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FRIDAY, AUGUST 31
90. 40% chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day Celebration at the U.S. National Whitewater Center: The weekend is jam-packed with a Dry Tri and trail race, two River Jams, six yoga sessions, climbing competitions during Aqua Rock, fireworks and more. Friday (5-9 p.m.), Saturday (8 a.m.-9 p.m.) and Sunday (9 a.m.-10 p.m.). Free admission ($6 to park, activities a la carte). Details.
Food & Drink
College Kickoff Bar & Club Crawl in Uptown: Check in at the Epicentre before making your way to 15+ venues with free entry and food and drink specials. Choose between a Friday night crawl, a Saturday day crawl or both (and snag tickets to the Brad Paisley concert while you’re at it). Friday (4 p.m.) and Saturday (1 p.m.). $25-$40. Details.
Networking Breakfast at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: Join the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte and Food Lion for a friendly networking session over breakfast. 7:30-9:30 a.m. $5 for non-members. Details.
Lobster & Cold Craft Beer Summer Lunch at Sycamore Brewing: Celebrate making it through another work week with lunch from Cousins Maine Lobster, fresh air and plenty of sunshine. 12-3 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Beer Release at Bold Missy Brewery: Try the new Mary’s Monster, an amber ale brewed with cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, inspired by Mary Shelley, best known for creating Dr. Frankenstein. 4-10 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Front Porch Friday at Catawba Brewing Company: Enjoy live music from RevelWood Mission, a cold beer and dinner from Cousins Maine Lobster, Fresh Med or New Wrap Order. 5-10 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Ardie’s Birthday Bash at Birdsong Brewing Co.: Join Charlotte For Choice to celebarate Ardie the Clinic Protector with cake, a kissing booth and beer. They’ll be accepting donations in lieu of gifts. 6-9 p.m. Free. Details.
Satori_Session_Five at Crown Station: They’ll be playing jungle, house and more with drink specials all night. Bring something to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina for discounted admission. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $5. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
The Lion King at Belk Theater: The Tony Award-winning Broadway staple makes a stop in Charlotte during its North American tour. Through September 9. $30+. Details.
American Idol Auditions at Mint Museum Uptown: See if you have what it takes to get to Hollywood at arguably the most well-known set of auditions, well, ever. Advance sign-up required. 5 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Details.
Belk College Kickoff Game Tailgate Concert at American Legion Memorial Stadium: Brad Paisley and Kane Brown will take the stage to rev fans up before West Virginia takes on Tennessee to mark the start of college football season. 6-11 p.m. $12-$199. Details.
Pizazz Smooth Jazz Festival at Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre: Don’t miss the biggest jazz festival of the year, with performances by Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G, Dave Koz, Gerald Albright and more. 6-11 p.m. $48-$153. Details.
The Best Of: Charlotte 48 Hour Film Project at McGlohon Theatre: See the best of the film festival, which asked teams of local artists to create a 7-minute short film in 48 hours under a given genre. 6:45 p.m. $18. Details.
Sounds on the Square at Spirit Square: Enjoy a night of music by Aaron Burdett. BYO chairs and blankets; food and drink available for purchase. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Comedy Night at Barista Craft Highland Park: Enjoy a night of standup by local comedians. 8-10 p.m. Free. Details.
Comedy Night at The Omegas of Charlotte: Join the Queen City Omegas for a night of laughter with headliner Tony Woods. Tickets include pre-show hors-d’oeuvres and an after party. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $20 in advance. Details.
DJ Series at City Lights Rooftop: Unwind from your week with a perfect skyline view, drinks and a DJ. 9 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Bachata Moderna vs Bachata Clasica at La Revolucion: Get down to the sounds of trap, reggae, mambo and more all night. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Details.
Experience
Pollinators’ Paradise at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: See seasonal garden beds planted specifically for pollinators, including butterflies, bees and hummingbirds, then practice your stroke in the Garden’s 18-hole mini golf course. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Monday. $0-$12.95. Details.
2018 Racing Insiders Tour at the NASCAR Hall of Fame: Take a ride around town on a private motorcoach to learn all about the history of racing in the area. Tickets include admission to the Hall of Fame the following day. 9:15 a.m. $99. Details.
Friday Nights at Camp North End: Unwind in the Boileryard with food, music and more. Dog- and kid-friendly. 5 p.m. Free. Details.
Mean Girls Trivia Night at StrikeCity: Were you personally victimized by Regina George? Then throw on some pink, eat some carbs and come test your knowledge on the classic movie. 8-10 p.m. Free. Details.
Learn Things
Tyrannosaurs: Meet the family at Discovery Place Science: Experience the world’s first exhibition showcasing the ancestors of everybody’s favorite short-armed dinosaur, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. During your visit, you’ll learn where it came from and how it involved through a multimedia experience with 10 life-sized dinosaurs on display. Through Monday. $0-$20. Details.
Meet the Midwife at baby+co.: Get to know baby+co.’s Board Certified Nurse Midwife over food, mocktails and socializing. 5-7 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Fitness
Free Community SWEAT at The Suffolk Punch: Join Bloc for a free mid-day workout. 12 p.m. Free. Details.
Blacklight Chakti Yoga at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: Flow through everything Kundalini foundations to HIIT moves during this unique practice. Stick around after for a kombucha or beer. 8-9 p.m. $20. Details.
Kids
Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites at ImaginOn: A collection of picture book classics like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Peter Rabbit come to life in this interactive exhibit designed to allow children the chance to explore literacy skills and concepts in a hands-on environment. Through September 9; times vary. Free. Details.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
89. 50% chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Labor Day Weekend
The #KingDayParty at Vault: Take in the city views from the rooftop while you dance to DJs and enjoy premium cocktails with other young professionals. 7-10 p.m. Free. Details.
All White Club Crawl at TILT: Put on your classiest white and make your way to four popular clubs. Tickets include two free drinks at each stop. 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. $20. Details.
Champagne Saturday All White Party at Tequila House: Dress in white to get free entry and complimentary champagne. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission. Details.
Food & Drink
1st Anniversary Blow Out Music & Beer Festival at Resident Culture Brewing Company: Expect special bottle and can releases, tap takeovers and a full-on music festival in honor of the brewery’s first anniversary. Plus, food trucks like Cousins Maine Lobster, Streamline Kitchen, Bleu Barn Bistro, Casa, A Worthy Dog and King of Pops Charlotte will be on-site. Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. $10. Details.
Q and Brew at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: After you’re done shopping the Starving Artist Market, enjoy a plate of smoked jerked chicken, sautéed greens, rice and fried plantains from The Hunter’s Wife to pair with the new Happy Camper flavor and Tangerine Mango Dreamz. 11 a.m. Free admission. Details.
1 Year Anniversary Party at The Brickyard: Celebrate all day and night with free food, drink specials and a DJ. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Barrels & Bacon at Flying Saucer: Celebrate International Bacon Day with beer and bacon pairings, special flights and more. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Free admission. Details.
Canniversary Can Festival at Resident Culture Brewing Company: Up your celebration with a tasting event featuring 20+ breweries from all over the country. Tickets include 3-4 hours of tastings, a commemorative glass and entry to the music festival. 12-7 p.m. $85-$225. Details.
Beer Release at Birdsong Brewing Co.: Try the new Respect Double IPA in the taproom A portion of this batch will benefit the ALS Therapy Development Institute. 12-10 p.m. Free admission. Details.
BA Series Release 1&2 at Catawba Brewing Company: The brewery is releasing two barrel-aged beers: BA Scotch Ale, with hints of toffee, molasses, vanilla, oak and bourbon, and Barrel-Aged Wild Ale with Peaches, whose flavor profile includes bright sour fruit, peach, vanilla and farmhouse funk. 12-11 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Return of “Oaktoberfest” at Legion Brewing: Legion’s fall favorite, Oaktoberfest, is back with its layers of vanilla and oak that finishes spicy and dry. This family-friendly day includes pretzel necklace making, Oaktoberfest Platters and more. 12-11 p.m. Free admission. Details.
The New Gullah Supper Club: Chef Kardea will prepare her family’s Gullah/Southern recipes with a modern twist for this 5-course meal complete with low country-inspired cocktails. Location revealed after ticket purchase. 5-7 p.m. $85. Details.
OMB Beer & Pizza Tasting at Brixx Foxcroft: Enjoy a pizza of your choice with a flight of four OMB drafts, a full pour and a commemorative pint glass. 6-9 p.m. $20. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Bearden Birthday Bash at Romare Bearden Park: To honor artist and Charlottean Romare Bearden’s 107th birthday, saxophonist Shableek and violinist Ken Ford will take over the namesake park for an evening of jazz and family-friendly activities. Food and drink available for purchase on-site. 6-9 p.m. Free. Details.
The Mystics Ball at Visulite Theater: Don your masquerade mask (or buy one at the door for a donation) for a night of unusual performances and music. They’ll have a best-dressed contest and an unmasking at midnight. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $20. Details.
Experience
Cars and Coffee Charlotte at 135 Hive Drive: Join other car enthusiasts for a morning of networking and socializing. 7-11 a.m. Free admission. Details.
Morning Markets at Camp North End: Enjoy coffee and breakfast food while perusing the Camp’s growing Farmers Market, complete with shopping and fitness vendors, programming for kids and live music throughout the morning. Kid- and pet-friendly. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Details.
Hot Havana Pool Party at Craft City Social Club: Join Craft City Social Club and Corona for an end-of-summer blowout with drink specials, Havana-inspired decorations and giveaways. 1-6 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Learn Things
Coffee Origins: A Journey from Crop to Cup at Undercurrent Coffee: Learn more about your morning must-have, like where it comes from and how it’s processed, during this informative talk. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $25. Details.
Passenger Talk with Dan Vinton at Carolinas Aviation Museum: Hear firsthand what it was like for passengers aboard US Airways Flight 1549 – known as the “miracle on the Hudson” – from Dan Vinton. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Included in admission. Details.
Fitness
Barbells & Brews at Sugar Creek Brewing: Competitors will go head-to-head during this sanctioned weightlifting event in which they’ll compete in the snatch and clean and jerk. Audience members can expect beer, food and live music. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. $75 to compete, free to watch. Details.
Ride! Ballantyne at Morrison Family YMCA: Choose between routes ranging from 30 to 80 miles in order to help support the YMCA Annual Campaign. The first 250 registrants will get a pair of custom socks. 7:30 a.m. $30 in advance. Details.
One Year Celebration at Curvy Jam Dance Fitness: Celebrate the fitness studio’s first anniversary with a free class. BYO water and towel. Registration required. 9 a.m. Free. Details.
Down Dog at Draught: Join NC Yoga Bar for an hour-long session and free post-practice mimosa. 10 a.m. $10. Details.
Fitness Saturday with YMCA at Northlake Mall: Join local fitness instructors in the Grand Court for a high-energy exercise class. 10 a.m. Free. Details.
Boot Camp at Camp North End: Join Camp Gladiator for a free boot camp session before making your way to shop the market next door. Any new camper that participates will be eligible for a $10 4-week boot camp pass. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Details.
Easy Going Intro Course at CrossFit Eternal: Get a feel for what CrossFit is about with this one-hour basics course. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Details.
Sports
Belk College Kickoff Game at Bank of America Stadium: West Virginia will take on Tennessee to mark the start of college football season. When buying tickets, note that West Virginia will be the away team (located on the North Sideline and East Endzone) and Tennessee will be the home team (located on the South Sideline and West Endzone). 3:30 p.m. $74-$228+. Details.
SEC Nation at the Belk Bowl at Romare Bearden Park: Hang out with SEC Nation staples Laura Rutledge, Paul Finebaum, Marcus Spears, Time Tebow and more as they highlight the Belk College Kickoff between West Virginia and Tennessee. 10 a.m. Free. Details.
2018 Carolina College Football Kickoff Party at BB&T Ballpark: Tailgate just blocks from the game with 4+ hours of food, drinks and entertainment. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $45-$135. Details.
South Carolina vs. Coastal Carolina at Flight: The city’s official Gamecocks bar is hosting a watch party for the season opener. 12 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Vols Takeover at All American Pub: Meet former players, win prizes and hang out with other fans before the game. 12 p.m. Free. Details.
Belk College Kickoff Watch Party at Queen Park Social: No tickets to the game? No problem. Watch Tennessee take on West Virginia on the big screen at this watch party. 3:30-6:30 p.m. Free admission. Details.
UNC vs. California at Moo & Brew: Cheer on the Tarheels as they kick off their 2018 season with an away game against California. 4-7 p.m. Free admission. Details.
UNC Charlotte vs. Fordham at UNC Charlotte: Cheer on the 49ers as they take on the Rams in their season opener. 6 p.m. $15-$30. Details.
Michigan vs. Notre Dame Official Watch Party at Tavern on the Tracks: Join the UM Club of Charlotte for the game, plus a 50/50 cash raffle and more. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Kids
Full STEAM Ahead at Carolinas Aviation Museum: Students up to 8th grade will enjoy an hour of hands-on learning at this workshop in which they’ll learn how to build a model of the 1903 Wright Flyer and get a deeper look at the Wright brothers’ process. 11 a.m. $5 for non-members, free for members. Details.
Butterfly Bombs at Reedy Creek Park and Nature Center: Scatter ‘bombs’ of dirt and seeds in grassy areas throughout the park to create spaces for butterflies to lay their eggs and stock up on nectar. 2-3 p.m. Free (registration required). Details.
Do Good
Clean Up Days in Plaza Midwood: Meet up at Common Market to grab some refreshments, distribute supplies, devise a strategy and then get to work cleaning up the neighborhood with fellow residents and merchants. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Details.
Adoption Event at Heist Brewery: Join South of the Bully & Friends to meet their adoptable pups to learn what the rescue is all about. 5-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Shopping
Labor Day Sales Event at Winni Couture Charlotte: Shop handcrafted gowns and wedding décor, plus get $500 off any special order bridal gown. Free admission. Through Monday. Details.
Pop Up at Armada Skate Shop: Endsville is coming to Plaza Midwood armed with its vintage clothing, magazines and more for a one-day-only pop-up shop. 1-5 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Starving Artist Market at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: Support local businesses when you shop 30+ local vendors selling handmade goods, artwork and more. 1-6 p.m. Free. Details.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
91. Partly cloudy. 20% chance of rain.
Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day All White & Black Rooftop Day Party at Rooftop 210: Don’t miss the EpiCentre staple’s last rooftop party of the summer, featuring Sport E. Odie. 4-9 p.m. $20-$45. Details.
A Southern Fried Kickback: Labor Day Edition at Peculiar Rabbit: Join the Jerk Chicken N Waffles Crew for party, which includes fried baskets, beer specials and multiple DJs. 6-11 p.m. $0-$12. Details.
Charlotte Go-Go Takeover at STATS Restaurant & Bar: Celebrate the long weekend with favorite local DJs and a performance by Charlotte’s own go-go band, Uptown Swagga. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $23+. Details.
City on Lock Block Party: Labor Day Weekend at La Revolucion: This block party, geared toward students of historically black college and university alumni and students, will include access to an indoor club and outdoor entertainment complex with 2 DJs, hookah, VIP seating and more. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $0-$10. Details.
Labor Day Bash at Oak Room: This free party will see two DJs, plenty of drinks and a whole lot of dancing. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission. Details.
White Party at The Imperial: Celebrate the holiday with a rooftop dance party complete with a DJ spinning hits from Miami and around the world. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission. Details.
Food & Drink
Fall Brunch at Sycamore Brewing: After you peruse Front Porch Sundays, head next door to Sycamore for brunch from TIN Kitchen, beer, cider and frosé. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Brunch and Brews at Legion Brewing: Fill up on brunch staples like a Lox and Loaded bagel and breakfast sliders paired with a cold brew or beermosa. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Brunch from a Truck at Catawba Brewing Company: Grab a mimosa or beermosa to pair with your brunch from Fresh Med. 12 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Coors Light 2018 Summer Finale at Coyote Joe’s: Say goodbye to summer with this end-of-season bash featuring local radio personalities and DJs. 3-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Experience
BYOD: Dog Walking Program at NoDa Brewing Company: Wear your furry best friend out on a one-mile walk around the neighborhood, then stick around to hang out on the patio with beer and food from TIN Kitchen. 12 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Skip & Sip Sunday Funday at Brewers at 4001 Yancey: Join Skipper for a 1.5-mile guided dog walk that starts and ends at Brewers at 4001 Yancey. Hang out afterward for beer, food and live music. 3 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Y2K Dance Party at Howl at the Moon: Relive the glory of the 2000s, including trucker hats, popped collars and low-rise jeans, at this party complete with drink specials, 2000s-era music and giveaways. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission. Details.
Learn Things
Animal Meet and Greet at Reedy Creek Park and Nature Center: Get up close and personal with one of the Center’s resident animals. 2-3 p.m. Free. Details.
Fitness
3 & 6 Mile Run at Flying Biscuit Café: Earn your Flying Biscuit brunch with a 3- or 6-mile run through the neighborhood, then get 10% off your food order. 6:30 & 7:30 a.m. Free. Details.
Yoga for Veterans at NoDa Yoga: Join Team RWB Charlotte for a refreshing deep stretch in this all-levels class. 8-9 a.m. Free. Details.
NoDa Hop Yoga at NoDa Brewing Company: Admission includes a beginner-friendly practice and beer. 10:45 a.m. $5. Details.
Sunday Serenity Yoga at Blue Blaze Brewing: Admission earns each yogi a 13-ounce beer. 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $8. Details.
Sunday Runday at NoDa Brewing Company: Enjoy a leisurely 1-, 3- or 5-mile run before cooling off with a beer. 12-3 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Namastay at Legion Brewing: Join Luis Bayon for an hour-long yoga session suitable for all levels. Admission includes a post-practice pint. 12:30-3:30 p.m. $7. Details.
Do Good
BarkitectureCLT at NoDa Brewing Company: This 501c3 non-profit custom pet house design competition and silent auction directly benefits Charlotte animal welfare groups. Enjoy music, food, music, vendors and adoptable pets. 12-4 p.m. Free. Details.
Shopping
Front Porch Sundays Market at 2151 Hawkins Street: The best way to celebrate Labor Day is with puppies and beer. Join 65+ of Charlotte’s favorite local vendors for an afternoon of shopping, pet adoptions, beer, music and good food. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Details.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
91. Sunny. 20% chance of rain.
Labor Day
Charlotte Labor Day Parade at Hal Marshall Center: The parade, now in its 19th year, will begin at the Hal Marshall Center before ending on College Street. Expect labor unions, members, political candidates, businesses and more to march. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free to watch, $50-$100 to participate. Details.
CG Labor Day Fun Run at Craft: Choose one of two fun run courses (1.6 or 3 miles), then stick around for a CG social. 10-11 a.m. Free admission. Details.
Labor Day End of Summer Party at Wooden Robot Brewery: Say goodbye to summer but hello to new beers and an exclusive Labor Day menu from the Kre8 team. 12-5 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Second Annual Labor Day Celebration at Blue Blaze Brewing: Let your long weekend live up to its fullest potential with this party, which includes $12 pitchers, free hotdogs and live music. 2-8 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Food & Drink
You Drink, We Donate at NoDa Brewing Company: For every draft sold in the taproom, $1 will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 4-9 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Labor Day City of Lights at Wine & Design: Create a colorful Charlotte skyline in this step-by-step class. BYOB. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $35. Details.
Piano Bar Karaoke at Petra’s: Join Ryan Stamey, who’ll be manning the piano while you sing your heart out, for this karaoke session. 21+ only. 8-11 p.m. $3. Details.
Experience
All You Can Bowl at StrikeCity: Enjoy unlimited games, plus a free shoe rental, in two-hour blocks. Walk-ins only. 11 a.m. $15. Details.
Temple Trivia at Carolina Beer Temple: Enjoy $4 pints while you compete for prizes, which will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams. 7-9 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Darts Tournament at Belfast Irish Mill Pub: Don’t let the drink specials ($4 Harp and $5 Deep Eddy) get the best of you during this 5-v-5 or 1-v-1 tournament. $50 cash prize up for grabs. 8 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Trivia Night at Roasting Company Plaza Midwood: Compete for tons of prizes while you enjoy classic RoCo grub. 8-10 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Fitness
CBT Charlotte Run Club at Carolina Beer Temple: Earn your beer with a 1- or 3-mile run, after which, select pints will be $4. 6:15-7 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Bootcamp at The Suffolk Punch: Activate muscles you didn’t know you had in this hour-long class led by Master Fitness Trainer Ty Vernik. Admission includes a free post-camp beer. 6:30-7:30 p.m. $5. Details.
Yoga at Oak Room: BYO mat for this free yoga session. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Details.
ON THE AGENDA
Dilworth Home Tour 2018 in Dilworth Tour: 7 gorgeous homes and gardens in one of Charlotte’s oldest and best home tours. Charlotte B-Cycle will be offering free bikes and bike racks for the tour and afterward, enjoy half-price glasses of wine at Bonterra with your ticket. This event supports Dilworth Cares and its selected non-profit of the year. September 14-15.
Beers and Burpees at CrossFit Charlotte: This 8th annual event brings together 25 local gyms and over 1,000+ people to workout, drink beer and most importantly, raise money for the Dream on 3 Charity organization. Expect heats starting every 40 minutes, a NoDa Brewing Beer Garden, food trucks, kids “Brownies and Burpees” division, teen division, adaptive athlete division, free kids activities, music and more. September 22.
UNC Charlotte International Festival at UNC Charlotte: The International Festival is centered around booths arranged in colorful marketplace style representing the cultures of over 50 nations. The booths feature art, crafts and costumes from each participating country with many offering international food for sale. Expect dancing and family-friendly entertainment. September 29.
See all the upcoming events here.
