Top 10 things you MUST do in July
Judging by the sweat dripping down just about every part of us anytime we go outside, summer’s here to stay for a while. If you intend to leave to brave the heat for anything other than your commute to and from work this month, it should be for these events. (Some of them are even air conditioned!)
(1) 18th Annual 4th of July Plaza Midwood Pig Pickin’.
Wednesday, July 4. 4 – 10 p.m. Free. Diamond Restaurant, 1901 Commonwealth Ave.
For nearly two decades, Plaza Midwood has been celebrating America’s birthday with a pig pickin’ party. Join them at The Diamond this year as they roast a whole North Carolina hog to serve up pulled pork plates and sandwiches, along with hot dogs. You can enjoy live music on the outdoor stage with The Willie Douglas Band at 6 p.m., The Penitentials at 7:30 p.m. and Paint Fumes at 9 p.m.
Let’s be clear, though: the party doesn’t stop at The Diamond. You can make your way around the neighborhood to dozens of businesses featuring their own specials, events and attractions on Independence Day, including Legion Brewing, Snug Harbor, The Thirsty Beaver Saloon and many more. Find the full list here.
[Related: 12 ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in the Charlotte area]
A post shared by Diamond Restaurant (@diamondclt) on Jun 20, 2018 at 4:17pm PDT
(2) Box For Your Beer with 9Round at Resident Culture.
Tuesday, July 10. 6:30 p.m. $8. Resident Culture Brewing Company, 2101 Central Ave.
Get all your frustrations out at this all-levels class kickboxing class taught in just the non-intimidating environment you need: a brewery. For just $8, you get the class itself led by Amy Penwell, owner of 9Round NoDa, as well as a full pint of beer from Resident Culture when you’re done (you’ll definitely earn it). Get your ticket on Eventbrite here.
(3) Celebrate at the Humane Society of Charlotte’s 40th Birthday Paw-ty.
Saturday, July 14. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Donation only. Southside Park, 2645 Toomey Ave.
A post shared by Hayley Lawrence (@thedogphotognc) on Jun 14, 2018 at 6:52am PDT
The Humane Society of Charlotte was founded in 1978, meaning that 2018 marks its 40th birthday! Celebrate at this family-friendly party by visiting with adoptable pups and cats, enjoying sweet treats and learning about the history of the Humane Society of Charlotte, as well as its plans for the future. More information here.
(4) 2nd Annual Charlotte French Festival.
Sunday, July 15. 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. $5 general entrance ticket. Nevin Community Park, 6000 Statesville Rd.
Grab your striped shirts and berets, and head to Nevin Community Park to celebrate French culture with a day full of great food, wine, beer, crepes, delicious pastries, music and dance. And of course, don’t forget the pétanque initiation and tournament! Plus, bring along your (friendly!) dogs to take part in a canine costume contest with awesome prizes for the winners. Get your tickets here.
(5) Meet Dunder Mifflin’s David Wallace at The Office (K)Night at BB&T Ballpark.
Thursday, July 19. 7:04 p.m. Tickets start at $8. BB&T Ballpark, 324 S. Mint St.
(6) 6th Annual #YPMixerCLT.
Thursday, July 19. 6 – 8 p.m. $10. The Fillmore, 820 Hamilton St.
Network with other young professionals in Charlotte, enjoy a complimentary beverage (provided by Tito’s and Barefoot Wines) and engage with up to 50 local non-profit leaders at the sixth annual young professional multi-group mixer at The Fillmore. Find the full list of participating organizations here, and get your tickets to the event here.
(7) Science on the Rocks: A Night on Mount Olympus.
Friday, July 20. 5 – 9 p.m. $10. Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St.
Party like a god at this month’s adults-only Science on the Rocks event at Discovery Place. At this event fit for an Olympian, attendees can participate in trident throwing a la Neptune, craft lightning bolts and wearable beards to look like Zeus, test their Greek mythology trivia, and attempt to “conquer the Minotaur” in a mechanical bull riding challenge. Find more information here.
(8) International Champions Cup: Liverpool FC v Borussia Dortmund.
Sunday, July 22. 4 p.m. Tickets start at $40. Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St.
Now that your World Cup bracket has already been busted, it’s time to root for an ICC team instead. Watch England’s Liverpool Football Club take on Germany’s Borussia Dortmund at the home of our own Carolina Panthers. Get your tickets for the match here, starting at $40.
(9) 2018 Homegrown Tomato Festival.
Saturday, July 28. 1 – 6 p.m. $10. NoDa Brewing, 2921 N. Tryon St.
A post shared by 100 Gardens (@100gardens) on Jun 25, 2018 at 6:14pm PDT
At this tomato-themed event, attendees will get the chance to taste test dozens of different backyard tomatoes from local growers, purchase locally grown tomatoes, vote for the region’s best tomato grower, eat tomato sandwiches, enjoy live music and more. Plus, the event benefits Charlotte-based non-profit 100 Gardens, builders of aquaponics labs and curriculum in area schools. Get your tickets here.
(10) Hot Stuff Summer Pop-Up Market.
Sunday, July 29. 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Free admission. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.
Shop dozens of local vendors and artisans at the summer’s hottest pop-up shop at Petra’s in Plaza Midwood. The main bar and taproom will be open to quench your thirst, and both the Lady Go-Go’s food truck and King of Pops will be on-site if your stomach starts to grumble. Find the full list of vendors here.
Featured Image: CharlotteFive Archives
This story was originally published June 29, 2018 at 2:00 AM with the headline "Top 10 things you MUST do in July."