May is officially here, and the Queen City is packed with ways to keep busy. Whether you’re ready to bar crawl through the city, catch live music under the sun, shop local markets (and shop some amazing sales!), celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style, or cheer on the Kentucky Derby, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of this weekend.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, MAY 1
VINYL Turns Three with a Week of Beats & Bites
Ends Thursday, May 1
On Thursday, DJ Aswell and DJ A-Minor will perform back-to-back starting at 8 p.m., and guests can enter to win a $50 VINYL gift card, a $50 Hardy Boys gift card, and enjoy creative bites, and handcrafted cocktails.
Fahrenheit’s Road to Lovin’ Life Launch Party
Thursday, May 1, 4 – 7p
Enjoy $5 bar bites, cocktail specials, skyline views — and enter to WIN a Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey cooler with built-in speakers, Branded backpack, hat & Bluetooth speaker, and 2 VIP weekend passes to the Lovin’ Life Music Fest. (*Free entry. Must be 21+ to win.)
Music at the Met
Thursday, May 1, 6 – 8p
Spend your Thursday evening enjoying live music on the breezeway at The Metropolitan. This week, the Ryan Bumgarner Duo will be performing. The weekly music series is free, family-friendly, and pet-friendly, so bring the whole crew—including your furry friends.
Beginner Line Dancing Lessons at The Rose
Thursday, May 1, 8:30 – 11:30p
Break out your boots and hit the dance floor for line dancing every Thursday night at The Rose. Beginner lessons start at 8:30 PM, with doors opening at 3:30 PM and free dancing continuing until midnight. Guests can also enjoy $8 specialty cocktails throughout the evening.
MAJOR Savings At The Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery Just Us Girls Event
Ends Friday, May 2
Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery is hosting their annual Just Us Girls event from April 28–May 2 — perfect time to refresh for summer! Read more at the link and Book your appointment online or call 704-375-7111.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, MAY 2
Baby Bundles Spring Tennis Tournament at Myers Park Country Club
Friday, May 2, 12:30p
While tennis registration is sold out, you can still swing by to shop the vendors at the pop-up anytime during the event.
Friday Nights at Camp North End
Friday, May 2, 6 – 9p
Every Friday is a party at Camp North End. Head to the Boilyard for live music, food, shopping, local art, and new surprises. Each Friday is different, so check the schedule out here before you go.
Cinco de Mayo at Sycamore
May 2 – May 4, 12 – 5p
Head to Sycamore Brewing for a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring live music, delicious food and drink specials, and their signature Sycamore Serveza—a crisp, refreshing Mexican lager brewed just for the occasion.
Lovin’ Life Music Fest
May 2 – 4
After a sold-out first year, Lovin’ Life Music Fest is returning with a lot more than just music. In addition to live music, the event offers a variety of culinary options, art installations, and interactive experiences, reflecting our local culture.
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations at The Matador
May 2 – May 5
From Friday, May 2-Monday, May 5, The Matador is turning up the heat with an all-weekend fiesta full of festive drinks, bold flavors, and unbeatable vibes. Plus, don’t miss Matador’s signature twice-a-day Happy Hour, happening from 4–6pm and 10pm–close every day of the celebration. Dig into craveable + shareable apps starting at just $7–$8.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, MAY 3
Cotswold Marketplace Big Tent Sale
Saturday, May 3, 8a – 6p
Cotswold Marketplace is hosting a one-day Big Tent Sale this Saturday. Shop incredible deals on furniture, home décor, gifts, art, and more—all under the big tent. One day only.
Teal Diva 5K
Saturday, May 3
On May 3, 2025, at McAlpine Park in Charlotte, NC, the 10th Annual Teal Diva 5k will be held to celebrate a decade of supporting women affected by gynecologic cancer. By wearing teal, peach, and lavender apparel, you can represent our commitment to their cause.
The Bowl in Bloom
Saturday, May 3, 11a – 1p
Celebrate spring at The Bowl on Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop 15+ local vendors, enjoy live DJ music, snag a free flower bouquet from Bentley’s Buds (for the first 100 guests), snap pics with floral-themed Disney princesses, and get creative with wildflower seed bombs and botanical crowns. Plus, enjoy deals, samples, and more all day long.
Derby Days 2k25
Saturday, May 3, 3 – 7p
Put on your best derby attire and get ready for a day of fun, philanthropy, and unforgettable memories with the Young Affiliates of The Mint, featuring live music, Mint Juleps, open wine and beer, food trucks, and contests. Proceeds from the event will help sponsor free tours of The Mint Museum for Charlotte-Mecklenburg school students, inspiring the next generation of artists, art lovers, and community leaders.
Charlotte Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl
Saturday, May 3, 4 – 11p
Round up your crew and get ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style with an epic bar crawl through the city. Tickets include free entry to top bars, themed drink and food specials, and a custom digital pub crawl map.
Fiesta Crawl | Cinco de Mayo weekend
Saturday, May 3, 4p – 12a
Crawl your way through the top bars in South End, NoDa, and Plaza Midwood with curated drink specials and tastings, live music, DJs, exclusive food pairings, and festive vibes at every stop. Each ticket includes a wristband for all-access crawl perks, entry to 30+ participating venues, food and drink specials like tacos, tequila, and cervezas, and a DJ check-in party to kick things off. Guests will also enjoy live entertainment, pop-up performances, swag and giveaways. A digital map keeps you on track, and a scavenger hunt offers chances to win prizes, gift cards, and even cash.
Charlotte Memory Gala
Saturday, May 3, 6 – 11p
Join the Charlotte Memory Gala for an elegant evening that features a reception, dinner, mission moments, silent and live auctions, live entertainment and dancing.
19th Annual Rhapsody in Red Charity Ball
Saturday, May 3, 6p
The Rhapsody in Red Charity Ball will be held at the Rolling Hills Country Club to celebrate the 19th Annual Rhapsody in Red. This event is black tie optional, so dress up in your finest and celebrate with the American Red Cross. A plated dinner, beer and wine, live entertainment as well as live and silent auctions will be offered.
Kings Drive Art Walk
May 3 – 4
Since the fall of 1964, Festival in the Park has brought Charlotteans from all walks of life together to enjoy arts, crafts, music and family entertainment. With a focus on fine and emerging artists, the Kings Drive Art Walk and Spring Festival on this beautiful and easily accessible venue is an annual fine arts outing.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, MAY 4
Others Day 5K
Sunday, May 4
The Other’s Day 5K is a chance to celebrate and honor “the village”. So join in on the fun at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and rep the Others that have and continue to make a difference in your life. Race registration includes tri-blend race shirt in your choice of unisex or women’s cut, finisher medal, post race food, drinks and vendor fair. Plus, 5K participants will also receive 50% off access to the Gardens (valid only on race day).
Hello Huntersville Music & Arts Festival
Sunday, May 4, 1 – 6p
Veterans Park, Downtown Huntersville
The Hello! Huntersville Music and Arts Festival will be filled with local food trucks, beverage vendors, unique art & craft vendors, art stations, and more. There will be two stages of live music & special performances to enjoy. Admission, parking, and activities are free for the whole family.
KinderMourn Hope Floats Duck Race
Sunday, May 4, 2 – 5:30p
The 21st Annual Hope Floats Duck Race returns to the Whitewater Center this Sunday. For more than two decades, the race has brought KinderMourn families and supporters together to raise critical funds for those navigating the journey of grief. This one-of-a-kind event invites people of all ages to gather and watch thousands of brave rubber ducks race through the rapids, creating a powerful afternoon of hope, remembrance, and community. The event is free to attend (parking fees apply). The Sponsor Duck Race will begin at 3:15 p.m., followed by the Main Event Duck Race at 3:30 p.m.
