Weekender: 33 fun things to do in Charlotte this weekend

Presented by Charlotte Motor Speedway, hosting the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 29. Expect racing action, a military salute and performances from Lynyrd Skynyrd and the 82nd Airborne Chorus. Buy tickets ($49+).

FRIDAY, MAY 20

96. Sunny. 4% chance of rain.

Yoga at Rosies Wine Garden NoDa: Meet in the garden for an early-morning vinyasa flow streamed through noise-canceling headphones. 8:30-9:30am. $10. Details.

Big Tent Sale at Cotswold Marketplace: Furniture, home decor, art, rugs, lighting and more will all be on clearance at this one-weekend-only sale. There will be more than 80 vendors, merchants, & artists on-site to browse from. May 20-21; 10am to 5pm. Free. Details.

Pinball Party at Super Abari: Compete against other local pinball players or watch to see who will qualify for the top 16. The tournament will begin on Friday and run until Sunday. 12:30pm. $2. Details.

Time Laps 24-Hour Relay Race at the Whitewater Center: Gather your fellow outdoorsmen (or outdoorswomen) to compete in a 24-hour trail running relay race. Points will be awarded based on the number of completed laps and the difficulty of the laps. Team members will alternate between running and competing in a series of mini-competitions. May 20-21. $130 per person. Details.

Captain Jack’s Music Fest at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten: Stop by the biergarten on Saturday or Sunday to enjoy live music from local musicians including The Dave Matthews Tribute Band, refreshing beer, and tasty food. May 20-21. Free. Details.

Justin Jay at The Music Yard: Check out guest artist Justin Jay, a Los Angeles-based producer/DJ. 6-11pm. $15+. Details.

Buff Faye’s “Star Warz” Drag Dinner at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille: Join Buff Faye and her girls for an out-of-this-world Star Wars-themed drag show. 7-9pm. $35. Details.

Paraison Invitational Tee Off Cocktail Reception at Novelty House: The Paraison Invitational is a charity golf tournament that supports the local nonprofit A Kid Again. By attending this event, proceeds from the evening will go towards providing resources and hope to families raising children with life-threatening conditions. 7-11pm. Free. Details.

Beer Garden Movie Night at Brewers at 4001 Yancey: Catch a screening of Talladega Nights in the taproom. There will be free popcorn and specialty drinks available for purchase. 7:30pm. Free. Details.

SATURDAY, MAY 21

93. Isolated thunderstorms. 33% chance of rain.

Plant Sale at the PlantHouse Warehouse (11540 Cordage Street): The popular plant shop is having its first-ever warehouse sale. Ceramics, accessories, and home decor will be on sale for up to 70% off but for one day only. 8am to 2pm. Free. Details.

Great Strides 5k at Suffolk Punch Brewing: Join in on this 5k walk to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis. The walk will take place on South End’s rail trail. 8:30am. Donation. Details.

Yoga at Pinhouse: Join Dancing Lotus Yoga + Arts’s co-founder, Jasmine Vializ for an energizing practice built for all levels. Then, stick around after class for music, drink, and plenty of good vibes. 10-11am. $10. Details.

South End Rail Trail Clean-Up: Supplies will be provided and following the clean-up, The Union will host a volunteer appreciation event and provide those who assisted with a drink ticket. 10am to 1pm. Free, registration is required. Details.

Celebrating Two Years at The Fairwood 226: In honor of turning two, The Fairwood 226 is doing it big with a weekend celebration complete with live music, local vendors, food trucks, raffles, and drink specials. May 21-22. Free with RSVP. Details.

Wellness Fest at Summit Seltzer/Midnight Mulligan: Enjoy a full day of wellness-inspired activities like a yoga class with Charlotte Pop-Up Yoga, healthy food trucks, live music and more. 11am to 3pm. $15 for yoga. Details.

Meck Dec Day at The Charlotte Museum of History: Immerse yourself in the history of Charlotte’s most legendary moment – the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, which took place on May 20, 1775. Events include a book talk with local author, Landis Wade; a reading of the MeckDec; an illustrated family book walk; a special guided tour of the 1774 Rock House and homesite and an 18th-century cooking demonstration. 11am to 4pm. $7-$10. Details.

Drag Me To Brunch with The Vanity House at Free Will Craft + Vine: Charlotte’s Dancing Diva, Erica Chanel is hosting this show with some help from DJ Vanna Vanity. Food and drinks can be purchased separately. 11am. $15. Details.

Craft Beer Party at Brewers at 4001 Yancey: Visit the taproom for special food and beer pairings, brewery tours and live music. 11am. Free. Details.

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ at Ballantyne’s Backyard: Get your tastebuds tuned up for a can’t-miss barbeque selection from several on-site vendors. The food selection includes pulled pork from whole hogs, ribs, brisket, chickens, sausages and all the fixins’. Noon to 6pm. $42. Details.

Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward in Historic Fourth Ward: This walkable, self-guided event allows tour-goers to explore the hidden oases in center city while strolling the brick-paved sidewalks of this charming neighborhood during its full bloom. There will be complimentary cocktail tastings, freshly-shucked oysters from Sea Level and Charlotte Joy Rides along the way. May 22-23. $30-$40. Details.

Charlotte’s Cuban Festival at A Piece of Havana Restaurant: Celebrate the food, music and vibrance of Cuban culture at A Piece of Havana’s Cuban Festival. All are welcome. 1pm. $15. Details.

Muggsy Bogues In-Person Book Signing at Park Road Books: Charlotte Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues joins Park Road Books for a signing of his new book, Muggsy. 2-3pm. Free. Details.

MAY-di Gras Block Party at Brevard Court: Experience a slice of the Big Easy while strolling the shops and restaurants in Brevard Court. 3-11pm. Free. Details.

Colours: Seersuckers and Sundress Day Party at Ink & Ivy: If you’ve been looking for an occasion to bring out your linen and seersucker attire, this is the occasion to attend.  This annual day party has become a favorite for the fashion-forward in Charlotte and even draws attendees from Charleston, Raleigh/Durham, Atlanta and even the DMV. 4-8:30pm. $25. Details.

Nebel’s Alley Night Market “Plant Alley” Edition: This one is for all the plant lovers out there. This market will have a planting bar, photo ops, and other plant-themed activiations.4-10pm. Free. Details.

Film Business Workshop at Camp North End: Learn the art of film production in this workshop led by Benjamin Coffey of BC Cinematics, LLC. 4-6pm. $50. Details.

Date Night at Luck Factory Games: Enjoy a night of board games with your partner and socialize with other couples. This outing makes for a great double date with friends. Tickets include a choice of beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverage for both individuals and dessert for two. 7-10pm. $32 per couple. Details.

Plow – A Dance Performance by Megan Payne + Joy Davis at Goodyear Arts: This dance performance explores the intimacy of home, the value of proximity and the misrepresentation of Central Appalachian culture. 7:30-9pm. $10. Details.

Bad Residents’ Rock & Roll Fundraiser Bash at The Music Yard: Support a good cause while having a good time. Expect music, food and drinks. 8-11:30pm. $20. Details.

SUNDAY, MAY 22

87. PM thunderstorms. 45% chance of rain.

Girl Tribe Pop-Up at the Alexander Homestead: Shop for a few new spring pieces while supporting a jam-packed lineup of women-owned businesses. 10am to 5pm. $5. Details.

Best of Charlotte Bridal Show at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: If you’re planning a wedding and don’t know where to start, this is the event for you. Charlotte Bride Guide is bringing the area’s top wedding vendors together under one roof for a boutique-style bridal show. 1-5pm. $5. Details.

B.A.B.E Bash at The Artisan’s Palate: Join NetworkQueen to connect with aspiring entrepreneurs, established entrepreneurs and other like-minded women in the city. This event will have vendors, artists, and food and drinks, and proceeds will go to a woman-owned business and Carolina Breast Friends. 1-5pm. $25. Details.

Charlotte for Ukraine Rally at Romare Bearden Park: Stand in solidarity with Ukraine and rally with folks in the community. Following the rally there will be a march through Uptown. 4-5:30pm. 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].

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