Weekender: 28 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including a wine festival

Friday, October 11

🍻 Head to Olde Mecklenburg Brewery's Biergarten for stein-holding competitions, German cuisine and live music. | Free | 11am-11pm | Details

👗 Attend the annual GiGi's Playhouse Gala at The Ballantyne Hotel. Proceeds benefit programs at GiGi's Playhouse Charlotte which helps those with intellectual disabilities. | $190-$250 | 6pm | Details

💟 In honor of National Coming Out Day, you can meet up with other women at Divine Barrel Brewing for sapphic storytelling with Lesbian Friends of Charlotte. | $10-$15 | 7pm | Details

🤣 Laugh at comedians argue over ridiculous topics with a debate theme at Protagonist Beer LoSo. | Donation based | 7pm | Details

😂 Get a good laugh from the OG comedians (Charlotte Comedy Theater's cast from Wet Willie's) that'll be cracking jokes at The Hamilton. | $15 | 7pm | Details

👻 Sip the night away at GWR NoDa's spooky-speakeasy themed bar. | Free | 8pm | Details

🍗 Hearken back to ye olde times at the Carolina Renaissance Festival with performance stages, hands-on games, rides, food and an artisan marketplace. | $20-$34 | Runs through Nov. 24 | Details

😱 Get spooked at SCarowinds. | $49.99+ | Runs through Sunday | Details

🍸 Stop by Backstage Lounge's spooky themed bar for drinks, food and haunted vibes. | Free | 5pm-12am | Details

🎶 Vibe to a live musical performance from Tori Kelly at The Fillmore. | $41.25 | 8pm | Details

Saturday, October 12

🎃 Pull up to Papa Doc's pop-up Halloween bar with decor, themed cocktails and photo ops. | Every Thursday-Saturday in Oct. | 6pm | Details

🧩 Show support for the Charlotte-area autism community with BuildStrong's autism festival at Symphony Park. | $0-$36 | 1pm | Details

🥂Cheers to SupperClub's one year anniversary with local influencers plus food, drink and game specials. | Free | 5pm | Details

🍽️ Enjoy a bohemian-style fire pit picnic dinner from Chef Edwin Cruz at Latin American Coalition. Proceeds will help build Plaza Las Mariposas. | $100 | 6pm | Details

🩺 Get a wellness check at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church with free health screenings plus participate in their 5K walk/run or stick around for live entertainment and family-friendly activities. | Free | 7am | Details

🍺 Sip on dozens of cider at Frenchy's cider festival and pair it with dinner from food trucks. | Free | 12pm | Details

🏡 Take a self guided tour of 35 homes in the Charlotte area on Saturday and Sunday for the annual Parade of Homes. | Free | 11am-5pm | Details

🍴 Eat a four-course dinner from local chefs at Mimosa Grill as proceeds benefit western North Carolina relief efforts. | $75 | 6pm | Details

🍷 Party in the parking lot of Lenny Boy Brewing with drinks and food at Fall South End Wine & Hops Fest. | $35+ | 1-6pm | Details

⚽️ Cheer on Charlotte Independence as they take on Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. | $11 | 7pm | Details

Sunday, October 13

🎸 Take the kids to Goldie's for a family-friendly concert and food. | Free | 10:30am | Details

🕯️ Create a seasonal candle at Market at 7th Street and enjoy seasonal-inspired drinks from Resident Culture. | $35 | Times vary | Details

🛍️ Shop from a vintage market with items like clothing, jewelry, prints, photos, baked goods and handmade crafts at Vaulted Oak Brewing. Proceeds benefit mutual aid in western North Carolina. | Free | 2pm | Details

🍂 Celebrate the fall season with live music, lawn games and pumpkin picking at Optimist Hall's Fall Fest. | Free | 2-5pm | Details

🍳 Kickback and relax to country music and an all you can eat brunch buffet at Sycamore Brewing. | $35 | 11am-2pm | Details

🏎️ Watch race car drivers compete in ROVAL 400 NASCAR Cup Series Event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. | $60+ | 2pm | Details

🏈 Cheer on Carolina Panthers as they take on the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. | $23+ | 4:25pm | Details

🌸 Create a floral arrangement while you sip at Trolley Barn. | $40.50 | 6:30-8pm | 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.