JANUARY
jazz at the bechtler: post holiday blues
Time for the annual post-holiday blues Jazz at the Bechtler with the Ziad Jazz Quartet featuring music by jazz greats John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Jimmy Heath & others. bechtler.org
9-11 build remodel & landscape expo
Showcasing product from Building Construction, Business Services, Architecture & Design, & Real Estate, this three day event takes place at Charlotte Convention Center. 10times.com/charlotte-build-remodel
16-25 queen’s feast
The twice yearly Charlotte Restaurant Week Returns! Three courses, $30, 124 upscale restaurants, 10 days. Special bonus: select restaurants are offering AAA members the opportunity to purchase a $50 gift certificate from the restaurant for only $25 during the event. charlotterestaurantweek.com.
18 martin luther king jr. celebration
Join the City of Charlotte as we honor & celebrate the life & legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in this annual parade. charlottevibe.com
31 queen city brewers festival
This fundraiser for ACEing Autism, will be held atBojangles’ Coliseum and will feature Charlotte-area breweries and brewpubs, craft beer-focused food & beverage exhibitors, sponsors and local artists. qcbrewfest.com
1.31-2.21 charlotte ballet’s innovative works
The always popular Innovative Works series exhibits new works and the strength of the dancers in the intimate 200-seat theater at the Center for Dance. You are invited to join the dancers for dessert and coffee after the performance. charlotteballet.org
FEBRUARY
6 jazz is for lovers at the bechtler
Things are bound to get heated as Tupponce, voted “sexiest voice in Charlotte” croons romantic tunes like A Sunday Kind of Love, Lover Man - Oh, Where Can You Be and For All We Know. See more at: http://bechtler.org
7 art with heart
Bid for one of a kind, original art at the annual art auction held the first weekend of February at Founders Hall in Uptown Charlotte. Auction benefits Safe Alliance domestic violence programs. artwithheartauction.com
7 charlotte heart ball
The region’s premier black-tie event for 55 years, the Greater Charlotte Heart Ball has attracted the city’s largest companies and most recognized corporate, healthcare and social leaders to end heart disease. charlotteheartball.ahaevents.com
2.21-3.1 southern spring show
Returning to its roots in 2015 with the theme Carolina Calling, from the mountains to the coast, musicians to philanthropists, BBQ to Moon Pie & Pepsi, Forest Lands to Financial Centers, Dogwoods and Daydreamers, this two weekend event is a must-attend for home-owners and outdoor living enthusiasts. southernshows.com
MARCH
7 charlotte ballet dancing with the stars gala
Time for the annual post-holiday blues Jazz at the Bechtler with the Ziad Jazz Quartet featuring music by jazz greats John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Jimmy Heath & others. charlotteballet.org
17 st. patrick’s day parade
Featuring pipe & drum bands, musical groups, neighborhood associations, schools, alumni groups, cheerleading & drill teams, international organizations, police, fire, elected officials, commercialbusinesses, and anyone who wants to be Irish for a day. The parade begins at 11:00 A.M. at N. Tryon St. and 9th Street. charlottestpatsday.com
bechtler museum of art annual fundraising gala
Each year, Bechtler Museum of Art enthusiasts gather for a cocktail style themed fundraising gala to benefit the South’s newest and most innovative arts museum. Held in late March, sign up for announcements at bechtler.org.
NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament March 20-22
Charlotte will be packed with basketball fans in late March for the Second/Third Rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena hosted by the University of North Carolin Charlotte. For a special treat, check out the in-venue NCAA Fan Experience located at the FrontCourt. featuring pre-game happy hour with light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Prime Sport is the official NCAA Ticket Exchange and is the only guaranteed, NCAA-approved secondary ticket marketplace that allows fans to buy and sell NCAA Men's Basketball Championship tickets with other fans. Ticket holders who are unable to attend a game or find their team eliminated have a place to safely sell their tickets, and the buyer can be assured that the tickets are authentic and guaranteed. Tickets can be purchased for all three Sessions, or individually at primesport.com/d/ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-charlotte.
9 charlotte knights season opener
Don’t miss the season opener for the hottest new ticket in town in the 10,200-seat BB&T BallPark at South Mint and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. This high tech stadium features 360-degree views, the widest high def video board in the minors, standing room only tickets and dugout suite experiences. milb.com
charlotte eagles pro soccer season opener
Charlotte Eagles Soccer Club is one of the USL’s oldest and most successful clubs in North America. Owned and operated by Missionary Athletes International, they host their season home opener in early April. Check schedule uslsoccer.com
taste of the nation
Savor the finest food, spirits & wine with the nation's hottest chefs & mixologists—all of whom are coming together to donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in America. 100% of ticket sales support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger. TasteOfTheNation.org
17 taste of the new south
One of Charlotte's "not-to-be-missed!" fundraising events held each spring, this year’s theme will be Global Dish as a tribute to Charlotte’s vibrant immigrant culture. museumofthenewsouth.org
8-10 charlotte wine & food weekend kickoff
Charlotte’s largest and highest profile non-profit wine and food event has boasting rites as the fifth largest wine auction in the United States and just celebrated its 25th anniversary. Don't miss the Big Bottles & Blues on the 9th! Check the website for upcoming dates and details. charlottewineandfood.org
25 the mint museum’s rock & roll spring gala
One of Charlotte’s most elegant black-tie galas under the stars on the lawn of Mint Museum featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres amidst the lovely gardens and park. Enjoy classic American fare dinner under the tent, a brief live auction, and live entertainment. mintmuseum.org
25 the queen’s cup steeplechase
The Queen’s Cup is like no other sporting and social event in the Charlotte region. Thousands deck out to the nines to come to see some of the most athletic thoroughbreds compete at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. queenscup.org
charlotte hounds pro lacrosse season opener
Come check out the season opener of the hottest new professional sport in late May. Check for schedule in early January at charlottehounds.com
MAY
2 young affiliates of the mint derby days gala
Enjoy an afternoon of entertainment that includes live music, lawn games, and a large-screen viewing of the race live from Louisville, Kentucky. Attendees arrive decked out in sundresses and seersucker to watch “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports”. youngaffiliates.org
16 NASCAR sprint all-star race
The stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series do battle on stock car racing’s all-star night on May 16 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the 31st running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The sparks will fly in this checkers or wreckers non-points event with $1 million on the line. The night also includes high-stakes qualifying to set the starting lineup. charlottemotorspeedway.com
22 speed street
Coca-Cola Speed Street presented by Chevrolet transforms the streets of Uptown Charlotte into one of the largest consumer events in the Southeast. This free event earned honors as Southeast Tourism Society's Top-20 Event and was voted "Best Green Event” for environmentally-friendly practices. 600festival.com
SPOLETO FESTIVAL
5.22 - 6.7 charleston
For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists and emerging performers in dance, music, opera, and theater. Now in its 39th season, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. Its mission is to present programs of the highest artistic caliber while maintaining a dedication to young artists, a commitment to all forms of the performing arts, a passion for contemporary innovation and an enthusiasm for providing unusual performance opportunities for established artists. spoletofestival.org
24 coca-cola 600 all star NASCAR race
In the 56th running of the Coca-Cola 600 the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series do battle on May 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the longest race of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. charlottemotorspeedway.com
JUNE
world citizens awards dinner
The World Affairs Council of Charlotte annually presents the World Citizen Award to prominent citizens or organizations that have enhanced our community’s global standing through accomplishments of international significance. worldaffairscharlotte.org.
6.1-7.4 symphony pops in the park
A Charlotte summer tradition since 1983, the Summer Pops at Symphony Park series takes place Sundays in June and on one additional America-themed concert in July to celebrate Independence Day. charlottesymphony.org
6.5-6.7 taste of charlotte
The family friendly festival is held along Tryon Street from MLK Jr. Blvd. to 6th Street and features some of Charlotte’s favorite restaurants who compete for best dishes. tasteofcharlotte.com
JULY
firefighters pancake breakfast
NC Firefighters’ will be on site at Center City Green Market cooking delicious pancakes for only a $5 suggested donation with all proceeds benefiting the Firefighters’ Burned Children’s Fund! Kids’ plates only $3. ffbcf.org.
party in the park at romare bearden park
This is a series of performances featuring fun and energetic bands each Wednesday from 5:30-9 pm with live music starting at 6 pm. Lawn chairs and picnics are welcome, food and beverage will be available for purchase. charmeck.org/ParkandRec/Parks/
the queen’s feast
Charlotte Restaurant Week Returns for its fall round! Three courses, $30, 124 restaurants, 10 days. charlotterestaurantweek.com.
ganttfest
The Gantt’s signature festival, GanttFest is a full day celebration of art and culture of the Diaspora, featuring food trucks and hands-on workshops. ganttcenter.org
AUGUST
miracle night at the palm
This annual high profile event at The Palm Restaurant in Phillips Place benefits Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. The event includes a silent auction, dinner, live auction and dancing and great music. novantonline.com
fire in the city
A yearlong, statewide competition engaging the farmer, chef and diner in exciting evenings of food and entertainment to promote North Carolina culinary talent and the use of local ingredients. This new event founded in 2012 has already become a smashing success and a requisite for food and wine lovers. competitiondining.com
baubles & bags event
Organized chaos takes over theAssistance League of Charlotte’s warehouse in this annual event as frenzied shoppers looked for deals on designer handbags, costume and genuine jewelry. charlotte.assistanceleague.org
the great gatsby gala
This 1920’s themed black tie, costumed fundraiser benefits the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Great Gatsby Gala is known for live jazz music, dancing, expansive silent auction and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. msmoversandshakers.org
matthews alive
This annual Labor Day weekend festival is packed with an array of family activities, entertainment, arts and food. Proceeds benefit non-profit organizations to provide services to enhance the quality of life for residents. matthewsalive.org
SEPTEMBER
dilworth home tour
This year marks the 43rd annual Dilworth Community Development Association Home Tour where residents work with local designers and open their homes to the public. Proceeds benefit DCDA Visit the events page. dilworthcharlotte.com
yiasou greek festival
One of Charlotte’s largest cultural events, this eagerly anticipated weekend features Hellenic cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine and pastries, entertainment, art, shopping and more. yiasoufestival.org
festival in the park
This festival has been bringing good music, local art and good times to Charlotteans and visitors from around the world since 1964. Expect to see, hear, and learn from over 150 artists and crafts people who actively demonstrate and display their art. Dozens of entertainers provide free ongoing performances at the main band shell & surrounding stages. festivalinthepark.org
OCTOBER
charlotte checkers hockey season opener
Come watch one of the hottest hockey teams in the American Hockey league and the affiliate team to the NHL North Carolina Hurricanes. The season opener takes place in early October and tickets go on sale in early fall. gocheckers.com
humane society ties and tails gala
Quickly becoming one of Charlotte’s most star-studded and successful fundraisers, this most unusual black tie includes your pooch for a worthy night that raised more than $235,000 last year with live and silent auction, dinner and dancing. humanesocietyofcharlotte.org
susan g. komen race for the cure
Join more than 13,000 people in Charlotte’s largest race to raise awareness and to find a cure for breast cancer which affects one in eight women. Held first weekend in October each year in Charlotte, 75% of the proceeds stay local in our 13 county area. komencharlotte.org
carolina renaissance festival
Head back in time to this 16th century European festival featuring outdoor theater, entertainment, an arts & crafts marketplace, jousting tournaments and a feast fit for royalty. royalfaires.com
3 great grapes wine & food festival
Now in its 12th year, this fun fall festival features hundreds of North Carolina wines for your tasting pleasure at Southpark’s Symphony Park. uncorkthefun.com/charlotte
10.10-10.11 latin american festival
Mingle with more than 20,000 lovers of culture and music with internationally renowned musical acts, savory cuisine, visual artist demonstrations, authentic crafts, dance presentations and delightful children’s activities on this signature fall festival weekend. latinamericancoalition.org
symphony guild heart of the kitchen home tour
Charlotte’s Symphony Guild put a new twist on this classic fundraiser that
traditionally showcases ASID designers in one showhouse. This event is not to be missed by HGTV addicts invited into some of the most spectacular homes and kitchens in Charlotte. symphonyguildcharlotte.org
oktoberfest
A little slice of heaven for beer lovers and fans of German culture and food awaits you. Live entertainment on the big stage, games of table tennis, foosball and corn hole along with food vendors serving tasty brats, hot dogs, pretzels, and more will guarantee an authentic Oktoberfest. charlotteoktoberfest.com
13th annual bbq & brews festival
Heaven on earth for brew and ‘que lovers! Two days of beer drinking, pork eating and shaking your pig tail to plenty of rockin' good music is what is in store in the Southeast’s largest sanctioned BBQ competition. charlottebbqfestival.com
GUTS creative pumpkin carving competition
More than your average neighborhood pumpkin carving competition, this event attracts the finest creative talent in Charlotte to unify the creative community in support of the kids who fight the real fight everyday at Make-A-Wish. gutscharlotte.com
NOVEMBER
young affiliates of the mint annual fall ball
The hippest party on Charlotte’s social scene, YAM’s puts on a themed party each year as one of the Mint Museum’s largest fundraisers. Enjoy fine art with food, wine and fantastic fellowship to raise funds and awareness for Charlotte’s flagship arts organization. youngaffiliates.org/events/fall-ball
light factory’s 33 annual auction
Fun, food & drinks and the opportunity to take home a photograph by an amazing artist are in store for this event which supports the Light Factory, the Southeast’s pre-eminent gathering place for photographers, filmmakers and enthusiasts who share their impressions, techniques and passion. lightfactory.org
southern christmas show
One of the South’s largest Christmas events, this 10-day long celebration features Olde Towne with tall trees, tempting treats, tiny houses, toe-tapping entertainment, North Carolina wines, regional artists, and handmade gifts galore. southernshows.com/scs
holiday on ice
A Charlotte tradition and the coolest place in the city, an outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of Uptown to enjoy with friends and family. Open Wednesday through Sunday, hours and ticket information at wbt.com/holidayonice/
thanksgiving turkey trot
This annual Thanksgiving Day tradition draws over 10,000 families and friends across generations and is now in its 27th year…. a festive and healthy way to kick off the holidays. charlotteturkeytrot.com
DECEMBER
friends of the 4th ward holiday home tour
This holiday tradition features seven private historic homes, all beautifully decorated for the season. Throughout the weekend, choirs and hand bell ensembles perform. Enjoy complimentary horse and carriage rides, wine, food and beer samplings and tasty treats from Center City restaurants fofw.org/#!holidayhometour/cc6x
mcadenville christmas lights
The town of McAdenville named Christmas Town USA comes alive each winter with a fantastic light display that draws in over 600,000 visitors. The town itself puts up over 500,000 lights. Residents decorate their homes in celebration of Christmas. mcadenville-christmastown.com/
singing christmas tree by carolina voices
America’s first Singing Christmas Tree production, Carolina Voices has grown into a vibrant choral organization of 130 volunteers with three ensembles. This annual holiday music celebration takes place on a weekend in mid-December each year. carolinavoices.org
second chance christmas charlotte
Charlotte’s largest holiday charity party is an annual event where 10’s of thousands of toys are collected for less fortunate children. Held on the rooftop of Epicenter. secondchancechristmas.org
annual good friends and good fellows luncheon
The epitome of the generosity of this philanthropic community, the all female ‘good friends’ and their all male ‘good fellows’ gather each year for their seperate and friendly competitive luncheons raising more than $730,000 this past year helping those in need in Charlotte. goodfriendscharlotte.org
coats for kids drive | mid december
This annual event benefits the neediest members of our community through one of its most effective outreach organizations, Crisis Assistance Ministry. Drop off children's coats mid December throughout Ballantyne Corporate Park. goballantyne.com
waxhaw christmas parade
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit then driving out to this quaint railroad town in the heart of North Carolina horse country! Enjoy local school marching bands, decorated floats, a visit and snack with Santa and boutique dining and shopping for a great holiday tradition. waxhaw.com