This Weekend's Agenda: Arts, Food, Beer, & Social Events (Oct. 23-25)
IN THESE WEEKEND posts, we’ve seen several anniversaries lately. Breweries, restaurants, music venues—everyone is doing something special to mark 1 or 3 or even 20 years as business in Charlotte. It’s a good excuse to party.
At arm’s length, this is just a good indication of a healthy cultural community. Oh, that’s nice. I bet they’re gonna have fun celebrating that. But when it’s one of your very own regular haunts, it all feels so much more personal. You’re not only celebrating the business you love, but the friends you’ve made there.
This is why I think we should al try out a new spot during its anniversary It provides the clearest picture of the community that a specific place represents. (And oftentimes, there are drink specials.) You don't have to make it your new regular spot, but at least for a day, you can see why it matters that someone does.—Andy Smith
ARTS + CULTURE
CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY: KNIGHTSOUNDS: BACHTOBERFEST III
For the third year, experience the music of Bach and the taste of local beer. Norman Huynh conducts this program, and selections include works by Johann Sebastian Bach and son W.F., plus some Mozart, Brahms, and Wagner. Stick around for the after-party with the FestzeltMusik Oktoberfest Band. It all takes place Friday (Oct. 23).
TEDXCHARLOTTE
The independent Charlotte version of the TEDx conference returns for the fifth time on Friday. Throughout the day Friday, hear from a champion of urban forestry, the executive director of Lee Institute, the CEO of MADabolic, and others.
DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS
The Nashville indie rock outfit headlines the NoDa venue Neighborhood Theatre on Saturday (Oct. 24). The group is joined by Penny & Sparrow, a folk duo that plays tunes with a style reminiscent of Bon Iver and The Swell Season.
SOCIAL EVENTS
MEET AND GREET HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY
Halloween has taken over Charlotte this weekend, and Awesome Random Adventures is joining in on the frightful fun on Friday (Oct. 23). The 20s and 30s meetup group is throwing this monster mash that includes free appetizers from 8 p.m until 10 p.m., free cover at a host of Uptown bars and the chance to win gift certificates in a slew of giveaways. The event is stoplight themed, which means you’ll get a color-coded wristband to signify your relationship status.
GRAVE DIGGERS BALL
Flo Rida and Omi join this enormous costume party and concert on Saturday night. With attendance in the thousands year after year, this is one of the bigger Halloween-themed parties in Charlotte.
FALL FESTIVAL
Get your scarves ready for this free fall festival in uptown Saturday. The event will include food trucks, a rock climbing wall, games and crafts. Pumpkins will also, of course, be on hand for purchase. The festival begins at 11 a.m.
FOOD + DRINK
MIMOSA GRILL
Autumn is here, and that means it's time for one of Mimosa Grill's most popular events of the season: its 7th Annual Bourbon Dinner. Don't miss this bourbon inspired multi-course menu paired with house crafted cocktails on Saturday (Oct. 24). Reservations are required. The dinner will include five different courses, each paired with a different style of bourbon.
PASSION8 ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY
It seems many of Charlotte’s favorite new spots are celebrating their first anniversary on Saturday. Passion8, the Elizabeth favorite, celebrates one year of business today with cocktails and heavy appetizers.
PIEDMONT CULINARY GUILD
The Piedmont Culinary Guild is bringing together the area's best chefs, artisans, educators, and mixologists on Sunday (Oct. 25) at Free Range Brewing in NoDa for a pumpkin carving competition and family fall festival. Tickets get you one vote for your favorite pumpkin carver plus a choice of one beverage from a slew of area purveyors. There will also be food demos, crafts, and kids competitions.
BEER
SYCAMORE BREWING ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Join one of South End’s newest breweries as it celebrates its first year of business on Saturday (Oct. 24). The anniversary party starts at noon and lasts until 10 p.m. and features live music all day, food trucks and more.
BREWPUBLIK AND UNKNOWN BREWING TAILGATE PARTY
The Philadelphia Eagles visit town on Sunday (Oct. 25) to take on our Panthers. The game is at 8:30 p.m., so here’s a perfect daytime tailgate to get you through the rest of the day. For $20, you get entrance into Unknown Brewing, transportation to and from the brewery and a ticket to a craft beer showdown between Unknown Brewing and Victory Brewing.
