Memorial Day is behind us and there’s no better way to (un)officially celebrate the start of summer than with our round-up of what to do this weekend in Charlotte.
For Charlotte Shopping News for this weekend, click here.
And for Family Fun To Do’s, our weekly update is here.
Our day-by-day guide to What to Do This Weekend in CLT:
ALL WEEKEND
Live on the Green Kick-Off Festival
First Ward Park | June 1 -2
All summer long you’ll hear rock, Americana, bluegrass and more from the Live on the Green stage at First Ward Park. To kick-off the free concert series, enjoy a two-day festival featuring Sinners & Saints and River Whyless on Friday and Chase Killough & High Water, Locust Honey, David Childers, Fireside Collective, Scythian and more on Saturday.
Charlotte Squawks 14: O Fourteena!
Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center | Through June 24
Now in its fourteenth edition, Charlotte Squawks is a little bit Saturday Night Live, part Broadway and 100% Queen City. Mike Collins and Brian Kahn lead the creative team ready to poke fun at local and national pop culture, sports and politics. Tickets begin at $24.50.
THURSDAY
Uptown Crawl
Charlotte Center City | 6 p.m.
It’s never been easier to explore Uptown’s best art galleries. Hop on and off the free trolleys running from gallery to gallery at Thursday night’s Uptown Crawl. See here for a list of participating stops. Trolleys and admission to participating galleries is free.
Sunset at Metropolitan
1111 Metropolitan Avenue | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Sunset at the Metropolitan continues with live music from Sol Fusion. Grab a seat at one of Metropolitan’s restaurants to enjoy specials, music and a sunset view.
Stop and Shop
7th Street Public Market | 4 – 7 p.m.
Shop goods from 4-6 local businesses and enjoy live music at 7th Street Public Market’s weekly Stop & Shop.
New Kombucha Bottle Release
Lenny Boy Brewing Co. | 4 – 9 p.m.
Be one of the first to grab a new Lenny Boy kombucha bottle, made with cylinder glass and resealable caps. Enjoy seven flagship flavors, including Wake Up Call, Lavenderade, Elite Beet and more in single bottles, cases and mixed cases. Nana’s Porch food truck will be onsite.
Movies on the Deck: Coco
400 S Tryon St. | 7:45 p.m.
Head to the fourth level of 400 South Tryon’s parking garage for a free showing of Disney/Pixar’s Coco. The movie will start around 9 p.m., but come early for free popcorn and beverages and JJ’s Red Hots for purchase.
FRIDAY
Jazz at the Bechtler: Latin Jazz
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 6 and 8:15 p.m.
The Ziad Jazz Quartet, with help from a talented rhythm section, brings the sounds of Cuba, Brazil and Latin America to the monthly Jazz at the Bechtler series. In addition to the performance, enjoy light bites and a cash only bar. Tickets are $14 for the public and $8 for museum members. Buy tickets online or call 704.353.9200.
#WalkCLT 2018 Powered by OrthoCarolina
1518 Bryant St. | 5 – 8 p.m.
The third annual #WalkCLT event celebrates the social, environmental and physical benefits of walking with a fun route that brings walkers past shops and restaurants offering specials and deals. At check-in, receive your event wristband and T-shirt, then get to exploring. View all participating businesses and vendors here.
South End Gallery Crawl
South End Neighborhood | 5 – 9 p.m.
Discover South End’s art scene as neighborhood galleries and studios stay open late to host new exhibition receptions, live music and opportunities to meet artists. View participating galleries here.
Goodyear Arts: April/May Residency Showcase
1720 Statesville Ave. | 6 – 9 p.m.
Celebrate April and May’s artists-in-residence Debora Koo, Nathaniel Lancaster and Elisa Sanchez with new work that includes paintings, drawings and paper sculptures. Free beer from Petty Thieves Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada and Birdsong Brewing Co., plus tamales from The Masa Casawill for sale.
National Donut Day at Dunkin’ Donuts
All locations | All day
Sweeten up your Friday by scoring a free classic donut with the purchase of any beverage on Friday, June 1.
Sweet Reading ~ Here’s our guide to the CLT Donut Scene, from North to South and in between.
SATURDAY
The East Blvd. Sidewalk Sale
East Bld. Shops and Restaurants | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The 7h Annual East Blvd Summer Sidewalk Sale starts near Freedom Park at Vestique and goes all the way down to South Blvd, with over 25 local businesses offering special discounts, sales, giveaways, pop-ups and more throughout the day. Read more and start planning your day here.
On The Border – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute
Reid’s SouthPark | 7:30 p.m.
Head to the patio at Reid’s Fine Food SouthPark to see On The Border, the Ultimate Eagles Tribute, take the stage. Tickets are $20 and available in store.
North End Farmers Market
Camp North End | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The first Saturday morning market features local and affordable fresh produce and goods in partnership with farmers, producers and The Bulb, supporting households in need in food deserts.
Art For Unity Charlotte 4th Charity Art Show and Silent Auction
Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Waverly | 5 – 8 p.m.
The 4th Charity Art Show and Silent Auction offers a free opportunity to view and bid on art while supporting a worthy cause. 100% of net proceeds benefit No Kid Hungry North Carolina.
Queen City Improv Room: Local Celebrity Armando Show
Stage Door Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center | 8 p.m.
Charlotte Comedy Theater, Mom’s Adhesive and comic artist Andy Smith team up for a show of monologues and long-form improv scenes. Tickets begin at $10 each.
Ardbeg Day 2018 Celebrate with Peat & Love
Dot Dot Dot | 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate “Ardbeg Day”, the final day of Islay Festival of Music and Malt, with a tasting of four distinct scotch whiskys and accompanying hor d’oeuvres from Chef David Quintana.
Burger & Beer Fest
Sycamore Brewing | Noon – 7 p.m.
Consider Saturday planned as Bang Bang Burgers and Sycamore fuse in this one-day burger and beer fest. Enjoy live music, beer, frosé and Bang bang burgers grilled onsite.
Keep Pounding 5K
Levine Cancer Institute | 8 – 11 a.m.
This 5K invites participants to “keep pounding” all the way from Levine Cancer Institute, up to Mint Street and into the Panthers’ stadium and practice field.
Blue Blaze 2 Year Anniversary
Blue Blaze Brewing | Noon – 10 p.m.
Celebrate National Trails Day and Blue Blaze’s two-year anniversary with special beer releases, food trucks, live music, workout classes and more.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand
Ballantyne Village | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Support research towards a cure for childhood cancer with a glass of lemonade. Grab yours at the fountain and support Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
QCMakers Market
The Suffolk Punch | Noon – 5 p.m.
Local makers will set up at Suffolk Punch for a day of shopping, eats and drinks. Browse handmade goods from Ai to You, Originate Handcrafted Jewelry, Purple Girl Design by Amber and more.
Food, Music, Fun & More
The Pizza Peel Cotswold | 2 – 7 p.m.
The Pizza Peel is celebrating 10 years of pizza with music, a bounce house, food, raffles, beer and more.
The Snozzberries at The Music Yard
2433 South Boulevard | 7 – 10 p.m.
The Music Yard’s summer concert series continues with a performance from Asheville band The Snozzberries. SouthBound’s Taco Stand will be open for grab-and-go eats.
CLT Wedding Flea Spring Sale
3646 Central Avenue | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Before walking down the aisle, shop swoon-worthy wedding decor at this flea market-style event. VIP admission ($10) includes early access beginning at 10 a.m. while general admission ($5) opens at 11 a.m.
6th Annual NoDa 5k
NoDa Brewing Company | 6 – 9 p.m.
NoDa’s 6th annual 5K starts and ends at NoDa Brewing Company with an after-party featuring live music, vendors, food, swag and beer. $35 through June 1, $40 on race day.
SUNDAY
Brunchin’ Bluegrass
Triple C Brewing Company | Noon – 8 p.m.
Brunch and bluegrass meet in the next edition of this fun series from Triple C. Enjoy live bluegrass music and brunch offerings from Greek Eats food truck, including hash brown waffles and avocado croissants.
Starving Artist Market Popup
Charlotte Art League | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Take the light rail to Station House to shop handmade local vendors and grab lunch from food trucks onsite. Participating vendors include Bris Butter, Hooknchain, Henry Studio and more.
We’ve Got the Jazz Festival
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | Noon – 6 p.m.
The second annual We’ve Got the Jazz Festival includes live music on two stages, art activities, food trucks, a video game station and access to the Bechtler galleries. $5 per person. Kids 12 and under are free.
June Front Porch Sundays
2151 Hawkins Street | Noon – 5 p.m.
Round out your Sunday funday with over 60 vendors, live music, per adoptions and even a free boot camp workout class. This month also features Shop Farm Fresh Carolinas Micro Market, perfect for picking up necessities for the week ahead.
Ramblin’ Rose South Charlotte
Harris YMCA | 8 – 11 a.m.
Push your limits during the sixth Ramblin’ Rose’s 250 yard swim, 8-9 mile bike ride and 2 mile run. Proceeds benefit Tri It For Life and Harris YMCA community outreach programs.
Class: Sugar & Spice with Chef Instructor Kelly Patkus
Savory Spice Shop South End | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Johnson & Wales Chef Instructor Kelly Patkus leads this demo of four sweet dishes you can recreate in your own kitchen. The demo includes a shopping discount and take-home recipes and spices. $15 per person. Call 980.225.5419 or purchase in store.
