February may be a short month, but there’s no shortage of must-do events. From free oysters at Reid’s, to wine and beer festivals, to ice skating with Checkers’ players, there’s something for everyone.
More to keep on your radar: February is another big month for grand openings, including the plant workshop and store PlantBar opening in Dilworth next to Taco Mama; Goodyear House, a NoDa beer garden in a 116-year-old house; Charlotte Beer Garden, 375-plus taps in South End; and Elsewhere, a craft cocktail lounge in South End near Superica.
Free Oyster Roast
February 1 | Reid’s Myers Park | 4-6 p.m. | Free | Details
Why you should go: Calling all oyster lovers. Grab your shucking knives and head to Reid’s for two hours of free oysters (while supplies last).
Queen City Brewer’s Festival
February 1 | The Park Expo | noon to 3:30 p.m or 5-8:30 p.m. | $50 | Details
Why you should go: More than 50 breweries from the Charlotte area are bringing their best beer, cider, coffee, Kombucha, and food to one place, so you can imbibe for hours. Some breweries include D9, Ass Clown, Sycamore, Brewers at 4001 Yancey, King Canary Brewing, NoDa, OMB, and Suffolk Punch. Your ticket includes a 3.5-hour tasting during one of two sessions: noon to 3:30 p.m. or 5-8:30 p.m.
Winey Grapes Charlotte 2020
February 1 | Slate | 2-5 p.m. | $30-$60 | Details
Why you should go: Sonoma may be out of question this year, but you can at least pretend you’re in Wine Country. Expect unlimited samples of wine from 100 options, a tasting glass to take home, live music, and some local vendors.
Whitewater Center ice skating and lights
February 1-16 | U.S. National Whitewater Center | All day | Free to $20 | Details
Why you should go: It’s the last month for ice skating and the light trail at the Whitewater Center. A single activity pass is $20 (which covers skating), walking the light trail is free, and parking is $6.
4th Annual Puppy Bowl
February 2 | Lucky Dog Bark & Brew | 1-4 p.m. | Free | Details
Why you should go: Expect drink specials, food from Bad Mother Smokers food truck, a photo booth, tons of raffle items, and adoptable puppies. And if you need a reason to drink up, ten percent of bar sales will go toward Pits and Giggles Rescue.
Tasting Collective launch
February 3 | Haberdish | $99 membership, $50 dinner | Details
Why you should go: Tasting Collective, which launched in Charlotte in January, takes over top restaurants to put on members-only, six-course dinners where the chef guides you through the menu for a “big dinner party vibe.” The experience is designed so you feel like an insider, and it gives chefs the opportunity to connect with diners.
You have to be a member to attend, which costs $99 for the first 250 to join, and $165 for every member after that. The meal is $50 for members and $75 for their guests.
4 Year Birthday Shellebration at Sea Level
February 5 | Sea Level – 129 E. 5th St. | 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. | Varies | Details
Why you should go: Take your S.O (or yourself) on a fun date where you don’t have to shell out a ton of cash. Sea Level is doing $1 Sea Level Signature Oysters, $4 Fried Oyster Sliders, $4 Fish House Punch Cocktails, and free birthday cake with any purchase.
Andrea Bocelli
February 7 | Spectrum Center | 8 p.m. | $82.50-$362.50 | Details
Why you should go: Who doesn’t love Andrea Bocelli? Take anyone in your family to see the Italian Opera star live.
Galentines Day and Valentines Eve cooking classes
February 7 and February 14 | Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen | 6:30-9 p.m. | $70, $160 | Details
Why you should go: You get to avoid the crowded restaurants but still eat delicious foods. (And there’s something extra gratifying about creating something yourself.)
Galentine’s Day: Celebrate your best gals with a GNO. February 7. $70. Book it.
Valentine’s Day: Looking for a more intimate way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? February 14. $160 (per couple). Book it.
Post-game skate with the Charlotte Checkers
February 16 | Bojangles’ Coliseum | 1 p.m. | $18-$42+ | Details
Why you should go: The Checkers are taking on the Springfield Thunderbirds, and for $32-$33 you can skate with the team after the game (price includes skate rental if needed).
Home games this month include February 7-8 vs. Hartford Wolfpack; February 11-12 vs. Rochester Americans; and February 15-16 vs. Springfield Thunderbirds.
2020 Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Charlotte
February 22 | First Ward Park | 7 a.m. | $49-$69 | Details
Why you should go: Opt for the 5K or 15K, if you’re feeling extra ambitious. There will be various sweet stations along the course, and you get a cup of hot cocoa with other treats at the end. The race benefits Make-A-Wish.
And don’t forget the Cupid’s Undie Run on February 8, a more brief option.
Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets – Miles Bridges bobblehead giveaway
February 22 | Spectrum Center | 7 p.m. | $18-$480+ | Details
Why you should go: The Hornets are taking on the Brooklyn Nets, and the first 7,500 fans will get a free Miles Bridges bobblehead.
2020 CIAA Tournament
February 27-29 | Spectrum Center and Bojangles’ Coliseum | Varies | Varies | Details
Why you should go: Twenty-two men’s and women’s games will be going on over the course of the weekend. Snag tickets while you can for the tournament’s last year in Charlotte.
Scotty McCreery
February 28 | Coyote Joe’s | 11 p.m. | $34-$47 | Details
Why you should go: Put on your cowboy boots, and grab tickets to see the North Carolina native and country star perform live.
Looking for more things to do? Here’s the full Axios Charlotte calendar with more than 50 cool, upcoming events in Charlotte.
