Weekday Planner: 20 things to do in Charlotte this week, from a cake frosting class to a cigar fest

This is the last week to see “Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds” at The Mint Museum Uptown. The exhibition features more than 45 works spanning Pablo Picasso’s full career. Get tickets.

Monday, May 15

New Dinner Menu at Mama Ricotta’s

Mama Ricotta’s | All day | Prices vary  | Details

Why you should go: Mama Ricotta’s Italian Restaurant is rolling out new additions to their dinner menu, starting today. Highlights include short rib arancini, Italian sausage ravioli, braised short rib and carrot cake for dessert.

MOVE: A Wellness Project by The Music Yard

Music Yard | 6:30pm | $15 | Details

Why you should go: MOVE is a new open-air fitness class series from The Music Yard. This class will be a power flow, but they’ll have additional classes on Tuesday and Wednesday. Check their website for class details.

$25 Concert Ticket Week by Live Nation

Online | Through May 16 | $25 | Details

Why you should go: Live Nation’s annual Concert Week is happening now through Tuesday, May 16. You can snag $25 tickets with no extra fees shows at Charlotte venues like The Fillmore and PNC Music Pavilion. See participating Charlotte shows here.

More: How to get $25 concert tickets to Snoop Dogg, Weezer and more in Charlotte

Tuesday, May 16

ANCHOR (Noise-Cancelling Headphone Yoga)

Mint Museum Uptown | 5:15pm | $10 | Details

Why you should go: Release, recover and restore with this one-hour gentle flow class for all levels. The class will be streamed through DropSound headphones to tune into your breath and tune out distractions.

Hari Kondabolu at The Comedy Zone

The Comedy Zone | 6pm | $25  | Details

Why you should go: Hari Kondabolu is a comedian, writer and podcaster based in Brooklyn. Comedy Zone shows are $18+ — doors open at 6pm; the show starts at 7pm.

Beginner-Friendly Cake Frosting Class

Sweet Spot Studio | 6:30pm | $80 | Details

Why you should go: No prior knowledge or experience is needed for this class. You’ll learn to properly stack and frost a cake and go over beginner techniques on pallet knife art.

Music Bingo and Taco Tuesday

Resident Culture (South End) | 7pm | Free | Details

Why you should go: Come for music bingo at 7pm and stay for the Taco Tuesday specials, including $8 margaritas, $6 tequila shots and two tacos and a beer for $10.

Wednesday, May 17

Charlotte FC vs Chicago Fire FC

Bank of America Stadium | 7:30pm | $26+  | Details

Why you should go: Cheer on Charlotte FC as they host Chicago Fire FC at Bank of America Stadium.

Queen City Cigar Fest

Multiple locations | May 17-May 21 | $55+ | Details

Why you should go: Queen City Cigar Festival is a 5-day, 9-event festival that covers multiple lounges across Charlotte. Grab your tickets ahead of time on their website.

Birkdale Buds

Birkdale Village | 10:30am | Free to attend  | Details

Why you should go: Pre-school aged kids are invited to playtime in the Plaza, every Wednesday morning from April to October. Weekly activities may include games, face painting, storytellers, magicians, and arts and crafts.

Java & Jive

Ballantyne’s Backyard | 8am-noon | Free to attend  | Details

Why you should go: Sip coffee from Mud + McQueen and listen to live music in Ballantyne’s Backyard. You can also take a morning meditation with SweatNET.

North End Farmers Market

Camp North End (Keswick Avenue) | 4-8pm | Free to attend | Details

Why you should go: Head to the heart of Camp North End for the North End Farmers Market every Wednesday from April to October. Expect a mix of farmers, food artisans and other small businesses popping up along Keswick Avenue (between the Mount and Keswick districts).

[Go deeper: Detailed guide to 16 Charlotte-area farmers markets]

Thursday, May 18

Opening Reception: Journey of Hope Exhibit

The Charlotte Museum of History | 6-8pm | Free | Details

Why you should go: Celebrate Charlotte’s AAPI community during AAPI Heritage Month at this new community-curated exhibit that features artifacts and folk art from more than 23 cultures.

The Bohemian Wine Tasting Benefiting Bloom for a Cure

The Bohemian Wine Bar | 6pm | $75 |  Details

Why you should go: Each ticket includes five wine tastings, cheese, charcuterie and raffle entry to win bottles of curated wines. 100% of all profits go directly to Bloom for a Cure, an organization dedicated to genetic disease research.

River Jam

Whitewater Center | 7-10pm | Free to attend | Details

Why you should go: River Jam will run Thursday–Saturday nights from May–September at the Whitewater Center. There’ll be new artists every night, kicking off Thursday with live music from Okey Dokey.

Country Music Night

RSVP South End | 7pm | Free to attend | Details

Why you should go: Yeehaw! RSVP will host a country music night every Thursday. Expect line dance classes at 7pm, plus drink specials and live music until midnight.

Friday, May 19

Music at the Mill

Gibson Mill Market | 6:30-8pm | Free entry  | Details

Why you should go: Hear a variety of live music performed by local artists while eating your way around Concord’s locally-sourced fall hall, Gibson Mill.

OMB’s Hornets Nest Music Fest

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery | Starts 6pm Friday | Free to attend  | Details

Why you should go: It’s a weekend-long fest where you’ll be able to dance to your favorite tunes (like 80s and 90s tribute bands) while sipping tasty brews.

Funky Fridays DJ Set

Hi-Wire Brewing | 8:30-11:30pm | Free  | Details

Why you should go: You can expect to hear everything from R&B and soul to pop, dance, and house music at Hi-Wire’s Funky Fridays. This Friday will feature a set from DJ Pers3vere.

Friday Nights at Camp North End

Camp North End | 6-9pm | Free to attend  | Details

Why you should go: Live music, good food, cool shops, local art, and a few surprises await on Friday nights at Camp North End.

If you have, or know of, an event we should include in a future weekday planner or weekender, fill out our event submission form for consideration.