Agenda Weekender: 75 things to do this weekend, including Science on the Rocks, a few tree lightings and multiple visits with Santa

Weekend Forecast

Friday: 59 and sunny with a 0% chance of rain.
Saturday: 65 and sunny with a 0% chance of rain.
Sunday: 56 and sunny with a 10% chance of rain.

Friday, November 17

Food & Drink

Psychic Tea at The Ballantyne: Get your fortune told at this unique tea party as you’ll sip Romani-themed specialty tea. Friday and Saturday, 1-4 p.m. $25 for children, $45 for adults (add a “Your Fortune” cocktail for an extra $10). Details.

Slow Cooking Across America at Whole Foods: Make tacos with Hugh Acheson during an interactive demonstrating using All-Clad slow cookers. All tacos sold will benefit Seed Life Skills. 12-1 p.m. Free (includes entry to win a slow cooker). Details.

Limited Release at The Unknown Brewing Company: They’ll be releasing Madame Butterfly, a French Oak Tart Blonde that’s been aged for over a year. 3-10 p.m. Free. Details.

Pie and Cider Pairing at Red Clay Ciderworks: Cider maker Jay Bradish and baking scientist Monica Nye, PhD, will walk you through four unique pairings. 7 p.m. $25. Details.

Charlotte Moonshine Festival at Rooftop 210: Enjoy unlimited samples of moonshine, explore new mixology techniques and listen to live music.  7-11 p.m. $18. Details.

November Birthday Bash at Vida Vida: Celebrate November birthdays with drink specials all night, including $25 margarita towers and $3 tequila shots. 8-11 p.m. Free. Details.

Bar Olympics at StrikeCity: Teams will compete for a $500 cash prize in classic games like bowling, battleship, flip cup and more. 9 p.m.-12 a.m. $10. Details.

Experience

Charlotte Mechanical 7th Annual Coat Drive at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille: For the 7th year, expect a day of fun, entertainment, food and camaraderie. Help collect 5,000 new or gently used coats for Charlotte families in need. All coats are distributed by Crisis Assistance Ministry. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. Details.

Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens: It’s opening day, which means you’ll enjoy live music, holiday shopping in The Garden Store, fires to warm up or roast a marshmallow, carriage rides and more. 5-9 p.m. $11. Details.

Science on the Rocks: In a Galaxy Far, Far Away at Discovery Place Science: Try out Cantina Karaoke, test your aim as a Stormtrooper, make Jabba the Hutt slime, take a hoverboard ride and much more at this adults-only night at the museum. 5-9 p.m. $10 in advance. Details.

Opening Night at Holiday on Ice: Lace up your skates for a few laps around the rink at NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza before you get your photo taken under the 39′ tree or with the giant polar bear. 5-10 p.m. $14 with skate rental. Details.

Grand Opening at ColsenKeane Leather: They’ll have cocktails, light bites, giveaways and 20% off the entire store to celebrate their grand opening. 6-9 p.m. Free. Details.

Tree Lighting Celebration at Piedmont Town Center: It’s not just the tree lighting – there will also be face painting, magicians, holiday treats and more. Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy for the toy drive. 7 p.m. Free. Details.

Drunken Spelling Bee at Flight: Come test your smarts and support the Movember Foundation. Free. 7-10 p.m. Details.

Rick And Morty’s Rave Adventures at SERJ: Costumes are strongly encouraged at this 21+ rave with two stages and lots of entertainment. $10. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Details.

Learn Things

Holiday Cocktail Class at Hygge Coworking: Learn how to make seasonal twists on classic cocktails. 7-9 p.m. $65. Details.

Arts & Entertainment

Southern Christmas Show at The Park Expo Conference Center: Check off everyone on your list while shopping local and regional vendors, strolling through Christmas Tree Lane and enjoying dance and musical performances. Grab your tickets online to save $2. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday) and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (all other days) from November 9-19. $3-$19. Details.

UNC Charlotte’s Fall Dance Concert at Belk Theater, Robinson Hall: Students from the Department of Dance will perform a wide range of work, including ballet, contemporary, modern and African dance, by faculty choreographers. Guest artist Marcus White, founder and director of WhiteWerx, will also make an appearance. Friday and Saturday (7:30 p.m.), Sunday (2:30 p.m.). $8+. Details.

Life As We Know It, 6 Comedies About Modern Day Madness at C3 Lab: Watch six fun yet thought provoking short satirical comedies that showcase the madness of the modern everyday life. Not suitable for kids. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. $20. Details.

Bechtler By Night: Fall In Love With Art at Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: Enjoy two new exhibits focused on Mexican photography before you make holiday decorations and thank you cards. 5-9 p.m. Free. Details.

Art Opening at Jerald Melberg Gallery: Exhibits feature drawings of classic Charlotte scenes in full color. 6-8 p.m. Free. Details.

Paint Nite at Fox & Hound: Sip on some drinks while you paint your masterpiece. All materials provided. 7 p.m. $45. Details.

Charlotte Symphony: Beethoven and Brahms at Belk Theater at Bluementhal Performing Arts: Christopher Warren-Green welcomes violinist Benjamin Beilman for Beethoven’s only complete Violin Concerto. 7:30 p.m. $19. Details.

Art in Motion at Coco and the Director: Enjoy live poetry and musical performances while you watch a visual artist create a piece. They’ll have $5 glasses of wine and $4 beers. 7-9 p.m. Free. Details.

Kids

Charlotte Fairytale Ball at eXtravaganza: Meet and dance, eat and read with all of your favorite princesses. Ticket includes a professional portrait, live music and more. Friday through Sunday. $30+. Details.

Winter Wonderland at SouthPark Mall: The 5,000 square foot outdoor skating rink is officially open for the season – and so is Santa’s pub, in case you need to warm up. 3 p.m. $17 (includes rentals). Details.

Santa’s Arrival at SouthPark Mall: Celebrate Santa’s arrival at the Second Annual Tree Lighting event with holiday-themed entertainment from local artists and musicians. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Details.

Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan at Walmart (Galleria Boulevard): The caravan is coming to town, so make sure you stop by for a free family photo. 6-9 p.m. Free. Details.

Saturday, November 18

Food & Drink

National Farm City Week at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market: Snag tried and true Thanksgiving recipes from local and regional farmers. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Details.

Big Green Egg Tasting Event at Monroe Hardware Retail: Enjoy foods prepared fresh by Gregg Morrison on the Big Green Egg and then shop storewide specials. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Details.

Pints for Paws at Bold Missy Brewery: They’ll have plenty of adoptable puppies on site, plus $1 from every beer sold will benefit Long Trails to Happy Tails Dog Rescue. 1-4 p.m. Free. Details.

Snapchat Filter Party at Blackfinn Ameripub: Come as your favorite snapchat filter and enjoy themed cocktails and specials all night long. 2-5 p.m. Free. Details.

Taste of Sweetness at It Must Be Cheese Cake: Come taste a variety of seasonal cheesecake flavors. 2-5:30 p.m. Free. Details.

Tribute to Benefit Kickoff Party at Birdsong Brewing Co.: They’ll have a band playing Sharon Jones covers, a limited beer release and a tickets pre-sale for the Tribute To Benefit Concert in December. $1 from each tribute beer sold will go to Levine Children’s Hospital. 6-9 p.m. Free. Details.

Grand Opening at Tommy’s Pub: They’ll have 4+ live bands to help them celebrate their grand opening. 21+. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. Details.

Anniversary Celebration at Lucky’s Bar and Arcade: Get your complementary drink tickets and win prizes like tickets to the Carolina Country Music Festival tickets. The earlier you get there, the more drink tickets you’ll receive. RSVP in advance. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.

1 Year Anniversary at Ink ‘N Ivy: They’ll have a DJ party underneath the new heat tent, samples from the new dinner menu and more to celebrate their first year in the books. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.

Gobble Gobble Crawl at Tilt on Trade: Your ticket includes entry into 4 bars, 2 shots, drink specials and more. Semiformal dress. 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. $15. Details.

Experience

Pre-owned Luxury Watch Event at Windsor Jewelers: Get 30-70% off luxury pre-owned watches from brands like Rolex, Breitling, Cartier, Hublot and more. Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (1-5 p.m.). Free. Details.

Christmas for Kids Car & Truck Show at Hendrick Motorsports: Come view over 400 cars, trucks and motorcycles on display. Proceeds will be used to buy toys for the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in Greenville, S.C. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. $20 per car. Details.

Grand Opening at Scout and Molly South Park: They’ll have local food, specialty cocktails, gift card raffles and in-store giveaways to celebrate their grand opening. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. Details.

Santa Paws at Moxie Mercantile: Bring your pets for a photo with Santa and to meet all the adoptable dogs onsite. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $10/print. Details.

Grand Opening at Your Best You Medical Spa: They’ll have plenty of grand opening specials you’ll want to take advantage of. 5-8 p.m. Free. Details.

Tree Lighting at Blakeney Shopping Center: Santa will be riding through the shopping center before making his way to his workshop to take pictures with you and light the new tree. 5-9 p.m. Free. Details.

South End Tree Lighting at Atherton Mill: There will be music, performances, a countdown to the tree lighting and an appearance by Santa Claus. 5:30 p.m. Free. Details.

Military Appreciation & Benefit Dance at Infinity: Come early for a beginner swing dancing lesson, then stay for the live band. 100% of profits will go to The Charlotte Bridge Home, a local veteran non-profit group. 7-11 p.m. $15, free for veterans. Details.

Arts & Entertainment

Holiday Art Show at Charlotte Art Collective: Shop a variety of handmade items from local and regional fine artists and craftsmen. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Details.

NoDa Superflea at NoDa Company Store: Shop records, vintage and new clothing, furniture and more while you sip on a few drinks. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Details.

Vintage Charlotte Winter Market at The Fillmore: Shop local and vintage goods from 60+ vendors. The first 500 shoppers will get a free bag from Yelp. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $2 for general admission, $7 for early bird admission at 10 a.m. Details.

Starving Artist Market at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: Grab a beer and come shop over 20 local vendors. 1-6 p.m. Free. Details.

Sip and Shop at Berewick: Come shop local vendors and cross things off your holiday shopping list. They’ll have jewelry, decorations, beauty products and much more available. 2-4:30 p.m. Free. Details.

Charlotte Podcast Live Show at Petra’s: Come listen to a live taping of the show with special guests. Proceeds benefit #GivingTuesdayCLT. 5:30-7 p.m. $5. Details.

Kids

Breakfast With Santa at Northlake Mall: Eat breakfast and hang out with Santa in the food court while enjoying music, games and crafts. The first 200 children receive free breakfast and a gift. 8:30-10 a.m. Free. Details.

Fall Fest at Discovery Place Nature: Come out for fall crafts, animal encounters and hands-on learning about the changing leaves and animal hibernation. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Included in admission. Details.

Kids in Nature Day at Park Road Park: Enjoy fishing, a scavenger hunt, nature walks, nature crafts and more hosted by the Community Alliance for Wildlife. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Details.

Fitness

Let Me Run Fallfest 5k at Whitehall Corporate Center: The race will benefit Let Me Run, a nonprofit wellness program that inspires boys through the power of running. 7:30 a.m. $30. Details.

Ride and Seek at The U.S. National Whitewater Center: Grab a teammate for the second annual mountain biking adventure race. 9 a.m. $50/team. Details.

Barre, Besties, Braids, & Boutique at Xtend Barre: Come out for new client specials, an on-site braid bar and a Usual Boutique pop-up shop. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free for local newcomers. Details.

Oms for Charity at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: Work For Your Beer is going charitable with this class, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Charlotte chapter of the American Lung Association in North Carolina. After the class, stick around to shop local vendors. 10 a.m. $5. Details.

Eggnog Jog at Charlotte Motor Speedway: This non-timed fun run doesn’t require you to chug eggnog, but you’ll still run through Christmas lights and music. 6 p.m. $35. Details.

Sports

NBA Basketball at Spectrum Center: Watch the Hornets take on the Los Angeles Clippers. 7 p.m. $11+. Details.

College Basketball at Dale F. Halton Arena: Cheer on the 49ers as they take on College of Charleston. 7-10 p.m. Details.

Hornets Watch Party at Big Al’s Pub & Grubberia: Cheer on the Hornets while you enjoy specials on Jäger, Yuengling and more. 7-10 p.m. Free. Details.

Sunday, November 19

Food & Drink

Brunch and Brews at Legion Brewing: Enjoy selections from a made-to-order brunch menu and $4 Carolina Sparkle Party Beermosas. 10 a.m.02 p.m. Free. Details.

Chili Cook Off at Red Fez Shrine Club: Whether you’re a cooker or an eater, this event is for you. All proceeds benefit Shriners Hospital in Greenville. 11 a.m. $30 to cook, $5 to taste. Details.

Fall Oyster Roast at Birdsong Brewing Co.: RockSalt will provide the oysters to accompany a fresh batch of Birdsong’s Clustershuck Oyster Stout, brewed with fresh oysters. 1-4 p.m. $15/bucket. Details.

#FeastYourEyesCLT at Camp North End: Enjoy a collaborative dinner from the minds of chefs and mixologists from restaurants like Stoke, Queen City Market and Sophia’s Lounge. 5:30-10:30 p.m. $60-75. Details.

Hennessy Moet Cognac Dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Uptown: Hosted by Chip Hamner and Jessica White of Hennessy Moet, feast on 4 courses accompanied by exceptional pairings. Reservations required, so call 828-398-6200 to RSVP. 6 p.m. $100++. Details.

Experience

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Drive through 3.5 miles of Christmas lights (that’s over 3 million), shop a Christmas Village where Santa, a petting zoo and Bethlehem village are all on display and then watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. 6-10 p.m. $25-175. Details.

Santa Paws at Northlake Mall: Bring your fur baby for a photo with Santa. Carriers/leashes required. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free, photos available for purchase. Details.

Learn Things

Fall Frenzy at Reedy Creek Park and Nature Center: Learn all about the beautiful fall colors as you walk through the preserve. Must call 980-314-1119 to register. Ages 8+. 2-3 p.m. Free. Details.

Tree Decorating Class at BLACKLION: Learn 10 steps to perfectly decorating your christmas tree and mantle. They’ll also have cocktails, appetizers and a Secret Santa Drawing. 2-4:30 p.m. $20. Details.

Arts & Entertainment

Holiday Craft Camp at Blue Blaze Brewing: They’ll provide the supplies, you just bring the creativity (boosted by a couple beers if needed). 2-5 p.m. $65. Details.

Cheers Charlotte 200th Episode Celebration at Heist Brewery: Enjoy choice clips from past shows, popping some bottles and talking with some of the long-time listeners and extended Cheers Charlotte family. 3-6 p.m. Free. Details.

Paint Party at Chima Steakhouse: Paint a custom wineglass for yourself or for a friend while you munch on light bites. All supplies included, additional glasses are $15. 4:30-6:30 p.m. $30. Details.

Fitness

Pajama Walk at Freedom Park: Come dressed in your favorite pajamas and join hundreds of walkers to help make dreams come true for local kids, teens and young adults with special needs and talents. 1-4 p.m. Donation-based. Details.

We’re excited for…

The Sound of Music at Belk Theater: Enjoy a brand new production of the classic with an incredible cast and Tony, Grammy and Academy Award winning Best Score. November 24.

Defiant Requiem at Belk Theater: Take in a powerful concert-drama that commemorates the story of Jewish prisoners who performed at the Verdi Requiem in the Terezin concentration camp during the Holocaust. The performance includes video testimony from survivors and segments of the 1944 propaganda film. December 3.

Trevor Noah at Blumenthal Performing Arts: Based on his The Daily Show and comedy special on Netflix, you can expect uncontrollable laughter. February 24.

See all the upcoming events here.

Alivia McAtee contributed to this story.
Feature photo via Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.