The first full weekend of November is here, and Charlotte is wasting no time getting in the festive spirit. This weekend, enjoy a Harvest Beer Dinner, take a ride on the Polar Express, shop local markets, sip your way through a variety of ciders, experience Beethoven like never before, and more.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
SIX at Belk Theater
November 4 – 9
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the six wives of Henry VIII remix five hundred years of heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power. Catch them at Belk Theater from November 4-9th.
Science & Sips at Sycamore Brewing
Thursday, November 6, 6p
Raise a glass to science during this interactive workshop where you’ll learn the chemistry behind glass etching while customizing your very own beer glass.
Each ticket includes one glass to etch and a drink ticket redeemable for a beer.
Verse & Vino (SOLD OUT)
Thursday, November 6, 6 – 9p
Verse & Vino is Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s signature annual fundraiser. For over a decade, this celebration of reading, writing and the joy of libraries – shared with a community of readers and New York Times best-selling authors – has become one of our region’s most anticipated events.
Harvest Beer Dinner at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (Ballantyne)
Thursday, November 6, 7 – 9p
Join OMB at the Ballantyne location for a special four-course dinner with carefully selected beer pairings to complement each dish. Tickets are limited for this event, so get yours today!
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Beethoven 360
November 7 & 8
Through a unique blend of theater and symphonic performance, Beethoven 360 invites you into the world of the man behind the marble bust, to feel his despair, share in his resilience, and celebrate his triumph. The evening culminates in a full performance of his spirited Symphony No. 8, a work bursting with life, humor, and hope.
First Friday Gallery Crawl
Friday, November 7, 5 – 8:30p
Stroll the streets of one of Charlotte’s artsiest neighborhoods and enjoy local art in all forms including galleries, murals and installations. Make a night of it with dinner or drinks at one of South End’s many restaurants and breweries.
A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race
Friday, November 7, 5:30p
Charge your headlamp and get ready to tackle the trails in the dark. Compete in a 5K, 10K, or half marathon and cross the finish line under the moonlight at Whitewater Center. Full schedule here.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Spencer NC
November 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 and December 5-7, & 11-23, 2025
Experience the magic of the holiday season with a trip to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate, a cookie, Santa, dancing, and even a special reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic, The Polar Express.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Second Saturdays in SouthPark Market
Saturday, November 8, 11a – 4p
Featuring: fresh flowers, charm bar, permanent jewelry, boutiques, accessories, gifts, decor, sweet treats, pet items, antiques and vintage goods. There’s something for everyone at this Shop Local QC market! Next to Legion Brewing in SouthPark.
Taylor Swift Drag Brunch by The Vanity House
Saturday, November 8, 11a – 2p
Get ready to sashay, eat, and sing your heart out at the Taylor Swift Drag Brunch. Hosted at Catalú, this in-person gathering promises a fun-filled day of lip-sync performances, delicious food, and great company. Get ready to sing along to your favorite Taylor hits and enjoy a drag show like no other.
Winters Coming Party!
Saturday, November 8, 12 – 10p
Join Triple C Brewing as they launch their popular winter seasonal ale plus flights with 1) White Blaze 2) Cacaoconut – WB with Cacao Nibs and Coconut 3) Mocha Cacaoconut -WB with Cacao Nibs, Coconut and Giddy Goat Coffee 4) White Blaze Specialty Ice Cream from Two Scoops Creamery. Grab a flight, s’mores kit, and enjoy live music from Flat Tire Trio from 4-7pm.
Designer Panel & Book Talk at SLATE
Saturday, November 8
Slate Interiors is hosting Zandra Zuraw, author of Slow Style Home, for a powerful conversation on designing with soul. Moderated by @rohouse.studio of RO House Studio. Featuring @dressmyroom of Dressing Rooms Interiors, led by Zandra Zuraw of Slow Style Home, whose new book is an ode to decorating with depth, intention, and meaning.
Charlotte Cider Festival
Saturday, November 8
This fall favorite is back—now at Armored Cow Brewing! Spend the afternoon sampling a wide mix of local, regional, and national ciders while enjoying food trucks, a DJ, and plenty of festive vibes. Ticket holders receive a 5oz souvenir glass and can sip their way through unlimited craft and artisanal pours.
Nebel’s Alley Night Market
Saturday, November 8, 4- 9p
The last Nebel’s Alley Night Market is this Saturday, November 8th from 4:00–9:00 PM and will have a festive twist. South End will sparkle under the lights for one last night market of the year as you sip, shop, and soak in the season.
Sneaker Ball 2025: Kicks and Kocktails
Saturday, November 8, 7 – 11p
Sneaker Ball 2025: Kicks & Kocktails brings elegance and edge together for a high-energy night hosted by the Young Affiliates of the Mint. Guests will enjoy live music, DJs, cocktails, bites, and creative activations, all while rocking cocktail-chic looks paired with their best sneakers. Your participation helps fund free museum access and programs for students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Every ticket supports the Mint’s outreach and community enrichment efforts.
Drinks Through the Decades
Saturday, November 8, 8 – 10p
Step back in time with a historic cocktail tasting that explores drinks from colonial punches to Prohibition favorites. Guests will sip authentic recipes, learn the stories behind them, and enjoy a flavorful blend of history and spirits. Tickets are $20 and include tastings from featured wineries, breweries, and distilleries, plus a glass of traditional syllabub courtesy of Historic Rosedale. Space is limited, so snag a spot and raise a glass to timeless flavors.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Best of Charlotte Bridal Show
Sunday, November 9, 1 – 4p
The Best of Charlotte Bridal Show is back and bringing the inspiration, samples, and fun to Divine Barrel Brewing. Join them for an afternoon of laid-back wedding planning where you can sip a drink from the bar and connect with Charlotte’s top wedding vendors.
Oktoberfest at Carowinds
Saturdays and Sundays through November 23, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
For the adults, Oktoberfest returns for its second year at Carowinds, bringing the spirit of Germany’s world known celebration, including premium quality beer, authentic German cuisine, live music and family friendly activities like a stein holding competition and keg tapping ceremony.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
October 4 – November 23 | Saturdays & Sundays
Take a step back in time at the Carolina Renaissance Festival, where there’s no shortage of medieval-themed entertainment, including jousting, falconry, games, and rides. Plus there’s an artisan market full of handcrafted items and crafts. The annual Carolina Renaissance Festival takes place on Saturdays and Sundays through November 23th, 2025.