There’s no better place to be than outdoors this Mother’s Day weekend. With the weather predicted to be warm and sunny, our schedules are filled with outdoor concerts, music, and movie nights. Don’t forget to plan something extra special for the day, like a stroll through Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (mom gets in free this weekend!) or brunch with Charlotte Knights.
THINGS TO DO THURSDAY, MAY 11
SouthPark Family Storytime
Thursday, May 11, 10:15 – 10:45a
Bring the whole family to SouthPark Regional Library for a morning filled with stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development. Suitable for children 0 – 3 years old. Space is limited. Please pick up a ticket at the Children’s Desk prior to the program.
SouthPark After 5
Thursday, May 11, 5p
Head to Symphony Park for Charlotte’s newest weekly happy hour and free entertainment night. Jam out to live music on the green, sip on adult beverages, enjoy delicious food, and shop from local vendors. This week, Sol Fusion – Premier Variety Band will be performing. The concert series will be held every Thursday – click here to view the full lineup.
Music at the Met: The Roads Below
Thursday, May 11, 6 – 9p
End your Thursday on a high note with Music at the Met, an acoustic music series held on the Metropolitan’s patio. Head down every Thursday to watch local musicians perform live, grab food from surrounding restaurants, and take advantage of drink specials from Dressler’s. This event is free to attend, with furry friends welcome (but must be kept on a leash!).
THINGS TO DO FRIDAY, MAY 12
2023 North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival
May 12 – 13
A two-day celebration you won’t want to miss. Just a short drive to Huntersville is where the 2023 North Carolina’s Brewers and Music Festival will be held, celebrating the local craft beer scene with performances by Steep Canyon Rangers, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, 49 Winchester, Susto, and more. Hosted at a historic non-profit farm, making it suitable for RV and tent camping. Visit here for the full music and brewers lineup.
80’s Night at HopFly Brewing Co.
Friday, May 12, 7 – 10p
Time travel back to the 80’s and dance the night away in your cuffed jeans, and vintage Reeboks or well-loved Chucks. Radical Grove will handle the music as Hopfly Brewing Co. preps the drinks and the dance floor. Brush up on your 80’s knowledge and be ready to have the time of your life!
Whitewater Center River Jam: Veronica Lewis
Friday, May 12, 7 – 10p
Jam out at the Whitewater Center with their one-of-a-kind music series that takes place in the middle of the world’s largest man-made whitewater river. This week, Veronica Lewis will be performing. See the full lineup here.
Janet Jackson: Together Again at PNC Music Pavilion
Friday, May 12, 7:45p
Janet Jackson is making her way to the Queen City on her Together Again tour. Don’t miss the performance of a lifetime!
THINGS TO DO SATURDAY, MAY 13
Fairy Hair Event at KK Bloom
Saturday, May 13, 11a – 4p
Get up to 40 strands of beautiful and sparkly Magical Fair Hair at KK Bloom, done by Fairy Kim Sparkles. Make your appointment here.
Carolina Clay Matters Spring Pottery Festival
Saturday, May 13, 10a – 4p
With over 60 participating artists you will find pottery in every shape, form, color, and purpose at the Carolina Clay Matters Pottery Festival. Food trucks will be on-site and the Two Dollar Bluegrass Band will be playing from 12 to 2 p.m.
23rd Annual Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Race
Saturday, May 13, 7:30a – 5:15p
An exciting team way to celebrate cultures! This annual dragon boat race is a great team building activity, open to anyone 15 years of age or older. The festival celebrates Asian cultures, diversity, ethnicity, roots and history.
Community Impact Film Series: Women’s Health
Saturday, May 13, 10a – 3p
The Independent Picture House is hosting the ultimate celebration in honor of Women’s Healthcare Month. The free, all-day event will feature many local wellness + women’s health professionals, a pop-up market filled with local women-owned businesses, and a series of fabulous short films. Register here.
Ballantyne’s Backyard Markets at 11
Saturday, May 13, 11a – 4p
Shop local vendors, enjoy delicious food and drink, take part in fun activities, listen to live music, and more. Pro tip: bring chairs or a picnic blanket to sit out on the grass while you’re there!
The Crown Journey: Talkback and Reflections at the Harvey B. Gantt Center
Saturday, May 13, 2 – 4p
Join the Gantt for a teaser monologue from Three Bone Theater’s latest production The Glorious World of Crowns, Kinks and Curls, express yourself in a reflective writing workshop, and contribute to a discussion on the unique yet unifying journey every Black woman has with her hair. After the show, grab a ticket to see The Glorious World of Crowns, Kinks and Curls, May 5-20.
Ballantyne Wine Festival
Saturday, May 13, 2 – 6p
WIne lovers, rejoice! Sip and stroll your way through a large selection of regional and national wine varieties and vineyards at the Ballantyne Wine Festival. There will also be live music and TONS of local craft vendors along with opportunities to purchase your favorite wines at discounted prices.
Lights, Camera, Birkdale: Viewing of Sing
Saturday, May 13, 7:30p
Kick back, relax, and enjoy movie night in The Plaza at Birkdale Village. Film classics will be playing on the jumbo screen on select Saturdays April through October. This Saturday, participate in the world’s greatest singing competition with a viewing of Sing.
THINGS TO DO SUNDAY, MAY 14
Mini Garden Parties at Camp North End
Sunday, May 14, 12 – 2p
Be ready to get your hands dirty! Every Sunday from May 14 on, Flower Child Heirlooms will be hosting Mini Garden Parties at Camp North End where you can pick up a reusable seed starting kit with your choice of seeds to grow your very own garden. Reserve your supplies here.
Maker’s Market CLT @ Primal Brewery Huntersville
Sunday, May 14, 1 – 6p
Shop small from local vendors, artists, and crafters at the Maker’s Market. This pop-up shopping experience can be found twice a month at Primal Brewery in Huntersville and at other locations around Charlotte.
MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATIONS
Moms Get Free Entry to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
May 13 & 14
To celebrate Mother’s Day weekend, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is offering free admission for moms all weekend May 13 and 14. Moms and their families are invited to stroll the Gardens, listen to live music, shop in The Garden Store, dine at food trucks and enjoy a beverage.
Mother’s Day 5K
Sunday, May 14, 8a
Celebrate all of the amazing moms while getting in your exercise for the day at the Mother’s Day 5K at the Dillards in SouthPark. Although the event is to celebrate mothers and mothers-to-be, the whole family is encouraged to participate, including boys and dads too. There will also be activities for kids such as face painting, a bouncy house, making a card or sign for Mom, and more. A great way to kick off Mother’s Day weekend.
Mother’s Day Brunch Cocktail Class at The Cocktailery
Sunday, May 14, 12 – 1:30p
A special experience your mom will never forget. The Cocktailery, located at the Atherton in South End, is having an exclusive Mother’s Day cocktail-making class, where you will learn to make 3 delicious and unique drinks, all while creating new cherished memories together. There will also be a delicious brunch board provided by Off the Block CLT. Get your tickets now before they sell out.
Mother’s Day Brunch with Charlotte Knights
Sunday, May 14, 12p
Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Charlotte Knights as they take on the Durham Bulls. Gates will open at noon with the game starting at 1:05 p.m. Mother’s Day brunch will be located in the Corona Rooftop Party Zone. Your $38 ticket includes a 2-hour brunch, flowers, tickets to the 1:05 p.m. game, and a pre-game on-field catch that will make a memorable experience.
