Events

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden / $15+ / Thursday, September 7 - Wed-Sun: 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 7 - Sunday, October 29

Chinese Lantern Festival

Explore scenes from around the world created by larger-than-life lanterns. Beyond the lights, you can shop handmade crafts, watch Kung Fu masters and check out the Asian-inspired horticultural display.

Piedmont Social House / $40+ / Sunday, September 17 - 11 a.m.

Sunday, September 17 - Sunday, December 24

Piedmont to Panthers Social Bus

Ride to and from every Panther’s home game in style with Piedmont Social House. Admission gets you access to the VIP tailgate, beers, and the premium ticket includes a deluxe buffet.

Charlotte Curling Association / $26.50/person / Monday, September 18 - Mon-Fri: 7-9 p.m. & Sat-Sun: 2-4 p.m.

Monday, September 18 - Sunday, October 1

Rocktoberfest Curling Lessons

Offered daily, this fun 2-hour session will take you out on the ice to show you the basics of curling, and then end in a quick game. Afterward, you’ll head up to their warm room for free snacks and beverages for purchase from the full bar.

Hadley Theater at Queens University / $10+ / Thursday, September 21

Thursday, September 21 - Saturday, October 14

Green Day’s American Idiot

This Broadway smash has won two Tony Awards and is based on Green Day’s American Idiot album featuring the hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday” and more. Evening and matinee shows are available, plus you can attend the Pay What You Can preview night on September 21.

Olde Mecklenberg Brewery / Free / Friday, September 22 - 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Friday, September 22 - Sunday, September 24

Mecktoberfest

Come celebrate all things Bavaria at this three day festival with seasonal brews, food and bands.

Freedom Park / Free / Friday, September 22 - 4-9:30 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday

Friday, September 22 - Sunday, September 24

Festival in the Park

Over 150 artisans will be showing off their stuff, including jewelers, dancers and painters. The Charlotte Symphony will be performing and they’ll have plenty of food to fuel your art walk.

Lucky Dog Bark & Brew / Friday, September 22 - 12 p.m.-11 p.m.

Hounds Helping Houston

Time to step up for our fellow pet owners and furry friends. 10% of all bar sales at both locations will be donated to the cause, and Lucky Dog will cover the cost of transportation of all goods to Texas. Don’t wait! Supply donations are being accepted now.

Wells Fargo Auditorium at Knight Theater / Free / Friday, September 22 - 8:30-10:30 a.m.

The Future of Women in Technology

Listen to speakers and panelists weigh in on the future of women in technology. Topics include under-representation, culture and career life balance, the ethics and economics for gender parity, and provide insights on how to effectively advocate for change within your own organization.

Shopping + Sale

Friday, September 22 - Saturday, September 23

Charles Krypell Trunk Show

Meet jewelry designer Charles Krypell and shop his trunk show featuring stunning designs.

Windsor Jewelers / Friday, September 22 - Fri & Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Music

Friday, September 22 - Sunday, September 24

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 “Ode to Joy”

An unparalleled expression of joy, Beethoven’s masterful Ninth Symphony transcends the here and now with its sheer power and uplifting “Ode to Joy” finale.

Belk Theater / $19+ / Friday, September 22 - Fri-Sat 7:30 p.m. & Sun 2:30 p.m.

Ruth's Chris SouthPark / $115++ / Friday, September 22 - 6:30 p.m.

Floral Springs Wine Dinner at Ruth’s Chris SouthPark

Drink and dine at Ruth’s Chris SouthPark wine dinner hosted by Paul Trione featuring 4 courses paired perfectly with Floral Springs wine. Each guest will receive the Riedel 001 Cabernet Glass.

Phillips Place / $20 donation / Friday, September 22 - 6-10:15 p.m.

Phillips Place Showcase

Shop fashion boutiques and enjoy award-winning food and drink all while benefitting Carolina Breast Friends.

USNWC / $30+ / Saturday, September 23 - 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, September 23

Wild Vine Trail Race

Lace up before you drink up! They have 5k and half marathon options along the scenic trails throughout the center.

Music

Saturday, September 23

Bearden Music Series – Pure Louisiana Sound

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of jazzy Louisiana style music performed by Grammy Award winner Chubby Carrier. Expect food and fun for the whole family.

Romare Bearden Park / Free / Saturday, September 23 - 6-9 p.m.

Mint Museum Uptown+Randolph / Free / Saturday, September 23 - 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday, September 23

Smithsonian Museum Day Live! Celebration

Join The Mint Museum at both locations for opening of their newest exhibition, William Ivey Long: Costume Designs 2017-2016. Members can sign up for a free tour of the galleries with Tony Award-winning Broadway costume designer William Ivey Long plus attend a free talk by William Ivey Long himself at 2:30 p.m.

Ruth's Chris Uptown / Sunday, September 24 - 10 a.m.

Sunday, September 24

Ruth’s Chris Uptown’s Sunday Football Game Special

Upgrade your game day at Ruth’s Chris Uptown and order from their $15 lunch menu. Special brunch drinks include a table side DIY Mimosa bar and their unbeatable Touchdown Bloody Mary, plus enjoy a 10% discount on food both before and after the game with ticket stub.

McGlohon Theater / $8+ / Tuesday, September 26 - 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 26

K(NO)W Justice K(NO)W Peace Author Talk Featuring Carol Anderson

New York Times bestselling author Dr. Carol Anderson will discuss her book, White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide. Dr. Anderson a is professor of African American Studies at Emory University. There’s a reception at the Levine Museum of the New South at 5:30 p.m.

Online / Free / Wednesday, September 27 - 12 p.m.

Wednesday, September 27

Virtual Info Session: UNC Online Master’s in Technology and Communication

The M.A. in Technology and Communication is a part-time, online graduate program in digital media for working communications professionals. Students complete the 2.5-year program without leaving their jobs or moving to Chapel Hill. Log on to hear from the Academic Director and an alum.

NoDa Brewing Company / Free / Thursday, September 28 - 4-8:30 p.m.

Pink Pint Night

Start Breast Cancer Awareness night a little early with pink brews, live music and food trucks. 100% of proceeds will benefit Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund.

The Broken Spoke / Thursday, September 28 - 6-8 p.m.

#NinerNationGives Charlotte Happy Hour

Calling all Alumniners to this 49-hour drive for 49ers everywhere to demonstrate their support of their University. Meet up and network with free appetizers, swag, and a chance to win some other prizes.

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture / Free-$25 / Thursday, September 28 - 6-10 p.m.

Gantt After Dark – Fall Kolors

View the exhibitions, listen to live music on the rooftop, and create your own work of art at with the Paint & Sip event. The music is free, and your $25 Painting registration includes free supplies and wine.

C3 Lab / Free / Thursday, September 28 - 7-10 p.m.

Vegfest Jr.

Enjoy small and reasonably priced bites from the QC’s best vegan-friendly stops. They’ll also have a donation-based bar with juices and alcoholic drinks. The event will benefit the Humane League and VegFest 2018.

Lenny Boy Brewing Co. / $12 / Friday, September 29 - 11 a.m.

Friday, September 29

Not Your Mom’s Pop-Up Shop

Girl Tribe Co. and Charlotte Parent are teaming up to bring you a mom’s day out shopping experience. Schedule some time for yourself and enjoy friends, drinks, shopping and surprises!

USNWC / Free / Friday, September 29 - 7:10 p.m.

Friday, September 29

Whitewater Film Series: BANFF Radical Reels

BANFF Radical Reels takes dynamic, high-adrenaline, action sports films on tour around the world. The show starts at sunset and will run 3 hours 20 minutes.

Camp North End / $10+ / Friday, September 29 - Fri: 5:30-9 p.m., Sat: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Sun: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Friday, September 29 - Sunday, October 1

Hack For Change

Take part in this empowering and interactive weekend to address Charlotte’s economic mobility through design thinking techniques. Explore the problems, obstacles and possible solutions, with the intent for participants to take away actionable tasks and strategies. Use code CharlotteAgenda for $5 discount.

BB&T Ballpark / $40 / Saturday, September 30 - 5:30 p.m.

Charlotte Knights Uptown Rundown 5K

Join Charlotte Knights Charities for the Uptown Rundown 5K, presented by Professional Sports Catering. Race registration includes your first brew (or Pepsi product), ballpark hot dog, as well as a race t-shirt from Recover Brands. Expect live music, ballpark food, photos on the field, and a Kids Fun Run during the after party, too.

Symphony Park / $33+ / Saturday, September 30 - 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Great Grapes Wine Festival

Great Grapes! is Charlotte’s premier casual wine tasting with hundreds of wines available for tasting with your trusty souvenir tasting glass. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, kids activities and festival food.

AvidXchange Music Factory / $35+ / Saturday, September 30 - 2-6 p.m.

Taco Lucha-Taco, Beer & Music Festival

This festival combines the three best things life has to offer: beer, tacos and live music. Over 40 breweries will be pouring over 150 beers, sample tacos from the QC’s best restaurants as they compete for the Taco Title, and listen to performers including the Spin Doctors, Amigo and more.

NoDa Brewing Co. / Free / Saturday, September 30 - 12-7 p.m.

Hop, Drop and Drool

Come out and raise some money for Halfway There Rescue with live music, a silent auction, food trucks, games and adoptable pets.

Ballantyne Corporate Park / $20+ / Saturday, September 30 - 8 a.m.

Isabella Santos Foundation Run For Kids Cancer

Come out for the 10th Annual Isabella Santos Foundation 5K, 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run for Kids Cancer. Expect food, refreshments, music, a kids zone and huge raffle and silent auction. Proceeds benefit Levine Children’s Hospital.

Town Green in Downtown Matthews / Free / Saturday, September 30 - 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Matthews ArtWalk & JazzFest

Bring a chair and stay the day at the ArtWalk & JazzFest in downtown Matthews with something for everyone. Expect things like a children’s art area and wine and craft beer garden. Free public parking available.

Graper Cosmetic Surgery / Free / Saturday, September 30 - 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Day of Beauty

Learn about the latest in medical grade skin care products, CoolSculpting, injectables, Botox and more while enjoying drinks and light bites. Bring a friend and double your chance of winning over $10,000 in door prizes. Plus, free mini-consults with the docs and savings on all procedures.

Shopping + Sale

Windsor Jewelers / Saturday, September 30 - 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

September Bridal Event

Infinity MedSpa + Wellness / Free / Thursday, October 5 - 6-9 p.m.

Thursday, October 5

BeautyPalooza

This 1st Annual Red Carpet event features food, bubbly, music, drawings for over $50,000 worth of free services, as well as live demos, special pricing, and swag bags complete with gift certificates from Oak Steakhouse.

Rooftop 210 / $15-$20 / Friday, October 6 - 6-10 p.m.

Friday, October 6

Charlotte Cider Festival

Spend an evening sipping your way through samples of ciders and learning about cider mixology.

Napa on Providence / $25 Donation / Friday, October 6 - 6-9 p.m.

Friday, October 6

Fifth Annual Breast Cancer Cure Benefit Event

Come out to Napa on Providence for the Fifth Annual Breast Cancer Cure Benefit Event. Complimentary appetizers, beer and wine, live music by Gena Chambers, plus special guest, Panther safety, Kurt Coleman.

Uptown / $35 / Saturday, October 7 - 6 a.m.-10 a.m.

Saturday, October 7

Race for the Cure

Join Komen Charlotte at Race for the Cure, a 5K and 1-mile event to raise funds in the fight against breast cancer. All money raised will support the mission of saving lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.

1441 S Tryon Street / $35+ / Saturday, October 7 - 12-5 p.m.

Saturday, October 7

Grilled Cheese Fest

Help pick the best Grilled Cheese Sandwich in Charlotte. Try unlimited grilled cheese sandwiches, drink beer (up to 6 full beers included in ticket), listen to live music, check out fun vendors and win prizes.

Charlotte Motor Speedway / $10+ / Sunday, October 8 - 2 p.m.

Sunday, October 8

Bank of America 500

Experience NASCAR’s fall classic, the Bank of America 500, as it returns to its original afternoon starting time and enjoy the fun and fanfare at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Kids’ tickets in all grandstands start at just $10 for children ages 13 and under.

The Fillmore / $250 / Saturday, October 14 - 6 p.m.-11 p.m.

Be An Angel Gala

A gala evening of cocktails, auction, dinner, music and more. Proceeds 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.

Discovery Place Science / $0-$17 / Saturday, October 14 - 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Charlotte Mini Maker Faire

Get creative with 3D printing, robotics, coding and more. Outdoor exhibits and performances are open to the public and indoor exhibits and workshops are included with admission. All ages welcome!

Levine Children’s Hospital / Free / Saturday, October 14 - 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Kids Helping Kids Day

Enjoy family fun while giving back to the patients 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. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Barnhardt Student Activity Center at UNC Charlotte / Free / Saturday, October 14 - 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

UNC Charlotte International Festival

Celebrate people, places and culture displayed through exhibition booths staffed by UNC Charlotte international students and members of Charlotte’s international community. Expect Art, crafts, costumes, food, music, dance, and games from all over the globe.

Holidays

Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte / Free / Saturday, October 14 - 4-9 p.m.

Pug-O-Ween

All pups are welcome at the first Pug-O-Ween to benefit the Mid Atlantic Pug Rescue. There will be a doggy costume content, bobbing for beers, drink specials, food trucks and 10% of all bar sales will go to the cause. This is a 21+ event and if you are bringing a pup, make sure they are fixed, friendly, and up to date on all shots.

The Filmore & The Underground / $25+ / Sunday, October 15 - 12-5 p.m.

Sunday, October 15

Bloody Mary Fest

Come enjoy some of Charlotte’s best Bloody Marys (and Marias) as local bars and restaurants from all over the city compete to be crowned the makers of the best Bloody Mary in the Queen City. Expect unlimited samples, live music and food trucks.

Knight Theater / $25+ / Thursday, October 19

Thursday, October 19 - Saturday, October 21

Charlotte Ballet’s Fall Works

Join the Charlotte Ballet for their Fall Works performances, featuring three unique pieces celebrating the company’s legacy and a look at the future. Evening and matinee performances with special pre-show activities and discounted children tickets.

Discovery Place Science / $10 in advance, $12 at the door / Friday, October 20 - 5-9 p.m.

Friday, October 20

Science on the Rocks: Fright at the Museum

Prepare yourself for a night full of tricks and treats. Don your costume and enjoy activities like the Fear Factor Challenge, a haunted virtual reality experience, straight jacket races and more. Adults 21+ only.

Parenting

Tuesday, October 24

Charlotte Country Day School Open House for Grades Jr.K-4

Parents of future students are welcome to explore campus and meet some of Charlotte Country Day School’s teachers, students, and parents to learn more about how they prepare students for success in life.

Charlotte Country Day School / Tuesday, October 24 - 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Fairview Plaza / $10+ / Saturday, October 28 - 8 a.m.

Saturday, October 28

HeroRun Charlotte 2017

Dress up as your favorite superhero, or supervillain, and run a 5K or 1K fun run. Proceeds benefit our military veterans through our partner organization, Charlotte Bridge Home. Use code CAHeroes2017 get $5 off your registration.

Parenting

Saturday, October 28

Charlotte Kid’s Fest

Play, discover, create and learn with family-friendly activities and entertainment complete with music on the main stage and fun food options.

EPIC Building at UNC Charlotte / Free / Saturday, October 28 - 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Parenting

Thursday, November 2

Charlotte Country Day School Open House for Grades 9-12

Parents and future students are welcome to explore campus and meet some of Charlotte Country Day School’s teachers, students, and parents to learn more about how they prepare students for success in life.

Charlotte Country Day School / Thursday, November 2 - 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.

$15+ / Friday, November 10 - Fri 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat 6 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Friday, November 10 - Saturday, November 11

Charlotte Marathon

Get ready for one of the biggest running events in town. Check out the Health & Wellness Expo on Friday, then on race day, take your pick of a full marathon, half-marathon, 5K, Relay or Kids 1-mile. Afterwards, enjoy the post-run festival at Romare Bearden Park.