queen Park Social | All day
Raise a glass to a full year of playing and gathering at Queen Park Social. The all-day celebration features free games, live bands a DJ and more.
Live Art at High Branch / Beer Release
High Branch Brewing Co. | 2 – 10 p.m.
High Branch’s third annual Live Art event allows invites guests to browse work from local artists and makers and view a live art installation in the tap room. Enjoy an appetizer bar, faceprinting for the kids, live music and special beer releases.
Ace & TJ’s 2nd Chance Prom
Hilton Center City | 8 p.m.
Looking for a prom do-over? Here’s your chance. The 21st annual Second Chance Prom is sure to be a night to remember, with dancing, 96.1 show members and even the obligatory prom picture. Proceeds benefit Grin Kids, a non-profit supporting children with a terminal illness or disability. Tickets start at $35.
SUNDAY
Black Out Brunch
Draught Charlotte | Noon – 5 p.m.
Draught is turning off the lights and turning up the fun this Sunday Funday with a black out brunch featuring DJs Ahuf & Edward Shouse.
Sensoria Food & Wine
Philip L. Van Every Culinary Arts Building, CPCC
Enjoy the best of Charlotte’s locally-sourced cuisine as eleven chefs and wineries pair up for a tasting-style event. View all chef and winery pairings here. General admission: $100, VIP admission VIP Admission with Riedel Wine Tasting: $150.
Beer Garden
The Ballantyne Hotel | Noon – 6 p.m.
Toast to NC Beer Month as the South Lawn transforms into the Ballantyne Beer Garden, and releases their exclusive Cherry Blossom Dubbel, brewed in partnership with Sugar Creek Brewing Company. While you sip, enjoy live music and food for purchase. Free and open to the public.
Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown
McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square | 7 p.m.
Two of the greatest bands of all time, represented by tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction, square off in this exciting musical showdown. Tickets begin at $35.
Midwood Market Spring Fest 2018
2008 Commonwealth Avenue | 1 – 6 p.m.
Take to the streets as local merchants, vendors and entertainment providers line Commonwealth Avenue from Pecan to the Plaza in Midwood Market’s Spring Fest 2018. Free admission and pet friendly.
Local Brews, Local Grooves
The Fillmore Charlotte | 2 p.m.
It’s all local at this show case of Charlotte breweries, food and talent. View the band and brewery line-up on their Facebook page. $15 per person.
Opera Carolina’s The Marriage of Figaro
Sunday, April 15, Thursday, April 19 and Saturday, April 21 | Belk Theater
Grab tickets for a matinee (Sunday) or evening performance (Thursday or Saturday) of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. You’ve heard the melodies, now experience the storyline of love, deceit and comedic chaos.
Santhoshi’s Tomato Chutney Demo
Savory Spice Shop | 5:30 p.m.
This small class, limited to 20 participants, features Santhoshi from Santhoshi’s Kitchen demonstrating how to use her savory tomato chutney in three recipes you can make at home. $15 per person. Call 980.225.5419 or visit the shop to register.
