Agenda Weekender: 68 things to do this weekend, including Great Grapes Wine Festival, Mutts & Mimosas Boozy Brunch and Pumpkin Patch Opening at Hodges Family Farm

Weekend Forecast

Friday: 70. Partly cloudy. 0% chance of rain.
Saturday: 77. Sunny. 0% chance of rain.
Sunday: 75. Partly cloudy. 0% chance of rain.

Friday, September 29

Food & Drink

Oktoberfest at Mortimer’s: Get ready for a full day of drinking games, live music, German food and drink specials. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.

Sticky When Wet Release NoDa Brewing: The wet-hopped beer is brewed just a day after the hops are harvested, which means that its peach and grapefruit flavors are strong, with a 6.31% ABV. $15 per 4-pack. 12-10 p.m. Details.

Fall Menu Release at The Broken Spoke: They’ll be debuting new cocktails and tapas featuring fall staples like squash, muscadine, fig and more. 3 p.m. Free. Details.

Stein Hoisting Competition at Topgolf: The go-to sporting event of Oktoberfest is making its way to Topgolf. 6-9 p.m. Free. Details.

Food Truck Friday in Dilworth: Expect a live band, picnic tables, food trucks and family fun. Dogs welcome. 6-10 p.m. Free. Details.

Launch Party at Apostrophe Lounge: They’re launching their wine club business, The Vino Affair, with a free wine tasting. Anyone is welcome, but pre-registration is required. 6-10 p.m. Free. Details.

The Whiskey Club of Ballantyne – National Bourbon Month Celebration at Gallery Restaurant: The tasting will feature Baker’s, Basil Hayden’s, Bookers’, Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam Single Barrel paired with the culinary team’s light hors d’oeuvres. 6:30 p.m. $65. RSVP by calling 704-248-4100 or e-mailing [email protected].

Cookies and Cider Pairing at Red Clay Ciderworks: They’re teaming up with A Smart Cookie to bring you four expertly unique pairings. 7-9 p.m. $20. Details.

Beer Dinner at Maggiano’s: The Italian restaurant has teamed up with New Belgium Brewery for a 5-course menu perfectly paired with brews. 7-10 p.m. $45. Details.

Deep Fried Fest at Whiskey River: Your entrance ticket includes access to the buffet of fried foods and two drink tickets for their handcrafted cocktails. 8-10 p.m. $12. Details.

Bar Olympics at StrikeCity: 4-person teams will compete for a $500 cash prize in games like bowling, battleship, flip cup and pong. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Details.

Madonna Night at Blackfinn Ameripub Ballantyne: Come out and dance to Madonna’s hits while you enjoy specialty themed cocktails. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.

Experience

Hack for Change Charlotte at Camp North End: Take part in this empowering and interactive weekend to address Charlotte’s economic mobility through design thinking techniques. Explore the problems, obstacles and possible solutions, with the intent for participants to take away actionable tasks and strategies. Use code CharlotteAgenda for $5 discount. Fri: 5:30-9 p.m., Sat: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Sun: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $10+. Details.

Carolina Jubilee at Van Hoy Farms, Harmony: Enjoy the fall weather at this event benefitting the Carolina Farm Trust. They’ll have a 5k and 10k, tons of live music and great food. Gates open at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday. $35+. Details.

Not Your Mom’s Pop Up at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: Pink Social Girl Tribe and Charlotte Parent are teaming up to bring cool moms and friends a day of drinks, shopping, food from A Bao Time food truck and surprises. Every guest will get a free shopping bag, and the first 50 will get a free mimosa! 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Details.

Stick or Treat at Carowinds: Participate in the annual amusement park blood drive and receive free admission and a t-shirt. 3-8 p.m. Free. Details.

2nd Birthday at Covet Atelier: They’ll have tunes by Top Girls and yummy refreshments from HEX Coffee, Two Scoops Creamery, & The Gâteau Baking Company – plus giveaways and a fresh inventory of Carolina-crafted goods. 6-9 p.m. Free. Details.

Learn Things

Slave Dwelling at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: Experience the Slave Dwelling Project Weekend, featuring a series of events centered on historic preservation and interpretation, community and family. Events include a communal dinner and an overnight experience. Friday and Saturday. $9+. Details.

Wine and Wellness at Bijou Workspace #1: Learn how to combine essential oils and wine for a whole new kind of healing. This girls’ night out will include prizes, giveaways and more. RSVP required. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Details.

Arts & Entertainment

Charlotte Fashion Week Emerging and Recyclable Designer Runway Show at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown: As one of the premier fashion weeks in America, CFW is known for celebrating emerging and recyclable designers. They’ll have an afterparty after the show at the hotel lounge. 7-10 p.m. $49. Details.

Whitewater Film Series: BANFF Radical Reels at The US National Whitewater Center: BANFF Radical Reels takes dynamic, high-adrenaline, action sports films on tour around the world. The show starts at sunset and will run 3 hours and 20 minutes. 7:10 Free. Details.

What the Health Viewing Party at Essential Thrive: Bring a friend and a vegan snack to a viewing of the Netflix documentary about the nation’s health. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Free. Details.

Sports

Soccer at Sportsplex Mathews: Watch the Charlotte Independence take on FC Cincinatti in this regular season game. 7 p.m. $15+. Details.

Saturday, September 30

Food & Drink

Bottle Release Réserve Series at Wooden Robot Brewery: In addition to sales of the two specialty bottles, they will be pouring a few special releases like the infamous Strawberry Vanilla Sour and Godless Killing Machine Imperial Stout. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $20/bottle. Details.

Great Grapes Wine Festival at Symphony Park: Great Grapes! is Charlotte’s premier casual wine tasting with hundreds of wines available for tasting with your trusty souvenir tasting glass. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, kids activities and festival food. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $33. Details.

Fall Tasting at Jazzy Cheesecakes: They’ll have samples of flavors like pumpkin, apple, sweet potato, praline and more along with the release of their November Cheesecake of the Month flavor. 12-5 p.m. Free. Details.

Hop, Drop and Drool at NoDa Brewing Company: Come out and raise some money for Halfway There Rescue with live music, a silent auction, food trucks, games and adoptable pets. 12-7 p.m. Free. Details.

Make a Wishes Brew Charity Event at Wooden Robot Brewery: The brewery has partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which means that 100% of proceeds will benefit the organization. They’ll be tapping the Godless Killing Machine Imperial Stout, giving away Zac Brown Band tickets and hosting a young cancer survivor who will be selling gourmet cupcakes to raise money. 12 p.m.-12 a.m. Free. Details.

Beer Walk at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Tasting stations will be located throughout the Garden, including Lost Hollow, and visitors can enjoy the musical stylings of Lenny the Band, playing a wide ranging selection of covers and originals while they enjoy their samples. Food trucks will be onsite and snacks, beverages and more are available in The Garden Store. 12-4 p.m. $30. Details.

Sweets Showcase at UNC Charlotte City Center: Sample treats from 20+ bakeries in the Charlotte area. Proceeds benefit the Charlotte Dance Marathon and Levine Children’s Hospital. 2-4 p.m. $10+. Details.

Adoption Event at Thomas Street Tavern: Come enjoy food and drinks while you support (and maybe adopt from!) South of the Bully and Friends adoption group. 2-5 p.m. Free. Details.

Taco Lucha-Taco, Beer & Music Festival at AvidXchange Music Factory: Featuring the Spin Doctors, Amigo and more, the craft beer festival will also host 40 breweries and some of Charlotte’s best restaurants competing for the championship belt and taco title. 2-6 p.m. Details.

Oktoberfest at Rí Rá: Local brewers will be setting up tables at this mini beer fest at which attendees will receive a complimentary sampling beer stein to try seasonal beer offerings from each. 10% of proceeds from tickets sales will be donated to support hurricane relief efforts. 3-6 p.m. $20. Details.

Annual Shucked Event at Georges Brasserie: Expect all-you-can-eat oysters, raw bar specials and oyster shooters. 6:30 p.m. $89. Details.

Party in Pajamas at EpiCentre: Expect spin the bottle, pillow fights, a “bed bar” and more at this PIP. Price includes entry to 15+ locations. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $20. Details.

Experience

Opening Weekend at the Carolina Renaissance Festival: The gates of Fairhaven are opening, and they’re offering BOGO free for adult tickets to celebrate. 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. $24 for two. Details.

Southern Living Showcase at Rountree Plantation Garden Center: Stop by to see the southern living plant collection showcase presented by Flowerwood Nursery. Saturday and Sunday. 11 a.m. Free. Details.

Mustang and All Ford Fest at Carolina Pavilion: The first 150 entries will receive dash plaques, and the first 100 judged entries will win a free t-shirt. Come see great cars and mingle with food and shopping vendors. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Details.

Open House at Social Pet Charlotte: The pet care business that offers daycare, lodging, grooming and more will have giveaways, refreshments and a behind-the-scenes tour for potential customers. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Details.

September Bridal Event at Windsor Jewelers: Come to Windsor Jewelers in Phillips Place for a special bridal event and see the latest Precision Set engagement rings, beautifully handcrafted in the USA. Choose from their collections of timeless, heirloom designs and enjoy no interest on your purchase up to 24 months. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Details.

Healing Saturday at JHG Financial Advisors: They’ll have vendors and Sir Purr out to celebrate and support healing veterans and local fly shops 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Details.

Mind and Meditation at Hygge Coworking: Learn about the powerful connection between your breath and mind and how to use breath to be centered, more in control of your mind and find lasting peace and joy. 11 a.m. Free. Details.

Bottoms Up! Diaper Drive at Baby + Co Charlotte: Mayor Jennifer Roberts has proclaimed September 25th – October 1st “Diaper Need Awareness Week”. Do your part by donating and enjoy a “ma-mosa” while you do. 12-3 p.m. Free. Details.

Glow Party at Hattie’s Tap and Tavern: They’ll have glowsticks and black lights to spice up the typical DJ and drinks party. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.

Learn Things

Fresh Fall Fish Day at Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market: They’ll have aquatic specialists that raise fish on their farms and NC fishermen who bring the fish fresh from the coast with varietes like trout, mackerel, bass, flounder, spot and snapper. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Details.

Day of Beauty at Graper Cosmetic Surgery: Learn about the latest in medical-grade skin care products, CoolSculpting, injectables, Botox and more while enjoying drinks and light bites. Bring a friend and double your chance of winning a part of the $10,000+ worth of door prizes. Plus, there’ll be free mini-consults with the docs and savings on all procedures. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Details.

Arts & Entertainment

Loose Leaves Showcase at Duke Energy Theater: Charlotte’s most diverse dance showcase will feature new and unexpected dance works by local Charlotte choreographers. 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $12. Details.

The Musical World of Harry Potter at Knight Theater: Listen as the Charlotte Symphony plays selections from The Sorcerer’s Stone, The Chamber of Secrets and The Prisoner of Azkaban. 11:30 a.m. $14-$24. Details.

Grits N Soul Sip N Paint at FLO Bar Lounge: They’ll have the southern classic shrimp and grits with mimosas to snack and sip on while you paint your own masterpiece. 12-3 p.m. $30. Details.

Beach Glow Music Festival at Long Cove Marina and Cove Cabins: See all of your favorite local & regional producers, talent, DJs, hip-hop artists, bands and more including food trucks, fire dancers, venders and boats and cabin rentals on-site. 12 p.m.-2 a.m. $20. Details.

NoDa@28th Fall Marketplace at Noda @ 28th Creative Arts Studios: They’ll have over 10 local vendors to celebrate the West African Tradition. 12 p.m. Free. Details.

Sip and Paint: Heaven Hill Bourbon with Artist Raffaele Feleppa at The Blind Pig: Heaven Hill Bourbon will be at The Blind Pig in NoDa painting the Carolina Panther with local Artist Raffaele Feleppa. Tickets include 2 drinks and all the supplies you’ll need. 2-4:30 p.m. $30. Details.

InstaCLTLove & Gallery Twenty Two Final Reception at twenty-two: 50% of all proceeds from sales at the closing of this watercolor show will benefit the Social Justice Awards Fund at Queens University. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. Details.

Kids

Family Science Olympiad at Discovery Place Science: In partnership with the North Carolina Science Olympiad, families of all ages can try STEM-focused science challenges including a crime scene, fossils, weather patterns, earthquakes and volcanoes. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Entry included in admission. Details.

Pumpkin Patch Opening at Hodges Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch: The farm will have pick-your-own pumpkins starting at $5, self-guided tours, kids’ activities and more. 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Free. Details.

Fitness

Isabella Santos Foundation Run For Kids Cancer at Ballantyne Corporate Park: Come out for the 10th Annual Isabella Santos Foundation 5K, 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run for Kids’ Cancer. Expect food, refreshments, music, a kids zone and huge raffle and silent auction after the races. Proceeds benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital. 8 a.m. $20+. Details.

TCX Class at Whole Foods Waverly: Kathy Knauss of Life Time Athletic will be leading a class that combines full-body resistance training with continuous cardio training. All you need to bring is a water bottle. 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Free. Details.

Hip Hop Yoga at MoveStudio: Get down with your flow to your favorite old and new school hip-hop, reggae and R&B hits. This class focuses on increasing energy levels, improving flexibility, strengthening muscles and improving balance 11 a.m.-12 p.m. $8 in advance. Details.

Yoga at The Brass Tap: Come out for a relaxing vinyasa flow to start your Saturday off right. Your $5 registration gets you a $5 gift certificate that can be used immediately – maybe toward a $10 mimosa pitcher with a friend? 11 a.m.-12 p.m. $5. Details.

Charlotte Knights Uptown Rundown 5K at BB&T Ballpark: Join Charlotte Knights Charities for the Uptown Rundown 5K, presented by Professional Sports Catering. Race registration includes your first brew (or Pepsi product) and a ballpark hot dog, as well as a race t-shirt from Recover Brands. Expect live music, ballpark food, photos on the field and a Kids’ Fun Run during the afterparty, too. 5:30 p.m. $40. Details.

Sports

Charlotte Badgers Game Watch at Dilworth Grille: Come join the Queen City Badgers at Dilworth Grille as we watch UW take on NW. There’ll be plenty of TVs to watch on. 12-3 p.m. Free. Details.

Sunday, October 1

Food & Drink

Mutts & Mimosas Boozy Brunch at Sycamore Brewing: Drink for a good cause when $1 from every Beer- or Mimosa and $2 from every pitcher benefits victims of recent natural disasters (Harvey, Irma, Maria). Sycamore will match donations up to $1,000. Free. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Details.

RCC Bi-Weekly Brunch at Red Clay Ciderworks: In addition to cider-based cocktails, PepperBox Doughnuts, Breakfast Food Truck and Pure Intentions Coffee will all be on-site. 11 a.m. Free. Details.

Rosé All Day at City Lights: Get your hands on a $30, endless rosé tasting or just stick to one, $5 glass and their $8 bloody Marys before live music starts at 4 p.m. 11:30 a.m. $5+. Details.

Barking Bingo Trivia at Birdsong Brewing: Expect trivia, adoptable dogs and beer at this event hosted by Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks Rescue. 4-7 p.m. Suggested $20 donation. Details.

Experience

Bark-toberfest in Plaza Midwood: Join a pet parade through Plaza Midwood for the celebration of several new dog stations before hanging out at Resident Culture, where you’ll find treats, games, food and drink as well as pet photographer. 12-5 p.m. Free. Details.

Fitness

Namastay at Legion with Luis Bayon at Legion Brewing: Enjoy an hour-long class in the taproom plus a complimentary pint and stick around for lunch and football. 12:30-1:30 p.m. $7.  Details.

Sports

Black and Blue Blaze Tailgate at Blue Blaze Brewing: Expect a hand-crafted Game Day Buffet, drinks pouring at 10 a.m., classic tailgate games and the game to be projected on a 12-foot screen. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. Details.

We’re excited for…

Grilled Cheese Fest on South Tryon: Help pick the best grilled cheese sandwich in the city while you drink beer, listen to live music, shop vendors and win prizes. October 7.

TEDxCharlotte at CPCC Halton Theatre: Listen and get inspired by this year’s 12 speakers. October 13.

Be an Angel Gala at The Fillmore: Enjoy cocktails, an auction, dinner, music and more, with proceeds benefitting Best Buddies North Carolina. October 14.

See all the upcoming events here.

Cover photo via Hall Family Farm.
Alivia McAtee contributed to this story.