This Weekend's Agenda: 25+ Events (July 22-24)
WHETHER YOU'RE a Pokemon Trainer, a cowboy, a Broadway fan, a diehard beer enthusiast, or just someone who wants to get out of the house, there's something here for you. Hello, weekend.
FRIDAY (July 22)
KOOL & THE GANG
Get down, get down. Kool Kool and his merry gang of jazz-funk-disco musicians crafted such hits as "Jungle Boogie" and “Get Down On It.” These are party songs that have transcended 30-plus years. Hear them live at PNC Music Pavilion.
IF/THEN
Modern New York life is detailed in this musical, which is part of the PNC Broadway Lights series. The show hit Broadway in 2014, and now travels around the country on tour. It stops by Belk Theater this weekend.
COMMON MARKET SEASON FINALE
It’s the end of an era, and today’s a sad, sad day for Charlotte’s nightlife scene. First, the powers that be took away Food Truck Friday from us and splintered it into, what seems like, eight different rallies around town. Next, they took away Common Market’s South End location. What next? Jackalope Jack’s? Oh, yeah, that site was finally approved Monday night to be redeveloped, too. So come join the good people of our city who hold this gem in South End in such high esteem. We’re supposed to get another Common Market location sometime in the future, but for now, it’s goodbye. The party at 1515 S. Tryon St. has no admission fee.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY AT PLAZA MIDWOOD
Visit one of about a dozen food trucks that will be in attendance this week, including Pita Wheel, Hiya, and Cheese to the Mac. Bring the kids, the dogs, the blankets, and a big appetite for this weekly rally that takes place behind the Light Factory on Central Avenue.
OLDE MECKLENBURG TASTING AT THE GALLERY RESTAURANT
Reservations are recommended for this tasting of one of Charlotte's oldest active breweries at the Gallery Restaurant inside the Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge. Settle into the weekend with light bites and some of the brewery's favorite pours: Copper, Captain Jack, Southside Weiss, Fat Boy Baltic Porter, and Hornet’s Nest.
SUMMERTIME TEA IN THE CAROLINAS
The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge is also hosting teas today and tomorrow in the afternoon, with an option to add a refreshing mint julep. Attendees are encouraged to don their straw hats and their summer best when coming to enjoy tea and a light seasonal menu during this event. Reservations are required.
CHARLOTTE GETS WEIRD
You pretty much know what you’re getting yourself into with the name of this event. Featuring a blend of all sorts of dance music, this wild night of partying and raving also includes free pizza throughout the evening. The “weird” party is at the Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. Tickets cost about $23, you weirdo.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Blackfinn threw a Christmas in July party last weekend, but if you missed it, Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St., is throwing another tonight. Come dressed in your best Christmas attire (Don’t blame us if your Santa suit gives you heat stroke. It’s July, after all) and prepare for a night of Christmas music, prizes and more. The Christmas party starts at 7 p.m., and there is no admission fee.
DISCOVERY PLACE
Kids will be kids—and adults will feel like kids—at this uptown science museum. From live animals to grand experiments of physics, the museum offers a multi-disciplinary adventure. Beyond Rubik's Cube (through Sept. 5) is the first exhibition to focus on the popular puzzle, which has been around for 40 years. Find out what inspired its creation and become an expert with games and activities.
SATURDAY (July 23)
GWEN STEFANI
Stefani's latest, This Is What the Truth Feels Like, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 this year. She then hit the road to mark the release of the "breakup album," which is lauded for both its honesty and catchiness. She comes to PNC Music Pavilion.
THIRSTY NOMAD BREWING CO. GRAND OPENING
If you thought Charlotte was at capacity for breweries, well, you were wrong, of course. The Queen City’s newest brewery opens at 4402 Stuart Andrew Blvd from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. today with at least nine original brews. There is no admission fee to this event.
RED CLAY CIDERWORKS ANNIVERSARY
To honor the occasion, Red Clay is releasing some special ciders, including Bramblin’ Blackberry, a semi-dry cider created with blackberries and Brushy Mountain Wild, a dry farmhouse cider. Of course, Red Clay’s staple ciders (Queen City Common is always a solid choice) will be available, as well as a few guest taps from local breweries.
COUNTRY BAR CRAWL
Billed as the “nation’s largest country crawl,” (our eyebrows are raised in suspicion with that one), this bar crawl begs you to bring out your boots, hats and Daisy Dukes. Registration is at 2 p.m. at Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. From there, you’ll do-si-do on over to Blackfinn, Connolly’s on Fifth, Fitzgerald’s, SIP, Tilt on Trade. The Local and more. A $27 tickets buys you free entrance to all the bars on the crawl, a T-shirt and a bar crawl mug. Buy your ticket here, cowboy.
TEPHRA/FūD VEGAN BREAKFAST THROWDOWN
Visit FūD in the Salud Beer Shop in Noda on Saturday morning for a breakfast that features vegan twists on classic dishes. Try a version of chicken and waffles with a side of tempeh bacon, or a hash topped with avocado and a tofu scramble.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Celebrate Christmas with the Huntersville Growers Market on Saturday morning. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be visiting the market between 9 and 11, and the market will have music, games, and holiday food samples available. The market will stay open for their regular hours between 8 and 12, so you can pick up some fresh summer produce while you enjoy the merriment.
WINESTOCK AT TREEHOUSE VINEYARDS
Bring your blankets and chairs and visit this local vineyard to enjoy wine tastings and tours, live music, food, craft vendors, and more during this all-day festival. Enjoy music from four musical acts and consider participating in the “Best Hippie” costume contest, to be held at 3 p.m. The $10 entry fee pays for the music, a raffle ticket, wine samples, and a special edition wine glass.
NERDATHON
Amid the peak of Pokemon Go, Charlotte brings you Nerdathon, which is exactly what it sounds like. A $25 ticket gets you a lunch and dinner buffet and access to Magic The Gathering tournaments and both board and video games. And, of course, costumes and cosplay are encouraged. Buy your $25 ticket here, nerds.
MARIO THE MAGICIAN
While babies may be discouraged at some shows, this kid-friendly program advertises free admission for infants younger than 2 (who sit on parents' laps). Mario combines classic magic vibes with technology, taking on the role of "inventor" with robotics integrated into the Stage Door Theater show.
POKEMON GO PARTY
This is a real thing, and it makes us question what has happened to the world. Dress up as your favorite Pokemon and prepare to catch as many fictional monsters as you can because that’s what civilization has come to now. There’s free entry with RSVP before 11 p.m., and after that, you’re paying almost $12 to catch pictures of make believe creatures. RSVP and buy a ticket here. Label is at 900 NC Music Factory Blvd.
RIVER JAM
On Thursdays and Saturdays, River Jam offers free music at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Check out the center’s selection of food and beer, and kick back. This month’s lineup includes Big Daddy Love (July 21), Temperance League (July 23), Head for the Hills (July 28), and Koa (July 30).
TWO TO WATCH
Jerald Melberg Gallery is known for showing works from seasoned and internationally recognized artists, but in an unprecedented move, Two to Watch (through Sept. 10) highlights painter Nicholas Napoletano and sculptor Matthew Steele, two young artists who reside in Charlotte.
SUNDAY (July 24)
TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND
The husband-and-wife team of Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks produces the kind of blues-rock that gets people moving. For the Grammy-winning duo, it’s a chance to pause their solo acts and spend more time together. For rock audiences, it’s two heavy-hitters for the price of one at Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre.
SNOOP DOGG & WIZ KHALIFA
I could be wrong, but as a longtime fan of Snoop, I think I know why this tour is called The High Road. Either way, this powerhouse combo of a rap legend and a contemporary leader in hip-hop is sure to please fans of multiple generations at PNC Music Pavilion.
SOUTH OF THE BULLY BENEFIT
The dog days of summer are taken literally at this event. Benefitting South of the Bully, a pit bull rescue organization, this “pawty” features prize giveaways, a dunk tank and a puppy kissing booth. The event is at The Blind Pig, 453 E. 36th St., from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. There is no admission fee.
SARAH JAROSZ
This American luminary is only 24, yet she’s headlining stages across the country. You may have heard the performer on "A Prairie Home Companion" or "Austin City Limits," where she’s earned a reputation for heartfelt folk.
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