Agenda Weekender: 75+ things to do in Charlotte this weekend
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This weekend is looking extra busy. Hit up all the events on your list with convenient rides from Lyft.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 26
75. 80% chance of rain.
Food & Drink
Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend throughout Charlotte: The weekend brings together leading winemakers and chefs from around the world to bring you the best in food and wine. The event benefits five child-related charities in the Charlotte community. Events include special dinners, wine seminars and a grand tasting. Times vary. $65-$500. Details.
Official Merica’s Burger Launch Party at Hickory Tavern – Ballantyne: For every Merica’s Burger sold, Hickory Tavern will donate $1 to the Independence Fund. Plus, they’re offering a $10 voucher to use on your next meal when your order the burger today. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. Details.
War of the Rosés at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse: Enjoy an afternoon of refreshing rosé wines from around the world, alongside chef-inspired hors d’oeuvres. Vote on your favorite from a blind taste test and the winner will be offered as part of their By the Glass program. 4:30-6:30 p.m. $30+. Details.
Plaza Midwood Food Truck Friday at Resident Culture Brewing Company: Expect live music, special performances and a carefully curated roundup of six food trucks and stands, rain or shine. Check in weekly for musical and food line-ups. 5-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Novel NODA Food Truck Block Party at Novel Noda – 424 E. 36th St.: Novel Noda is closing the streets to make room for food trucks, live music and local breweries. 5-9 p.m. Free. Details.
Avocado Food Truck Friday! at Sycamore: Do Food Truck Friday, but make it avocado. But really, your regular favorites will be serving up avocado dishes. Of course there will also be live music, beer, cider and more. Free. 5-10 p.m. Details.
Spring Menu Release & Cocktail Event at The Broken Spoke: They’re releasing a new spring menu and debuting their new cocktail cart that will serve exclusive table-side cocktails. Tickets include a seat in the upscale lounge with table-side cocktail service from the mixologist and a tour through Great Wagon Road Distilling Company with tastings. 7-10 p.m. $10. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
BOOM 2019 at Plaza Midwood: The neighborhood will come alive with three days of art and performances. BOOM is Charlotte’s only artist-led annual showcase of experimental/contemporary performance and visual art. Check their site for the full lineup of events. 6-11 p.m. Some events are free. Details.
Charlotte Ballet’s Spring Works at Knight Theater: This year’s show is all about human connection, expressed through dance. It’s a great event for date night or family night, or treat yourself! 7:30 p.m. $15-$85. Details.
Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini at Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Enjoy a night of music led by Russian-born conductor Andrey Boreyko. 7:30 p.m. $19. Details.
Experience
Tuck Fest at USNWC: This multi-day festival celebrates the outdoor lifestyle through competitions, exhibitions, demos and live music. Competitions include trail running, kayaking, biking, climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, obstacle and adventure racing. All day. Free to experience, $40-$45 to compete, $50 for terrace access. Details.
Earth Day Celebration at Government Center Plaza: Join the City of Charlotte Government for an Earth Day celebration featuring live music from The Otis Band, food trucks, family activities and giveaways. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Fitness
Mayor’s Ride Bike to Breakfast at Independence Park: Kick off BIKE! Charlotte week with a ride to breakfast hosted by Charlotte’s city leaders. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for Phase 1 of the 6th Street Cycle Track at the corner of Myers and 6th, then riders will proceed to the Government Center for free coffee and breakfast. 7:45-10:45 a.m. Free. Details.
Sports
Hockey at Bojangles’ Coliseum: Cheer on the Checkers as they compete in playoff hockey. Concession specials include $2 hot dogs, $2 popcorn, $2 domestic beer draughts and $4 craft beer draughts. (This game is “as necessary” and depends on the outcome of Wednesday’s game). 7 p.m. $20+. Details.
Baseball at BB&T Stadium: Cheer on the Knights as they take on the Indianapolis Indians. They’ll have fireworks after the game, and the first 1,500 kids through the gates will receive a Queen City Replica Jersey presented by Atrium Health. 7:04 p.m. $9+. Details.
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
77. Mostly sunny.
Food & Drink
Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend throughout Charlotte: The weekend brings together leading winemakers and chefs from around the world to bring you the best in food and wine. The event benefits five child-related charities in the Charlotte community. Events include special dinners, wine seminars and a grand tasting. Times vary. $65-$500. Details.
Louisiana Spring Fest at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: Enjoy food from guest chef and Louisiana native Brett Harris, who will be boiling fresh crawdads flown in overnight direct from the bayou. Other staples include jambalaya, boiled shrimp, red skin potatoes and corn on the cob. They’ll also have live music and a stein hoisting competition. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free. Details.
The Vodka Masters at Rooftop 210: Charlotte-area bars and restaurants will compete for the title of Queen City Nerve’s “Vodka Master.” Each participant will concoct a variety of vodka-based cocktails to earn votes. Tickets include drink samples, and they’ll have live entertainment all afternoon. Noon to 1 p.m. (VIP), 1-6 p.m. (GA). $20-$40. Details.
BBQ Spring Fling at Sweet Lew’s Barbeque: Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with live music from Josh Daniel, giveaways, kids’ games and a full menu of 100 percent wood-smoked meats and sides. Noon to 4 p.m. Free admission. Details.
International Sandwich Festival at Aldersgate – 3800 Shamrock Drive: Enjoy sandwiches from around the world, a rich blend of international entertainment and kids’ activities at this family-friendly festival. Noon to 6 p.m. Free. Details.
Cousins Maine Lobster Charlotte 1 Year Anniversary Party at Sycamore Brewing: They’ll have live music all day plus beer and food specials. Noon to 10 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Spring Block Party at Angry Ale’s: Check out their newly renovated patio with the first five beer kegs on them, free hot dogs (while they last) and a cornhole tournament with prizes. 1-5 p.m. Free. Details.
Crawfish & Peanut Boil at Reid’s Myers Park: Chow down on authentic all-you-can-eat crawfish and boiled peanuts, available while supplies last. 4-7 p.m. $10. Details.
Farm to Table Dinner at New Town Farms: Join the LJCC for a five-course meal with wine pairings and live music. 21+. Come early at 5 p.m. for a special tour of the farm. 5:30 p.m. $135. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Arts+ Chroma Fest at Spirit Square: Celebrate music and art through group drum circles, ukulele workshops, the chance to work alongside professional Charlotte artists and more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Details.
Family First Presented by Novant Health: The Standard Jazz at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month at the Gantt Center with The Standard featuring saxophonist Harvey Cummings II. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $5. Details.
BOOM 2019 at Plaza Midwood: The neighborhood will come alive with three days of art and performances. BOOM is Charlotte’s only artist-led annual showcase of experimental/contemporary performance and visual art. Check their site for the full lineup of events. 1 p.m. to midnight. Some events are free. Details.
Dane Cook at Ovens Auditorium: See the stand-up comedian perform live on his Tell It Like It Is Tour. 7 p.m. $40-$60. Details.
Charlotte Ballet’s Spring Works at Knight Theater: This year’s show is all about human connection, expressed through dance. It’s a great event for date night or family night, or treat yourself! 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $15-$85. Details.
Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini at Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Enjoy a night of music lef by Russian-born conductor Andrey Boreyko. $19. Details.
Afrotales Charlotte OAS 13th Annual African Night Fiesta at Tropix Bar & Lounge: This traveling show is making a stop in the QC, and they’ve got two DJs, a special host and drink specials all night. 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. $10-$15. Details.
Experience
Dear Future Me//Gathering: Heritage at Lenny Boy: Expect open discussions on heritage and culture over kombucha and craft brews. 7:30-9 p.m. Free. Details.
Tuck Fest at USNWC: This multi-day festival celebrates the outdoor lifestyle through competitions, exhibitions, demos and live music. Competitions include trail running, kayaking, biking, climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, obstacle and adventure racing. All day. Free to experience, $40-$45 to compete, $50 for terrace access. Details.
The Queen’s Cup Steeplechase at Queen’s Cup Race Grounds: Spend the day indulging in top-notch tailgating and watch horses race. Gates open at 10 a.m. $50-$375+. Details.
Art & Soul of South End at Historic South End: Explore this ever-changing neighborhood on a self-guided tour of art, shopping, breweries and local businesses popped up along the streets and the Rail Trail. Camden Road will transform into a community commons, with creative experiences, live music and park seating. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Details.
Hindu Center Spring Festival at Hindu Community of Charlotte: They’re hosting a cultural program and MELA to celebrate all of the Hindu spring festivals. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $5. Details.
Pet Palooza 2019 at McAlpine Creek Park: The event will feature a walk along the wide dog-friendly paths of McAlpine Creek Park as well as a vendor fair, adoption area, music, a picnic pavilion, food trucks and a beer garden sponsored by Brewers at 4001 Yancey. Expect fun activities for people and pets! Noon. $0-$25. Details.
Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward at Historic Fourth Ward at the corner of West 9th & North Poplar Street: This walkable, self-guided tour showcases a mix of private gardens, courtyards and outdoor living spaces that are rarely open to the public, complete with food and beverage tastings along the way. Tour-goers may also choose to tour via complimentary B-Cycles or horse-drawn carriages (first-come, first served). Noon to 4 p.m. $25. Details.
Earth Day Celebration at Charlotte Museum of History: Learn about bee-keeping and honey production, native plants, local creeks and how Charlotte could become a zero-waste city. They’ll have experts in their fields on-site for hands-on learning experiences. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Details.
Celebrity Basketball Game at JCSU Campus: Power 98 is assembling some of the hottest celebrities in the QC for a star-studded game. This year’s game benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 1-6 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 day of. Details.
The South 48 Spring Fest at The Music Yard: Southbound has partnered with Mac’s Speed Shop, Hoppin’, The Music Yard, The Studio and BackStage Lounge to bring you an afternoon of live music and good food to kick off spring. 1-7 p.m. Free. Details.
Hoppin’ for Life Party at Hoppin’: Join Donate Life for a party with a live DJ, food and prizes to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation. 2-7 p.m. Free. Details.
Halfway to Halloween Party at Carolina Beer Temple Charlotte: Celebrate making it halfway to Halloween with a costume contest, candy, a food truck, decorations and more. 5-11:30 p.m. Free. Details.
The 6th Annual Ales For Autism at NoDa Brewing Company: The family-friendly event will feature food trucks, live music, on-site raffles and plenty of beer. 5-9 p.m. Free/donation. Details.
Spring Awakening Party featuring DJ A-Trak at Merchant & Trade: Celebrate the opening of the patio with handcrafted cocktails, gourmet bar bites and a special guest DJ. 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. $20-$30. Details.
Coveted Couture After Party at Mint Museum Randolph: Enjoy an open bar, late-night bites and sweet treats provided by La-Tea-Da’s. Live band Groove Nation will get the party started, and DJ DOMii will take over with late-night beats. Attire ranges from cocktail to black tie. 9:30 p.m. $100. Details.
Fitness
Richard Sheltra Memorial Race at Belle Johnston Community Center: Opt for a 10K, 5K and a 1-mile fun run. All proceeds will benefit the Richard Sheltra Memorial Foundation, which provides resources, gear and scholarships to volunteer first responders. 7 a.m. $20-$45. Details.
Girls on the Run South 5K at Whitehall Corporate Center: Lace up for a family-friendly non-competitive event, sponsored by Wyndham Capital Mortgage. 7:30 a.m. check-in. $30-$35. Details.
Sarcoma Stomp at Begins outside of Christ Lutheran Church – 4519 Providence Road: With options for every type of runner – including a 5K, 3K, Cheering Crew and “virtual stomper”— all proceeds from the Sarcoma Stomp benefit sarcoma research at Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital. 8 a.m. $30. Details.
2019 Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb Charlotte at Duke Energy Center: Honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001, by climbing the Duke Energy tower’s 50 stories. 8 a.m. $40. Details.
Pure Religion 5k at Central Church: Race a 5K to help raise money for organizations working to end human trafficking. Finishers will get a medal and a T-shirt. 9 a.m. $15-$30. Details.
Walk MS: Charlotte 2019 at Symphony Park: Walk to help raise funds to end MS. Team up with friends, loved ones and co-workers to change the world for everyone affected by MS. 9:30 a.m. Donation. Details.
Sports
Hockey at Bojangles’ Coliseum: Cheer on the Checkers as they compete in playoff hockey. Concession specials include $2 hot dogs, $2 popcorn, $2 domestic beer draughts and $4 craft beer draughts. (This game is “as necessary” and depends on the outcome of Friday’s game). 6 p.m. $20+. Details.
Baseball at BB&T Stadium: Cheer on the Knights as they take on the Indianapolis Indians. They’re also celebrating Charlotte’s 250th anniversary at the game. 7:04 p.m. $9+. Details.
Kids
Touch a Truck at CPCC Merancas Campus: Kids can explore more than 40 trucks and vehicles while Discovery Place Kids educators guide them through the science of trucks with interactive STEM activities. Food will be provided for a voluntary donation and all proceeds will go toward students in the CPCC transportation system technologies program. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free/donation. Details.
Do Good
2019 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes at NoDa Brewing Company: Men and community members can help raise awareness about the serious causes, effects and remediations of violence against women by walking a mile in high-heeled shoes. 10 a.m. to noon. $10 for women, $25 for men. Details.
Cornhole For Camp 2019 at Triple C Brewing Company: Throw some bags for a good cause with all proceeds benefitting Camp Blue Skies Foundation’s Send a Camper to Camp campaign. The grand prize will be $500 and team registration includes a drink ticket. Noon to 4 p.m. $60/contestant. Details.
Shopping
Made Market CLT at Hope Barn: Come shop a curated assortment of giftable items made locally. Proceeds will help support Project 658 in their efforts to serve at-risk community members of Charlotte. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Details.
Annual Plant Sale at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: The sale will feature nearly 1,000 native plants, and the Garden’s Horticulture staff will be available to answer questions and help you make the best selections. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Included in admission. Details.
2019 Vintage Charlotte Spring Market at Camp North End: The eighth annual Spring Market will host more than 80 vendors. Grab some swag on the way in and shop with a coffee from HEX or beer from Birdsong Brewing Co. in hand. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $7 early bird entry, $2 GA. Details.
Girl Tribe Pop Up at Charlotte Convention Center: Expect a party with upbeat music, drinks, photo ops and, of course, more than 100 female-led creative businesses, including boutiques, jewelry designers, paper goods, gifts, beauty and more. GA is noon to 5 p.m., VIPs get in at 10 a.m. $5-$30. Details.
SUNDAY, APRIL 28
80. Partly cloudy.
Food & Drink
Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend throughout Charlotte: The weekend brings together leading winemakers and chefs from around the world to bring you the best in food and wine. The event benefits five child-related charities in the Charlotte community. Events include special dinners, wine seminars and a grand tasting. Times vary. $65-$500. Details.
OMB Louisiana Spring Fest at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: Enjoy food from guest chef and Louisiana native Brett Harris, who will be boiling fresh crawdads flown in overnight direct from the bayou. Other staples include jambalaya, boiled shrimp, red skin potatoes and corn on the cob. They’ll also have live music and a stein hoisting competition. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free. Details.
QC Cookout at Sweet Lew’s Barbeque: Enjoy a leisurely supper of smoked oysters and chicken, Memphis-style ribs, family-style sides, bread from Bomb Biscuits and pie from Milk Glass Pie. They’ll also have live music from a local jazz band, local craft beer and cocktails. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $35. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
BOOM 2019 at Plaza Midwood: The neighborhood will come alive with three days of art and performances. BOOM is Charlotte’s only artist-led annual showcase of experimental/contemporary performance and visual art. Check their site for the full lineup of events. 1-7 p.m. Some events are free. Details.
Opening Celebration – Reel Out Charlotte 2019 at Camp North End: See a preview of what this year’s Reel Out Charlotte film festival line-up has in store. Featuring a special guest appearance from trans actor and director Nava Mau and a screening of her short film “Waking Hour.” 5-7 p.m. Free. Details.
Whitesnake at Ovens Auditorium: See the English hard rock band led by David Coverdale perform live on their Flesh & Blood World Tour. 8 p.m. $40-$80. Details.
Experience
Tuck Fest at USNWC: This multi-day festival celebrates the outdoor lifestyle through competitions, exhibitions, demos, and live music Competitions include trail running, kayaking, biking, climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, obstacle and adventure racing. All day Free to experience, $40-$45 to compete, $50 for terrace access. Details.
Open Streets 704 at Plaza Midwood to NoDa: Roughly four miles of streets will be closed to automobile traffic for the afternoon, so people can enjoy walking or biking around the neighborhoods and stopping at the event stations (focused on arts and science, family fun, going green and wellness). The idea is to get residents outside, interacting with one another and the community. 1-5 p.m. Free. Details.
2019 Spring Festival at Symphony Park SouthPark: JoinMacaroni Kid South Charlotte at carnival games, prizes, arts/crafts, face painting, characters, DJ and more. Pre-register to receive a door prize. Donations collected at the door will benefit the Simon Youth Foundation. 1-4 p.m. $5 donation. Details.
Sports
Baseball at BB&T Stadium: Cheer on the Knights as they take on the Indianapolis Indians. They’re also celebrating Charlotte’s 250th anniversary at the game. 2:05 p.m. $9+. Details.
Indoor Football at Bojangles’ Coliseum: Cheer on the Carolina Energy as they take on the Georgia Doom. 4:05 p.m. $16-$27. Details.
Kids
UNC Charlotte Science and Technology Expo at UNC Charlotte: Kids can explore more than 100 cool STEM activities, presented by UNC Charlotte scientists, technologists and community partners. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Details.
Do Good
VolunCHEERS South End Clean Up at Tavern on the Tracks: Help clean up the neighborhood, and then get rewarded with a Volunteer Appreciation Party with free food and raffle prizes. Supplies will be provided by Keep Charlotte Beautiful and the first 50 volunteers (21+) will receive a free custom T-shirt and complimentary beer ticket. 9:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Free. Details.
Shopping
Annual Plant Sale at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: The sale will feature nearly 1,000 native plants, and the Garden’s Horticulture staff will be available to answer questions and help you make the best selections. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included in admission. Details.
Girl Tribe Pop Up at Charlotte Convention Center: Expect a party with upbeat music, drinks, photo ops and, of course, more than 100 female-led creative businesses, including boutiques, jewelry designers, paper goods, gifts, beauty and more. Noon to 5 p.m. $5-$30. Details.
ON THE AGENDA
Wells Fargo Championship: Dozens of the world’s best golfers are coming to Charlotte, and you can see them up close and personal. The Wells Fargo Championship is the sporting and social event of the year. Bring family and friends and follow your favorite pros, plus great food and drinks. April 29-May 5.
Untappd Beer Festival: Beer enthusiasts and brewers from around the world will assemble on the field at the stadium to celebrate beer and breweries from across the country. More than 100 brewers will pour samples of between two and four beers at booths stationed on the field at Bank of America Stadium. May 4.
Tacos & Margs Crawl: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a day early with a tequila-inspired bar crawl at more than five uptown bars. Tickets include cover and specials at all participating locations, plus giveaways along the way. May 4.
See all the upcoming events here.