Looking for a reason to get out this weekend? We’ve got plenty! The Queen City is buzzing with events, from pre-Valentine’s Day fun and board game nights, along with annual favorites like Rail Trail Lights, NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductions, QC Brewfest, Super Bowl celebrations, and more. Scroll to the bottom for ways to celebrate Black History Month this week.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical
February 1 – March 2
Watch the book come to life at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte as they perform Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical. Tickets are on sale now.
ICYMI: The Highlight Reel at L’Ostrica
Thursday, February 6
L’Ostrica is giving you some fun and delicious options if you didn’t get to snag a Feb 14 reservation—including this special dinner that runs for two days only. It’s a chance to try some of their favorite dishes from the last year, in case you missed them the first time around (or revisit them, if you already know and love them). Tickets are $95, plus service charge and tax, and are available now via Tock.
Board Game Night at Hi-Wire Brewery
Thursday, February 6, 6:30p
Join Making Friends Is Hard for a Game Night at Hi-Wire every other Thursday at 6:30 pm! Meet people, make friends and have a good time. They will provide some party and casual games and the brewery has several free activities like ping pong, soccer pool, and shuffle board, but feel free to bring some games of your own.
NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Weekend
February 6 – 8
The NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 Induction Ceremony will take place February 7, 2025. Carl Edwards, Ralph Moody and Ricky Rudd make up the Hall of Fame’s 15th class. In addition, Dr. Dean Sicking was named as the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. The NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Induction Weekend provides a variety of events and special programming for fans, family and friends to enjoy.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Rail Trail Lights
February 7 – 23
Rail Trail Lights is coming back! From February 7 – 23, the Rail Trail will be lit with nine interactive light installations, from Atherton to Bland Street. Lights turn on each night after sunset. The event is presented by U.S. Bank.
ReClectic Grand Opening, 10500 Centrum Parkway in Pineville
Friday, February 7
For lovers of Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, and Nuuly, this new concept from parent company URBN is music to the ears. Or closet. Selling overstocks, returned goods, slightly worn, all at 50-60% off retail. The new Pineville store, opening this weekend, is the company’s 4th. NOTE: No dressing rooms, no returns.
First Friday Gallery Crawl
Friday, February 7, 5 – 9p
Stroll the streets of one of Charlotte’s artsiest neighborhoods while galleries and shops offer extended hours, special receptions, live painting, and music. Make a night of it with dinner or drinks at one of South End’s many restaurants and breweries.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Galentines Craft Party with @CharlotteGirlsWhoWalk
Saturday, February 8, 9a
Join @charlottegirlswhowalk for a morning spent crafting, benefiting @iamlovenaction at @sipcityclt in Plaza Midwood. All supplies will be provided, just show up, have fun, and make some new girls.
Free Valentine’s Day Portraits at the Confetti Hearts Wall
Saturday, February 8, 11a – 2p
Get your photo taken for FREE by local photographer @miriamalexcreative at the Confetti Hearts Mural from 11 AM-2 PM on Saturday, February 8. You’ll be able to access photos online after the event. The first 100 people to get their photo taken will receive a free flower from @botanicalhouse_thecarolinas. They will also be offering bouquets for purchase.
Local Love Valentines Market at Fonta Flora Brewery
Saturday, February 8, 12 – 5p
Come shop Valentine’s gifts, self-love goodies, and all the romantic vibes at Fonta Flora Brewery at Optimist Hall. Think candles, chocolates, flowers, jewelry, and more. Perfect for finding gifts for your sweetie!
QC BrewFest
Saturday, February 8, 1 – 4p
QC Brewfest brings together 30+ breweries that brew within an hour of Uptown and each brewery releases a new beer at the fest. It benefits charity—this year that is EnvisionCLT and the work they do to make our city more sustainable. Not only is it a beer festival, but it’s also a competition with judging. Get your tickets today.
Love Notes: A Valentine’s Concert for Everyone to benefit Tosco Music
Saturday, February 8, 7:30p
Join Tosco Music for Love Notes: A Valentine’s Concert for Everyone on Saturday, February 8, at the Booth Playhouse. Enjoy an evening of love-themed songs from talented musicians, all in support of Tosco Music’s nonprofit mission. Whether you’re paired up, flying solo, or with friends, all are welcome to celebrate love, joy, and community while supporting a great cause.
aespa After Party at Seoul Food (South End)
Saturday, February 8 – Sunday, February 9, 10p – 2a
aespa will be in Charlotte! After the show, come to Seoul Food (South End) for more music, good food, drinks, and karaoke. Cost to attend is free, with food and drinks available to purchase. RSVP here.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Puppy Bowl at Skiptown Benefiting Yellow Brick Road Dog Rescue
Saturday, February 8, 11a – 2p
Bring your pup dressed in their favorite football jerseys to Skiptown for Puppy Bowl. Expect fun raffle prizes with the chance to score big for a great cause, plenty of drinks to enjoy, and lots of photo opportunities. You’ll also have the chance to learn more about Yellow Brick Road Dog Rescue and how you can help make a difference in the lives of homeless dogs.
Build a LEGO® Valentine’s Day Heart at SouthPark Mall and take it home with you!
Sunday, February 9, 12 – 2p
Visit SouthPark Mall’s LEGO store to create your very own Valentine’s Day Heart. This event is intended for participants aged 6+ years. The LEGO Valentine’s Day Heart model will be available on a first come first serve basis, at participating locations, while supplies last. LEGO Valentine’s Day Heart offer is valid on February 9, 2024 from 12-2pm only. Limited to one LEGO Valentine’s Day Heart build per guest. LEGO Valentine’s Day Heart model cannot be purchased.
Watch Super Bowl LIX at one of these QC Parties
- The Crunkleton – The Crunkleton is hosting a Super Bowl party featuring unlimited beer, cocktails, wings, sliders and other game day favorite bites. $75 PP
- Duckworth’s – Duckworth’s is running almost the entire draft beer menu for $3.95 on Super Bowl Sunday.
- Midtown Tavern – $26 wing platters, $24 domestic beer buckets and $5 lemon drop shots, mimosas and Bloody Marys.
- Slingshot – $20 tailgate buffet from 6:30PM until 8:30PM, as well as $2 ultras, $3 Jell-O shots, $5 team and Fireball shots, $6 Jim Beam and $15 Miller Lite buckets. Every attendee will get a free card to play the games around Slingshot if they RSVP in advance. RSVP here.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS
Mint 2 Move Cultural Dance Night: Lunar New Year’s Eve, Casa de la Cultura, and Black History Month
Friday, February 7, 7 – 11:30p
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with dragon dance performances in collaboration with the Manera Foundation, followed by Afro-Latinx dance and storytelling from Casa de la Cultura. Experience tributes to Black American music, including special honors to Aretha Franklin, Celia Cruz, and more, featuring DJ Carlos Lebron, the Mint 2 Move Percussionists, and group dance lessons at 9 PM with Rumbao Latin Dance Company. Enjoy live painting by local artists throughout the evening. Cash bar and complimentary favors available.
$11 for Mint members; $14 for non-members. (Get a $1 discount before 9 PM).
Independent Picture House’s Black History Month Screenings: Cooley High
February 7 – 13
Join Independent Picture House in celebrating Black History Month with a film series features a diverse selection of films, highlighting the rich thematic and filmic diversity of Black cinematic storytelling. This week, enjoy the screening of Cooley High, just in time for the movie’s 50th anniversary!
