Weekender: 30 things to do in charlotte this weekend from live music to pumpkin picking

Presented by Charlotte Motor Speedway, hosting Cars and Coffee this Saturday. Join other car enthusiasts to celebrate a shared passion for cars and showcase classics, customs and hot rods. Free to attend.

FRIDAY, October 14

73. Sunny. 0% chance of rain.

Charlotte Checkers Opening Weekend at Bojangles Coliseum: Watch the season kick off with back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday as the Checkers take on division rivals — The Hartford Wolf Pack. Tickets start at $5. 7pm. Details

Funk You Live at The Music Yard: Vibe to a live musical performance of soul atop a funky backbeat from Funk You. $10. 7pm. Details

Concert with CATS at Bland St. Light Rail Station: Enjoy live tunes from the Lovell Bradford Quartet. Free. 5-7pm. Details

Ladies and Cannabis Night at Greenlife Remedies: Learn how cannabis can be incorporated in a positive way for women and enjoy CBD/D8 Mocktails, light appetizers, giveaways and deals. $10. 7:30-8:30pm. Details

Front Lawn Friday at The McColl Center for Art & Innovation: Hang out on the lawn, visit studios, soak in the spins of local DJ’s, enjoy tasty food truck treats and live performances. Free. 6-9pm. Details

JAZZ ROOM at Stage Door Theater at the Blumenthal: Take in the sounds of Middle Eastern and Caribbean jazz from the Grammy-nominated Israeli flutist Itai Kriss and his band Telavana. $20. 6-7:30pm. Details

Fridays at Camp North End: Enjoy live music, good food, new public art, and plenty of small businesses for you to support. Free. 5-9pm. Details

Yoga at Pinhouse: Start your day with an energizing practice built for all levels before enjoying music, food and drinks. $10. 10-11am. Details

SCarowinds: Let out a scream for spooky season from rides, horrifying haunted mazes, spine-tingling scare zones, and live entertainment. $49. 7pm-12am. Details

SATURDAY, October 15

76. Mostly sunny. 0% chance of rain.

25th Annual Buddy Walk at UNC Jerry Richardson Stadium: Join the one-mile walk to promote acceptance and inclusion of individuals with Down Syndrome. There will also be bouncy castles, bubblers, aerialists, mascots and a live band. Free. 9am-1pm. Details

[Re]Build the Roost at Victoria Yards: View and bid on creative, custom birdhouses designed by local artists as proceeds support critical home repairs for neighbors in need. $20. 2-5pm. Details

Redbud Group’s End of Season Block Party at Redbud Group Office: Enjoy a live DJ, games, vendors, a food truck and grab a free limited edition poster as they celebrate the Inaugural Season of Charlotte FC. There’s also a chance to win tickets and a tailgate to a 2023 CLTFC match. Free. 12-4pm. Details

Charlotte Parent School Fair at Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas: Learn one-on-one with representatives from the top Charlotte-area private, magnet, and charter schools in a family-friendly afternoon filled with vendors, information sessions, a balloon artist and storytime. Free. 10am-1pm. Details

The Children’s Heart Foundation Congenital Heart Walk. Help the Children’s Heart Foundation reach their fundraising goal of $50,000. Funds raised will benefit congenital heart defect research. Free. 9am.  Details.

Rail Trail Cleanup Volunteer Opportunity at New Bern St. Light Rail Station: Volunteer to pick up litter before enjoying raffles, free swag, and a drink at the Volunteer Appreciation Event at The Union. Free. 10am-2pm. Details

Firefighters’ Pancake Breakfast at The Market at 7th Street: Enjoy plain and blueberry pancakes and donate in support of the Firefighters’ Burned Children’s Fund. $5 and $10. 8-11:30am. Details

Celebrate! Bling Ball at The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte: Celebrate the 75th annual fundraising gala to see the impact of giving scholarships to students featuring live entertainment, music, food, and drinks. $135. 7:30pm. Details

Isabella Santos Foundation 5K For Kids Cancer at Ballantyne Corporate Park: Join a 5K run for kids fighting rare cancers, plus enjoy a brunch, kids zone and raffle. $20-$50. 8am-3pm. Details

Hola Charlotte Festival in Uptown: Celebrate Latin American culture through a street-style festival as you listen to renowned artists, pop-up performances, activities and a variety of food vendors offering tasty street treats. Free. 12-6pm. Details

Concert in the Courtyard at Optimist Hall Courtyard: Enjoy musical performances from singer-songwriter Greg Steinfeld. Free. 12-3pm. Details

Das Best Oktoberfest at Ballantyne’s Backyard: Taste a couple of the hundreds of craft beers, wines, ciders and schnapps as you enjoy live music, German-inspired dishes, food trucks, games, and contests. $39-$75. 12-5pm. Details

Pumpkin Patch at Truist Field: Pick your favorite pumpkin for a portion to benefit Knight’s charities and enjoy fall-themed treats, shopping, live music, photo opportunities and a pumpkin decorating station. $10-$20. 10-4pm. Details 

Movies in the Park at Wilmore Centennial Park: Grab your favorite picnic blanket to watch the Disney movie Moana after playing activities and listening to music. Free. 5-9pm. Details

The African American Male Wellness Walk at Friendship Baptist Church: Join the 5k walk and run to address preventable diseases among Black men. The family-friendly event will also have health screenings, vendors, live entertainment and an appearance from Anthony Hamilton. Free. 7am-12pm. Details

SUNDAY, October 16

78. Partly cloudy. 20% chance of rain.

Harry Potter 9 & 3/4 Day at Divine Barrel Brewing: Enjoy a free family-friendly party with Harry Potter movies, decorations, plus a special batch of Butter Beer with versions for both adults and kiddos. Free. 12-7pm. Details

Football Sunday at Skiptown: Come dressed in NFL gear to watch the Panthers play from eight large screens as your pup mingles with other dogs. Free. 12pm. Details

Game Day at Music Yard: Join the game day experience with live music, food and drinks as you watch the Carolina Panthers take on the Los Angeles Rams on large screens. Free. 4pm. Details

Writing with Bearden at The Mint Museum: Engage in a Bearden Gallery Workshop with Charlotte Lit as they teach the “writing about art” tradition called ekphrasis. Free. 2-3pm. Details

Pups on the Patio at Optimist Hall: Play and adopt dogs from Gaston County Animal Care Enforcement on the patio with drink specials and puppuccinos available at the airstream bar. Free. 12-3pm. Details

Divas Heels and Horror Drag Lunch at Hi-Wire Brewing: Enjoy a fabulous drag show from the Vanity House and brews from Hi-Wire before grabbing a giant slice of pizza next door from Benny Ferrovia. $15. 12pm. Details