Weekender: 35 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including multiple food and drink festivals

Charlotte FC continues their road trip on Saturday – head to your favorite bar or watch it home. Don’t forget a cold Bud Light, the official beer of Charlotte FC. Stock your cooler.

FRIDAY, June 2

83. Mostly cloudy. 20% chance of rain.

Charlotte Ballet Trainee Showcase at Knight Theater: This performance features a range of dance styles and genres, including choreography by George Balanchine, Marius Petipa and Charlotte Ballet’s Artistic Director Alejandro Cerrudo. $50-$80. 7pm. Details

First Friday Gallery Crawl at Various South End Art Galleries: Take in the local art scene with galleries and shops offering special receptions, live painting and music. Free. 5-9pm. Details

Comedy Showcase at Common Market: Laugh the night away with a rotating list of comedians while you enjoy craft beer, wine, coffee and a late-night menu. Free. 8pm. Details

Live Music at The Wine Loft: Unwind from the work week with live music, wine and drink specials. Free entry. 9pm. Details

Friday Nights at Camp North End: Explore the different districts within Camp North End offering live music, food, shops and local art. Free. 5-9pm. Details

Coffee and Conversation with Charlotte Business Group at Suffolk Punch Brewing: Network with other business professionals in the area. The event is free for Charlotte Business Group members and $10 for nonmembers. $0-$10. 8-9:30am. Details

Gaymer Gathering at Carolina E-Sports Hub: Mix and mingle during this gaming social and donate canned foods for proceeds to benefit Hearts United For Good. Free. 7-10pm. Details

LIVE Music at Pauline Tea Bar: Grab an herbal tea and relax to live music. $10. 6-8pm. Details

SATURDAY, June 3

84. Mostly cloudy. 20% chance of rain.

National Trails Day at various locations: Celebrate trails and the outdoors by joining Carolina Thread Trail staff on a variety of free guided hikes and mountain bike rides throughout the region. Free. 9am. Details

Crave Charlotte – Grand Culinary Celebration at The Barrel Room At Triple C Brewing: Enjoy food from local chefs and drinks from mixologists and brewers, plus a list of wines. $25-$85. 12-4pm. Details

Boss Friends Summer Pop-up at Dupp & Swat: Enjoy live music, shopping, and networking. Free. 5:30-9pm. Details

Havana Night 2023 at Boileryard: Celebrate Cuba’s rich culture with live music, dancing, food and drinks. Free. 5-10pm. Details

Empanada Festival 2023 at Ford Building: Taste your way around Latin America’s famous pastry turnovers, drinks, music and dancing. Free. 12-6pm. Details

SkillPop: Floral Watercolors at 201 Camp: Tap into your creative side by learning how to paint a variety of leaves and flowers from watercolor artist Allie Kohlbusch. $42. 10-11:30am. Details

Endless Summer: Optimist Hall Kick-Off to Summer Event at Optimist Hall: Kick off the summer with family-friendly activities including lawn games, bubble station and face paint. Free. 11am-2pm. Details

SPRING FLING FEST CLT at West Complex: Expect food tastings, a live DJ, a kid’s zone and live entertainment. Free. 1-8pm. Details

3rd Annual Seltzer World Festival in South End: Sample a variety of 100+ seltzers plus enjoy food trucks, local vendors, craft artisans, live entertainment and music. Proceeds benefit Testicular Cancer Awareness. $20-$90. 1-5pm.  Details

Bike Tour at Birdsong Brewing: Celebrate World Bicycle Day with a bike tour of local murals. Free. 1-2pm. Details

Adult Field Day Wet&Wild edition at Derita Park: Play with water guns, cards and other outdoor games, plus shop local vendors. $2-$30. 2:30-7pm. Details

Rosé Day Super Tasting at The Bohemian: Taste five different rosés, plus enjoy cheese pairings. $35. 12-9pm. Details

The Sneaker Exit – Charlotte – Ultimate Sneaker Trade Show at Charlotte Convention Center: Check out the city’s sneaker culture with a chance to buy, sell and trade footwear, clothing and accessories. $25. 1-7pm. Details 

Artisan Market and Festival at 737 E Woodlawn Road: Shop from 25+ vendors offering handmade pottery, jewelry, fine art, woodcarving and vintage items. Free. 9am-3pm. Details 

“SHADY BEACH” Drag Brunch at Oh My Soul: Enjoy a vegan brunch while you watch a drag show. $35. 11am-2:30pm. Details

Hive Mind: Spelling Bee at Free Rage Brewing (NoDa): Compete solo or with a partner in a multi-round spelling bee. Free. 7-9pm. Details

SUNDAY, June 4

80. Mostly sunny. 20% chance of rain.

Front Porch Sundays at Atherton Mill: Shop from over 70 local vendors and food trucks and listen to live music. Free. 11am-4pm. Details

Slow It Down Sundays at YVY Training: Relax with guided meditation and sound baths. $10. 6-7pm. Details

Queen City Fest at Symphony Park: Gather with friends to enjoy live performances, plus food and retail vendors. $30-$350. 2-9pm. Details

Charlotte Pride Silent Disco at Hi-Wire: Sing along to your own tunes with noise-canceling headphones. $10-$15. 7-11pm. Details

Lez Party! Presents: Brunch & Boozy Day Party! at CLT Hub: Party during the day with live music, and enjoy brunch and drink specials. Free. 12-5pm. Details

Nardo Wick LIVE at HIVE: Listen to rapper Nardo Wick perform, and party into the workweek. $30-$80. 10pm-2am. Details

Experience Midwood Lamar & Central Ave at The Warmack Plaza Midwood: Check out local pop-up vendors, live music and a pop-up skating rink. Free. 1-4pm. Details

Summer Music Series at Seoul Food (Mill District): Take the family to enjoy live music plus a splash pad, playground, and game area for the kids. Free. 3-8pm. Details

Crowned Elegance: A Royal Afternoon Tea at The Duke Mansion: Sip on tea in your spring attire, shop and receive giveaways. $40-$85. 1-4pm. Details

Yoga & Tea at First Ward Park: Relax with free-flow yoga followed by a tea tasting. Free. 1-3pm.  Details

Charlotte Knights vs. Nashville Sounds at Truist Field: Cheer on the Charlotte Knights as they take on the Nashville Sounds. $20-$51. 1:05pm. 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? Submit your event.