Weekender: 17 things to do this weekend, including lights on the Rail Trail

The Weekender is proudly presented by Charlotte Motor Speedway – Home of the Coca-Cola 600. Memorial Day Weekend will be here before you know it and tickets are already on sale for the Coca-Cola 600. Snag them now for the whole fam and start dreaming of warmer weather.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18

40. Rain. 89% chance of rain.

Family Movie Night at Protagonist Brewing South End: Enjoy a family-friendly movie night and $4 pizza slices at Protagonist South End. 6-10 p.m. $4. Details.

Skyline Drive-In at Camp North End at 400 Camp Road: Head to Camp North End to catch a drive-in screening of Creed. While you’re there, grab food from one of Camp North End’s delicious food stalls. 7-10 p.m. $30 per car. Details.

Virtual Modernism + Film with the Bechtler Museum, Online: Join the Bechtler Museum and UNC Charlotte for a viewing and discussion of the new documentary PUSH – a film that explores why people can’t afford to live in their own cities anymore. 7-9:30 p.m. Free. Details.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19

50. AM showers. 44% chance of rain.

At-Home Harry Potter Science Kit, Online: If you believe you belong at Hogwarts, this online class is for you. This at-home Harry Potter science kit will allow you to along with witchcraft and wizardry professors from the Museum of York County as they explore different wand, alchemy, potions, and astronomy. 6 p.m. $15. Details.

Risotto from Scratch online with SkillPop: Chef Rosana will show you how to cook authentic, Italian risotto with mushrooms paired with an arugula and prosciutto salad. 5:30-7 p.m. $30. Details.

I Heart Rail Trail Opening Day in South End: “I Heart Rail Trail,” the popular lights installation, returns to South End starting today with six new displays from local artists. The interactive light installations run from February 19 to March 7 along South End’s Rail Trail from 1100 South plaza to Atherton Mill. Feb. 19 to March 7. Free. Details.

Sweet Spot at Home: Sweet Spot Studio is bringing the fun of baking right into your home. Now through the end of February, baking classes will be offered virtually with lessons including French macarons, cake donuts and DIY Twix & Kit Kat bars. $30-$45. Details.

Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru Experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Charlotte Motor Speedway’s zMAX Dragway is being transformed into an interactive drive-thru experience, featuring more than 70 moving and life-like dinosaurs, as well as a 50-foot-long Megalodon. Through Feb. 21. $49 per vehicle. Details.

Inside Siloam School, Online: Go on a 360-degree tour of the historic Siloam School. You’ll learn about the history of the Mecklenburg County school and how it was part of a larger movement to provide quality education to African American children in the midst of segregation. A ticket includes a digital guidebook and access to a live-streamed kick-off event on Feb. 18 that includes Mayor Vi Lyles and several authors. All proceeds from ticket sales will support the Save Siloam School Project. Feb. 18-28. $25. Details.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20

45. Sunny. 5% chance of rain.

Chunky Blanket Workshop at Wine & Design Charlotte: Bring your favorite wine, beer or soft drinks for his sip-and-knit chunky blanket workshop. No prior knitting experience is required.  Knit one for yourself or to give as a gift. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $79. Details.

The Chili Man PopUp at 7th Street Public Market:  Swing by The Chili Man and try one of their hot dogs, brats, or veggie dogs.  11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Menu pricing. Details.

Lovers Art Trail: This love-inspired trail features ten artworks in South End, Third Ward, NoDa and Plaza-Midwood. At each stop, you’ll learn about the artist, mural, and a fun fact about love or Valentine’s Day. Ongoing. Free. Details.

Pride Awards 2021: Bridging the Racial Wealth Gap: This year’s Pride Award recipient, Shaun Corbett is being recognized for his entrepreneurial achievements and his work as the executive director of Cops and Barbers, an organization that aims to bridge the gap between the community and police. 6-8:30 p.m. Details.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21

48. Sunny. 5% chance of rain.

Yoga + Brunch at Alchemy: Join Jasmine Vializ of Dancing Lotus Yoga + Arts for a Covid-conscious yoga class followed by brunch prepared by Alchemy’s own Chef Ken Aponte. Ticket includes yoga, one brunch item and a drink. 9 a.m. $35. Details.

SouthBound Sundaze ft. Domii: Enjoy a SoCal-inspired brunch menu while DOMii spins popular tunes. Brunch specials include $25 mimosa pitchers, $6 margaritas and $5 tequila sunrise shots. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prices vary. Details.

‘Now That’s What I Call Brunch’ at Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo: Head to Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo for its 90s themed Sunday brunch series ‘Now That’s What I Call Brunch.’ The brunch items are sure to bring back 90s nostalgia with offerings like Sunny D mimosas and donut charcuterie boards. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Reservations are highly recommended and face masks are required. Noon to 5 p.m. Menu pricing. Details.

Vivid Colors at the Mint Museum Uptown: To celebrate Mint Museum Uptown’s tenth anniversary, In Vivid Color: Pushing the Boundaries of Perception in Contemporary Art brings together four innovative contemporary artists who create works celebrating the power of color and its transformative ability to permeate the space around us. Now through Sunday, February 28. Prices vary. Details.

Check out more upcoming events on our 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. Have a scoop about a cool event? Email [email protected].