Break out of your weekend rut and try something new this weekend. From a beer and dessert pairing with Amélie’s to Moo & Brew’s second anniversary, our weekend round-up has options for everyone:
ALL WEEKEND
Summer Concert Series
May 22 – 23 |Â Blakeney Shopping Center
Blakeney’s summer concert series continues with performances from Chuck & Charlyhorse on Friday and the Matt Stratford Band on Saturday. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and picnic blankets.
FRIDAY
Bats and Buds
Draught Charlotte | 5:30 p.m.
Haven’t been to a Knights game this season? Here’s your chance. $10 gets you a ticket to the game on BB&T field’s Home Run Porch, drink specials, admission to the park’s Friday fireworks show and three free beers (one before, two after),
A Conversation with Emily Giffin
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Meet New York Times bestselling author Emily Giffin and celebrate the release of her ninth novel, All We Ever Wanted. Tickets include a signed copy of the book, an author program moderated by Sheri Lynch, a photo with Emily Giffin and a dessert reception. $40.
Back to the Future: Movie in Concert
Belk Theater | 7:30 p.m.
Watch the full-length movie while the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra performs the musical score live. Tickets start at $19.
Sounds on the Square: Jazz Student Competition Night
Spirit Square | 7 p.m.
This edition of Sounds on the Square features jazz selections by students participating in the Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artist Competition. Bring your own lawn chair and enjoy concessions and beverages available for purchase.
Pie & Cider Pairing
Red Clay Ciderworks | 7 p.m.
Jay Bradish of Red Clay Ciderworks and Monica Nye of A Smart Cookie team up for this cider and pie pairing and tasting event. $18 per person.
Fleetwood Mac & Billy Joel Tribute Shows – The Longest Day Event
The Fillmore Charlotte & The Underground | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Don’t miss these tribute concerts supporting the Alzheimer’s Association. Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, and The Stranger, a Billy Joel tribute band will both take the stage after a special VIP pre-party featuring small bites and a complimentary drink. Each donation of $35 earns you a VIP ticket.
SATURDAY
Margarita Wars
Rooftop 210 | 2 – 6 p.m.
It’s back! The fourth annual Margarita Wars is a tasty competition where Charlotte’s best bartenders battle it out for the title of best margarita in the QC.  Enjoy multiple margarita samplings, live music and more. VIP and general admission tickets available. $20+.
Strides For Shelter 5K Run/Walk
McAlpine Park | 8:30 p.m.
Start your summer on the right foot by participating in the 5K route or fun run at the third annual Strides For Shelter 5K Run/Walk. After crossing the finish line, stick around for an after party with food and entertainment.
I Love the 90’s Bash
Uptown Charlotte | 2 – 10 p.m.
Break out your best 90s attire (we know you have it!) for a bar crawl celebrating the best music, fashion and trends of the decade. Your ticket includes a special drinking mug, a slap bracelet, no cover at participating bars, drink specials and more. $20 for general admission.
Deconstructed Prairie Bomb! & Amelie’s Chocolate Pairing
Duckworth’s Kitchen & Taphouse | 1 – 4 p.m.
via Facebook
Taste each unique note of five Prairie Bomb! brews when they are paired with chocolates, pastries and macarons from Amélie’s French Bakery & Café. $30 per person. Purchase in store at 4435 Park Road or by calling 704.527.5783.
Ayrsley Block Party
9224 Kings Parade Blvd. | 1 – 5 p.m.
It’s not summer without a block party. Head to Ayrsley for live music from Crystal Fountains, a cornhole tournament, raffle prizes, an area brew tour, vendors and more. Free admission.
Carolina Makers and Co.
Trade and Lore CLT | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Shop the hand-crafted candles, soaps, teas and more as Carolina Makers and Co. pops up at NoDa’s Trade and Lore. In addition to shopping, they will also host a 50/50 raffle benefitting a local family in need.
SmileFest Charlotte 2018
Jackalope Jack’s Restaurant & Bar | 2 – 6 p.m.
For the 50,000 kids living at or below the poverty level in our city, oral health necessities like toothbrushes and toothpaste are luxury items. Jackalope Jack’s and America’s ToothFairy are teaming up to bring these items and oral health knowledge to this community through Smile Fest, where guests will enjoy bratwurst sandwiches, cornhole, prizes, beer and more for a good cause. Bring a new toothbrush and tube of toothpaste to be entered to win a Panthers team ball signed by the players. $15 per person.
Charlotte HarmonyFest 2018
Queens University of Charlotte | 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte’s largest a cappella show features styles from barbershop to contemporary and performances from world champion quartet Storm Front, Catch 22 and The Gold Standard Chorus. $20+.
Summer Feast at 3SB
Three Spirits Brewery | 2 – 6 p.m.
Welcome summer with Three Spirits Brewery’s ultimate warm-weather celebration. Expect BBQ from food trucks, a crafts and drafts artisan market, live music and more.
SUNDAY
Best of Broadway
Symphony Park | 8:15 p.m.
Enjoy your favorite Broadway tunes from the lawn at Symphony Park. Hear selections from The Sound of Music, Les Miserables, Grease, Wicked Phantom of the Opera and more. Tickets are $11.51 online.
Moo & Brew 2-Year Anniversary
Moo & Brew | 3 – 11 p.m.
Help Moo & Brew toast to two years with beer from Deschutes Brewery and live music from Blank Ocean and Yacht Rock Revue. $15 per person.
JJS RED HOTS 1,000,000th Hot Dog Celebration
JJ’s Red Hots Dilworth | 2 – 5 p.m.
Celebrate one million JJ’s hot dogs with a celebration spanning the Dilworth location’s parking lot, patio and rooftop. Enjoy $2 hot dogs, free hot dogs for the first 20 kids under 12, giveaways, complimentary Cheerwine floats and offerings from vendors. Admission is free, RSVP is requested.
Sunday Funday Luau
StrikeCity | 3 – 7 p.m.
Break out the grass skirts and Hawaiian shirts for an afternoon of bowling, rum cocktail specials, tropical buffet and giveaways. $20 general admission.
Picnic in the Park feat. Jason Atkins
Fourth Ward Park | 4 – 6 p.m.
In Fourth Ward, the Picnic in the Park series continues with live music from Jason Atkins. Pack a picnic and make the most out of the rest of your weekend.
Frock Shop Afternoon Tea with La Bella Vie
FROCK Shop | 4 – 6 p.m.
La Bella Vie Tea brings a bounty of savory and sweet treats served alongside afternoon tea service at FROCK Shop. $30 per person.
