Axios Weekender: 23 fun things to do this weekend in Charlotte

The Weekender is proudly presented by The Speedway Club. One of Charlotte’s best-kept dining secrets, The Speedway Club is now offering limited seating for the general public Tuesday-Saturday. Enjoy a world-class menu, great cocktails and Speedway views. Call 704-455-3216 to make reservations.

FRIDAY, JULY 9

90. PM thunderstorms. 54% chance of rain.

Queen Charlotte Fair at 5650 Sandusky Blvd.: It’s almost time to say (fair)well to the Queen Charlotte Fair. Through Sunday, you can still make a trip to ride all of your favorite carnival rides, catch exciting performances like the “Belmont Festival of Magic” show and “Wall of Death Motorcycle Show,” and of course, fill up on some delicious fair food. Through July 11. $7-$12 per person. Details.

Wooden Robot’s 6th Anniversary Party at NoDa and South End locations: In honor of turning six, Wooden Robot Brewery will be releasing six beers and a limited edition commemorative glass ($8). Through Sunday. Prices vary. Details.

NoDa Brewing Company Miles & Music Summer Series at 2921 North Tryon St.: Join the team from Around the Crown for a run around the block followed by drinks in the taproom and live music from local artists. Every second Friday through August, 6-9:30pm. Free, registration required. Details.

BLKMRKTCLT New Growth Series Presents Fluorescent Brown at 1824 Statesville Ave.: In honor of turning 4, BLKMRKTCLT is showcasing and promoting Black women creatives through solo showcases. The first artist is Jessica Dunston (@FBVisuals) who describes her work as a “constant love affair with brown skin.” Throughout July, 6-9pm. Free, registration required. Details.

The Great Get Back with Not Just Coffee at 1026 Jay St.: Celebrate the return of gatherings at Not Just Coffee’s Jay Street location. There will be a great lineup of local artists performing including Greg Cox, Bravo Pueblo and Chelsea Locklear. 6-10pm. $25. Details.

Bubbles Exhibit Grand Opening at 4100 Raleigh St.: The Charlotte Art League’s latest exhibit, “Bubbles,” showcases artwork that represents bubbles and celebration. Stroll through the working artist’s studios and browse the gallery walls. All artwork is for sale. July 9 through August 6, 6-9pm. Free. Details.

River Jam at the Whitewater Center at 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy.: It’s another weekend of ~immaculate summer vibes~ at River Jam. Sprawl out on the lawn with a blanket or a chair and listen to tunes from a variety of artists. Taking the stage on Friday followed by Big Daddy Love on Saturday. 6:30pm. Free, $6 parking. Details.

Salty Parrot Brewing Live Salty Summer Music Series at 1200 Graham St.: Head to Salty Parrot Brewing on Fridays to catch live music, food trucks and cold brews. Taking the stage this Friday is Seth Grigg. 7-9pm. Free. Details.

Dream Selfie Museum’s Selfies and Soul Open Mic Night at 4212 Raleigh St.: Sing and take selfies at the Dream Selfie Museum’s open mic night. Sign up to reserve a performance spot. 7-10pm. $10-$18. Details.

Diva Royale Drag Queen Show at 3217 North Davidson St.: The divas have arrived! Get up close to some of your favorite “celebrities” like Madonna, Dolly Parton, Celine Dion, Liza Minnelli, Adele, Nicki Minaj, Whitney Houston, Sia, Britney Spears, Beyonce and many other celebrity impersonators. 7pm. $20+. Details.

Tea 101 Class by Spice and Tea Exchange Charlotte at 720 Governor Morrison St., Unit 100: Socialize while you sip botanical cocktails and learn about tea. Ticket includes welcome cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, Tea 101 class, six tea tastings and dessert. 7-8:30pm. $65. Details.

FabFest – Charlotte’s Beatles Festival at Belk Theater at 130 North Tryon St.: This two-day Beatles festival will have two evening concerts on Friday plus a full day of live music, memorabilia, speakers and activities on Saturday at Spirit Square. July 9-10. $20-$74.50. Details.

SATURDAY, JULY 10

88. Isolated thunderstorms. 33% chance of rain.

Clean Juice Grand Opening at 16627 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Suite E-120: Clean Juice is moving into a new flagship store and to celebrate opening day, the first 50 customers will receive free Clean Juice for a year. There will also be food specials, kids’ activities, including face painting, plus customers can register to win a free Clean Juice Jettie Scooter. 7am to 8pm. Free. Details.

Uptown Sweat at 408 North Tryon St.: Work up a sweat at this free, all-day fitness event hosted at Victoria Yards. Workouts are set to a live DJ and classes range from “Body like Beyoncé” to “Salsa Sweat.” 9am to 2pm. Free, registration required. Details.

Cook-Out at the Homestead at 4717 Shamrock Drive: Enjoy free hotdogs and hamburgers, cornhole and music at The Alexander Homestead. 11am to 3pm. Free. Details.

Markets at 11 in Ballantyne’s Backyard at 11611 North Community House Rd.: On the second Saturday of every month, Ballantyne’s Markets at 11 will feature outdoor yoga, live music, local vendors and food trucks. 11am to 6pm. Free. Details.

Open Mrkt Street Expo at 3629 North Davidson St.: Head over to the Crown Station Coffee House and Pub to shop some of Charlotte’s best vendors, grab lunch and hang out. There will be food from Taco Bout Nachos (vegan options available) and music from DJ Ngenius. 11:30am to 4pm. Details.

Classic Black Cinema Series: Take A Giant Step at the Harvey B. Gantt Center: This film series at the Harvey B. Gantt Center intends to serve as a vehicle to expose the community to the vast artistic value black film has had throughout history. “Take a Giant Step,” tells the story of Spencer Scott, an African American teenage boy struggling with “misunderstanding parents” and navigated a predominately white New England town. 2pm. Museum admission; free for members. Details.

Manic Focus Live at The Music Yard at 2433 South Blvd.: Renowned dance and electronic artist Manic Focus is bringing bass drops and headbangers. 5-11pm. $20-$200. Details.

Concert in the Courtyard at Optimist Hall: Order food or drinks from your favorite Optimist Hall stand, then make your way to the courtyard to hear live music from Oceanic. 6-8pm Free. Details.

SUNDAY, JULY 11

89. PM Thunderstorms. 35% chance of rain.

HBCU Pride Nation Brunch at 1501 South Mint: HBCU alumni are invited to represent their HBCU with pride and connect with other HBCU grads. Noon to 4pm. Free for current members, $10 for non-members. Details.

Nothing Major Market at The Music Yard at 2433 South Blvd.: Bop while you shop at the Music Yard’s Nothing Major Market. Expect Charlotte’s top local brands, DJs, drinks, tacos and more. 1-8pm. Free. Details.

Punchline at Pinhouse at 2306 Central Ave.: Spend an evening with some of the best comedians of the southeast. Performing this weekend are Tara Brown, Don Garrett and Paul Snyder. 7-10pm. 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 weekday newsletter. Have a scoop about a cool event? Email [email protected].