Now that summer is here, things are starting to pick up again in the Qcity. This weekend includes a host of fun events to fill your days and nights.
If arts & culture are your thing, head to the Levine Center for the Arts on Saturday. Lots of free events and gallery tours at the Gantt Center, Mint Museum and the Bechtler.
The annual Soul Food Music Festival also returns to Concord this weekend. So whatever you do, GET OUT AND HAVE SOME FUN!
Looking for some grown-folks fun? Check out Toni Baker-Tyson’s new three-minute podcast.
FRIDAY
Sounds on the Square
The Square at Spirit Square, 345 N College St.
It’s hip-hop Friday at this free, outdoor concert, presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts. Performers will include Jason Jet (Carolina Music Award and NY Urban Music Award winner), Morgan Gayle (of Charlotte’s Hip Hop Orchestrated) and more. More info
Jazz at the Bechtler
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St.
This month the Ziad Jazz Quartet pays tribute to John Coltrane, one of the biggest and most recognizable names in all of jazz. Performances at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. More info
Charlotte Squawks
Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon Street.
It’s “Saturday Night Live” meets Broadway meets our beloved Queen City. The creative team of Mike Collins and Brian Kahn collaborate with the area’s most talented performers to make fun of pop-culture, sports, life and politics both local and national. More info
First Friday Jazz and Soul
Morehead Tavern, 300 East Morehead Street
Inside Ella’s Speakeasy on the lower level, this show will feature vintage soul, jazz, and funk music, blended to take you back to a funky good time and get you up on your feet. More info
South End Gallery Crawl
Southend
On the first Friday of each month, South End’s many galleries open their doors for a free gallery crawl. It runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. More info
SATURDAY
Family First: Hot off the Press Screen Printing Workshop
Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 South Tryon Street
Bring an old T-shirt or tote bag and turn something old into something new by creating your own work of art. More info
Long Live Arts Festival
Levine Center for the Arts, uptown Charlotte
Now in its second year, this collaboration between the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, the John S. and James L. Knight Theater, and the Mint Museum Uptown will include: free gallery tours, live entertainment, food trucks, interactive activities, and a day of culturally-festive fun! More info
Benefit Yard Sale
Greater Providence Baptist Church, 2000 Milton Road, Charlotte
Hosted by the drama ministry, this event seeks to raise money for a safe house used by women who are trying to escape abusive relationships. Donations gladly accepted. More info
Lowcountry Boil
Reid’s Fine Foods – SouthPark, 4331 Barclay Downs Drive
For the uninitiated, we’re talking about Lowcountry cooking – shrimp, crabs, whatever. After the eats, stick around for free live music on the patio. More info
Soul Food Music Festival
Route 29 Pavilion, 6845 Sandusky Boulevard, Concord
What’s better than a day of food vendors combined with old-school music played live by groups including Cameo, the SOS Band, and Ready for the World, to name just a few? More info
SUNDAY
Summer Pops: Hooray for Hollywood
Symphony Park at South Park Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd.
This summertime favorite returns for another season of music under the stars. Grab your blanket, a bottle wine and listen to themes from Hollywood blockbusters, including “West Side Story,” “The Pink Panther,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Harry Potter,” and more. More info
