
Even with low temps, it’s worth it to get out of the house this weekend – and you’ll have cozy, door-to-door transportation thanks to Lyft.
Plus, get $5 off your first two Lyft rides using code LYFTWITHAGENDA.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
69. 0% chance of rain.
Food & Drink
Charlotte Black Restaurant Week 2018: Celebrate black-owned restaurants and businesses in the local area with a week of dining deals. 20+ restaurants will be participating and offering special pricing on lunch and dinner menus. They’ll also have a kick-off party and Food Truck Friday to end the week. Now through Oct. 21. Times vary. Meals start at $10. Details.
Wine Dinner by Chef Chris Coleman at Stoke Charlotte: Experts will be on hand to talk about the featured wines from Santa Barbara while you enjoy a multi-course menu. Proceeds will benefit Classroom Central. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $85. Details.
Food Truck Friday at 2161 Hawkins St.: They’ll have 10+ trucks on site along with beer/wine/cider and live music. 5-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Black Food Truck Fridays at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: Kick off Charlotte Black Restaurant Week with a food truck rally with all your favorite black-owned trucks. They’ll also have special foodie sessions going on. 4 p.m. Free to $15. Details.
Firkin Friday at Pilot Brewing: They’re releasing Cinnamon Bun Brown, a traditional brown ale with roasted pecans, cinnamon, vanilla and lactose. 4-9 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Auntie Anne’s Food Truck Grand Opening at Red Clay Ciderworks: The food truck version of everyone’s favorite brick and mortar pretzel store is finally hitting the road. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Details.
5th Annual Cider Fest at Rooftop 210: Spend an evening sipping your way through samples of ciders and learning about cider mixology. 6-10 p.m. $18-$24. Details.
Customer Appreciation Friday at Carolina Beer Temple: They’re giving back to their customers with free food from local restaurants like Portofino’s, Sabor and Mac’s Speed Shop. They’ll always have a vegetarian option and plenty of beers to wash it down. 5-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Tour of Europe Wine Dinner at Maggiano’s: Join Thirty-Seven Wine Group for a four-course meal paired with wines from around Europe. 7-10 p.m. $45. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Married At First Sight casting: Now casting single men and women in the Charlotte area who are brave enough to trust the panel of experts to help them find ‘the one.’ Are you or someone you know bold enough for this experiment? If you’re committed to finding your future spouse, and want to understand yourself and your love life in a whole new way, you should apply. Now through Nov. 23. Free to apply. Details
A Cappella Scary: PITCH DARK! at Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square: The stage is set for Carolina Voices’ Impromptu’s annual ghoulish experience of a cappella music, amazing make-up and costumes. Join Impromptu as they explore what lurks in the dark corners of the room. Among our tour guides will be Kelly Clarkson (Dark Side), Fall Out Boy (My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark), and Delta Rae (Scared). Flashlights not provided. Now through Oct. 20. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. $20. Details.
The Jazz Room: Trick or Treat Edition atBooth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Enjoy an evening of Halloween-themed jazz classics like I Put a Spell on You, The Great Pumpkin Waltz, and Mack the Knife. 6 p.m. and 8: 15 p.m. Friday; 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Saturday. $14. Details.
Hamilton at Blumenthal PAC: There’s still a limited amount of tickets for most performances of the hit Broadway musical. $200+. Tickets here and here.
Ayrsley Retro Horror: Ghostbusters & Young Frankenstein at Ayrsley Grand Cinemas 14: See the films on the big screen with classic trailers, ads and props. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $5/film. Details.
Matilda the Musical at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte: Come see the Tony award-winning musical based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book. 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday. $19+. Details.
Whitewater Film Series at USNWC: Come see the film “Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey…” which tells the story of one of the most prolific climbers of all time. 6:45-9 p.m. Free, parking is $6. Details.
Pumpkins+Planks at AR Workshop Charlotte: Pick out any wood DIY project and enjoy pumpkin brews from Sycamore and other fall treats. 7-10 p.m. $50-$100. Details.
Music for a Royal Celebration at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts: The Charlotte Symphony will perform music fit for a royal celebration, including triumphant coronation anthems, all in honor of Charlotte’s 250th. 7:30 p.m. $19+. Details.
Experience
Science on the Rocks: Nightmare on Tryon Street at Discovery Place Science: Play serial killer trivia, light your hand on fire, paint a masterpiece with a cockroach, go adult trick-or-treating and more. Dress up for your chance to wear the costume crown. Must be 21 or older. 5-9 p.m. $10+. Details.
2018 Elizabeth Home & Garden Tour: Celebrate the return of the annual Elizabeth Home & Garden Tour presented by Grandfather Homes & Elizabeth Community Association. This year, 10 private residences and 5 public spaces will highlight the architectural diversity and creative spirit of the neighborhood. From a renovated 1918 boarding house to a brand new Dutch-inspired townhome, the tour is jam-packed with inspiration. 6-9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. $25. Details.
The Charlotte Fall Fair at 5650 Sandusky Blvd: Attractions include a thrill show, petting zoo, rides and authentic BBQ. 4-11 p..m Friday; 1-11 p.m. Saturday; and 1-10 p.m. Sunday. $8. Details.
Annual Pumpkin Patch at Hodges Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch: Pack a picnic, pick a pumpkin and indulge in all things fall. You can take a self-guided farm tour, go on a hayride and more. 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free. Details.
The GLOW: A Jack o Lantern Experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway: The track will be decked out with thousands of jack o’lanterns – you can expect thousands of carvings and displays, craftspeople ready to show off their techniques and fall-themed concessions. 7:30-10 p.m. $17+. Details.
CBD & Yoga at Advanced Therapeutics Pain Relief and Wellness Center: Try a sample of the oil before class to enhance your flow and enjoy more “medibles” afterward. They’ll also teach you about the uses and benefits of CBD oil. 7-9 p.m. $20. Details.
Hands-on Mixology Class at Hygge Coworking: Explore the flavors of fall and some trends you will see this year in bars and restaurants such as lower ABV cocktails, smoked cocktails and savory flavor profiles. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $65. Details.
Rest In Peace StrikeCity at StrikeCity: Celebrate the end of an era as StrikeCity welcomes new ownership. Put on your best funeral attire and lay them to rest with drink specials, slashed bowling prices and more. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free. Details.
Learn Things
Carolina Conference on Queer Youth 2018 at Popp Martin Student Union: Join students, PreK-12 educators, support staff, helping professionals and other community members to discuss topics supporting LGBTQ youth in the region. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. $25. Details.
Sports
Hockey at Bojangles’ Coliseum: Cheer on the Checkers as they take on the Hershey Bears. 7 p.m. $18.50. Details.
Do Good
Beer, Barbeque and Bikes at Performance Bicycle: Come hang out and raise funds for W.A.R.M, Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry after hurricane Florence. They’ll have BBQ, PBR beers, giveaways and raffles. 6-9 p.m. Donations. Details.
Pink (Glow) Party at Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Whisky River at the Epicentre: They’ll have vendors showcasing pink products, a bra pong tournament, pink drinks and a balloon drop with cash prizes. Proceeds will benefit a local organization for Breast Cancer Awareness. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free. Details.
Shopping
Outdoor Market at USNWC: Get hands-on experience with gear from top brands in the outdoor industry and demo bikes, trail running shoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, climbing gear and more. They’ll also have group rides/runs/paddles, yoga flows, clinics, live music and food. All day. Free, parking is $6. Details.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
70. 80% chance of rain.
Food & Drink
Mimosa Grill’s 10th Annual Bourbon Dinner at Mimosa Grill: Join Mimosa Grill’s Executive Chef Thomas Marlow for a unique culinary journey that pairs exciting cuisine with extraordinary bourbons. Special guest chef Drew Dodd of Stagioni will bring his talents to the kitchen alongside Chef Marlow while Mixologist Bob Peters creates some of the finest bourbon cocktails our guests have ever tasted. Reservations required. 6:30 p.m. $125. Details.
South End Wine Fest at 308 W. Carson Blvd.: Enjoy unlimited tastings from 25 different vineyards, live music and food trucks. Proceeds benefit Classroom Central. 2-6 p.m. $40. Details.
The Dining Experience – Harlem Renaissance Style at Packard Place: Join Black Business Owners of Charlotte for a themed evening featuring a welcome reception, three-course meal and dancing. 7-11 p.m.$35+. Details.
Official Halloween Bar Crawl: Your ticket to the crawl includes entry into 5+ bars, a souvenir cup, admission to the after party, and food and drink specials along the way. 1-9 p.m. $40. Details.
Pumpkin Fest at Carolina Beer Temple: They’ll have the best local pumpkin-flavored beers on tap and a pumpkin carving contest where you can BYO or use the pumpkins/supplies they provide. Noon to 11:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Eat, Drink & Be Scary at Howl at the Moon Charlotte: Help support Kids with PossAbilities with a silent auction, live entertainment, drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres. 6-9 p.m. $65+. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Hamilton at Blumenthal PAC: There’s still a limited amount of tickets for most performances of the hit Broadway musical. $200+. Tickets here and here.
Matilda the Musical at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte: Come see the Tony award-winning musical based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book. 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday. $19+. Details.
A Cappella Scary: PITCH DARK! at Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square: The stage is set for Carolina Voices’ Impromptu’s annual ghoulish experience of a cappella music, amazing make-up and costumes. Join Impromptu as they explore what lurks in the dark corners of the room. Among our tour guides will be Kelly Clarkson (Dark Side), Fall Out Boy (My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark), and Delta Rae (Scared). Flashlights not provided. Now through Oct. 20. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. $20. Details.
Music for a Royal Celebration at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts: The Charlotte Symphony will perform music fit for a royal celebration, including triumphant coronation anthems, all in honor of Charlotte’s 250th. 7:30 p.m. $19+. Details.
Vote So Hard Open Mic at Warehouse 242: Enjoy live performances centered around themes of social consciousness, uplifting the people, and changing our world. 7:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Reclaim: Every Piece Matters at Urban Ministry Center, Charlotte: Celebrate with the artists and see the new exhibit that aimed to recover material and giving it a new life. Pieces will be available for purchase. 4-7 p.m. Free. Details.
The Art of R&B: An Interactive Experience at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: Learn the ins and outs of making music in two interactive sessions and learn from a panel on songwriting, performance, music production and the business of Charlotte’s music scene. 12:30-3 p.m. $5. Details.
Open Studio Saturday at McColl Center for Art + Innovation: Explore the space, meet the artists-in-residence, participate in hands-on activities, and create your very own work of art. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Details.
Experience
The Charlotte Fall Fair at 5650 Sandusky Blvd: Attractions include a thrill show, petting zoo, rides and authentic BBQ. 4-11 p..m Friday; 1-11 p.m. Saturday; and 1-10 p.m. Sunday. $8. Details.
Annual Pumpkin Patch at Hodges Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch: Pack a picnic, pick a pumpkin and indulge in all things fall. You can take a self-guided farm tour, go on a hayride and more. 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free. Details.
25th Annual Apple Harvest Festival at Windy Hill Orchard: This festival, which sells out year after year, includes a hard cider bar, apple cider doughnuts, BBQ, kid-friendly activities like a hayride and bounce house and more. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $10-$12. Details.
2018 Elizabeth Home & Garden Tour: Celebrate the return of the annual Elizabeth Home & Garden Tour presented by Grandfather Homes & Elizabeth Community Association. This year, 10 private residences and 5 public spaces will highlight the architectural diversity and creative spirit of the neighborhood. From a renovated 1918 boarding house to a brand new Dutch-inspired townhome, the tour is jam-packed with inspiration. 6-9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. $25. Details.
The GLOW: A Jack o Lantern Experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway: The track will be decked out with thousands of jack o’lanterns – you can expect thousands of carvings and displays, craftspeople ready to show off their techniques and fall-themed concessions. 7:30-10 p.m. $17+. Details.
UNC Charlotte Fall Open Houses at UNC Charlotte: Calling all prospective students, UNC-Charlotte’s next round of Open Houses includes a full day of information, campus tours, face-to-face time with faculty, staff and students, as well as a chance to explore your educational goals to get a real life look at campus life. Free to attend but registration is required. Free. Details.
13th Annual Festa Italiana at Raffaldini Vineyards: Celebrate Italian culture, food, art, music, and wine complete with entertainment by jugglers, face painters and dancers. Your ticket includes parking, admission to the festival, commemorative Festa Italiana wine glass, and either a tasting of three Raffaldini Wines or a glass of wine. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Buses and all ages welcome. Alcohol consumption for ages 21 and over. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $20. Details.
Race4STAM 5K at Blue Blaze Brewing: Jump-in for a run or walk at the Inaugural Race4STEAM 5K. Runners will enjoy the picturesque views of historic Seversville neighborhood and the Charlotte skyline. Food trucks and fun for all after at the finish line celebration. Sponsored by A Cultivated Mindset. 4 p.m. $24-$38. Details.
NoDa Ghosts and Legends Tour at 36th & North Davidson: Your tour guide will take you on a walk around the north side of the village and relay some some tingling stories along the way, as well as answer any questions you might have about living in NoDa. Tours leave every 15 minutes beginning at 6:45 p.m. Free. Details.
Festival in the Heights at Shamrock Park: Enjoy BBQ with vegetarian options, live music, local vendors and kids activities. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Details.
Halloween In Huntersville at Rural Hill: Bring the whole family for live music, food trucks, the Amazing Maize Maze, a costume contest and the Halloween Egg Dash. 4-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Fall Festival at Toucan Louie’s: Join Toucan Louie’s along with Smallwood & Biddleville Neighborhood Associations for hayrides, coffee sac races, bobbing for apples and other classic fall activities alongside local vendors and and a chili cook off. 2-5 p.m. Free. Details.
8th Annual Brewer’s Ball at Discovery Place Science: Think beer festival, but dressed up, paired with gourmet food, and moved into a museum. Guests will get to try local beers and meet with the brewers behind them and they’ll have a silent and live auction. Proceeds will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 7-11 p.m. $75+. Details.
BooBash at Symphony Park: Join SouthPark Mall for trick or treating, a costume parade, costume prizes, arts and crafts, face painting and more. Stick around after for a Halloween movie screening in the park. 5-9 p.m. Free. Details.
Tricks ‘N Treats at The Arboretum Shopping Center: Expect superheroes, pumpkins, face painting and plenty of candy for the kids. Proceeds from the pumpkin patch will go to the Autism Society of North Carolina. 3:30-6 p.m. Free. Details.
Date Night: Bowling & Comedy at Victory Lane Indoor Karting: Shake up date night with an hour of bowling followed by a comedy show. They’ll also have free food, massages and raffles at the show. 6-10 p.m. $50/couple. Details.
Hop, Drop ‘n Drool at NoDa Brewing Company: Bring your pet or meet one of the adoptable ones there and enjoy puppy costume contests, a silent auction, pup portraits, puppy kissing booth and more. Proceeds will benefit Halfway There Rescue. Noon to 6 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Community Health Fair at The Love Church Charlotte: Get free health screenings, win prizes, and ask expert health professionals your health questions. Noon-3:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Pigeons & Pumpkins at Hodges Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch: Flow through an all-levels class in the barn, then take a hay ride to the pumpkin patch. They’ll have a kids class, too. 10 a.m. $10. Details.
Rocktoberfest Half Marathon & 5 Miler at Memorial Stadium: Break out your air guitar and extra mascara and run through the scenic Elizabeth neighborhood. 6:30 a.m. $40-$90. Details.
2018 Queen City Masquerade Ball at Victory Lane Karting: Dress up in a mask or costume and come enjoy Go-Karts, bowling, arcade games and food from Pit Road Restaurant. 21+. 10 p.m. to midnight. $10-$50. Details.
WelcomeCLT Community Resource Fair at University City Regional Public Library: New residents can come learn about resources in the community from representatives from the police department, Parks & Rec, the YMCA and more. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Details.
Nature At Night at McDowell Nature Preserve: Interact with live animals and enjoy crafts, night hikes, hayrides, hot dog and s’mores, storytelling and more. Pre-registration required. 5 p.m. $5. Details.
Bark-Tober Fest! at Blackfinn Ameripub: Join Vida Cantina, the Greater Charlotte SPCA and Adams Beverages and play with adoptable dogs, shop pet vendors, enter your pet in the costume contest and drink beers for a good cause. 2-6 p.m. Free. Details.
All Hallows’ Twirl 2018: “Scarier Things” at Flight: Trick, treat, and dance the night away in your best black-light friendly costume. DJ Tristan Jaxx from San Diego will be performing. 21+. 10:30 p.m. to 2:15 a.m. $20. Details.
Learn Things
Charlotte Justice Conference at Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church: Listen to national and local speakers cover actionable steps we can take to assist with efforts over topics of public safety reform, human trafficking, immigrant and refuge mental health and much more. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $20. Details.
Do Good
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Greater Charlotte at zMAX Dragway: Participants can choose between a 1.5 mile or 2.8 mile non-competitive walk that brings people together to make a difference for everyone who has been touched by breast cancer and raise money to fund innovative research, provide free information and support, and to help people reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable. 8 a.m Registration, 10 a.m. Walk. Free. Details.
The Butterfly Run at McAlpine Creek Greenway Park: Help break stigmas, and raise funds for lifesaving pediatric behavioral health research while you break a sweat.9 a.m. to noon. $35. Details.
SHERO Rock N Bowl Fundraiser at AMF Bowling Co.: Help support Girls Rock Charlotte in your Halloween costume while you bowl, enter raffles, and get your photos taken. 5-7 p.m. Donation. Details.
Bikers With Boxes at Billy Graham Library: Pack your shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse ministry and take a ride for a day of fellowship, music, food, giveaways and more. 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Details.
Paws and Canvas Fundraiser at Wine and Canvas Charlotte: They’ll draw your pet on the canvas for you and artists will be on site to help you bring it to life. They’ll also have raffles, vendors and adoptable dogs. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to South Charlotte Dog Rescue. 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. $40. Details.
Singles Serve – A Day in the Park at Veterans Park: Join CLT ONE and Refugee Support Services of the Carolinas to spend time with the families RSS serves. Food will be provided. Noon t0 2 p.m. or 1-3 p.m. Free. Details.
Lantern Parade in Mount Holly: See a parade of lanterns created by artist Olive Stack from Listowel, Ireland and local teachers and artists. Free. Details.
Bootanical 2018 at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Enjoy activities and crafts inspired by the fall season and Halloween, including a costume parade, crafts, and horse-drawn carriage rides.11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Included in admission, children wearing costumes receive free admission. Details.
Shopping
Outdoor Market at USNWC: Get hands-on experience with gear from top brands in the outdoor industry and demo bikes, trail running shoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, climbing gear and more. They’ll also have group rides/runs/paddles, yoga flows, clinics, live music and food. All day. Free, parking is $6. Details.
Uptown Flea at 700 N. Tryon: Shop over 80 flea vendors. You’ll find Charlotte’s top handmade and sourced vendors, killer vintage dealers and creatives. Plus, they’ll have food trucks, live music and places to just hang out. 9 a.m. $1. Details.
The Official Buy Your Costume & Candy Party at Huntersville Square Shopping Center: Shop discounted costumes and decor from Experience Halloween, stock up on your candy, pick pumpkins, drink apple cider and more. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Details.
Starving Artist Market at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: Shop over 30 vendors selling all kinds of handmade goods, plus the The Hunters Wife food truck will be on site if you get hungry. 1-6 p.m. Free. Details.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
59. 0% chance of rain.
Food & Drink
Wine Fest Recovery Brunch at ROOTS Café: Recover from your day of wine tasting at the official recovery brunch. Keep an eye out at the festival for discounts on food. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Cousins Maine Lobster at CLT Airport Overlook: Enjoy one of the country’s only public airport overlook and watch the planes come and go with the city skyline in the background while you enjoy fresh lobster rolls. Noon to 3 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Queens Who Brunch Rocky Horror Picture Show Brunch at Vida Cantina: Enjoy $1 mimosas and $3 rosé and see jaw dropping performances from the classic Rocky Horror Picture Show. Dress in costume for a chance to win the grand prize. Admission includes an entree of your choice. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $20. Details.
Catawba Brunch Buffet at Catawba Brewing Company: Cheer on the Panthers while you enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet from Fresh Eats with live cooking action. Includes one 10oz White Zombie to wash it down. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $15. Details.
Pepperbox Pop-Up at Red Clay Ciderworks: The gourmet donuts will be available until they sell out, plus they’ll have hot mulled cider and other special drinks to wash it down. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Matilda the Musical at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte: Come see the Tony award-winning musical based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book. 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday. $19+. Details.
A Cappella Scary: PITCH DARK! at Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square: The stage is set for Carolina Voices’ Impromptu’s annual ghoulish experience of a cappella music, amazing make-up and costumes. Join Impromptu as they explore what lurks in the dark corners of the room. Among our tour guides will be Kelly Clarkson (Dark Side), Fall Out Boy (My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark), and Delta Rae (Scared). Flashlights not provided. Now through Oct. 20. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. $20. Details.
Lil Xan – Total Xanarchy at The Underground at the Fillmore Charlotte: Come see the American rapper perform live on his Monster Energy Outbreak Tour. 8 p.m. $27.50. Details.
Experience
The Charlotte Fall Fair at 5650 Sandusky Blvd: Attractions include a thrill show, petting zoo, rides and authentic BBQ. 4-11 p..m Friday; 1-11 p.m. Saturday; and 1-10 p.m. Sunday. $8. Details.
Annual Pumpkin Patch at Hodges Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch: Pack a picnic, pick a pumpkin and indulge in all things fall. You can take a self-guided farm tour, go on a hayride and more. 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free. Details.
The GLOW: A Jack o Lantern Experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway: The track will be decked out with thousands of jack o’lanterns – you can expect thousands of carvings and displays, craftspeople ready to show off their techniques and fall-themed concessions. 7:30-10 p.m. $17+. Details.
Bootanical 2018 at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Enjoy activities and crafts inspired by the fall season and Halloween, including a costume parade, crafts, and horse-drawn carriage rides.11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Included in admission, children wearing costumes receive free admission. Details.
Zombie Prom at Heist Brewery: Join School of Rock and some of their bands for a night of dancing and costumes. They’ll have a costume contest at 8 p.m. and admission includes candy. 6-9 p.m. $10. Details.
Football Sundays at Hoppin’: They have Sunday Ticket and RedZone for all of your viewing needs and will have the sound on for the Panthers. Plus, orange and cranberry juice for mimosas are complimentary. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free admission. Details.
2nd Annual NMAR Howl-O-Ween at Birdsong Brewing Co.: Dress up your pup for a chance to win funniest, scariest or most creative costume. Or, dress up with them to win best pair costume. They’ll have lots of adoptable dogs on site and a raffle, too. 3 p.m. Free, costume contest is $10 donation. Details.
The Afribbean Fashion Show at The Legacy Center: Designers from African and Caribbean heritage will showcase their designs and merchandise available for purchase. 3 p.m. Free to $50. Details.
Black & Blue Blaze Tailgate at Blue Blaze Brewing: Watch the game on their 12-foot projection screen while you enjoy $10 off all pitchers. They’ll also have lawn games, hammocks and grills to use if you BYO fixings. 12:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Carolina Panthers Game Watch at StrikeCity: Expect Panthers cocktails, drink specials and the game on 65+ TVs. 1-5 p.m. Free. Details.
Belmont Oktoberfest at Stowe Park: Enjoy local craft beer, authentic German food, live music, a vendor fair, kids activities and more. If you’re feeling competitive, they’ll have stein lifts, Lederhosen and Dirndl Contest and a cornhole tournament. 1-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Kids
Kids Garba 2018 at Hindu Center of Charlotte: Bring your kids to learn garba, a traditional Indian dance. 4-7 p.m. Free. Details.
Do Good
Cheers Jen Cheers at The Barrel Room at Triple C: Tailgate for a cause and help families fighting breast cancer. Your ticket includes beer, food, a spot to watch the Panthers take on the Eagles on the big screen and 2 raffle tickets. Noon to 5 p.m. $50. Details.
Noah Graham 4 Miler and Kid’s Fun Run at McAlpine Creek Greenway Park: Help support KinderMourn, a grief counseling center with a run on the greenway. 9 a.m. $30 in advance. Details.
Shopping
Outdoor Market at USNWC: Get hands-on experience with gear from top brands in the outdoor industry and demo bikes, trail running shoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, climbing gear and more. They’ll also have group rides/runs/paddles, yoga flows, clinics, live music and food. All day. Free, parking is $6. Details.
ON THE AGENDA
Carolina Renaissance Festival at 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville: More than 1,000 artists and costumed characters come together in a completely immersive experience that sees Fairhaven come to life with an artisan marketplace, food (get the giant turkey leg) and performances scattered across a dozen stages. Performances are, for the most part, kid-friendly, but a few are marked “LC” for “loose cannon.” Don’t miss the jousting sessions or the live falconry demonstration. $12-$25. Now through November 18. Details.
Queen City Tattoo and Arts Festival: An event that is unlike any other, the weekend will be stacked with activities, entertainment, live artists at work, 300+ preeminent tattoo artists and permanent makeup artists from around the globe, and 200+ vendors on display. Want a tattoo? You can get one on site during the festival. October 26-28. Details.
Charlotte Marathon: The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon features 5 different races: the marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 5K and kid’s 1-mile run. Runners experience the sights and sounds of some of the Queen City’s best streets, historic landmarks, sporting venues and neighborhoods. Expect entertainment along the course, major headliners at the finish line festival and 5 distance options. November 3.
See all the upcoming events here.