Weekday Planner: 20 cool things to do in Charlotte this week including the Charlotte Christmas Village
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Southern Christmas Show
The Park Expo and Conference Center | 10 a.m. | $12.50+ | Details
Why you should go: It’s the largest holiday show in North America with more than 450 vendors. Calling all die-hard Southern Christmas Show fans. This is your chance to be among the first people to get a look at this year’s merch. Expect appetizers and entertainment, too. The show runs November 14-24, and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.
Whitewater Center Ice Skating
U.S. National Whitewater Center | Agenda Preview
Why you should go: This new ice skating rink includes 17,000 square feet of ice on the Upper Pond of the whitewater river, and it’ll have three areas (free skate, winter sports and a 600-foot ice trail). The skating area will also have a skate-up bar where you can buy craft beer, hot chocolate and coffee.
Volo Opening
Myers Park | Dinner Only | Agenda Preview
Why you should go: This new upscale Italian restaurant opens in the space formerly occupied by Lumiere in Myers Park. They made it a point to highlight that the entire operation — from ownership to the kitchen to the bar — is staffed by Italians and Italian-Americans. So you’re getting the real deal. The opening dinner menu is tight, featuring five appetizers ($12-$14), six pastas ($14-$22) and four entrees ($20-$35). They also have a limited bar menu with select bites available late night.
Holiday on Ice
NASCAR Hall of Fame | 5 p.m. | $12+ | Details
Why you should go: Nothing says holiday spirit like ice skating your way past Christmas trees and sparkling lights and drinking hot coco.
Karaoke Roulette
Unknown Brewing | 7-10 p.m. | $20-$25 | Details
Why you should go: The Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte is putting a spin on classic Karaoke. Whatever song they land on, is what you’re singing. Expect beer, prizes, and more.
Pinhouse Run & Bowl Kickoff Party
Pinhouse | 6:30 p.m. | Free | Details
Why you should go: Getting in the habit on running has been my New Year’s resolution for four years now. And it’s not going super well, honestly. So if you’re like me, here’s the accountability you’ve been looking for.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
A Conversation with Michelle Alexander
Belk Theater | 7 p.m. | $25-$75 | Details
Why you should go: Don’t miss Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. Alexander will speak about racial injustice in the modern legal system and how mass incarceration has come to replace segregation. Michael Barbaro, host of The New York Times’ “The Daily” podcast, will moderate the conversation.
Boozy Cupcake Decorating
Resident Culture Brewing Company | 6:30-8 p.m. | $40 | Details
Why you should go: What if instead of bringing a store-bought pie to Friendsgiving, you brought boozy cupcakes? You know, to go with the day-drinking theme. This class will teach you how to make ’em, and you get six cupcakes to take home.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
$4 Sushi Rolls
CO – Park Road Shopping Center | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Free | Details
Why you should go: Co is turning four and is celebrating $4 sushi rolls all day on Wednesday. Important notes: You can only get one per person, and the deal is dine-in only.
Jonas Brothers: Happiness Begins Tour
Spectrum Center | 7:30 p.m. | $30-$499.95 | Details
Why you should go: Our favorite brothers are back on tour showcasing their fifth album, Happiness Begins.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
The National Conversation on Board Diversity
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 5-7:30 p.m. | $100 |Details
Why you should go: This fundraiser hosted by 2020 Women on Boards, a campaign pushing for 20 percent of all public company board seats to be held by women by year-end 2020, includes a panel of CEOs and Corporate Directors of public companies, results so far of the 2020 WOB campaign, and other talks. Fun fact: North Carolina has reached 20 percent.
Rail Trail Bridge Public Meeting
Charlotte Powerhouse Studio | 4-7 p.m. | Details
Why you should go: The city wants public input on the rail trail bridge over I-277 connecting South End to Uptown. You can learn the history of the bridge, meet the design team, and provide feedback.
Public Meeting: Queens Park (10-Year Parks Plan)
Williamson Pavilion Hornet’s Nest Park | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Free | Details
Why you should go: Charlotte could be getting its very own Central Park called Queens Park on 220-acre site in NoDa currently owned by Norfolk Southern. This is first of several public meetings where you can learn more about the proposed plan and weigh in.
[Agenda related story: 220-acre version of New York City’s Central Park proposed for a longstanding north Charlotte rail yard]
That Golden Girls Show: A Puppet Parody
Booth Playhouse | 7:30 p.m. | $19.50+ | Details
Why you should go: Wake up and smell the coffee, you fossil. Everyone needs to see the Golden Girls puppet show.
Design Sample Sale
SouthPark Interiors | 2-8 p.m. | Free | Details
Why you should go: The commercial interior design company is clearing out their inventory, so art, pillows, lighting, decorative accessories, small furniture, and more will be available at steep discounts.
Taste of Cuba: SIP
Discovery Place Science | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | $45 | Details
Why you should go: Enjoy a night out at the Museum exploring the leisurely aspects of Cuba’s rich culture. The evening will feature coffee tastings, drink mixing demonstrations and an opportunity to explore ¡Cuba! the exhibition.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Charlotte Christmas Village – Christkindlmarkt
Corner of 7th Street & North Tryon Street | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Free | Details
Why you should go: The annual European-inspired Christmas Market is back. Expect the usual speciality foods, Glühwein in a souvenir village mug, cider, hot chocolate, vendors, photos with Santa, and holiday performances.
Speedway Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway | 6-10 p.m. | $20-$30 | Details
Why you should go: Nothing says Christmas in the Carolinas like 4 million lights arranged around a race track. Expect a Ferris wheel, Bethlehem village, photos with Santa, fun foods, games, fire pits for s’mores roasting, and drive-in style Christmas movies, too.
The Polar Express Train Ride
N.C. Transportation Museum| 4 p.m. | $37 kids, $43 adults | Details
Why you should go: I remember the first time I saw “The Polar Express” in theaters and I’m not sure I’ve experienced greater magic. So treat your inner child (or actual child) to a holiday train ride. Rides are every weekend, Friday-Sunday, from mid-November through December
B# Presents Stacy’s Mom’s Night Out
Amos’ Southend – 1423 S. Tryon St. | 7:30 p.m. | $10 advance, $12 at the door | Details
Why you should go: Expect your favorite songs from 90s and 2000s from artists including Blink-182, Weezer, Matchbox 20, GooGoo Dolls, Green Day, Avril Lavigne, Hootie and the Blowfish, and others. Proceeds benefit Charlotte Family Housing.