10 of the best Uptown end-of-summer events to go to, with popsicle cocktails, skyline yoga and more

Summer ends with the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22 (and was that a slight chill in the air yesterday?). But there are still plenty of ways to keep the vibe of this fun-loving season going. Here are 10 of the best Uptown end-of-summer events to go to.

Yoga on the Deck CLT

Climb to the top of the parking deck above Rhino Market & Deli Uptown for a 60-minute, all-levels flow while you gaze at the summer skyline. Pay $10 for a drop-in or use your NC Yoga Bar passport for the class — the entry includes free mimosas and 10 percent off of brunch at Rhino after class. A portion of proceeds will support Time Out Youth in honor of Charlotte Pride Weekend as well.

When: 8:30 a.m., Aug. 18

Where: Rhino Market, 420 Church St.

Charlotte Pride Parade and Festival

This two-day, rainbow-filled event (seriously, it’s like a glorious explosion of color to walk through) will feature a parade with 43 floats and more than 170 participating groups, plus main-stage performances, a karaoke stage, a family zone and, of course, food vendors.

When: Noon-10 p.m., Aug. 18 and noon-6 p.m., Aug. 19.

Where: On Tryon Street between Trade and Stonewall streets

The Lion King

A winner of six Tony Awards, this Broadway musical is awash with bright and spectacular costumes and sets, not to mention all of the glory of the Disney classic you grew up with. $30+.

When: Various performance times, Aug. 22-Sept. 9

Where: Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St.

Popsicle Fest

This second-annual shindig features the king of summery treats, King of Pops. The best part: The popsicles are mixed with alcohol for an adult edge — go try these “poptail” creations and hang out with friends on a rooftop Uptown. Tickets are $25-$40.

When: 3-7 p.m., Aug. 25

Where: Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St.

Make & Mingle: Cornhole Boards

Tailgating season is fast approaching, so get it together and prepare your frat-tastic cornhole board at Thinker Space (the makerspace in Discovery Place Science museum). Come up with your very own hand-painted design while you’re at it. Tickets are $55-$62.

When: 6-9 p.m., Aug. 30

Where: Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St.

Hot Havana Pool Party

In partnership with Corona, Craft City Social Club is throwing this summer party with drink specials and giveaways — with a Havana theme.

When: 1-6 p.m., Sept. 1

Where: Craft City Social Club, 555 S. McDowell St.

Culture Feast 

This fourth-annual event plants a giant community table in the middle of an Uptown street while arts and cultural performances carry on around the dinner guests. The evening, featuring past performances by Drums 4 Life, Carolina Voices and more, is meant to build bridges across diversity (and it turns into a dance party at the end). Get tickets here ($35-$50).

When: 6-10 p.m. Sept. 7

Where: South Tryon Street at Levine Center for the Arts (between Stonewall Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard)

Start of Panthers’ regular season

Ah, nothing says it’s almost fall like the first home game of the Panthers’ regular season. Dress in your finest black and blue and snag tickets here.

When: 4:25 p.m., Sept. 9

Where: Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton led the team to a 15-1 record in 2015 — a seven-game difference compared to Scott Fowler’s 8-8 prediction. Photo by Jeff Siner

#ShapingCLT

Looking for a slightly more serious yet still social time on the town? Join a dialogue centered on “unpacking privilege” at Levine Museum of the New South. Davita Galloway of Dupp&Swat will guide this do-it-yourself social-change program. Speakers that night include Janeen Bryant, Community Engagement Specialist, and Kevin Poirier, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools teacher and activist. Tickets are $10 for non-members and offer access to light bites and a cash bar in addition to the program.

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 12

Where: Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St.

Tosco Music Party

Celebrate the 30th year of this concert series’ existence. The Party showcases amateur and professional musicians and is known for its energetic singalongs — you can’t be a quiet audience member here. Tickets are $13-$27.

When: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 15

Where: Knight Theater,  430 S Tryon St.

This story was originally published August 19, 2018 at 10:00 PM.