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FRIDAY, MAY 4
88. Sunny. 10% chance of rain.
Food & Drink
5 De Mayo Weekend Celebration at La Fiesta Grande: The weekend-long celebration will see $5 margaritas, tequila shots, mimosas and Micheladas. Friday through Sunday. Free. Details.
Strawberry Festival at Walter Elisha Park: Spend your warm weekend at this spring festival that includes pick-your-own rate strawberry picking, a golf tournament, movie screenings and more over two days. Friday (4-10 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m.-10 p.m.). Free, $5 to park. Details.
Cinco de Mayo Cupcakes at SAS Cupcakes: Don a sombrero and enjoy one of the shop’s festive cupcake flavors, including Margarita, Churro and Tres Leches on the house. Friday and Saturday. Free. Details.
Mexican Lager Release at Catawba Brewing Co.: Experience a beer that celebrates the heavy European influence on Mexico’s brewing history. 12-11 p.m. Free. Details.
$4 on the Quatro at TILT: Raid the free taco bar and wash it all down with $4 drinks. 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.
Front Porch Friday at Catawba Brewing Co.: Enjoy a frew drinks and dinner from a food truck on the patio. 5 p.m. Free. Details.
Star Wars Day at JackBeagle’s: Come in your finest Star Wars getup and you’ll get your first drink free. 5-7 p.m. Free. Details.
May The Fourth Be With You at Lucky’s Bar and Arcade: Geek out with retro games (especially the Star Wars games). 5-2 a.m. Free. Details.
Star Wars vs Star Trek Dinner at Assorted Table Wine Shoppe: Eat your way through three courses, each specially paired with wine, in your best costumes. 6-8:30 p.m. $45. Details.
Royals Meet and Greet at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: Grab a beer and mix and mingle with the Charlotte Royals Rugby Club and members of the Atlanta Bucks. 8-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Weekend Kickoff Party at Hickory Tavern Ballantyne: Kick off Cinco de Mayo weekend with live music and drink specials that start at just $3. 9 p.m. Free. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
The Humans at Knight Theater: This uproarious, hopeful and heartbreaking play takes place over the course of a family dinner on Thanksgiving. Friday (8 p.m.) and Saturday (2 and 8 p.m.). $25+. Details.
River Jam at The U.S. National Whitewater Center: The free concert series is back with a bigger and better food and craft beer selection to enjoy al fresco. 7-10 p.m. Free ($6 to park). Details.
Disney’s Fantasia at Belk Theater: Experience the Disney classic live in HD and accompanied by a full symphony orchestra for an entirely new take on the film. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. $23-$104. Details.
May Gallery Crawl in Historic South End: Make your way through 8 of the neighborhood’s show, with each destination offering a special experience. 5-9 p.m. Free. Details.
Jazz at the Bechtler at Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: The Ziad Jazz Quartet will bring McCoy Tyner’s sound to life. 6 & 8:15 p.m. $14. Details.
May the Fourth Be With You at Elevation Church Blakeney: Watch the original Star Wars film A New Hope with free snacks in hand. 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Details.
May the Fourth Be with You – Improv and Beyond at Charlotte Comedy Theater & Training Center: See an all-new chapter in the Star Wars (non-canon) saga from two improv teams struggling between red and non-red lightsabers. 8-9:30 p.m. $12. Details.
Experience
Plaza Midwood Home & Garden Tour in Plaza Midwood: See inside 10 of the neighborhood’s most beautiful homes while you ride B-Cyclesand hang out with vendors like Birdsong Brewing, Rita’s, Red clay Hard Cider and Moxie Mercantile. Friday (6-8 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.). $20-$25. Details.
Quail Party at Flight: Join 500+ others for live music, food and drink to raise money for charities in the Charlotte community. 7:30-11:30 p.m. $12-$70. Details.
Two Year Anniversary at The Ballroom at Quail Hollow: Enjoy an evening filled with dancing, raffles, giveaways, professional and amateur performances and refreshments. 8-10:30 p.m. $5. Details.
Fitness
Grand ReOpening Celebration at Giant University City: They’ll have a bike maintenance clinic on Friday, plus a greenway ride, lunch, sales and more on Saturday. Friday (6:30 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m.). Free. Details.
Twilight 5K at Wells Fargo Atrium: Come support Right Moves for Youth at one of Charlotte’s only after-dark races. 7 p.m. $25. Details.
Sports
Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow: Watch pros like Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods (yes, Tiger’s back) play through Charlotte’s finest course. See the Agenda guide to the course, food and more here. Friday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. $65-$175. Details.
College Baseball at Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium: Support the 49ers as they take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 6-9 p.m. $5-$10. Details.
10th Annual Golf Night at Piedmont Town Center: Stop by the pre-party at Brio and hang out at Del Frisco’s post-party for live music and plenty of food and drinks. Proceeds benefit Carolina Breast Friends. 7-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Shopping
Mother’s Day Art + Pottery Sale at Cornwell Center: Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift at this pop-up shop. Friday (7:30 a.m.) and Saturday (12 p.m.). Free. Details.
SATURDAY, MAY 5
84. Cloudy. 20% chance of rain.
Cinco de Derby Parties
Derby de Mayo at StrikeCity: This hybrid party includes Mint Juleps, Tecate and the races displayed on HDTVs and huge, 110-foot projectors. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. Details.
Cinco De Mayo Kentucky Derby Style at Caswell Station: Enjoy a day of live music, food and drink specials and contests for best hat (sombrero and derby hats welcome). 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Free. Details.
Cinco De Derby at Queen Park Social: Grab your best hat and celebrate all day and into the night with mint juleps and margaritas. 11-2 a.m. Free. Details.
Cinco de Derby at Hickory Tavern Metropolitan: They’re celebrating with a nacho and taco bar, plenty of Coronas and margaritas, plus $10 tequila flights to enjoy while you watch the races. 2 p.m. Free. Details.
Cinco de Derby at Resident Culture Brewing Company: Tickets include 2 drinks (try the kettle sour beer made with lime and mint), appetizers and a chance at the 50/50 Derby raffle. Proceeds benefit Claire’s Army. 4-7 p.m. $35. Details.
Cinco de Mayo Parties
Cinco de Mayo at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market: This weekend, vendors will be passing out free Latin-inspired recipes. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Details.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Legion Brewing: Get your fill of a Cinco de Mayo-themed brunch, tacos and Queso Findido, plus a grapefruit-jalapeño varsion of Juan Direction. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Cinco De Mayo Block Party at South End Station: Hot Taco, All American Pub, Slate Charlotte and Oak Room are joining up for a day of Mexican food, frozen margaritas, live music and $2 tacos. 21+ only. 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.
Cinco de Mayo at Que Onda Tacos Uptown: Doors open at 11 a.m. and the first 150 in will receive sunglasses, but specials on margaritas, tequila and beer are up for grabs for everyone. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Cinco de Mayo at the Improper Pig: Enjoy $5 margaritas and Improper Tamales, made in-house with smoked pork and chicken, all day long. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Cinco De Mayo at Vida Cantina: Expect food, drink specials and live music. Plus, for each Cinco Taco they sell, they’ll donate $1 to The American Cancer Society. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Cinco de Mayo at Carolina Ale House Waverly: Indulge in $15 Corona buckets, $10 Coronaritas and plenty of homemade Mexican, including chicken enchiladas and tortilla soup. 11-2 a.m. Free. Details.
Cinco de Meow-O Adoption Event at PetPeople Waverly: Play a round of cornhole before heading inside for a children’s coloring area and visits with plenty of adoptable animals. 12-3 p.m. Free. Details.
Cinco de Mayo at Blue Blaze Brewing: Enjoy Hostel Takeover Pepper IPA (a 5.8% ABV small batch beer with local peppers) and live music. 12-10 p.m. Free. Details.
Cinco De Mayo Celebration at Sycamore Brewing: Celebrate with tacos, Sun Grown Fresh Craft Lager with Limes, margarita prosecco and beer pops, plus live music. They’ll also be re-releasing a crowd favorite, The Salty Coconut. 12-10 p.m. Free. Details.
Cinco de Mayo: FINN Fiesta in the Village at Blackfinn Ameripub Ballantyne: Expect live music, food and drink specials and more, like a margarita tasting ($10), Chiuahaha costume contest ($10) and a taco eating contest. 12-11 p.m. $0-$12. Details.
Cinco De Mayo Party at Carolina Beer Temple at Ayrsley: Celebrate with Mexican-inspired lagers and stouts, décor, live music and dance lessons. 12 p.m.-12 a.m. Free. Details.
Cinco De Mayo Fiesta at Tin Roof: All day, the popular EpiCentre bar will have live music and plenty of margaritas and tacos. 12 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.
Cinco de Bow Wow at Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte: In addition to the drink specials, t-shirts, koozies and other goodies a big prize for Best Dressed Dog will be up for grabs, so make sure you and your pup are wearing your most festive Cinco de Mayo costumes. 1-5 p.m. Free. Details.
Kill the Keg Cinco de Mayo at Midwood Smokehouse: Tickets include a 16-ounce Legion Brewing Margarita Gose pour in a souvenir cup, free nachos and slow-smoked BBQ. 2-5 p.m. $5. Details.
Cinco de Mayo Vendor Pop Up Market at The Barrel Room at Triple C: They’ll have local vendors, a food truck, live music, special release beer and pet adoptions on site (plus a screening of the Derby). 2-7 p.m. Free. Details.
Cinco De Mayo Margaritathon Day Party at Sydney’s Martini and Wine Bar: Join other singles in Charlotte while drinking 2 for 1 margaritas and listening to the sounds by DJ Heartless. 3-8 p.m. $12.60. Details.
Chic Cinco de Mayo at The Imperial: Eat Work Play CLT is hosting this Miami-inspired rooftop party, complete with Don Julio cocktails, made-to-order tacos and plenty of music and dancing. Cocktail attire required. 4-10 p.m. $0-$30. Details.
Cinco De Mayo Celebration at The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill: Celebrate with tacos, Sun Grown Fresh Craft Lager with Limes, margarita prosecco and beer pops, plus live music. 4-11:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Tacos, Chelas & Rock at Midwood International and Cultural Center: Enjoy authentic Mexican food, cold beer, drink specials and live Spanish rock music. 5 p.m.-1 a.m. $10. Details.
Cinco de Mayo 4-Year Anniversary at The Press Box Bar & Grill: Their anniversary falls on Cinco de Mayo, so they’ve planned a night full of festivities to celebrate. Expect food, drinks starting at $2 and live music. 6 p.m.-2 am. Free. Details.
Cinco De Mayo Pinata Party at Draught Charlotte: Hit the taco bar to pile your tortilla high with smoked pork and wash it all down with themed drink specials. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.
5 DE MAYO Celebration at Brazwells Premium Pub Ballantyne: Celebrate with dancing salsa, bachata, reggaeton and more. 21+ only. $12 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Details.
Kentucky Derby Parties
Hats and Horses at The Broken Spoke: Break out your best hat for festive drinks, cheese, charcuterie and more. 2-5 p.m. Free. Details.
Foxy Kentucky Derby at Leroy Fox Cotswold and South End: Both Leroy Fox locations are celebrating with live music, complimentary appetizers and drink specials. Tickets include 2 drinks and all proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 2-7 p.m. $10-$15. Details: Cotswold / South End.
28th Annual YAM Derby Days at Mint Musem Randolph: The party, which has been named the best party for young professionals more than once, is back with 400+ guests, Mint Juleps, free wine and beer, lawn games, a 50/50 raffle and large-screen viewing of the Derby. 3-7 p.m. $45-$80. Details.
Kentucky Derby Party at The Ballantyne Hotel: Celebrate the 144th running on the hotel’s South Lawn in your best hat and seersucker at this family-friendly event that includes photo ops with horses, pony rides, a hat competition and more. Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark cocktails, Mint Juleps and food will be available for purchase. 4-7 p.m. Free. Details.
Kentucky Derby Watch Party at The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill: Watch the races unfold on the big screen in surround sound while enjoying Old Foresters Mint Juleps on special and a chance to “Bet on the Ponies.” Cinco de Mayo specials like Tecate, tequila and margaritas will be available, too. 4-11:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Food & Drink
Spring Fling & Food Truck Festival at Shelton Vineyards: Spend the day enjoying free tours and tastings, live music, food trucks and shopping local vendors. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Details.
Grand Opening at Jack’s House: Charlotte Independence’s new soccer bar will make its debut in Elizabeth with a watch party, local beer and plenty of raffle prizes. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. Details.
1 Year Fiesta at Catawba Brewing Co.: Celebrate the Charlotte location’s first anniversary with a workout, new releases and live music all day long. 12-11 p.m. Free. Details.
New Wrap Order 3 Year Anniversary at Triple C Brewing: Stop by for giveaways, cake cutting, live music and more. 1-8:30 p.m. Free. Details.
13th Anniversary Party at Mac’s Speed Shop: In addition to live music, they’ll be pouring drinks and shots on special. 2-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Art Walk at Kings Drive: Stroll along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway and see showcases from fine and emerging artists presented by Festival in the Park. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. Free. Details.
Free Comic Book Day at Beatties Ford Library: Pick up a few free new or used Comics, visit the superhero photo booth, play video games and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Details.
Free Comic Book Day at Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find: Stop by for meet and greets, autographs and, of course, free comics. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Details.
Free Comic Book Day at Spandex City Comics: Choose from 50+ free titles and meet Tomorrow’s Comic Artists Today for a comic cover sketch. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Free Comic Book Day at Rebel Base Comics & Toys: Shop the storewide sale that encompasses comics, toys, graphic novels and books. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. Details.
NoDa Day on McDowell Street: This street festival promotes local artists, and they’ll have plenty of DJs and food trucks on site. They’ll also be accepting donations of gently used clothing. 1-7 p.m. Free. Details.
Experience
Grand Opening at Vespa Charlotte: Take a free demo ride and stick around for food, music, a raffle with prizes and free scooter inspections. Saturday (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-4 p.m.). Free. Details.
24th Annual Gardeners’ Garden Tour at Wing Haven: This two-day tour features visits to five private gardens as well as open visitation and live music. Saturday (10 a.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.). $30 in advance. Details.
Boating and Watersports Festival at Kings Point Marina: This day-long festival includes rides on the fire, police and towboats, kids’ activities like face painting and a bounce house, plus plenty of local food trucks – and it’s all for the greater good, with proceeds benefitting Beds for Kids. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Details.
Brown Girls Breaking Glass Ceilings: A Women’s Empower Event at Courtyard Marriott: Join Janine Davis of Girl Talk Foundation at this half-day event designed to motivate and empower women while creating plenty of networking opportunities. Expect vendors, raffles, panel discussions and door prizes. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $45-$55. Details.
Midwood MAYnia at Midwood Park: Shop the Queen City Makers Market while you sip Legion Brewing beers, listen to live music and eat good food. 12-7 p.m. Free. Details.
2018 Spring Euphoria in the Park at Hornets Nest Park: Bring food, coolers, chairs and comfortable shoes to dance in and come enjoy this outdoor music event. 12-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Dub Show at The Park Expo and Conference Center: The nation’s largest custom car show tour is stopping in Charlotte and bringing with it performers like Yo Gotti, YBN Nahmir and more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Thomas Davis foundation. 4-9 p.m. $20-$80. Details.
Theater Charlotte’s Broadway Ball at Extravaganza: Enjoy live performances, cocktails, dinner, dancing, a silent auction and a live auction to support the theatre’s greatest needs. 6:30-10:30 p.m. $175-$1,200. Details.
Learn Things
Engineer in Residence Workshop: Hydroponics at Discovery Place Science: Join educators and the museum’s Engineer in Residence for a hands-on workshop to design and engineer a soil-less crop system. Advanced registration required. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Included in admission. Details.
Fitness
Cinco de Mayo B-Day bRUNch at The Suffolk Punch: Join Charlotte Running Club to celebrate their 9th birthday with a run followed by a buffet-style brunch. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. $15. Details.
Sports
College Baseball at Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium: Support the 49ers as they take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. 2-5 p.m. $5-$10. Details.
Royals Prom Dress Match at Revolution Park: The Charlotte Royals Rugby Team will be taking on the Atlanta Bucks in their best gowns for the annual match. Join them for aftergame celebrations at Sidelines Bar. 6-10 p.m. $10. Details.
Kids
Family First Presented by Novant Health: Crafting Mosaics at Harvey B. Gantt Center: An artist will lead participants through the process of constructing paper mosaics inspired by her own exhibition. 1:30-3:30 p.m. $5. Details.
Do Good
Walk to Defeat ALS at Symphony Park: This family- and wheelchair-friendly event will include an awards ceremony and afterparty. 9 a.m. Donation-based. Details.
Walk to End Lupus at Philip L. Van Every Culinary Arts Center, CPCC: Raise money and awareness for lupus and its research and education programs during this 1.25-mile route. 10:30 a.m. Donation-based. Details.
Shopping
Charity Sale at Belk: Receive 20-70% off throughout the store and special savings on rarely discounted merchandise. Plus, the first 100 customers in each store will win a gift card valued anywhere from $5 to $1,000. 100% of proceeds go directly to the USO of North Carolina Piedmont Area programs and services benefiting military service members and their families. 6-10 a.m. $5. Details.
Morning Markets at Camp North End: Enjoy breakfast while shopping the farmers market, working out, taking an art lesson and more. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Details.
Biergarten Table Reverse Auction at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: Starting at 10 a.m., you can buy a set of biergarten furniture for $50 (a table and two benches). As the hour moves on, prices will be lowered until the brewery sells out. All profits benefit the 24 Foundation. 10-11 a.m. Free. Details.
SUNDAY, APRIL 29
78. 50% chance of rain.
Food & Drink
Brunch and Brews at Legion Brewing: Fill up on brunch classics like a lox bagel and breakfast sliders. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Details.
Mutts & Mimosas Boozy Brunch at Sycamore Brewing: Grab Fido and enjoy a brunch during which $1 from every beermosa and pitcher sold benefits the Humane Society of Charlotte. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Paint your Pet at Birdsong Brewing: Don’t worry if you’re not an artist – one from The Tipsy Paintbrush will sketch your four-legged best friend onto a canvas and help guide you through painting techniques. Proceeds from the session as well as of each pint sold directly benefits Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $45. Details.
Steele Creek Live at Piedmont Social House: Enjoy free outdoor live music from Straight Fire and a cornhole tournament on the event lawn. 6-9 p.m. Free. Details.
Experience
Global Bubble Parade at Freedom Park: Walk around the duck pond loop with bubbles to spread positive and promote inclusiveness before you stick around for bubble-related arts and crafts. 12:45-3 p.m. Free. Details.
Learn Things
Mother’s Day Brunch Class at Savory Spice Shop: Join a chef from The Art Institute of Charlotte to learn how to make sweet and savory dishes for Mother’s Day. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $15. Details.
Fitness
NoDa Hop Yoga at NoDa Brewing Company: Take a restorative yoga class and stick around for a post-practice beer. 10:45-11:45 a.m. $5. Details.
Sunday Serenity Yoga at Blue Blaze Brewing: Your ticket gets you admission to this all-levels yoga class plus a 13-ounce beer. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $8. Details.
Namastay at Legion Yoga: Join this all-levels, hour-long class that includes a pint afterward. 12:30-1:30 p.m. $7. Details.
Sports
College Baseball at Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium: Cheer on the 49ers as they take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. 1-4 p.m. $5-$10. Details.
Shopping
Front Porch Sundays Market at 2151 Hawkins Street: Shop 60+ vendors and enjoy live music, good food, great beer, pet adoptions and more. Arrive by 11 a.m. for a free boot camp workout. 12-5 p.m. Free. Details.
Closet Cleanout Garage Sale at Bold Missy Brewery: Shop gently-worn clothes, ranging from casual to business to wedding wear, at this sale. Items won’t exceed $10 and 100% of proceeds benefit Safe Alliance, and anything unsold will be donated. 1-5 p.m. Free. Details.
Queen City Makers Market at Legion Brewing: Check out work from 10 vendors, including jewelry, pet stuff, bath accessories and more. 3-7 p.m. Free. Details.
ON THE AGENDA
See all the upcoming events here.
Science on the Rocks: Don’t Try This at Home at Discovery Place Science: Do everything your parents told you not to do growing up, like licking batteries, touching jellyfish and getting electrified by Tesla coils. May 18.
17th Annual Picnic at SouthPark at Symphony Park: Join 500+ other people at this outdoor event that includes food, entertainment and prizes. May 22.
Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola at Romare Bearden Park: The festival is back for its 24th year with headliner Judah & the Lion. May 24.
Feature photo courtesy of Erin Brighton
