Erykah Badu is performing live in the Qcity this weekend at Funk Fest along with Jagged Edge, Babyface, Mystikal and Goodie Mob.

There is plenty to do this weekend in the Qcity. Funk Fest is coming to town. Former Carolina Panther, Steve Smith Sr. is hosting a yacht party to raise money for his family foundation. CNN’s Bakari Sellers will be the keynote for Focus Fridays, discussing the school-to-prison pipeline. The Ballantyne is celebrating the Select Maker’s Mark Whisky 2nd Edition release and much more.

If you are looking for something to do Thursday night, Wyclef John is performing live at the Neighborhood Theater. Click here for more details.

Here’s a look at what else is happening this weekend around the Qcity.

FOOD + DRINK

Select Maker’s Mark Whisky 2nd Edition Release Dinner
Saturday @ The Ballantyne
The Ballantyne will feature a special progressive dinner to commemorate its latest Personal Select Whisky. Maker’s Mark Ambassador Jane Conner will be on hand to share insight on the bourbon creation process. (Details)

Painting at Rocky River Vineyard
Sunday @ Rocking River Vineyard
Sip muscadine wines and nibble on food truck entrees while painting some art. Sandy Beach will be the painting of the day. (Details)

Hip Hop Caucus presents Social Sundays
Sunday @ Kanvas Gallery & Lounge
Enjoy a fully stocked mimosa bar, delicious brunch options, and engaging conversation at this weekly event hosted by Streets 103.3. This weekend turn up is about keeping our community informed, but having fun while doing so. (Details)

[signup-embed]

ART + CULTURE

Best of Open Mic Celebration
Friday @ McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square
This free event will feature a variety of performers including folk singers, pop singers, country singers, rappers, instrumentalists of all varieties, dancers of all genres, storytellers, poets, jugglers, magicians, comedians, and more. (Details)

Try Watercolors with Marcia Kort Buike
Saturday @ Center for the Arts
Don’t listen to those who tell you that watercolors are hard. A little bit of guided knowledge and training are all you need to turn your muddy brown mix of colors into stunning works of art. (Details)

The Classic Black Cinema Series – Bronze Buckaroo
Sunday @ The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Art + Culture
This film series is specifically designed to be a vehicle for exposing the community to the vast artistic value black film has had throughout the years. This month’s film, “Bronze Buckaroo,” is a mystery Western that tells the story of a cowboy named Bob Blake who receives a letter from his friend Joe Jackson asking for help. (Details)

NIGHT LIFE + ENTERTAINMENT

Funk Fest
Saturday @ PNC Music Pavilion
See Erykah Badu, Jagged Edge, Babyface, Mystikal, and Goodie Mob in concert at this annual outdoor music festival. Afterwards, head over to The White House Night Club for the official after party with Dougie Fresh and Bobby Brown scheduled to be in the building. (Details)

Comedian AJ Johnson Live
Saturday @ Club Vibrations
You might know him as the crackhead “Ezel” in Ice Cube’s “Friday” or maybe you know him from any of the other many films he’s played in, like “The Player’s Club” and “I Got the Hook Up.” See AJ Johnson when he brings the funny live to the Qcity this weekend. (Details)

Charity Yacht Party for Steve Smith Sr.
Sunday @ Lake Norman
Spend an evening aboard the Carolina Grace, enjoying great food, drinks, dancing and fun in benefit of the Steve Smith Sr. Family Foundation. The nonprofit organization supports victims of domestic abuse and their families in Charlotte. (Details)

Charlotte In Crowd Launch Party
Sunday @ Apostrophe Lounge
The social mixer is all about celebrating the Qcity’s “in crowd.” RSVP for free admission. Plus, enjoy $5 drink specials, champagne toast and hookah. Music provided by DJ Unspok3n. (Details)

PROFESSIONAL + NETWORKING

2017 Queen City Business Expo
Saturday @ The Carole Hoefener Center
The Queen City Business Expo will feature over 50 businesses from the Charlotte Metro area. This event will all feature music, food, shopping, and entertainment. (Details)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR + FAMILY FUN

Focus Friday
Friday @ Embassy Suites
Urban Mosaic founder and educator Neil S. Harris continues Focus Friday Empowerment Series with keynote speaker, CNN analyst Bakari Sellers. The theme is “Disrupting the School to Prison Pipeline.” (Details)

Back to School Give Away
Saturday @ New Heaven Community Church
The Urban Mosaic Center in partnership with New Heaven Community church is sponsoring a Back to School Community Give Away. School supplies (along with hot dogs and drinks) will be given to the first 120 families. (Details)

Bubble Day!
Saturday @ The James K. Polk Historic Site
This program will feature a series of activities including arts & crafts, bubble-making stations, water play areas and more. Light refreshments and take-home treats will be provided. (Details)

The Trinity
Sunday @ Greater Vision UMC
The Greater Vision Choir will celebrate its 14th year of ministry with a musical presentation titled “The Trinity.” You are invited to join them in this celebration which will include singing, dance, spoken word and dramatic arts. This concert is free and open to the public. (Details)

Read More