There are plenty of festivals to hit this weekend – let Uber help get you there.
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Weekend Forecast
Friday: 74. Morning showers. 60% chance of rain.
Saturday: 82. Partly cloudy. 10% chance of rain.
Sunday: 83. Mostly sunny. 10% chance of rain.
Friday, October 13
Food & Drink
OMB Medal Celebration at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: The brewery has won two medals on two different continents in just one year (Fat Boy Baltic Porter and Hornet’s Nest), and now they’re looking to celebrate. Enjoy live music, a Rein Stein Keller Pilsner release and samples of the award-winning beers. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Friday the 13th Party at Plaza Midwood Tattoo Co.: The artists will have hundreds of small tattoo designs to choose from for $13 each and special designs will be available for $31. All earnings will be donated to a charity of each artist’s choice. 12 p.m.-12 a.m. $13. Details.
Brown Bear Raspberry Release at Catawba Brewing Co.: Celebrate brown bear season with the release of Raspberry Brown Bear. $1 from each pint sold will be donated to the Appalachian Bear Rescue. 1-10 p.m. Free. Details.
Improper Glassware Night at The Unknown Brewing Company: Bring the weirdest, strangest, most creative or incredible thing you can drink beer out of and they’ll fill it for just $5 (up to 24 oz). They’ll be awarding prizes to the best of the best. 3-10 p.m. Free. Details.
Oktoberfest at Flight: Sample local breweries’ Oktoberfest beers before voting for the best. While you’re there, sign up for cornhole, flip cup, quarters and ping pong tournaments. 4-9 p.m. Free. Details.
Happy Hour with the Royals at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: Have a drink with and get to know Charlotte’s resident rugby team. 5-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Monster Mash at Blue Blaze Brewing: The taproom will be decked out for the Halloween season with a DJ, food truck and $250 worth of prizes for best costumes. 6-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Scary Dinner at Heirloom Restaurant: Enjoy four creepy courses, including a “bloody beet hand print” and “tongue and brains,” all paired with local beers and wines. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $55. Details.
Ten Paces Dinner Series at Stoke Charlotte: Chris Coleman of Stoke will take on Nicolas Daniels of Loft & Cellar during this 5-course dinner presentation. The winner will be voted on by diners. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $85. Details.
Pumpkin Party at Blackfinn Ameripub: Expect a pumpkin patch, carving contest, witchy cocktails, pumpkin beer, spiked apple cider and a chance to win tickets to the Gravediggers Ball. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.
Friday the 13th Party at City Lights Rooftop: Enjoy a rooftop view while you party with a DJ, Friday the 13th-inspired cocktails and ‘blacked out’ decor. 8 p.m. Free. Details.
Halloween Costume Fashion Show at Whiskey River: Check out this year’s trendiest Halloween costumes, win your own costume and receive special discounts at Morris Costumes just for attending. the you’ll have the chance to win free Halloween Costumes! Drink specials include a $5 Vampire’s Kiss and $6 Hocus Pocus Punch. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.
Experience
First Ward Fall Festival at First Ward Park: The family-friendly event will include live music, local food trucks and craft beer and wine. Friday and Saturday. Free. Details.
Tacori and the Diamonds Direct Bridal Bash at Diamonds Direct: View hundreds of handcrafted jewelry items from the Tacori design studio in Los Angeles and shop bridal vendors in the showroom. Expect food and wine by 5Church, swag bags and a Tacori Jewelry raffle. 5-7 p.m. Free. Details.
A Night at the Museum at Levine Museum of the New South: This event, hosted by the German Language and Culture Foundation, will feature a cappella music performances, an authentic german buffet, wine and beer from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. 6-10 p.m. $25+. Details.
Board Game Night at 2nd and Charles: Relive your childhood while you play games from an extensive collection. 6-10 p.m. Free. Details.
Zyn Foundation Soft Launch at Hart Witzen Gallery: The Zyn Foundation is a new nonprofit focused on bettering community health through sustainability and holistic practices. Come celebrate their opening with an expert panel, yoga class, food, vendors and more. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Poker Run at The Spoke Easy: Come dressed in costume and head from location to location with your group in order to collect all the cards you need to make a full hand. The group with the best hand at the end of the night wins. 7 p.m.-12 a.m. $5. Details.
Learn Things
TEDxCharlotte at CPCC Halton Theatre: Learn and get inspired by this year’s 12 speakers at the all day event. This year marks the event’s 8th in the city, planned, organized and executed by a group of dedicated and passionate volunteers. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $35+. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Breakin’ Convention CLT 2017 at Knight Theater: Enjoy a weekend of exceptional performances by dancers from around the world, plus dance workshops, graffiti, DJs and freestyle sessions. Friday through Sunday. Free. Details.
Charlotte Rocks Music Festival at Keg and Cue: This festival aims to celebrate Charlotte’s lost venues and future music scene. There will be 5+ bands performing each night, with the full setlist available online. Friday through Sunday at 8 p.m. $5. Details.
Charlotte Symphony Pops: Cirque Goes to the Cinema at Belk Theater: Cirque de la Symphonie brings the dazzling magic of cirque to the music hall with aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists and more. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. $19+. Details.
Jazz Room Presents: Trick or Treat Edition (Songs of the Fall) at Stage Door Theater: The Jazz Room kicks off its tenth season with a fun show featuring classics like the Great Pumpkin Waltz, Autumn in New York and St. James Infirmary. Friday (6 and 8:15 p.m.) and Saturday (7 and 9:15 p.m.). $14 in advance. Details.
Fall Plant Sale at UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens: Shop both native and non-native shrubs, trees, and perennials. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Details.
Runaway to Charlotte at Camp North End: Celebrate the creative hustle in North Carolina and meet like-minded individuals who believe that “to be rather than to seem” should mean something. Enjoy DJs and beers from Ponysaurus Brewing Company while you’re there. 5-9 p.m. Free. Details.
Queen City Makers at Aerial CLT: Shop 30+ local vendors, including artists, bakers and makers, at this masquerade ball and benefit. Costumes are strongly recommended. 6-10 p.m. Free. Details.
Mint To Move Cultural Dance Night at Mint Museum Uptown: Enjoy dances from multiple cultures, a DJ, live musicians, complimentary snacks, free dance lessons and more. 7:30-11:30 p.m. $12. Details.
Friday the 13th Screening at Arysley Grand Cinema 14: Is there a better, creepier way to celebrate Friday the 13th than by watching the original 1980 version of the movie on the big screen? Negative. 9 p.m. $5. Details.
Sports
Basketball at Spectrum Center: Cheer on the Hornets as they take on the Dallas Mavericks in this preseason game. 6 p.m. $23+. Details.
Hockey at Bojangles’ Coliseum: Cheer on the Charlotte Checkers as they take on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. 7:15 p.m. $22. Details.
Saturday, October 14
Food & Drink
Oktoberfest at The Peculiar Rabbit: All weekend is Oktoberfest at the Peculiar Rabbit, so head over for plenty of beer and pretzels. They’ll have live music on Saturday 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.
Grand Opening at Clean Juice Steele Creek: Enjoy raffle prizes, a balloon twister, Disney princess & superhero guest appearances, free samples and more. All cleanses will be 10% off if you need a little pick-me-up for the weekend. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Sweet Potato Day at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market: Celebrate North Carolina’s official state vegetable, the sweet potato, with tons of varieties and free recipes. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Details.
3 Year Anniversary Belgian Beer Fest at Sugar Creek Brewing: Celebrate 3 years of Sugar Creek with an anniversary flight of Belgian beers, a Kids Zone complete with a giant bouncy house and face-painting, special appearances, live music and the Ultimate Craft Beer Lovers’ Giveaway featuring a YETI cooler filled Sugar Creek swag. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. Details.
I Still Love the 90s Brunch and Day Party at Sports One Bar & Lounge: Enjoy $20 champagne bottles and fruit juices for mimosas, southern favorites like shrimp and grits live music. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Details.
Southeast Asian Street Food Festival at 1817 Central Avenue: Watch a Pho-Eating contest, enjoy traditional dance and youth performances, bet on a silent auction and try food from different Southeast Asian countries and tribes. All proceeds benefit the SEAC youth program, which serves youth in east and west Charlotte. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Details.
NEXXA Launch + Tailgate at NEXXA Transportation: NEXXA Transportation is opening in Charlotte and celebrating by throwing a college football tailgate in their showroom. Expect food, drinks, and a preview of the new fleet of cars coming this fall. 12-4 p.m. Free. Details.
Sycamore 3 Year Anniversary Celebration at Sycamore Brewing: Expect special beer releases, giveaways, live music and more. See our guide here. 12-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Trick or Treat Yo’ Self Dessert Crawl at Catawba Brewing: Participating locations include Two Scoops Creamery, Nova’s Bakery and more. Tickets include a wristband, discounts on dessert and a chance to win a prize at the end. 12-5 p.m. $6. Details.
Burger Battle at Gateway Village: Over 10 local restaurants will go head-to-head while attendees try and vote on the best burgers in the city. Ticket includes unlimited tasting and drinking. 1-4 p.m. $48. Details.
Grand Opening at The Brickyard: Party in the parking lot all day long with live DJs and bands, drink specials, a clam bake and $1 hot dogs and beers. 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.
Juice Happy Hour at Living Kitchen: Enjoy an hour long juice tasting and DIY mask workshop, followed by a happy hour. Drinks and snacks included. 2-4 p.m. $40. Details.
Pug-O-Ween at Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte: Stop by for a dog costume contest, beer bobbing contests, vendors, drink specials and food trucks. 10% of all sales will go to the Mid Atlantic Pug Rescue. 4-9 p.m. Free. Details.
Experience
Harvest Fest at 7th Street Public Market: Celebrate the beginning of the market’s fall season with special foods, performances and sales. All day. Free. Details.
Grand Opening at 5.11 Tactical: Expect food, in-store deals and more. The first 70 in line will win a free gift cards worth up to $511. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Gabriel & Co Showcase at Windsor Jewelers: Ring designer Gabriel & Co will be showcasing their stunning collections of diamond engagement rings, wedding and anniversary bands. Shoppers will enjoy 12 months interest-free financing on any purchase. Visit store for details. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Details.
UNC Charlotte International Festival at Barnhardt Student Activity Center: Learn about different people, places and culture with exhibition booths staffed by UNC Charlotte’s international students and members of Charlotte’s international community. Expect art, costumes, food, music, dance and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Details.
Bungalow Social at TABOR and SOCO Gallery: Celebrate the best in fashion, art and music with the Futurebirds, Jim Noble, Not Just Coffee, contemporary art panel, designer and artist appearances, and Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Details.
Charlotte UNITE Festival at NoDa Brewing: Celebrate Charlotte’s diversity with a multicultural festival that includes live music, vendors and plenty of food and drinks. 12-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Be An Angel Gala at The Fillmore: This gala evening full of cocktails, auction, dinner, music and more will benefit Best Buddies North Carolina, the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 6 p.m. $250. Details.
International House Annual Benefit Gala at Hilton Charlotte City Center: Indulge in Grecian cocktails, upscale food, entertainment, dancing and both silent and live auctions benefitting services for Charlotte’s immigrants. 6:30 p.m.-12 a.m. $175. Details.
Girls Night Out at Clothes Mentor Charlotte Arboretum: Stop in for complimentary wine, hors d’oeuvres, 20% off the store and more. The first 10 people in line will receive a $25 gift card, and everyone will receive two raffle tickets for attending. 7-9 p.m. Free. Details.
Bee Something for Bee Mighty Gala at Charlotte Country Club: This Charlotte Hornets fundraiser is celebrating its fifth year supporting over 200 local families with premature babies by eating, dancing and drinking the night away. Expect a luxurious auction and a raffle for Diamonds Direct as well. 7-11 p.m. $125. Details.
Rock Paper Scissors Tournament at Draught: Seriously. In addition to the tournament, they’ll have $2 beers all night. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Free. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Lost Hollow Music Fest at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Enjoy five bands, food and drinks throughout the garden. Saturday (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Sunday (1-4 p.m.). Included with admission. Details.
D.A.E. Party at Centerstage @ NODA: Help fight diabetes with live music, live art and words of encouragement. 2-6 p.m. Free. Details.
Breakaway Music Festival at AvidXchange Music Factory: Featuring headliner ZEDD, Lil Dicky, MADEINTYO, Blackbear, Cheat Codes, 24HRS and more. 3-11 pm. $50+. Details.
Opening of Charlotte Collects at Mint Museum Randolph: Running through February 2018, ‘Charlotte Collects’ presents an array of international designs from the closets of Charlotte’s most fashionable. This exhibition highlights the meticulous craftsmanship, attention to detail and fine materials characteristic of couture. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free-$15. Details.
Kids
Kids Helping Kids Day at Levine Children’s Hospital: Families can make cards and blankets to encourage and support the patients as well as enjoy food, games and giveaways. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Details.
Mini Maker Faire at Discovery Place Science: Celebrate creating with workshops, presentations and demos on crafting, 3D printing, robotics, coding and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Included in admission. Details.
Fall Festival Candy Crawl at Rivergate Shopping Center: Enjoy music, a balloon artists, hayrides, food, drink and more. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Details.
Fall Festival at St. Patrick Catholic School: They’ll have games, bounce houses, a cake walk and plenty of great food on site, including JJ’s Red Hots, to ring in the new season. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Details.
Family Day at Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: Explore and get to know the collection with special hands-on art activities and family-focused museum tours. 12-4:30 p.m. Free for kids, $8 for adults. Details.
Ayrsley Fall Festival at Piedmont Social House: Expect food samples, shopping, pumpkin painting, raffles, games, live music and a stein hoisting competition hosted by Sam Adams at this first annual family-friendly event. 12-6 p.m. Free. Details.
Community Carnival at Blue Blaze Brewing: The family friendly event will include a pumpkin carving station (BYO pumpkin and carving tools), costume and pumpkin contests, s’mores, live music and beer for the adults. Free. Details.
Fitness
CROP Hunger Walk at 300 Hawthorne Lane: Join the nationwide effort to raise money to alleviate poverty with a 3.6-mile walk, the average distance walked for clean water in third world countries. Stick around for entertainment, backpack stuffing, face painting and more. 8 a.m. Donation-based. Details.
Life Barre at Whole Foods Waverly: Get the ultimate barre experience without the barre. Just bring your water bottle. 9-10 a.m. Free. Details.
Rescue Me 5K at Unknown Brewing Company: Open to all runners, walkers and dogs. Proceeds will benefit Operation Sidekick which is dedicated to training and providing rescued service dogs to veterans. Stick around for games, contests, beer and food. 9 a.m. $30. Details.
Yoga on the Deck at 400 South Tryon Street: The year’s last Yoga on the Deck features a one hour class, free mimosas and 10% off brunch at the Rhino Market & Deli’s new Uptown location. Validated parking in the 400 S. Tryon parking deck. #NCYBpassport will be accepted. 9-10 a.m. $10. Details.
Workout on the Rooftop at Rooftop 210: Gold’s Gym EpiCentre has partnered up with Rooftop 210 for this 3 hour long fitness event that includes Body Flow, Body Pump and RPM cycling. 3-6 p.m. Free. Details.
Sports
Soccer at Sportsplex at Matthews: Cheer on the Charlotte Independence as they take on Charleston Battery 7 p.m. $15+. Details.
Sunday, October 15
Food & Drink
Brunch and Brews at Thirsty Nomad Brewing: Thirsty Nomad has teamed up with Suarez Bakery to bring you an assortment of pastries and beverages, including pumpkin bread, apple fritters and donuts made with Sweeney London Porter. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $15. Details.
8th Annual Dilworth/South End Chili Cook-Off at Design Center: Try helpings of chili from local restaurants and individual teams as they compete to win. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $10. Details.
Domenica Italiana Lunch at Aqua e Vino: Enjoy an authentic, Italian-style, 4-course, family-style meal with beer and wine on the patio. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $45. Details.
Farm Pop-Up at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: Skip the grocery store and shop the pop-up market for an assortment of fresh veggies instead. They’ll also have a limited supply of sourdough bread and eggs on hand. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Details.
Bloody Mary Fest at The Fillmore & The Underground: Restaurants will compete to have their bloody mary named best in the business, and they need your help judging. You’ll get unlimited samples while you listen to live music and shop local vendors. 12-5 p.m. $25+. Details.
Casa Food Truck Grand Opening at Abari Game Bar: In addition to serving up arepas, they’ll have henna tattoos, vintage video games, axe throwers and a DJ on site. 12-6 p.m. Free. Details.
Order/Fire S3E2 at Free Range Brewing: Enjoy a bread and soup tasting (Ann Marie Stefany, Executive Pastry Chef at Heirloom, makes the best pretzel bread) and enter a raffle benefiting the Chefs Collaborative. 1 p.m. Free. Details.
Oktoberfest at The Wine Vault: Choose from 100+ beers while you listen to live music and snack on food from Boardwalk Billy’s. 2-5:30 p.m. $20. Details.
Crowning the QC’s Best Black Chef at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: Kick off Charlotte Black Restaurant Week with the announcement of the city’s best black chef. Expect local vendors, music and a cash bar at the event. 4-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Sunday Supper: Nourish Your Groove at FROCK Shop: Try a few meals from Nourish, the city’s food delivery service that specializes in locally sourced, vegan and organic options while listening to a quintet of Charlotte musicians. 6 p.m. $55. Details.
Experience
Open Streets 704 throughout Charlotte: Fall in love with walking and biking again when the city clears roads to create a temporary linear park for pedestrian, bicycle and other “people-powered” transportation, as well as dancing, playing and hanging out in the streets. Free. 1-5 p.m. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Starving Artist Market at Charlotte Art League: Local artists will be selling their handmade goods such as candy, jewelry and paintings. 12-5 p.m. Free. Details.
Brushes and Brunch at Loft & Cellar: Enjoy 2 types of signature mimosas and light fare while a professional artist personally guides you in completing a canvas painting. 1-3 p.m. $50. Details.
Kids
Sunday Funday – Creative Costumes at Mint Museum Uptown: Enjoy family-friendly art projects, gallery visits, artist demos and family yoga sessions. 1-4 p.m. $6 adults. Details.
Fitness
Acro for Beginners at 1500 Winston Drive: Come learn a few basic acrobatic moves or brush up on your existing skill set at this class that focuses on a full range of fundamental poses. 12-1:30 p.m. $15. Details.
Rollin’ to Open Streets 15 Common Market: Enjoy an easy 4-mile ride from Plaza Midwood to Open Streets at Freedom Park with a stop by Olde Mecklenburg Brewery at the end. 12:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Group Hike at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve: Join the Young Allies of the River (Catawba Riverkeeper’s social and service group for people in their twenties and thirties) for a hike at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. Meet in the Gar Creek Access lot. 2-4 p.m. Free. Details.
Sports
NASCAR at Talladega at Big Al’s Pub & Grubberia: Watch the race and enjoy wings, domestic beers and Bloody Marys, all on special all day. 2-5 p.m. Free. Details.
We’re excited for…
Ballantyne Whiskey Fest at The Ballantyne Hotel: Try whiskeys from around the world and learn about what you’re drinking during educational seminars hosted by master brand ambassadors. Top it off with a cocktail reception and Bourbon Ball Dinner. October 21.
24th Annual Apple Harvest Festival at Windy Hill Orchard: Enjoy live music, hayrides, donuts, kids’ activities and, yes, the staple hard cider. October 21.
HeroRun Charlotte 2017 at Fairview Plaza: Dress up as your favorite superhero or villain for a 5K or 1K fun run. Proceeds benefit military veterans. Use code CAHeroes2017 to get $5 off registration. October 28.
See all the upcoming events here.
Feature photo via Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s Instagram
Alivia McAtee contributed to this story.
