From flower pop-ups and free museum days to local markets and hands-on fun, there’s no shortage of ways to treat yourself or your Mom to a lovely QC weekend. You’ll also find a free outdoor movie at Rea Farms, a wine festival, live tunes at The Amp, the Spring Pottery Festival, and more great ways to spend the weekend.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, MAY 8
District One Spring Market
Thursday, May 8, 11a – 2p
Take a break from your weekly routine and head to District One in Uptown for a lively spring market experience. The Spring Market will offer unique finds from local vendors, makers, and artisans; live DJ sets; handmade crafts and creative goods; and seasonal treats and delicious bites—all in one vibrant, community-centered setting.
WFAE’s Chocolate, Charcuterie, Champagne & Culture Tasting Event
Thursday, May 8, 5p
Indulge in sweet and savory delicacies, sip on champagne, and enjoy live jazz music at WFAE’s Chocolate, Charcuterie, Champagne & Culture Tasting Event.
The Contemporaries Wrap Party
Thursday, May 8, 6 – 8p
The Contemporaries, Charlotte’s new art collecting community, is turning one and having a party to celebrate. Join them at the McColl Center this Thursday to reflect on the past year and get a preview of the year to come.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, MAY 9
Live at The Amp Featuring Journeyman
Friday, May 9, 5:30p
Kick off your weekend with live music and good vibes at The Amp’s monthly summer concert series. This Friday, don’t miss Journeyman: Eric Clapton’s 80th Birthday Celebration. Tickets are just $15 (free for kids 5 and under), so grab your friends, bring a blanket, and enjoy an unforgettable night at The Amp.
Family Tree Film Screening at Patagonia South End
Friday, May 9, 6:45 – 8:45p
Black Girl Environmentalist and Nature for Justice are hosting a special screening of Family Tree at Patagonia, highlighting the work of Black landowners and sustainable forestry at Fourtee Acres Farm. Guests can enjoy snacks and drinks, meet the teams behind @bge.clt and @nature4justice, and learn how to support BIPOC farmers in their transition to regenerative agriculture.
Movie Night at Rea Farms ~ Freaky Friday
Friday, May 9, 7 – 9p
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head to Rea Farms for their weekly free outdoor movie night. This week’s feature is Freaky Friday. You’re encouraged to pick up takeout from one of the nearby spots to enjoy during the show.
Matthews Summerfest
May 9 – 10
What was once BeachFest Matthews has now been rebranded to SummerFest in 2025 to include more music genres and even more fun. The festival features live music, carnival rides, food vendors, arts and craft vendors, and more. Plus, craft beer vendors (Seaboard Brewing and others) will be selling beer on site.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, MAY 10
2025 Water for People Charlotte 5K
Saturday, May 10
The Water for People 5K is back for Spring 2025, offering an in -person 5K in Charlotte and a virtual 5K allowing people to participate across the state of North Carolina, (or anywhere in the world) at the location of their choosing. This event provides a great opportunity to connect with athletic and community minded people both in and out of the water and wastewater industry.
HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K
Saturday, May 10, 8a
The HEARTest Yard and Showmars Restaurants are hosting the ninth annual HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K presented by LifeShare Carolinas. Both organizations share a mission to support Levine Children’s Hospital to maximize fundraising potential to meet the needs of and care for as many children affected by congenital heart diseases and disorders as possible.
Mother’s Day Matcha with Matcha Mantra Mondays at beem Light Sauna
Saturday, May 10, 10a – 12p
Join beem Light Sauna in South End For Mother’s Day Matcha and Flowers. Enjoy a flower bar and matcha for purchase from matcha mantra Monday’s. The first 20 people to stop by will receive a goodie bag and exclusive discounts—come early and treat yourself (and Mom).
Carolina Clay Matters Spring Pottery Festival
Saturday, May 10, 10a – 5p
Explore work from 80+ local ceramic artists, from seasoned pros to up-and-coming talent at the Carolina Clay Matters Spring Pottery Festival. Admission and parking are free.
Build Your Own Charm Bar at The Buttercup on May 10, 11a – 4p.
Apex Southpark Mother’s Day Market
Saturday, May 10, 11a – 3p
Apex SouthPark is hosting a Mother’s Day Market that you won’t want to miss. The afternoon will feature fantastic deals from Apex tenants with their exclusive Shopping Pass, live music, a flower pop-up bar, and unique creations from over 20 local artisans at our pop-up market. Check-in at the Apex table near Southpark Chuch to pick up your swag bag and grab your shopping pass.
Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend with Phillips Place
Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11, 12 – 4p
Phillips Place is making Mother’s Day extra fun with a weekend of hands-on activities and treats. Swing by the courtyard for a build-your-own flower bar, a manicure bar, and live watercolor portraits with Mom. Plus, score in-store deals and gifts with purchase all weekend. Catch the flower station and portraits both Saturday and Sunday, May 10–11, from 12–4 PM. Manicures are Saturday only during the same hours.
Pop and Pour: Charlotte Wine Festival
Saturday, May 10, 12 – 4p
Indulge in a day filled with a curated selection of wines, bubbly mimosas, refreshing sangrias, and a variety of craft beers served at 20 different drink stations. With unlimited samples included in your ticket, you’ll have the chance to discover new favorites. There will also be craft beer, local vendors, spring-inspired drinks, live music, and more.
Pop the Top 8 Year Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, May 10, 12 – 10p
Join Pop the Top Craft Beer Shop for their 8th Anniversary Celebration. They’ll have super exclusive specialty beers being tapped just for the day, along with pizza and releases of Belgium Cantillon bottles that are only shipped to the US once a year.
Nebel’s Alley Night Market
Saturday, May 10 , 4 – 9p
Spend the evening doing some open-air shopping, tasting, and lively entertainment at Nebel’s Alley Night Market. Find 32 local vendors gathering under the Design Center water tower in South End every second Saturday of the month from April through November.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, MAY 11
Napa Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 11
Napa said it best… Mom deserves more than just a card! Enjoy Mother’s Day at Napa with a three-course prix fixe menu offered at brunch ($40) or dinner ($55). Expect bubbles, bites, and a memorable day celebrating Mom.
Mother’s Day at The Market
Sunday, May 11, 11a – 4p
Snap, shop & celebrate Mom at The Market at 7th Street with an event made just for her. From 12PM to 3PM, capture the moment with a free professional photo on the patio. The first 20 Moms to get their photo taken will receive a free scoop of ice cream from The Social Cow. While you’re there, enjoy brunch specials across The Market, and get Mom the perfect find at the popup mini-market featuring a local florist, artists, makers and creators.
Mother’s Day Home Tour at Briar Farm ~ Step into a world where heritage design meets gracious living as New Old invites you to an exclusive Mother’s Day Home Tour at Briar Farm in Fort Mill, SC, on Sunday, May 11th, from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Mother’s Day at Paddywax
Sunday, May 11, 11a – 5p
Treat Mom to a $50 candle pouring experience at Paddywax, complete with a complimentary glass of champagne for Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day Community Celebration – ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK
Sunday, May 11, 12 – 5p
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Mint Museum Uptown with the ONLY free admission day to see the special exhibition ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK. Make it a fun filled afternoon with photography portraits by @corineolarte from 1 to 4 PM, live music, and a cash bar featuring beer, wine, and prosecco. Sip on specialty cocktails at @mariposaatthemint and @coquetteclt while you browse the museum store—jewelry is 20% off from May 5–11. Plus, take advantage of $20 off Mint memberships on May 10 and 11.
