Agenda Weekender: 18 things to do in Charlotte this weekend

The Agenda Weekender is proudly presented by Charlotte Motor Speedway. Miss racing? There are two ways to get in some high-speed action this weekend:

• In-person: This Saturday, October 10 snag tickets for a double-header race day at the Speedway, including the Drive for the Cure 250 and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GT classes. The first race starts at 3:30 p.m. and tickets are $50 for adults (and free for kids). Details.
• At home: The main weekend event, the Bank of America ROVAL 400, is happening this Sunday, October 11 and even though it’s already sold out, you can tune in to NBC at 2:30 p.m. to watch the race.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

74. Cloudy. 10% chance of rain.

TEDxCharlotte at CPCC Halton Theatre: This in-person event will combine TED Talk videos and live speakers to spark deep discussion across subjects and topics. Free. 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Details.

Pet Pop Up Online: Learn about volunteering or fostering with a rescue group or shop from 20 local vendors who make unique items for pets and their people. 15 percent of sales from the Pet Pop Up shop will go to Greater Charlotte SPCA. Price varies. Details.

“Oddities” Exhibit Opening Night at Charlotte Art League: Local artists and collectors have come together to create a display of creepy, kitsch, and slightly off-color fringe art for the Charlotte Art League’s October exhibit. Opening night will kick off with a costume party and blood drive. Appropriate for all ages. Free. 6-9 p.m. Details.

Shakedown Street: A Night of Grateful Dead at The Music Yard: You might recognize Josh Daniel from his daily quarantine concert sessions, where he plays music to lift the spirits of neighbors and online viewers. He started the session back in March and how now played over 200 consecutive shows. Car-side food and beverage service will be provided by SouthBound. $115+ per carload. 7-10:30 p.m. Details

Wooden Robot Pop Up Bake Sale at 1440 S. Tryon St.: Head to Wooden Robot for brews and baked goods at the Pop-up bake sale featuring Blossom and Bee Bakery. Free. 7-11 p.m. Details.

Frightmare on Dam Rd. at Mr. Putty’s Fun Park: If you’re looking for a good scare head to Frightmare on Dam Rd… if you dare. This haunted house isn’t for the faint of heart. The rest of Mr. Putty’s Fun Park will have other spooky-themed attractions like open-air scare zones, haunted miniature golf, and zombie axe throwing. Starts at dusk. $15 general admission. Details.

Halloween Movies at Hounds Drive-In: Head to Hounds Drive-In for a spooky double feature. Friday’s screenings include CoCo and Hocus Pocus on screen 1 and Hocus Pocus and Beetlejuice on screen 2. The concession stand will have snacks and refreshments available for purchase. $20 per carload. ​Gates open at 7 p.m., movies start at 8 p.m. Details.

Erin McDermott Jewelry Pop-Up Shop at 2608 Roswell Ave.: Local jewelry artist Erin McDermott is hosting a pop-up shop featuring a few of her favorite small businesses and brands in Charlotte. The event will be held outdoors at her studio and masks are required. Free. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

71. Rain. 80% chance of rain.

Uptown Farmers Market at 300 S. Davidson St.: Shop fresh, locally sourced fruits and veggies at the Uptown Farmers Market. Prices vary. 8 a.m. to noon. Details.

The Pumpkin Patch at Truist Field: Truist Field is transforming into a pumpkin patch where you can pick and decorate the perfect pumpkin. Free admission, pumpkin prices vary by size. Due to Covid-19, families must book a time slot before arriving, and face masks will be required. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details.

PlantBar Grand Opening: The day plant-lovers have been waiting for is finally here. PlantBar, a trendy plant store and bar, is opening its first Charlotte location in Dilworth. Visit the store to pick out or get matched to a plant that suits your lifestyle. Expect drinks, plants, and some freebies. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Details.

[Related Agenda Story: Trendy plant store PlantBar is opening this September in Dilworth]

Orange Wine Day at The Bohemian: Enjoy orange and amber wines fit for the fall at The Bohemian’s inaugural Orange Wine Day. $25 at the door. Noon to 11:15 p.m. Details.

Fall Cocktail Basics with SkillPop, online: Spice up your at-home fall cocktail game with this virtual workshop. Expert mixologist Chad Whittington will demonstrate the process of creating fall-themed cocktails and share his tips and tricks for creating the ultimate seasonal cocktail. Must be 21+ to enroll. $25. 3-4:30 p.m. Details.

Fall Fest Series at Pinhouse: Celebrate fall and the weekend by going to Fall Fest at Pinhouse. There will be fall beers and ciders, food from Another Food Truck, music from DJ Rowshay and Greg Adams, and of course duckpin bowling.  Free. 3:15-11:15 p.m. Details.

Drive for the Cure 250 at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Head to the Speedway for a double-header race day, including the Drive for the Cure 250 and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. $50 for adults, kids are free. 3:30 p.m. Details.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11

76. Thunderstorms. 80% chance of rain.

Counterculture Club Outdoor Yoga at Camp North End: Head to the Boileryard at Camp North End for an outdoor vinyasa flow with certified yoga instructor Sarah Saxon. This socially distanced class is for yogis of all levels. Bring a mat, towels, and any props you may need. Hand sanitizer and water will be provided. $10. 10-11 a.m. Details.

Bank of America ROVAL 400: Even though the race is sold out, you can still catch the action on NBC. Free. 2:30 p.m. Details.

Nerdy Night In: Comedy in the time of COVID, online: This online event hosted by the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center hopes to make sense of COVID-19 and maybe even make you laugh. Free, donations appreciated. 7 p.m. Details. 

Check out more upcoming events on the Agenda Event Board. Hosting an event? Reach more Charlotteans through an Event Listing, which includes placement on our Event Board and in our newsletters’ Classifieds section.