Agenda Weekender: 75+ festive things to do this weekend, including OMB’s Christmas Market, the ACC Championship Game and 5 different pop-up markets

Weekend Forecast

Friday: 65. Partly cloudy. 10% chance of rain.
Saturday: 56. Cloudy. 20% chance of rain.
Sunday: 65. Partly cloudy. 10% chance of rain.

Friday, December 1

Food & Drink

Yule Bock Release at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: Kick off the brewery’s Weihnachtsmarkt with the release of the seasonal Yule Bock (an authentic German Christmas Bock), complete with a tree lighting, visit from Santa and more. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. Details.

Brown Bear Almond Joy Release at Catawba Brewing Co.: This English-style Brown Ale is being rolled out in three draft-only variations, this one conditioned on almonds, coconut and cocoa nibs. 12-11 p.m. Free. Details.

Santa Baby Release at NoDa Brewing: Enjoy the release of this Scottish Export-style Christmas Ale, known for its ruby color and malt-forward character. Take advantage of the free brewery tours, too. 4-10 p.m. Free. Details.

RescuedMe Wine Tasting Fundraiser at The Wine Vault: Taste 21 handpicked wines while supporting RescuedMe, which helps dogs throughout the Carolinas get rescued, vetted, trained and re-homed into loving forever homes. 6-8 p.m. $10. Details.

Experience

Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Bask in the glow of more than 600,000 lights spread across the grounds while you shop, enjoy live music, roast marshmallows and let the kids loose on the Holiday Discovery Trail. 5-9 p.m. daily through December 31. $0-$14.95. Details.

Charlotte Christmas Village at Romare Bearden Park: Enjoy mulled wine, warm doughnuts and German pastries while you shop 29 vendors. See the full Agenda guide here. Thursday through Sunday until December 24. Free. Details.

Weihnachtsmarkt at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: Shop 40+ vendors at the 6th annual German-style Christmas market, complete with wooden huts, mulled wine and more. See the full Agenda guide here. Friday and Saturday through December 16. Free. Details.

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Drive under 3.5 miles of 3,000,000+ lights before visiting the Christmas Village and enjoying a movie on the Speedway TV. 6-10 p.m. daily through December 31. $20-$175. Details.

Charlotte Nativity Festival at 5815 Carmel Road: This family-friendly event features a walk-through nativity, a photo booth, crafts, live music and more. 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Free. Details.

Grand Opening at Sam’s Xpress Car Wash: Along with free car washes, they’ll have free hot chocolate and food, giveaways, guest appearances and more all day. 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. Details.

Second-Chance Christmas Gala & Toy Drive at Flight: Support the Children’s Home Society with live music, heavy appetizers, a photo booth and more. Black tie optional. 7:30-11 p.m. $45 with toy. Details.

Arts & Entertainment

Magic of Christmas at Belk Theater: Enjoy the Symphony Chorus and Children’s Choir as they sing Christmas classics. Friday and Saturday (7:30 p.m.) as well as Sunday (4 p.m.). $19+. Details.

Candlelight Tango Festival at Metropolitan Ballroom: Come out for a three-day celebration of the classic Argentine Tango. Friday and Saturday (9 p.m.) as well as Sunday morning (11:30 a.m.). $15-25. Details.

South End Gallery Crawl: Holiday Edition in Historic South End: Enjoy seasonal entertainment while you take in a variety of unique paintings, ceramics, prints and more. 5-11 p.m. Free. Details.

Mint to Move Cultural Dance Night at Mint Museum: Join Rumbao Latin Dance Club and get moving. Free lesson included with admission. 7 p.m. $12. Details.

Festival of Trees at Levine Museum of the New South: Explore the museum’s exhibits and take a look at the beautifully decorated trees that have filled the atrium. Proceeds benefit The Arc of Mecklenburg County’s programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 7-9:30 p.m. $32. Details.

Tacky South End Holiday Party at Charlotte Art League: Grab your ugliest sweater and spend your night drinking, dancing and laughing at Improv Charlotte’s set. 9:30-11:30 p.m. $10 donation or unwrapped toy. Details.

Shopping

Shop, Sip, and Chew Winter Wonderland at The Carole Hoefener Center: They’ll have different vendors selling clothing, health and wellness products, crafts, jewelry, food and more as well as Sunday brunch for members. Friday (6-10 p.m.), Saturday (1-5 p.m.) and Sunday (3-6 p.m.). Free. Details.

Annual Holiday Sale & Open House at Clayworks: The sale will feature a diverse selection of handmade pottery and ceramic sculptures created by Clayworks instructors and studio artists. Friday (6-9 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.). Free. Details.

Atkins Library’s Book Sale at UNC Charlotte Atkins Library: Over 8,000 duplicate and carefully selected items, including academic monographs, paperbacks, children’s literature, K-12 teacher kits, LPs and DVDs, will be up for grabs, with no item costing more than $3. Bring cash. Saturday (12 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.). Free. Details.

Vanguard Furniture Factory Sale at Vanguard Furniture: Score up to 70% off suggested retail prices on items like sofas, chairs, cocktail tables, beds, dining tables and more. All sales are final. Friday (7 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Saturday (7 a.m.-1 p.m.). Free. Details.

Poptopia Holidays at Foundation For The Carolinas: Shop both local and national businesses and enjoy receptions and holiday fun after you’re done. Free coffee and drinks will be provided by Not Just Coffee and Assorted Table Wine Shoppe. 1 p.m. Free. Details.

Kids

Love Desserts Gingerbread House at 1820 East 7th Street: Explore candy-themed rooms complete with interactive features and photo opportunities. Desserts, coffee and hot cocoa will be available for purchase. December 1-10, 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. $10. Details.

Fitness

Yoga Fundraiser for Fire Victims at NoDa Yoga: The entirety of the donation-based class’ proceeds will benefit the animals impacted by the devastating fire at Carolina Waterfowl Rescue. 6-7 p.m. Suggested $10 donation. Details.

Sports

College Basketball at Spectrum Center: Davidson College will host the University of North Carolina, the defending National Champion. 8 p.m. $35. Details.

Saturday, December 2

Food & Drink

Charity Pancake Breakfast at The Fig Tree Restaurant: Enjoy classic breakfast dishes while you do good, with proceeds benefitting the Assistance League and its mission to feed, clothe and mentor local children. Santa Clause will be on-site to meet the kids. 9 a.m. $15 per adult, $10 per child. Details.

Grand Opening at The Loyalist Market: They’ve teamed up with Honey Hog Farms to serve up a pig with all fixings for you to enjoy while listening to live music. Proceeds benefit the Isabella Santos Foundation. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Suggested $10 donation. Details.

Chili Man and Unknown Brewery takeover of YOUR PIE at Your Pie: Join Charlotte-famous Vic the Chili Man for a day of fundraising to benefit SHRED. They’re setting out to create at least 2 pizzas from the daily hot dog menu for you to try while you shop a pop-up shop and listen to live music. 12-8 p.m. Free. Details.

Lenny Boy Q & Brew Day at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: Snack on Peruvian BBQ chicken from A Bao Time while you enjoy live music and Lenny Boy brews. 2-6 p.m. Free. Details.

Why Glassware Matters at Pump House: Taste 5 wines in 4 differently shaped glasses to learn how the shape can impact the taste. Take all four glasses home with you after the class. 4:30 p.m. $50. Details.

Beer Tasting Benefit for Girls on the Run at Free Range Brewing: Vote on your favorite beer and win raffle prizes from local business. Your ticket includes a tasting plus 2 raffle tickets, with all proceeds benefitting Girls On The Run. 5-8 p.m. $15. Details.

The Hop Shop 1 Year Party: Come celebrate the anniversary with drink specials, free food, specialty beer and raffle prizes. Noon to 2 a.m. Details.

Experience

Last Chance Pinball Tournament at Abari Game Bar: All players and machines will be entered into their software to be put into 3 or 4 player groups. Once gameplay starts, 4 strikes (coming in 3rd or 4th place), and you’re out. 11 a.m. $10. Details.

Santa Paws at Pet Paradise: Get your pet’s picture taken with Santa in support of Lucky Labs Rescue. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $10-$15. Details.

Christmas Pet Photos at Pet Supermarket: Join JHPhotoArts to snap the perfect holiday-themed picture of your dogs for digital download. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to charity. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $10. Details.

Pet Adoption at 8315 Byrum Drive: Help Subaru South Boulevard and the ASPCA find these pets forever homes. Adoption feeds will be waived and free starter kits will be given to the first 10 adopters. Don’t want to adopt a pet, but still want to help? Subaru will have a car on-site to be filled with donated food, toys and supplies for shelter animals. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Details.

Holiday Festivities at Metropolitan: Enjoy free photos with Santa, cookies and cocoa, face painting, balloon art and more; plus a variety of wines and bites from Metropolitan’s restaurants with live holiday music. For entry, bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to Toys for Tots. 1-5 p.m. Free before 3 p.m., then toy donation in lieu of fee. Details.

Christmas Celebration at Billy Graham Library: Expect a live nativity, horse-drawn carriage rides, self-guided tours and more. 5 p.m. Free. Details.

Candlelight Christmas at Historic Latta Plantation: Stroll the property and take in vignettes of holiday celebrations and traditions past. 6-9 p.m. $0-$9. Details.

Pop-Up Date Night at Red Clay Ciderworks: Enjoy three couples’ night out activities (dinner, drinks and massages) in one fell swoop. 7-9 p.m. $79. Details.

Learn Things

Amplify and Activate Summit at Grace AMZ Church: This two-day summit focused on racial justice and building trust includes lessons from yoga teachers that use their skills to lead a peaceful social justice movement. 7:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. $50+. Details.

Arts & Entertainment

Museums on Us at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: Present an active Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with your photo ID for a free ticket into the Gantt Center. Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday (1-5 p.m.). Free. Details.

Magic of Christmas (1 Hour Lollipops Series Performance) at Belk Theater: Enjoy seasonal favorites by the Charlotte Symphony Chorus and Charlotte Children’s Choir for an hour-long performance featuring sing-alongs, Santa and falling snow. 11 a.m. $14+. Details.

Paint your Pet Fundraiser at Wine & Design: Paint your pet for a great cause, with proceeds benefitting the S.A.F.E. Animal Haven Fundraiser. 1 p.m. $60. Details.

Rickmobile at The Comedy Zone: Wildly popular Adult Swim show Rick and Morty has launched a Rick-shaped “Rickmobile” that’s making its way to The Comedy Zone. It doubles as a store, and will carry merchandise, too. 2-5 p.m. Free. Details.

The Joy of Christmas at Booth Playhouse: The Charlotte Chorale will be performing all of your favorite holiday songs in this festive performance. 7 p.m. $20. Details.

Shopping

Gold District Holiday Pop-Up at Magnolia Emporium: Shop a number of local vendors just in time for the holidays. They’ll also be collecting canned food and new toys for charity. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. Details.

Christ Church Bazaar and Pop-Up Shop at Christ Church: Shop 50+ vendors, including Wanderlust Jewelry, Girl Scout Troop 2905, Bits and Baubles and Sweet’s Syrup. Proceeds benefit A Child’s Place, Charlotte Rescue Mission, The Relatives, Thompson Child and Family Focus and more. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Details.

Carolinas HealthCare System Holiday Pop-Up Shop at CHS Pineville: Shop 30+ vendors from jewelry to fitness apparel and children’s clothing to maternity fashion and more. Additionally, enjoy snacks, a live DJ, free health screenings and maternity center tours. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Details.

Holiday Open House at Windsor Jewelers: See expanded selections from Bell & Ross Watches, SydneyEvan, Rahaminov Diamonds, and Tudor Watches. Enjoy light refreshments and up to 24 months interest-free financing on your purchase. Bonus: enter to win a $1,000 gift certificate. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Details.

SHiFT Holiday Pop Up Market & Psychic Fair at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: Shop over 50 local vendors, find out what’s in store at a psychic fair, enjoy a fully programmed kids area and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Details.

Do Good

Toys for Tots at South End Station: Donate new, unwrapped toys to make an underprivileged child’s Christmas. The first 200 to stop by and donate 3 or more toys (or $25) will receive a free Christmas tree. 12-6 p.m. Free. Details.

Fighting for Families “Round 1 to Knockout” Fundraising Poker Tournament at Lucky Lou’s Tavern: In addition to the tournament, enjoy live music, a raffle and silent auction in support of the fight against breast cancer. 12:30-6 p.m. $60 to play, $10 to watch. Details.

Kids

Breakfast With Santa at Maggiano’s: Enjoy a full breakfast buffet, personal meet-and-greets with Santa, face painting and more. 8 a.m. $25 per adult, $15 per child. Details.

Holiday Trees for Wildlife at Wing Haven: Create edible ornaments for the wildlife that visits your backyard, plus take-home ornaments. Then, enjoy a holiday scavenger hunt, listen to seasonal stories, sip on festive refreshments and more. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. $20 for nonmembers. Details.

Gingerbread Story Time at SAS Cupcakes: Start the holiday season with a fun story and decorating both graham cracker houses and cupcakes. 10:30 a.m. $5. Details.

Full STEAM Ahead at Carolina Aviation Museum: Let the kids become forensic scientists for an hour, learning about bird strikes  using “SNARGE” and the Miracle on the Hudson as a case study, before they become a “Wildlife Manager” at an airport of their design. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $3 for non-members. Details.

Cookies With Santa and Sips for Toys at The Metropolitan: Come take a free photo with Santa while you enjoy cookies from Zoë’s, hot chocolate, face painting and a balloon artist. Adults, stick around for a wine tasting with appetizers for the cost of a donated toy. 1-3 p.m. Free. Details.

Photos with Santa at BLACKLION: Come shop and take photos with Santa and his friends. Personal cameras are welcome. 1-4 p.m. Free. Details.

Fitness

Reindeer Romp 5K & Fun Run at Harris YMCA: Grab your best holiday gear and run (or walk) with Santa and Mrs. Clause. All registrants will receive a hooded sweatshirt. 8:30 a.m. $35 in advance. Details.

Liv Women’s Demo at The US National Whitewater Center: Demo the 2018 collection of Liv road and mountain bikes. Bring your helmet, shoes, a credit card and ID for a free test ride. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Details.

SocafitUSA Live at Camp North End: Enjoy a full 90 minutes of Soca dancing while old school reggae and dance hall music blasts through the speakers. Bring a rag, flag or bandana with you and get ready to sweat. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $10. Details.

Sports

Grand Opening at Lumberjaxe: Test your axe-throwing abilities at the grand opening, which will include the Casa Food Truck on-site, giveaways and more. 1-10 p.m. Free. Details.

ACC Championship Tailgate at Draught: Join other Clemson fans for food, drinks and giveaways throughout the afternoon and during the game. 3 p.m. Free. Details.

2017 Dr Pepper ACC Championship Game – Miami vs. Clemson at Bank of America Stadium: Watch Clemson take on Miami in the biggest ACC game of the season. Tickets start at $220 on the ACC website, but are also available on StubHub for $93+. 8 p.m. Details. Can’t make it? The game will be televised on ABC at 8 p.m. 

UFC Watch Party at The Press Box Bar and Grill: Watch the Holloway vs. Aldo fight on over 75 TVs and 3 projector screens while playing pool and enjoying food and drink. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.

Sunday, December 3

Food & Drink

Sunday Brunch at Red Clay Ciderworks: Enjoy food from PepperBox Doughnuts and The Breakfast Food Truck, plus a craft cider cocktail, cidermosa, bellini and more. 12-2 p.m. Free. Details.

Holiday Tea and Shopping at The Duke Mansion: Grab a few gifts from the Mansion’s boutique before you enjoy tea in the living room, complete with tea sandwiches, canapés, scones and sweets. Wine and cocktails will be available for purchase. 2 p.m. $35. Details.

Experience

Skyline Style Popup Shop: Holiday Edition at Museum Tower Uptown: Mingle and shop with 5 of Charlotte’s premiere boutiques at this upscale sip and shop event. 1-5 p.m. Free. Details.

Arts & Entertainment

Defiant Requiem at Belk Theater, Robinson Hall: A powerful concert-drama that commemorates the story of Jewish prisoners who performed the Verdi Requiem in the Terezín concentration camp during the Holocaust. Performed by the University Chorale and esteemed guest artists, this performance blends music with video testimony from Terezín survivors and segments of the 1944 Nazi propaganda film. 2 p.m. $8+. Details.

Christmas with Myers Park UMC at First United Methodist Church: The 150-voice strong chorus, comprised of their adult, youth and children’s ensembles, will join the full orchestra, which features the Myers Park Strings and Myers Park Bells. 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. Free. Details.

Kids

Enchanted Forest Bash at Reedy Creek Park and Nature Center: Take a walk through the forest followed by hot chocolate and ornament and soap crafting. 2-3:30 p.m. Free. Details.

NoDa Christmas Tree Lighting at Johnston YMCA: Make ornaments and decorate the tree before it’s lit and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, games and more. 5:30-8 p.m., tree lighting begins at 7:45. Free. Details.

Fitness

NoDa Hop Yoga at NoDa Brewing Company: Stop by for a restorative session and stick around for the free beer afterward. 11 a.m. $5. Details.

Bike-Up at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: Join other riders for a 20- or 28-mile route and hang out for a beer afterward. 2:30 p.m. Free. Details.

Sports

NFL Sunday at Craft City Social Club: Watch the game while you take advantage of food and drink specials like $3 domestics, $5 crafts and $2 BBQ ribs. 11 a.m. Free. Details.

Black and Blue Blaze Tailgate at Blue Blaze Brewing: Enjoy discounted pitchers, lawn games and s’mores before you settle in to watch the Panthers take on the Saints. 12-8 p.m. Free. Details.

Hockey at Bojangles’ Coliseum: Cheer on the Charlotte Checkers as they take on the Springfield Thunderbirds. 1 p.m. $18. Details.

Women’s Basketball at Dale F. Halton Arena: Watch the Charlotte 49ers Women’s Basketball Team face off against Coppin State. 1-4 p.m. $5. Details.

We’re excited for…

PJs in North Pole City at Discovery Place Science: Don your pajamas for a special screening of The Polar Express in the IMAX Dome Theatre. Before the movie, make your own Christmas ornaments and reindeer food in Santa’s Workshop, write a holiday wish list and pose for a photo with Santa. December 8-10.

Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker at Belk Theater: The classic holiday performance features fresh sets and costumes debuted in 2016. December 9-23.

Fifth Annual Napa Christmas Party at Napa on Providence: This annual event partners with the local area U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine with guest host, Panthers Running Back, Johnathan Stewart. December 12.

See all the upcoming events here.

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