The temps are slowly rising and spring is on the horizon, which is all the more reason to get out and do something fun this weekend! The Queen City will be jammed packed with ways to celebrate the multiple holidays coming up: Mardi Gras, Presidents’ Day, National Pancake Day, and National Margarita Day. Don’t forget about Rail Trail Lights celebrations, themed pop-up bars, multiple comedy shows, free movie nights, wine tastings, and more.
ONGOING
Innovative Works at Charlotte Ballet
February 3 – 25
This fan-favorite series includes two world premieres and the Charlotte premiere of their Artistic Director’s own work.
Charlotte Jewish Film Festival
February 4 – 26
Charlotte Jewish Film Festival is back for its 19th year. The Film Festival features 16 films (including two bonus films) that will be shown across various venues. Some events include special Q&As and other presentations after the showing. Tickets can be purchased here.
Charlotte Rail Trail Lights
February 3 – 19
Rail Trail Lights is coming back! From February 3-19, the Rail Trail will be lit with six interactive light installations, all created by local artists. The festival is part of the I Heart Rail Trail initiative, a partnership between the Charlotte Rail Trail, Charlotte Center City Partners, and U.S. Bank. Read about each installation and meet the artists behind them here.
Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds at The Mint Museum
February 11 – May 21
Picasso Landscapes Out of Bounds, organized by American Federation of the Arts, is the first of only two venues in the United States — and the only venue on the East Coast — to feature this exceptional exhibition filled with works from private collections and international museums together. The dynamic grouping of works in the exhibition offers visitors an unparalleled window into the artist’s creative process, from his earliest days in art school (1896 when the artist was just 15 years old) to months before his passing in 1973. Tickets can be purchased here.
THINGS TO DO WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Neighborhood Night at Both The Waterman Fish Bar Locations (LKN & South End)
Wednesday, Feb 15, 5p
Need dinner plans? Head to The Waterman Fish Bar in Lake Norman or South End to slurp, savor, and sip for a good cause. At the Lake Norman location, 20% of ALL SALES will benefit Angels & Sparrows, with no codes or mentions needed. Angels & Sparrows is a Community Table and Resource Center that empowers underserved families to reach their potential by providing access to food security and educational opportunities that lead to a fresh start.
At the South End location, 20% of ALL SALES will benefit Hope Haven, Inc., a Therapeutic Community that provides a foundation of recovery for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder, so they can build healthy independent lives.
Wednesday Night Live: Improv Charlotte
Wednesday, Feb 15, 7p
Head to the Bechtler Museum to see one of Charlotte’s longest running improv teams make their Wednesday Night Live debut. Improv Charlotte shows consist of both short and long form improvisation. Nothing is scripted or rehearsed. Everything they do is made up on the spot and inspired from your suggestions. Wednesday Night Live includes free admission to the museums (Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and the Mint Museum) from 5 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday, as well as live entertainment or programming at one of the five participating institutions each week.
THINGS TO DO THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Visit the New Valentine’s Day Themed Pop-Up Bar at BackStage Lounge
Feb 16th-18th, 5p – 12a
Backstage Lounge is transforming into an even more intimate speakeasy with all the Valentines vibes. Reservations will not be needed for this Pop-Up Bar.
Live Music at Atherton, Part of Rail Trail Lights
Thursday, Feb 16 – Saturday, Feb 18, 6 – 8p
View the beautiful installations illuminating the Rail Trail while enjoying live music this weekend, Local musicians will be jamming at the Atherton Niche Stage on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6-8 p.m. See who is playing here.
THINGS TO DO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Birding Walk at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Friday, Feb 17, 9 – 10a
Join longtime Garden volunteer and avid birdwatcher Gail Ice, every first and third Friday in 2023 for a morning bird-walk along the Garden trails. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them and dress for hiking. Garden members are admitted for free while general admission applies for non-members.
Charlotte Urban Design Center Open House
Friday, Feb 17, 4 – 8p
We know you’ve been curious about what happens in the Charlotte Urban Design Center, and now you have the chance to find out! Join them for an open house during the Rail Trail Lights on February 17th. Urban Design Center staff will be on hand to give you a tour of the South End Studio (aka the old Trolley Museum), show you some recent work, and answer questions about urban design in the Queen City.
Impractical Jokers: The DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE Tour
Friday, Feb 17, 7:30p
Ready to laugh ’till you cry? The famous trio will be making all their best jokes at the Spectrum Center as part of their DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE Tour. Tickets can be purchased here.
beSocial Comedy Night
Friday, Feb 17, 6 – 8:30p
It’s time to find out who’s the funniest in your friend group. Join beSocial for their Comedy Night and give them your best bit for a chance to win a “beFunny” award! Event takes place at Social Status Charlotte on Central Avenue. Reserve a spot here.
Be Kind, Rewind 90s Movie Series: Fight Club
Friday, Feb 17, 7:30p
Take the whole family to Camp North End for this FREE indoor movie series featuring some all-time 90s classics. This week, gather at “the box” inside the Ford Factory at 1774 Statesville Ave for the showing of Fight Club. Remember to bring your own chair and cozy blanket!
THINGS TO DO SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18
North County Regional Family Storytime: Yoga
Saturday, Feb 18, 10 – 10:30a
Enjoy stories coupled with fun and easy yoga moves. Discover how movement can bring stories to life in new ways, in this storytime at the North County Regional Library.
Midwood Mardi Gras Parade
Saturday, Feb 18, 10:30 – 11:30a
Come together for the first annual Plaza Midwood Mardi Gras parade. The parade will start on the sidewalk at the Vine Church (2101 Belvedere Ave) and end in Midwood Park. There will be king cake along with other food and drink brought from the community. If you plan to attend, RSVP here.
Mardi Paws Adoption Event at Birdsong Brewing Co.
Saturday, Feb 18, 12 – 3p
North Meck Animal Rescue will be on-site with some of their dogs who are looking for their forever homes. Come celebrate Mardi Gras in style with some adorable pups!
Adam Sandler Live
Saturday, Feb 18, 7:30p
The one and only Adam Sandler is visiting the Queen City as part of his “Tourinto” tour, with a surprise guest. The show will be at the Spectrum Center in Uptown and is for mature audiences only. Tickets can be purchased here.
Long Live – A Taylor Swift Inspired Dance Party
Saturday, Feb 18, 8p
Swifties, unite! Celebrate Taylor throughout her eras at this T-Swfit-inspired dance party, complete with trivia, lip-syncs, a costume contest, photo walls, and more. Those with an advance ticket will get 20% off dinner at Gin Mill.
THINGS TO DO SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil at Brewers at 4001 Yancey
Sunday, Feb 19, 11a
Just ahead of Mardi Gras, Brewers at 4001 Yancey will host their 3rd Annual Crawfish Boil with live music and crawfish specials all day long, specialty cocktails, and special King Cakes with prizes.
Seoul Food Meat Company’s Anniversary/Grand Opening & Mardi Gras Party
Sunday, Feb 19, 11:30a
We love a good celebration, or three. On Sunday, Seoul Food Meat Company will be celebrating the 8th anniversary of the South End location while throwing a grand opening at the new Mill District location. Both locations will also be celebrating Mardi Gras with 50cent craft beer while supplies last.
Last chance to see Riverdance’s New 25th Anniversary Performance
Sunday, Feb 19, 1:30p or 7p
In a powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite, composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage and costume designs. Tickets start at just $25 and can be purchased here.
NEXT WEEK
Presidents’ Day is Monday, February 20. Here are things to do with the kids:
One-Day School’s Out Camps
Febrauary 20
Not sure what to do on your day off from school? Join Anne Springs Close Greenway at the for One-day Camp! Participants will enjoy a mixture of both themed and traditional camp activities. Drop off is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. with pick-up being at 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Register your child for camp here.
Great Backyard Bird Count at Wing Haven
Monday, Feb 20, 8a – 12p
Every bird counts! Bring the kids to quietly stroll through the gardens or find a spot to sit and watch, counting birds and recording what you observe, which helps scientists in their study of birds. Volunteers from Wing Haven and the Mecklenburg Audubon Society will be on hand providing guided walks, sharing educational information, and enjoying the count alongside you or your group.
River’s Edge Craft Dinner feat. Divine Barrel Brewing
Monday, Feb 20, 6:30p
A long weekend calls for a special celebration, and the Whitewater Center has just the thing. Featuring four courses that are uniquely off-menu, Craft Dinner, a winter dining series, tailors each course to the taste profile of different beer samples from a local or NC-based brewery, this event being Divine Barrel Brewing. A representative from the featured brewery will share palate notes for the culinary pairings.
Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 21. Here’s how to celebrate:
“26” Mardi Gras Throwdown at Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company
Friday, Feb 17, 4:30 – 10p
Nothing wrong with celebrating the holiday a little early! Head to Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company in Concord for a night filled with Nawlins, Cajun & Zydeco tunes, beads, food trucks, and delicious drinks. There will also be awards for best dressed and best beads, so come prepared!
Pop-Up Mardi Gras Bar at Papa Doc’s Shore Club
February 1 – 28
Papa Doc’s Shore Club is bringing all the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Big Easy to the lake with their rotating Mardi Gras food specials and a themed cocktail menu, available all February long. Papa Doc’s Mardi Gras Pop-Up Bar will be open Thursday through Saturday, from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Visit La Belle Helene for a special Mardi Gras menu
One of the best parts of Mardi Gras is the indulgent cuisine. This year, La Belle Helene will be serving up traditional favorites, including barbeque shrimp, gumbo ya-ya, red snapper, shrimp étouffée – paired with a Classic New Orleans cocktail, the Hurricane.
