Agenda Weekender: 65+ things to do in Charlotte this weekend

Plus, get $5 off your first two Lyft rides using code LYFTWITHAGENDA.

FRIDAY, MAY 17

89. Partly cloudy.

Food & Drink

Hops Festival Beer Dinner at Angeline’s – 308 S. Church St.: You’ll get six courses made by Executive Chef Robert Hoffman of Angeline’s all paired with brews from Triple C Brewing Company. 6:30 p.m. $65. Details.

Arts & Entertainment

Chris Young at PNC Music Pavilion: See the “Nashville Star” winner perform live on his Raised On Country Tour. 7:30 p.m. $38-$88. Details.

Ravel’s Boléro at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts: The Charlotte Symphony, conducted by Christopher Warren-Green, will perform one of the most famous pieces of music ever written: Ravel’s Boléro. 7:30 p.m. $19+. Details.

Charlotte Ballet’s Choreographic Lab at 701 N. Tryon: This up-close and informal performance gives aspiring choreographers the chance to show their work. 7:30 p.m. $25+. Details.

Ella Mai at The Fillmore Charlotte: The R&B artist is well known for her single “Boo’d Up,” and she’s also swept a handful of Soul Train Awards, including Best Song of the Year, The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award and Best R&B/Soul Female Artist. Oh, and her tour is sold out but you can still snag a resale tickets. 8 p.m. $30. Details.

Experience

Science on the Rocks: Winter Is Here at Discovery Place Science: They’re going to have tons of Thrones-themed activities like a Hodor “hold the door” tug-of-war challenge, Swordwinds Historical Swordfighting and more. There will also be themed drinks and snacks.5-9 p.m. $12. Details.

Friday Nights at Camp North End: Every Friday, they’ll have food, music and a few surprises. Kids and leashed pets are welcome. 5-10 p.m. Free. Details.

Rally in Charlotte with Bernie Sanders at CPCC Overcash Center: Join Bernie Sanders for a public rally. Free parking available at the faculty theater garage at 1225 E. 4th St. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Details.

Open Demo at Hot Glass Alley: See first-hand how the artists create beautiful and functional works of art out of glass. 6-9 p.m. Free. Details.

F•R•I•E•N•D•S Trivia at Queen City Grounds: Luckily your giant New York apartment isn’t on the line, but you should still binge-watch “Friends” to prep for a fierce competition. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Details.

Platinum Gala at Le Méridien Charlotte: Join Time Out Youth Center for their annual gala to help celebrate and support LGBTQ youth in the Carolinas. The evening will include cocktails, a silent and live auction, dinner and entertainment. 6:30-10:30 p.m. $150. Details.

Whitewater River Jam at USNWC: Bring your friends, family and a blanket for a night of music, craft beer and food. Tonight’s entertainment will be Old Salt Union. 7-10 p.m. Free. Details. Cover photo of this story courtesy of Whitewater Center.

2nd Annual Queen’s Royal Drag Ball at Rooftop 210: Watch the Queen’s of Charlotte werk it down the runway. A VIP ticket includes one-hour early admission (get the best spot near the runway!), rainbow flag and one specialty cocktail. 7:30-10 p.m. $10-$25. Details.

Learn Things

Intersections: Arts + Affordable Housing at Covenant Presbyterian Church: Experts will be discussing the many ways art and artists can help strengthen and support equitable affordable housing and community development initiatives. 8-11 a.m. Free. Details.

Sports

Hockey at Bojangles’ Coliseum: Cheer on the Checkers as they take on the Toronto Marlies in round three of the playoffs. Concession deals will include $2 hot dogs, $2 popcorn, $2 16 oz. domestic beer draughts and $4 select craft beer draughts. 7 p.m. $22-$115. Details.

Baseball and Joe Borchard Induction Ceremony at BB&T Ballpark: Cheer on the Knights as they take on the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies) with fireworks after the game. The Knights will induct Joe Borchard into the Charlotte Baseball Round Table of Honor during a pre-game ceremony. 7:04 p.m. $9+. Details.

Shopping

Big Tent Sale at Cotswold Marketplace at Cotswold Marketplace – 200 N. Sharon Amity (across from Krispy Kreme): Expect huge clearance on furniture, home decor, rugs, lighting, art, gifts and much more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Details.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

91. Mostly sunny.

Food & Drink

Pizza Party at The Pizza Peel Cotswold: They’re celebrating 11 years of business in the Cotswold neighborhood with all-you-can-eat free cheese and pepperoni pizzas, music, games and prizes. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Details.

[Agenda related guide: Best pizza in Charlotte]

Bold Missy Turns Two! at Bold Missy Brewery: They’ll have new limited edition beers, a big market made up of all female local makers, live music from Comfortably Nuts, food trucks and new merch for the occasion. Noon to 10 p.m. Free admission. Details.

Ballantyne Village Wine Festival at Blackfinn Ameripub – Ballantyne: Sip your way through a large selection of local, regional and national wine varieties and vineyards. Learn from the experts, expand your palate, and dive even deeper into the styles you already know and love. Noon to 7 p.m. $24-$40. Details.

Hops Fest Pup Parade at Hoppin’: This pre-festival celebration features a special brunch menu, craft brews and a dog groomer followed by a 1:30 p.m. parade of pups to the South End Hops Festival. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Free. Details.

2019 Louisiana Crawfish Boil at Catawba Brewing Company: They’ll have crawfish coming straight from Louisiana cooked by Geaux Creole and your ticket will include three pounds of it with all of the fixings. Plus, they’ll have fresh jambalaya, live music, drinks, food trucks and a raffle.  1-5 p.m. $8 for jambalaya, $30 for crawfish. Details.

South End Hops Festival at 308 W. Carson Blvd.: Expect 30 local breweries from North Carolina, local food trucks, artisans and live music at this beer lovers festival that benefits Rescued Me dog rescue. Pro-tip: You can bring your pup! 1-6 p.m. $40-$60. Details.

Rosé Festival 3.0 at Vin Master Wine Shop: You get 20 tastings of Rosé, and you can expect live music, chocolate, popcorn and cheese tastings and barbecue and wings. 3-7 p.m. $35. Details.

Arts & Entertainment

Art in the Garden Tour at six private gardens in south Charlotte: Tour six spectacular private gardens all of all types. Your ticket includes the two-day tour and After-Tour Art Show & Party at Mint Museum-Randolph on Sunday. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $30-$35. Details.

Brews & Ballet: A Taste of Charlotte Ballet at Center for Dance – 701 N. Tryon St.: For their first Brews & Ballet series, Charlotte Ballet is pairing local choreographic voices with favorite local craft beers. Your ticket includes a craft beer reception on the lawn outside of the Center for Dance followed by a 40-minute performance from Charlotte Ballet’s Choreographic Lab (plus free parking!). 1 p.m. $25. Details.

Charlotte Pride Band in Concert at UNC Charlotte: Under the artistic direction of John Stanley Ross, Charlotte Pride Band will close their season with a “Spring Fling” concert featuring lighter fare works. 5-6:30 p.m. $15. Details.

Carolina Voices: Colors of Song at St. John’s Baptist Church – 300 Hawthorne Lane: In Colors of Song, the Festival Singers will feature Vaughan Williams’ “Serenade to Music.” 7 p.m. $10-$20. Details.

Charlotte Ballet’s Choreographic Lab at 701 N. Tryon St.: This up-close and informal performance gives aspiring choreographers the chance to show their work. 7:30 p.m. $25+. Details.

Ravel’s Boléro at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts: The Charlotte Symphony, conducted by Christopher Warren-Green, will perform one of the most famous pieces of music ever written: Ravel’s Boléro. 7:30 p.m. $19+. Details.

Experience

Paws & Pints for a Purpose at Legion Brewing: Enjoy a one-mile dog walk led by the dog-walking professionals at Skipper that will start and end at the brewery. 10 a.m. Free/donation. Details.

“Crown Town Throwdown” Charity Cornhole Tournament at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: Enjoy live music and compete in one of the Southeast’s largest cornhole tournaments for cool prizes. Each player receives two drink tickets, barbecue lunch and an event T-shirt. Competition starts at noon. $80 per team of two. Details.

4th Annual Pints For Paws Charlotte at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: Expect dog adoptions, live music, raffles, a dog kissing booth, photos ops and more. The event benefits the Live.Wag.BARK! Foundation, and is, of course, dog-friendly. Noon to 6 p.m. Free. Details.

2019 Queen City Book Fair at The Carole Hoefener Center: Meet local and out-of-town authors and help foster a greater literary community here in Charlotte. Noon to 5 p.m. Free. Details.

MeckDec Day Celebration at Charlotte Museum of History: Celebrate the legendary Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and explore the long history of fighting for freedom here in the Queen City. They’ll have cooking demos, reenactments and volunteering opportunities. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Details.

The Cheerwine Festival in Salisbury, NC: Locals and fans of Cheerwine alike will enjoy strolling through historic downtown Salisbury, shopping craft vendors, sampling beers and dishes from Carolina establishments, listening to the headlining band, Smash Mouth and more. Noon to 10 p.m. Free. Details. Free admission. Details. 

Mayfest at JackBeagle’s NoDa: Jam with some of Charlotte’s finest musicians while supporting a worthy cause. They will be raising money for hospice via donations, T-shirt sales and more. 1 p.m. Free. Details.

Third Annual Montford Park Block Party at 1515 Mockingbird Lane: Bring the family for a day of music, food from local businesses, specialty booths and more. 4-9 p.m. Free. Details.

Soccer Shots FUNfest at McAlpine’s Centre Soccer Fields – 8509 McAlpine Park Drive: Grab the family (and your friends) for a fun afternoon with activities like bounce houses, DJs, face painting, Soccer Shots sessions, food and more. 4-7 p.m. Free. Details.

The Office Trivia Bar Crawl at Uptown: Grab a team of fellow Dunder Mifflin employees and get ready for a roaming trivia game. You’ll turn in your completed trivia form at the after party where Dundie Trophies will be passed out. 4 p.m. to midnight $15-$25. Details.

Whitewater River Jam at USNWC:Bring your friends, family and a blanket for a night of music, craft beer and food. Tonight’s entertainment will be from Vintage Pistol. 7-10 p.m. Free. Details.

2nd Annual Let’s Talk About It Mental Health Awareness Gala at Sugar Creek Brewing: Help show support for those in the community living with mental disorders and encourage discussions around the issue. The evening will include a networking hour, informational programs and dancing with a live band and DJ. All proceeds will go to Eustress Inc. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. $60-$110. Details.

Big Green Egg Demo Day at Blackhawk Hardware: Learn how to cook on Big Green Egg and get some free food samples, from beer-can chicken to homemade pizza. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Details.

Learn Things

The Art of the Interview at Beatties Ford Library: Learn how to nail your next interview from experts Mike Collins — a veteran Charlotte broadcaster who is the host of WFAE’s Charlotte Talks — and Tommy Tomlinson who spent 23 years as a columnist and local reporter for the Charlotte Observer and is the current host of WFAE’s Southbound podcast. 2-3:30 p.m. Free. Details.

Fitness

Let Me Run 5k and Charlotte Mile at Whitehall Corporate Center: Charlotte’s only competitive mile race will have $1,000 in prizes up for grabs for the fastest runners and to the largest team of finishers. Then, the 5k run will also help raise funds for Let Me Run, a nonprofit prevention program aimed at strengthening boys in body and spirit. 8 a.m. $20-$50. Details.

Savage Race & Savage Blitz at 3900 Rocky River Road: Test your strength and endurance on the best obstacles in the business. The race includes 27-plus obstacles over 5-7 miles and the blitz includes 15-20 obstacles more than 3 miles. 9 a.m. $15-$35. Details.

The Super Run 5K at McAlpine Creek Greenway Park: Grab your cape for a fun 5K benefitting local nonprofits. Finishers will get a medal, cape and photo-op in front of the special photo screen. 9 a.m. $30-$60. Details.

Run! Ballantyne at Sara’s YMCA: Hit the pavement and make your footprints count in support of the YMCA Annual Campaign. They’ll have an 8K and 5K option. Then, everyone can enjoy a post-race party with DJ music, bubbles, food trucks, awards, door prizes and more. 7:30 a.m. $15-$45. Details.

Camp Gladiator + Sycamore Brewing Workout Party & Social at Sycamore Brewing: Power through a sweat sesh and then reward yourself with free samples from Nekter and brews from Sycamore. All participants will receive a raffle ticket to win a four-pack. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Details.

Sports

Hockey at Bojangles’ Coliseum: Cheer on the Checkers as they take on the Toronto Marlies in round three of the playoffs. Concession deals will include $2 hot dogs, $2 popcorn, $2 16 oz. domestic beer draughts and $4 select craft beer draughts. 6 p.m. $22-$45. Details.

Pink Knights Baseball Game at BB&T Ballpark: Cheer on the Knights as they take on the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. Funds raised go to support uninsured local women in need of mammograms and other breast health needs. 7:04 p.m. $9+. Details.

Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Whether you’ve been a longtime racing fan or want to check out the NASCAR tailgate scene, there are tons of ticket options for you to get the racing experience you want. 8 p.m. $25+. Details.

Do Good

Walk to End Lupus Now at CPCC Belk Plaza: Help raise money for lupus research and education programs, while increasing lupus awareness and public support. The 1.25-mile walk will take fundraisers through the scenic CPCC campus. 9 a.m. Fundraising. Details.

The 4th Annual Let’s Talk About It Mental Health Awareness Walk at Martin Luther King Jr Middle: Help break down the stigma and walk in support of those with mental illnesses. 9 a.m. to noon $0-$20. Details.

Great Strides Charlotte at Mint Street & MLK Jr. Boulevard: Enjoy fun festivities before and after a 5K walk in Uptown Charlotte alongside the Cystic Fibrosis Fighters. 9 a.m. Donation. Details.

Relay For Life of Charlotte at First Ward Park: Join with family, friends, and your community to fight back against cancer. Sign up as an individual or as a team and start fundraising. 5 p.m. to midnight. Donation. Details.

Shopping

Big Tent Sale at Cotswold Marketplace at Cotswold Marketplace – 200 N. Sharon Amity (across from Krispy Kreme): Expect huge clearance on furniture, home decor, rugs, lighting, art, gifts and much more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Details.

May Uptown Flea at 406 N. Tryon St.: Shop 60 vendors including local shops, handmade goods, vintage wares and plants. They’ll also have food trucks on site. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Details.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

88. Mostly sunny.

Food & Drink

Festa Italiana Charlotte 2019 at Gateway Village: Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, an open bar for wine and prosecco, a Peroni Beer Garden, continuous live entertainment, a silent auction, activities for kids and more all afternoon. All proceeds will go to the Nevins Center to help them create opportunities and a better life for people with disabilities. 1-7 p.m. $45+. Details.

Rosé the Day Away at City Lights Rooftop: They’re pouring specialty rosés, select wines will be half off, and they’ll have a DJ and other drink specials. 1-4 p.m. Free admission. Details.

Arts & Entertainment

Art in the Garden Tour at six private gardens in south Charlotte: Tour six spectacular private gardens all of all types. Your ticket includes the two-day tour and After-Tour Art Show & Party at Mint Museum-Randolph on Sunday. 1-4 p.m., after party to follow. $30-$35. Details.

Ravel’s Boléro at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts: The Charlotte Symphony, conducted by Christopher Warren-Green, will perform one of the most famous pieces of music ever written: Ravel’s Boléro. 3 p.m. $19+. Details.

The 1975 at Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre: The hit pop-rock band will be performing live on their limited North American tour with special guests Pale Waves and No Rome. 7 p.m. $35-$74. Details.

Learn Things

Annual Captain Jack Historical Bike Ride at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: In honor of Captain James Jack’s historic 500-mile ride to deliver the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence to Congress, you can participate in a historic bike ride from the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery to various historical locations around Charlotte relevant to Captain Jack. 2-4 p.m. Free. Details.

Fitness

Savage Race & Savage Blitz at 3900 Rocky River Road: Test your strength and endurance on the best obstacles in the business. The race includes 27-plus obstacles over 5-7 miles, and the blitz includes 15-20 obstacles over 3-plus miles. 9 a.m. $15-$35. Details.

Rooftop BARRE & Brunch at Fahrenheit: Barre POPT will lay down a 55-minute full-body workout. After class, Fahrenheit will serve up a brunch buffet with mimosas. Your ticket includes the class, buffet and your first mimosa. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $25. Details.

Beers & Burpees Summer Kick Off at NoDa Brewing: Stop by for yoga, running, a Beers & Burpees Demo Workout, NoDa beer, music by DJ NiX and tons of prizes. 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. $0-$5. Details.

Shopping

VolunCHEERS South End Clean Up at Fowler Porch and Hoppin’: Help clean up the neighborhood, and then get rewarded with a Volunteer Appreciation Party at Hoppin’ 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.

ON THE AGENDA

Memorial Day Oyster Roast: Get your oysters raw or grilled and listen to some live bluegrass music. Oh, and they’ll have their usual free Sunday Funday lunch the next day, too. May 25. 

National Trails Day: Kick off summer with free bike, kayak and SUP rentals, nature and history walks, bike tours, yoga, kids activities, live music, food truck and 30 outdoor themed exhibitors. June 1.

Charlotte Mimosa Festival: Enjoy an afternoon of unlimited mimosa tastings, great music, entertainment, pop up shops, and awesome food from some of Charlotte’s finest food trucks. Details.

See all the upcoming events here.