Axios Weekender: 24 fun things to do in Charlotte this weekend

The Weekender is proudly presented by The Speedway Club at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Celebrate Queen’s Feast Restaurant Week at the Speedway Club July 16-17 and July 20-24. Expect a gourmet 3-course meal and Speedway views for $35 per person. Call 704-455-3216 to make reservations before they’re gone.

FRIDAY, JULY 16

91. Isolated thunderstorms. 30% chance of rain.

Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week at Participating Restaurants: For $30-$35, you can enjoy a 3-course fine dining experience at dozens are participating restaurants in the area. July 16 – July 25. $30-$35 per person. Details.

Weezie Towels Pop-Up at Society Social at 2000 South Blvd., Ste 195: Head to Society Social for a special in-person pop-up featuring Weezie Towels. You can shop their signature soft styles or work with a Weezie consultant to customize your own set. If you can’t make it to the store on Friday, you can still shop Weezie Towels’ website and use code SSFREESHIP for free shipping on all orders through July 18. 11am to 4pm. Prices vary. Details.

Meshugganah Lunch Pop-Up at Petty Thieves Brewing Co. at 413 Dalton Ave., Ste. B: Get an early taste of the new Jewish deli, Meshugganah. Noon. Menu pricing. Details.

[Related story: The 25 most anticipated new restaurants and bars in 2021]

Ardbeg Monsters of Smoke Tour at The Vintage at 215 East Worthington Ave.: This interactive tour presented by Ardbeg will allow whisky, spirits and cocktail enthusiasts alike to experience a whisky with more than 200 years of history. There will be whisky tasting tastings, surprises, giveaways, and augmented reality photo ops. Bring an unopened bottle of Ardbeg to the event to get a personalized engraving. 4-9pm. Details.

Ponybox x Kit Collective Summer Social at Free Will – Craft + Vine at 3701 North Davidson St. #201: Grab a drink, hang out and shop from local women-owned businesses. Participating Vendors include Ponybox Clothing, The Kit Collective, AK Wears Things, Fit Atelier and many more. 5-8pm. Free (drinks are not). Details.

QC Coastal Jam at The Music Yard at 2433 South Blvd.: The Music Yard is going coastal with a selection of groovy surf rock from the Blue Footed Boobies & Easy Honey. 6-11pm. $10-$95. Details.

BLKMRKTCLT New Growth Series Presents Intimate Chaos at 1824 Statesville Ave.: In honor of turning four, BLKMRKTCLT is showcasing and promoting Black women creatives through solo showcases. This week’s showcase will highlight the works of Mara Robbin also known as ‘wildrecluse.’ Throughout July, 6-9pm. Free, registration required. Details.

Charlotte Creative Circle’s Fashion Fridays at Búho Bar at 201 West Trade St.: This weekly event allows you to network with local Charlotte artists and creatives. Fridays, 8-11pm. $99+. Details.

The Stardust Lounge at Stroke Putt at 1318 Pecan Ave., Ste. 101.: The House of Stardust and Stroke Putt are collaborating to create The Stardust Lounge, a burlesque and variety show with live performances. The 8pm show is sold out but tickets are still available for the 10:30pm show. 10:30pm. $15-$90. Details.

SATURDAY, JULY 17

91. Isolated thunderstorms. 36% chance of rain.

Uptown Farmers Market Grand Celebration at 300 South Davidson St.: Stop by the Uptown Farmers Market for a special celebration. You can still shop for fresh produce and other items, but there will also be live music, cooking demos, and an address from Mayor Vi Lyles. 8am to 12:30pm. Free. Details.

roam & dwell Yoga Saturdays at 1226 Central Ave.: Start your Saturday with a 60-minute workout and mindfulness practice set to upbeat music followed by a private shopping at roam & dwell. This class is designed for students of all levels, shapes, sizes and ages and will leave you feeling energized for the rest of your weekend activities. 9:30-11am. $10. Details.

Keep Midtown Beautiful Trail Clean Up at 111 Metropolitan Ave.: Give back to the Midtown community by cleaning up the surrounding area of Little Sugar Creek Greenway and Kenilworth Ave. Trash bags, gloves, rubber boots and trash pickers will be provided and volunteers will receive an appreciation gift bag. 10am to noon. Free, early registration is encouraged. Details.

Charlotte Greek Food & Wine Experience Tour: Experience a delicious showcase of authentic Greek wine and food. Your ticket reservation includes a tasting of authentic Greek wines at a winery, wine and cheese pairings, food samples, and music along the way. 11am to 3:30pm. Details.

Queen City Summer Festival at 2600 West Trade St.: Make your way out to the Queen City Summer Festival to shop local Black-owned businesses, try delicious food and catch entertaining performances. This event is family-friendly and StarMed Health will be onsite providing vaccines with $25 cash cards for anyone who participates. July 17, 24, and 31; Noon to 6pm. Free. Details.

Sycamore Brewing’s Lobster Fest at 2161 Hawkins St.: Calling all lobster lovers! It’s Lobster Fest, which means a day of cold beer, live music, food trucks, and of course lobster rolls from Cousin’s Maine. Noon to 10pm. Menu pricing. Details.

Virtual Homegrown Tomato Festival Part 2: The Homegrown Tomato Festival is back for part two with virtual and in-person viewing options. Events include presenters, virtual greenhouse tours, cooking demonstrations and cocktail demonstrations. Watch at home or join fellow tomato enthusiasts at The Evening Muse (NoDa), Midwood Country Club (Plaza Midwood), Southern Strain Brewing (Concord) or Aldersgate Senior Living Community (RSVP Only). 1-3:30pm. Free. Details.

Nebel’s Alley Night Market at 1920 Camden Rd.:  More than 30 pop-up stores will line the alleys of South End with local and regional vintage items, plants, food, drinks and even free caricatures. After shopping, grab food from Superica, artisan ice cream from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams or grab a donut from Pepperbox Doughnuts. 4-10pm. Free. Details.

SoDown at The Music Yard at 2433 South Blvd.: Saxophone-playing producer, SoDown has commanded stages at Red Rocks, Coachella, Electric Forest, Global Dance, and Sonic Bloom to name a few and now he’s taking the stage at The Music Yard. 5pm. $15-$150. Details.

Stargazer Music Fest at Hodges Family Farm at 3900 Rocky River Rd.: Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and a pair of binoculars if you’d like, to enjoy an unparalleled night-sky viewing experience set to contemporary electroacoustic music. The event will include beer from Pharr Mill Brewery’s beer truck, snacks, fresh produce and baked goods from the Night Market. Telescopes will also be provided. 8pm to midnight. $15-$25. Details.

SUNDAY, JULY 18

89. PM thunderstorms. 43% chance of rain.

Girl Tribe Pop Up in the Garden: The Girl Tribe Pop-Up in the Garden is returning to the Alexander Homestead so get ready for a full day of shopping, cocktails, food, and an incredible line-up of women-owned businesses and brands. 10am to 5pm. $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Details.

SummerFEST at Protagonist Southend at 227 Southside Drive, Unit A: Head to Protagonist Southend to shop from more than 25 local vendors, listen to live music, and enjoy some food and drinks along the way. Noon to 5pm. Free. Details.

Pet Pop Up at Skiptown at 222 Rampart St.: Pamper your pet with locally made goodies like dog treats, pet accessories, and pet grooming products at Skiptown’s Pet Pop-Up. Noon to 5pm. Details.

Yoga On The Rooftop at the Harvey B. Gantt Center: Join yoga instructor Sajeedah Jones “SJ” on the rooftop of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for an energizing and inspiring yoga session that will get you in the right mindset to start your week on the right foot. Following the practice, you can treat yourself to a self-guided tour of the Gantt Center’s galleries. Bring a mat or beach towel. 12:30-1:30pm. $10, free for members. Details.

Lenny Boy Brewing Southern Grit Dog Rescue Event at 3000 South Tryon St.: Bring your pups and grab a sweet treat for you and them. This fundraiser event will have live music, pet caricatures, dessert food trucks, raffle prizes, and pet-themed vendors. 1-4pm. Free. 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].