Agenda Weekender: 80+ things to do in Charlotte this weekend
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FRIDAY, MAY 3
82. 80% chance of scattered thunderstorms.
Food & Drink
National Italian Ice Day at Rita’s: New users that download Rita’s Ice mobile app between April 22nd and May 3rd will receive a free Regular Italian Ice when they come in. Noon to 9 p.m. Free. Details.
Untappd Festival Pre-Game at Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts: They’re throwing down the night before with eight guest breweries and a special beer release. 1-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Plaza Midwood Food Truck Friday at Resident Culture Brewing Company: Expect live music, special performances and a carefully curated roundup of six insanely delicious food trucks and stands, rain or shine. Check in weekly for musical and food line-ups. 5-11 p.m. Free. Details.
[Agenda guide: Complete list and map of Charlotte’s 30 local breweries, plus the most popular beer at each]
Cinco De Mayo Food Truck Friday at Sycamore Brewing: Eight of the city’s best local food trucks will be preparing unique Mexican dishes, plus they’ll have special beer releases and live music by The Hwy. 5-10 p.m. Free. Details.
20th Anniversary at Tyber Creek Pub: Enjoy live music, drink specials and special events all weekend long. Friday will be an Old School Tyber Jam, Saturday is a Derby party, and Sunday they’ll turn back the clock with traditional Irish performances. 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free. Details.
Kickoff to AIDS Walk Charlotte 2019 at The Peace Pipe: The AIDS Walk is just around the corner, so join Takeover Friday for drink specials. Ten percent of the bar tab will be donated to RAIN, Inc. 8-11 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Reel Out Charlotte at Camp North End: Presented by Charlotte Pride, this LGBTQ film festival will feature screenings, receptions and talks throughout the weekend. Times vary. Free-$40. Details.
Jazz Pavilion at Levine Center for the Arts: They’ll have a continuous lineup of live Jazz music as part of SHOUT!. 5-11 p.m. Free. Details.
We See Heaven Upside Down Opening Reception with the Artists at Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art: The group exhibition features seven visual artists, one filmmaker and several international composers and musicians who have contributed new original music for a live performance-turned-music installation. 6-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Jazz at The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: See internationally renowned jazz recording artist Nicolas Bearde live. 6 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. $16. Details.
Sounds of Summer at First Ward Park: The outdoor entertainment series formerly known as Live on the Green is back. They’ll have Roots and Americana music, live music and drinks once a month. 7 p.m. Free. Details.
Big Gay Sing 4 at Duke Energy Theater: The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte will be romping through the best Gay Hollywood ever gave us. 7:30 p.m. $25-$30. Details.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts: Join Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra as they present an all-new composition for orchestra and dance by Wynton Marsalis titled ‘Spaces.’ 7:30 p.m. $25+. Details.
Hayden at Stage Door Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: See the beloved Charlotte magician perform his sleight of hand and psychology. 8 p.m. $25-$30. Details.
Experience
Charlotte SHOUT! at Uptown: The two-week event features more than 75 concerts, installations (including lighted seesaws and giant bunnies) and performances in Uptown’s public space and theaters. While most attractions are free, tickets will also go on sale for the larger acts closer to the festival date. All day. Most attractions are free. Details.
[Related Agenda guide: Giant glowing bunnies invade Uptown kicking off ambitious 13-day Charlotte SHOUT! festival]
Home & Garden Tour at Plaza Midwood: Tour nine homes, one garden and a chocolate shop and then attend a free Color and Design workshop with Sherwin-Williams. The stops are walking distance and B-Cycle will be providing free bikes. Ten percent of ticket sales will be donated to the Urban Ministry Center of Charlotte. 6-8 p.m. $20 in advance, $25 day of. Details.
Whitewater River Jam at USNWC: Enjoy live music from all different genres, bring a picnic, or enjoy the large craft beer and food selection. They’ll also have yoga before the performance. 7-10 p.m. Free. Details.
Sports
Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club: Dozens of the world’s best golfers are coming to Charlotte and you can see them up close and personal (thanks to the new jumbo video board). The Wells Fargo Championship is the sporting and social event of the year. Bring family and friends and follow your favorite pros, enjoy official food and drink like the Champion Chips and Country Club Cooler plus seven local food trucks and a Kid’s Village. All day. $55+. Details.
[Agenda related guide: 2019 fan guide – 13 things every smart Wells Fargo Championship patron should know before visiting Quail Hollow Club]
Hockey at Bojangles’: The Checkers are in Round 2 of the playoffs, so come cheer them on. Concession specials will include $2 hot dogs, $2 popcorn, $2 16-ounce domestic beer draughts and $4 select craft beer draughts. 7 p.m. $20+. Details.
Shopping
Semi-Annual Sale at Traditions of Charlotte – 4317 Park Road: Don’t miss the biggest semi-annual sale yet. Store Hours. Free. Details.
SATURDAY, MAY 4
83. Mostly cloudy.
Food & Drink
1 Year Anniversary Party at Daily Mews Cat Cafe: Calling all cat lovers! Daily Mews Cat Cafe is turning one, and they want to celebrate their first year of business and 100+ successful adoptions with a day filled with fun activities like cat toy crafting and a guided wine tasting, special giveaways, a silent pawction, cat-themed drink specials and more. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. $12. Details.
20th Anniversary at Tyber Creek Pub: Enjoy live music, drink specials and special events all weekend long. Friday will be an Old School Tyber Jam, Saturday is a Derby party, and Sunday they’ll turn back the clock with traditional Irish performances. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Free. Details.
Taste Of Ayrsley at Ayrsley Event Lawn – 2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd.: Get a taste of Ayrsley restaurants and bars through a sampling of some of their most popular dishes and beverages. The Ayrsley Event Lawn will be home to food tastings, brews, a kids area, live music and a marketplace featuring local crafters, artisans and businesses. All ages are welcome and this event is pet-friendly. Noon to 4 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Run for the Rosés at Common Market – Southend: Celebrate Derby Day with a wine tasting in your floppiest hat (prize for the best). Noon to 4 p.m. $15. Details.
Cinco De Mayo Fiesta at Sycamore Brewing: Celebrate with a Mariachi band, tacos, Cervezas con lima and margarita frosé. Noon to 10 p.m. Free. Details.
Derby/Cinco De Mayo Quadruple Cider Release at Red Clay Ciderworks: They’re going all out with four new ciders that pair perfectly with the Derby and Cinco de Mayo. Noon to 11 p.m. Free. Details.
Unplugged Tap Night at The Unknown Brewing Company: It’s time to enjoy a beer the old-fashioned way — without checking it in. Turn over your phone for the night and all of your beers will be half price. Noon to 11 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Hung(over) like a Horse: Derby Day Party at Graham St. Pub & Patio: Break out your pastel polos and floppy hats to watch the race. They’ll have DJs, prizes for the best couple outfit and best hat, cheap drinks and more. Noon. Free. Details.
Chic Cinco De Mayo 2019 at Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo: Join EatWorkPlay for an evening of Mexican-inspired cocktails, a Top 40s DJ, an interactive photo installation and more. 2-6 p.m. $28-$65. Details.
Untappd Beer Festival at Bank of America Stadium: 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. 3 p.m. $50-$200. Details.
Tacos & Margs Crawl at Uptown: 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. 4-10 p.m. $23. Details.
Hands-On Cocktail Class at Liberate Your Palate: Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, learn about the history of the agave plant and how to make creative margaritas. Class includes three full-sized margaritas. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $70. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Reel Out Charlotte at Camp North End: Presented by Charlotte Pride, this LGBTQ film festival will feature screenings, receptions and talks throughout the weekend. Times vary Free-$40. Details.
The 9th Annual Kings Drive Art Walk at Little Sugar Creek Greenway: Fine and emerging artists will be showing off their work, so you can shop and browse as you stroll along the greenway. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Details.
Laundry Day at Charlotte Center for Literary Arts: Your (signed or anonymous) piece will be joined with the others on the clothesline and become a part of installations of Airing Out the “Dirty” Laundry in Charlotte and across the country. 2:30-5 p.m. Donation. Details.
Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra Side-by-Side at Northwest School of the Arts Auditorium: Join the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra for a side-by-side performance with the Charlotte Symphony. 2:30 p.m. $15. Details.
Derby Days – Young Affiliates of the Mint at Mint Museum Randolph: Don’t miss this award-winning event that brings together 400-plus Charlotte young professionals to enjoy a day of live music, lawn games, Mint Juleps, open wine and beer, food trucks, Kentucky Derby raffle and a large-screen viewing of the Kentucky Derby. 3-7 p.m. $40-$80. Details.
Queen City PodQuest Live Finale at NASCAR Hall of Fame: Five of the final teams will pitch their podcast idea and the winners will have an opportunity to work with the WFAE team to develop their idea into a podcast series. 4-7 p.m. $5. Details.
Charlotte Jazz Festival Second Line Parade at Levine Avenue of the Arts: Join in on the New Orlean’s style Second Line Parade and strut with the bands, twirl umbrellas and celebrate. 4:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Jazz Pavilion at Levine Center for the Arts: They’ll have a continuous lineup of live Jazz music as part of SHOUT!. 5-11 p.m. Free. Details.
May the 4th Be With You: Queen City Improv Room at Stage Door Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Celebrate with some sci-fi inspired improv featuring Star Wars and other favorites. Family friendly show at 6 p.m., adults only at 8 p.m. $10. Details.
Big Gay Sing 4 at Duke Energy Theater: The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte will be romping through the best Gay Hollywood ever gave us. 7:30 p.m. $25-$30. Details.
Beatles vs. Stones at McGlohon Theatre: Two tribute bands will go head-to-head. 7:30-10 p.m. $35-$65. Details.
Experience
Charlotte SHOUT! at Uptown: The two-week event features more than 75 concerts, installations (including lighted seesaws and giant bunnies) and performances in Uptown’s public space and theaters. While most attractions are free, tickets will also go on sale for the larger acts closer to the festival date. Times vary most attractions are free. Details.
Midwood Mania at Plaza Midwood: The two-day party is one of their biggest of the year and will include live music, boot camp workouts, the pet parade, kids activities and more. 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Wing Haven’s 25th Annual Gardeners’ Garden Tour at Wing Haven (248 and 348 Ridgewood Ave) + 5 Private Gardens: The tour features five private gardens as well as open visitation both days at Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary (live music on Sunday), SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden, the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden. Pro tip: ticket price includes both days, and you can order by phone with a credit card at 704-331-0664. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $30-$35. Details.
Home & Garden Tour at Plaza Midwood: Tour nine homes, one garden, and a chocolate shop and then attend a free Color and Design workshop with Sherwin-Williams. The stops are walking distance and B-Cycle will be providing free bikes. 10% of ticket sales will be donated to the Urban Ministry Center of Charlotte. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $20 in advance, $25 day of. Details.
Carolina AnimeDay at Hilton Charlotte Executive Park: The convention will feature a large dealers room, videos, giveaways, video games and cosplay. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $4. Details.
Ethiopian Cultural Festival at Midwood International and Cultural Center: Experience Ethiopian culture while enjoying authentic music, food and plenty of entertainment. Proceeds will go towards supporting children’s education in Ethiopia. Noon to 6 p.m. Free. Details.
9th Annual NoDa Day in May at NoDa: Shop from over 40 local artists and vendors to help support the Crisis Assistance Ministry. They’ll also have food trucks, a clothing drive accepting donations, DJs and beer. 1-7 p.m. Free. Details.
Whitewater River Jam at USNWC: Enjoy live music from all different genres, right in the middle of the world’s largest human-made whitewater river. Bring a picnic or enjoy the large craft beer and food selection. 7-10 p.m. Free. Details.
Learn Things
MommyCon Charlotte 2019 at Charlotte Convention Center: Learn all about natural parenting, eco-friendly diapers, child and mother wellness, birthing and more. 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. $15-$50. Details.
Moving Spirits: African Diaspora Dance Workshops at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: The workshop will teach participants about African-derived dance forms from the United States, Cuba and Brazil from a professional dancer. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $5. Details.
Sculpting Your Vision at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: As part of the Family First series presented by Novant Health, Gantt Center teaching artist, Dulce Tavares, will lead students in creating their own hands-on mixed-media sculpted banner inspired by the art of Kevin Cole. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $5. Details.
Smartphone Storytellers: Intro to Photography for Smartphones at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: Learn all about Smartphoneography (smartphone photography) so that you can take professional-level photos. They’ll cover the basic principles of lighting, composition and editing. Noon to 2 p.m. $5. Details.
Sports
Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club: Dozens of the world’s best golfers are coming to Charlotte and you can see them up close and personal (thanks to the new jumbo video board). The Wells Fargo Championship is the sporting and social event of the year. Bring family and friends and follow your favorite pros, enjoy official food and drink like the Champion Chips and Country Club Cooler plus seven local food trucks and a Kid’s Village. All day $55+. Details.
Hockey at Bojangles’: The Checkers are in Round 2 of the playoffs, so come cheer them on. Concession specials will include $2 hot dogs, $2 popcorn, $2 16-ounce domestic beer draughts and $4 select craft beer draughts. 6 p.m. $20+. Details.
Do Good
Charlotte AIDS Walk at Wells Fargo Plaza & Atrium: The approximately two-mile walk will serve as a powerful visual representation of the region’s commitment to caring for neighbors in need and slowing the spread of HIV. Participants are offered the opportunity to wear “honor beads” of various colors to signify their connection to the cause. 10:30 a.m. Donation/Fundraising. Details.
Shopping
Semi-Annual Sale at Traditions of Charlotte – 4317 Park Road: Don’t miss the biggest Semi-Annual sale yet. Store Hours. Free. Details.
Morning Markets 2019 at Camp North End: Ease into the weekend with coffee, breakfast food, a bit of shopping and fitness, programming for families and live music throughout the morning. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Details.
Free Comic Book Day at Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find: Come out and meet amazing comic artists and costumed heroes, and you’ll get some free comics to take home with you. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Details.
Free Community Pop Up Market at Sardis Marketplace: They’re celebrating their three-year anniversary with raffles and giveaways in addition to the regular market. They’ll also have food trucks and live music on site. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Details.
What a Girl Wants at BLACKLION: Bring your girlfriends for a day of shopping for fashion, beauty and home, plus organization and design consultations, giveaways and refreshments. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Details.
May NoDaHood Market at Divine Barrel Brewing: They’ll have 20 vendors set up selling goods and services, live music from Jade Moore, and food from the “Chimi” Spot NC. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Details.
Creators & Innovators Pop-Up Market at The Suffolk Punch: Local master makers will share their talents with you through their artisan made and globally inspired goods. 2-6 p.m. Free. Details.
SUNDAY, MAY 5
79. Partly cloudy.
Food & Drink
20th Anniversary at Tyber Creek Pub: Enjoy live music, drink specials and special events all weekend long. Friday will be an Old School Tyber Jam, Saturday is a Derby party, and Sunday they’ll turn back the clock with traditional Irish performances. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Free. Details.
Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl at Charlotte Center City: Enjoy great drink specials at locations throughout the city and DJs playing different music along the way. 1-9 p.m. $10-$40. Details.
Cinco de Mayo at Queen Park Social: They’re partnering with Casamigos to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style with $2 Tacos, margarita specials, music by DJ View Beats, Tequila Shotskis, a photo booth and more. 2-6 p.m. Free. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Reel Out Charlotte at Camp North End: Presented by Charlotte Pride, this LGBTQ film festival will feature screenings, receptions and talks throughout the weekend. Times vary Free-$40. Details.
Art of Reading Public Tour: The Lacuna at Mint Museum Randolph: After discussion, take a docent-led tour of Spanish Colonial, Pre-Colombian, Mayan and Mexican galleries. 6-7:30 p.m. Included in admission. Details.
Iliza at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts: See the comedian perform live on her “Elder Millenial Tour.” 7 p.m. $35. Details.
Experience
Charlotte SHOUT! at Uptown: The two-week event features more than 75 concerts, installations (including lighted seesaws and giant bunnies) and performances in Uptown’s public space and theaters. While most attractions are free, tickets will also go on sale for the larger acts closer to the festival date. Times vary most attractions are free. Details.
Cinco De Mayo Block Party at Hot Taco: Hot Taco, All American Pub, Slate Charlotte and Oak Room are teaming up to throw an epic block party delicious Mexican food, frozen margaritas, Cornita flips and live music. 10 a.m. to midnight. Free. Details.
Cinco De Puppo Adoption Event and Fundraiser at Bold Missy Brewery: Meet your new furr-ever friend (or just roll around with some adorable pups) from Long Trails to Happy Tails Dog Rescue. $1/pint sold during the event will be donated to the shelter. 1-4 p.m. Free. Details.
Wing Haven’s 25th Annual Gardeners’ Garden Tour at Wing Haven (248 and 348 Ridgewood Ave) + 5 Private Gardens: The tour features five private, inspiring gardens as well as open visitation both days at Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary (live music on Sunday), SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden, the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden. Pro tip: ticket price includes both days and you can order by phone with a credit card at 704-331-0664. 1-5 p.m. $30-$35. Details.
Fitness
Cinco de Puppo 5K Run/Walk at Ballantyne Village Way: Grab your pup to help raise funds for CMPD Animal Care & Control and North Meck Animal Rescue. 9 a.m. Free to attend, $30 to run/walk. Details.
Free Patio Yoga at Caswell Patio: Free patio yoga is back for the season. Classes will be taught by Kayla Frank and are perfect for all skill levels. Stay after for brunch and $2 mimosas. 10 a.m. Free. Details.
[Agenda related guide: 10 best patios in Charlotte]
Sports
Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club: Dozens of the world’s best golfers are coming to Charlotte and you can see them up close and personal (thanks to the new jumbo video board). The Wells Fargo Championship is the sporting and social event of the year. Bring family and friends and follow your favorite pros, enjoy official food and drink like the Champion Chips and Country Club Cooler plus seven local food trucks and a Kid’s Village. Times vary $55+. Details.
Kids
PJ Masks Live! Save the Day at Ovens Auditorium: Bring the kids and see the beloved characters perform live in concert. 3 p.m. $30-$60. Details.
Do Good
Hope Floats Duck Race at U.S. National Whitewater Center: KinderMourn’s 15th annual Hope Floats Duck Race returns, supporting the cause of comforting bereaved parents and grieving children. 2-5 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Shopping
Traditions of Charlotte Semi-Annual Sale at Traditions of Charlotte – 4317 Park Road: Don’t miss the biggest Semi-Annual sale yet. Pro-tip: The deepest discounts are on opening night, May 1 from 5-7 p.m. Store Hours. Free. Details.
AR Workshop Mother’s Day Mini Market at AR Workshop Charlotte: Join local vendors like Rose Gold Rebel, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, Farmer and the Belle, Sycamore Brewing and Birch Fine Tea to shop home decór, fragrances, jewelry, and more for Mom complete with delicious sips and snacks. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Cinco de Mayo Front Porch Sundays Market at 2161 Hawkins St.: In addition to the usual puppies and 65 vendors, they’ll have festive food and a Cinco-de-Mayo-inspired beer from Sycamore Brewing. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Details.
ON THE AGENDA
Spring Into Arts Festival: Don’t miss this free street fair in Downtown Concord featuring craft beer, live music, arts and craft vendors, a juried art show, a children’s area and food trucks like Cousins Maine Lobster, Hot Tamale and Bayou Betty. May 8.
Brewers and Music Festival: Enjoy two days of live music, 40-plus Carolina breweries, a three-hour tasting session and camping under the stars (if you’re up for it). The talent lineup includes Donna the Buffalo, Danger Muffin, and Fireside Collective. May 10-11.
Mother’s Day Weekend at the Garden: Celebrate the mothers in your life among the spring blooms and shop from local vendors, create crafts, sip a beverage and listen to live music in the Beer Garden, and more. The first 250 mothers admitted each day beginning at 9 a.m. will receive a free plant courtesy of Rountree Plantation Garden Center. May 11-12.
See all the upcoming events here.