Wiggin' Out Bar Crawl, Cider Fest, Bank of America 500 and More, Oct. 6 to Oct. 9
By the looks of this weekend's events and parties, there's no doubt which season has arrived in Charlotte.
It’s all about fall this weekend (as long as we’re spared from Hurricane Matthew – a friendly reminder to always check with each venue before venturing off). There’s a cider fest, a pumpkin fest, a fall fest, an Oktoberfest and more. Fall is what we’ve been waiting for all year. See y’all out there.
Thursday, Oct. 6
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
Here’s your chance to experience your own bit of madness at this themed Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. The event from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. features whimsical teapots and mismatched, colorful tablecloths with a family-style set-up. Before tax and tip, the tea party at the Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, costs $40 for adults and $20 for children ages 5 to 12. Call 704-248-4100 for reservations. The Tea Party is also on Friday and Saturday.
Down the Great Wagon Road Whiskey Tasting
The James Polk State Historic Site teams up with Great Wagon Road Distilling Company for this whiskey tasting event with a side of history. The tasting, which also includes appetizers, is from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at 227 Southside Drive. Tickets cost $35. Buy yours here.
Friday, Oct. 7
Wiggin’ Out Bar Crawl
Need help with your Halloween costume? You’ll at least get an accessory at this bar crawl that comes with a free wig (Gross or fun, we’re undecided). For about $12, you’ll get a ticket to the crawl, a free wig in the color of your choice, a Koozie and access to the bars’ exclusive drink specials. Registration is at Flight, 314 N. College St., from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. From there, it’s to Fitzgerald’s, Connolly’s, The Local on Fifth, SIP and Prohibition. Buy your ticket here.
Cider Fest
Summer is certainly gone when a cider festival comes to town. At this festival celebrating all things cider, you’ll get eight samples of cider and VIP attendees get that plus a mixology class that includes two additional cider cocktails. The party is from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St. General admission costs about $17 and VIP admission costs about $28. Buy your ticket here.
Jazz at the Bechtler
It’s the first Friday of the month, which means this monthly event returns. The Bechtler just opened a new exhibit, so this is your chance to check it out while listening to soothing jazz music. You can choose between a concert that starts at 6 p.m. or the concert that starts at 8:15 p.m. Tickets cost $14 for the event at 420 S. Tryon St. Buy tickets here.
Race Fan Appreciation Night
Ahead of Saturday’s Bank of America 500, Whiskey River hosts this party for all NASCAR fans. There’s no admission to the party, but a $6 ticket gains you access to an appetizer buffet from 9 until 10 p.m. The party also features giveaways and $3 beer and $5 wells drink specials. Whisky River is at 210 E. Trade St. Buy your ticket here.
Saturday, Oct. 8
Bank of America 500
The band 3 Doors Down is leading a pre-race concert for the 57th Bank of America 500 NASCAR race. Ticket prices vary, but you just go for the tailgating, right? The race starts at 7 p.m. For more information and to buy tickets, go here.
Panther Nation Bar Crawl
It wouldn’t be a normal weekend in Charlotte without more than one bar crawl, right? This crawl starts at TILT on Trade, 127 W. Trade St., at 5 p.m. and goes to Roxbury, Blackfinn, Fitzgerald’s, SIP, Tin Roof, 204 North and Whisky River until 2 a.m. Ticket prices vary depending on how many you buy, but they start at $11. Buy yours here.
Fall Finale
It’s an odd name for a festival at the beginning of fall, but this party features cider tasting, live music, a build-your-own-boat competition and an obstacle course. Times vary depending on whether or not you’re entering the boat contest (which requires Friday registration), but the festival is at 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. For schedule and more information, go here.
Pumpkin Bash
Celebrate not a fall finale but, rather, the start of fall at this party. Along with beer and cider sampling, this fall fest includes apple bobbing, pumpkin bowling, live music and a food truck. Tickets cost $30 at the door. The party is at Whiskey Warehouse, 1221 The Plaza, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 9
Pop-Up Oktoberfest Beer Garden
The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge is celebrating Oktoberfest today with a pop-up beer garden, live music, German food and prizes. There’s no admission fee to this Oktoberfest party from noon until 6 p.m. at 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway.
Five-Course Whiskey Dinner
Our Panthers aren’t doing so well, and our beloved Cam suffered a concussion last weekend. Maybe this whiskey-soaked dinner will help ease our spirits. This five-course meal costs $60 and includes a different whiskey with each course. The evening at Vivace, 1100 Metropolitan Ave., begins at 6 with a reception, and dinner starts at 6:30. For reservations, call 704-370-7755.
Verify dates, times, prices, and other info at the web addresses listed for each event.
Be sure to bookmark www.charlottemagazine.com/Blogs/Dusk-Till-Dawn to stay plugged into Charlotte’s nightlife and social scene. Click here to sign up to receive the weekly Dusk Till Dawn e-newsletter.
Want your event featured in Dusk Till Dawn? Follow me on Twitter @Jared_misner and let me know about your event, or send me an email at dusktilldawnblog@gmail.com.
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Jared MisnerSend Jared an email at DuskTillDawnblog@gmail.com, or send him a tweet @Jared_Misner. Also by Jared Misner:→The $20,000 Mutt |
