Agenda Weekender: 20 things to do in Charlotte this weekend

The Agenda Weekender is proudly presented by Speedway Christmas, in partnership with Count on Me NC. It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Charlotte Motor Speedway’s drive-through holiday light show is back and it features more than 4 million lights over a 3.75-mile course. Speedway Christmas will also include drive-in holiday movies (“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” this week!) and an outdoor ice skating rink. Check out the schedule and get tickets. 

Note: The Weekender is a list of happenings around the city. Use your discretion to decide what’s in your comfort zone. As always, wear a mask and practice social distancing in public.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

55. Early showers. 70% chance of rain.

Answers for Cancer: At Home: When you make a donation of any amount, you’ll receive a 75-question trivia booklet which you’ll then fill out and submit for review. Top booklet scorers will receive gift cards to local businesses of their choosing. The money raised benefits the Taylor Soloff Memorial Endowment which supports patient care initiatives at the Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte. Today is the last day to submit answers. Any donation amount. Details.

VTGCLT Vintage and Handmade Market at Metropolitan Shopping Center: Pick up handmade and vintage wares from more than 90 of the best local and regional creatives. For your shopping convenience, VTGCLT is offering morning shopping appointments and curbside pickup for all products. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free. Details.

[Agenda related story: Gift guide: 46 local items for everyone on your list under $100] 

Charlotte Christmas Village at Truist Field: Head to the European-inspired Christmas Market in Uptown Charlotte to shop for unique, handcrafted gifts and enjoy specialty foods like Austrian strudels, Bratwurst, and Sauerkraut. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. $7 regular admission. Details.

Nutrient Rich: A Small Works Show Opening Day at 301 Camp Road, Suite 200: Pick up a one-of-a-kind art piece that’s perfect for holiday gift-giving. This small-works show will have affordable pieces from over 30 local artists. 5-9 p.m. Free. Details.

Uptown Street Eats at North Tryon Street: All weekend there will be street dining and pop-up entertainment throughout Uptown, as part of the Show UP for Uptown push. Find free and reduced parking sites here. 6-9 p.m. Varies. Details.

Wildflowers: Two Nights of Tom Petty with Josh Daniel at The Music Yard: Head to The Music Yard this Friday or Saturday to hear the Josh Daniel’s Band celebrate the legacy and music of Tom Petty. Car-side food and beverage service will be provided by SouthBound. 6-11 p.m. $100+. Details.

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra On-Demand, online: Enjoy a live-stream performance from The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in the comfort of your home. Resident conductor Christopher James Lees will lead the orchestra in playing pieces by Felix Mendelssohn and Caroline Shaw. 7:30 p.m. $20. Details.

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Put on some Christmas pajamas, pack the hot cocoa, and load up your car. The magic of holiday lights never gets old, and getting to see it all safely from the car is a major plus this year. All weekend from 4-11 p.m. on Friday, and noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. $20-$30 per car. Details.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

56. Showers. 60% chance of rain.

Unmasked: A Virtual Experience hosted by Then I Rise Enterprises, LLC, online: This virtual conference emceed by radio personality Valerie Starks will take a hard look at the “masked” areas of our lives that came to be long before the pandemic. There’s an extraordinary line-up of panelists that will discuss topics ranging from crushing the shame of addiction to dating and marriage. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details.

Holidays at The Bungalow at 421 Providence Road: SOCO Gallery, TABOR, and Not Just Coffee are putting on an outdoor market with handmade pottery, exclusive prints by Summer Wheat, and works by Cody Hoyt, as well as trunk shows by Norse Projects and SnowPeak. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. Details.

Small Business Saturdays in South End: This holiday season, celebrate the small businesses that make Charlotte so vibrant. Head to South End’s Small Business Saturday event or pop into your favorite small businesses. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Details.

Gallery Crawl at Dilworth Artisan Station: The artists of Dilworth Artisan Station will have their studios open for shoppers and art lovers to peruse and shop for holiday gifts. Masks are required. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Details.

Sweet Spot’s Holiday Block Party at 4412 Monroe Road: Head to Sweet Spot Studios to pick up goodies from their annual Sweet Spot Kitchen Holiday Bake Sale⁠, write letters to Santa, shop for last-minute Christmas gifts at The Supply Co., and take part in their ⁠Sock & Toiletry drive for Tent City. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $10. Details.

Merry Midtown Market at Metropolitan Shopping Center: Shop for everyone on your holiday gift list while supporting local businesses at the Merry Midtown Market. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Details.

Holiday Pet Pop Up at Skiptown: Head to Skiptown to shop gifts for pets and people. Vendors will include Good Sniffs & Co., The Boujee Bully, Kam’s Kitchen, and Candy Canine Collars. Additionally, pet photographer Taylor Starcher will be on-site to take photos of pets with a Christmas backdrop. Noon to 5 p.m. Prices vary. Details.

Holiday Wreath Design with SkillPop, online: This online class will walk you through the art of making your own door wreath for the holiday season. 1-2:30 p.m. $24. Details.

Santa and The Grinch at Lucky Dog Bark & Brew: Looking for a holiday card idea? Bring your dog to Lucky Dog Bark & Brew to get pictures with Santa and The Grinch. Due to Covid-19, registration is required. 1-5 p.m. $10. Details.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6

55. Sunny. 10% chance of rain.

Charlotte Christmas Village at Truist Field: Head to the European-inspired Christmas Market in Uptown Charlotte to shop for unique, handcrafted gifts and enjoy specialty foods like Austrian strudels, Bratwurst, and Sauerkraut. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $7. Details.

Counterculture Club Outdoor Yoga at Camp North End: Head to the Boileryard at Camp North End for an outdoor vinyasa flow. This socially distanced class is for yogis of all levels. Bring a mat, towels, and any props you may need. Hand sanitizer will be provided. 11 a.m. to noon. $10 in advance/$15 drop-in. Details.

Gospel Sundays at Middle C Jazz: Enjoy a live gospel performance that is sure to lift your spirits. Seating includes the club & patio and is first-come. 1-3 p.m. $28 adult, $12 children. 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.