Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | August 30- September 5
Friday
Still have World Cup fever? Watch as Charlotte’s own USL Soccer team, the Charlotte Independence, takes on the Charleston Battery at Matthews Sportsplex. Arrive at 5 p.m. for a tailgate party with music, cornhole, local beers and food trucks. Game starts at 7 p.m. 1505 Tank Town Rd. $15-60.
Classic rock fans won’t want to miss the Charlotte stop of Peter Frampton’s Farewell Tour. Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, will open the show at the PNC Music Pavillion. 7:30 p.m. 707 Pavilion Blvd. Tickets start at $29.50.
Enjoy a family friendly variety show from fan-favorite performers at the Blumenthal’s Best of Open Mike Night. One of the Blumenthal’s most popular events, this showcase will feature the stars that fans voted as the best performers at the Blumenthal open mike series. 7:30 p.m. 345 N. College St. Free.
Saturday
Kick off your weekend with fun for the whole family at the Matthews Alive Labor Day Festival. Enjoy a parade, carnival rides, an interactive LEGO exhibit, an arts and crafts pavilion and all-day concerts with Tusk-Fleetwood Mac tribute closing out the night. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Matthews-Mint Hill Road and McLeod Street in Matthews. Free.
Watch a showdown of the Carolinas as USC and UNC Chapel Hill face in the 2019 Belk College kickoff game at the Bank of America Stadium. Arrive early for music and fun at the free Fanfest right outside the stadium. 3:30 p.m. 800 S. Mint St. Tickets start at $45.68.
Enjoy wine and snacks with a history lesson at Latta Plantation’s Esteemed Above All Other Wines. Learn about how the colonists imbibed while sipping on port, Madeira and tasting some historically inspired small bites. 3 p.m. 5225 Sample Rd. $35.
Sunday
Play outside at the U.S. National Whitewater Center Labor Day Celebration. Start the day outside with a 15k or 5k race at 9 a.m., then try stand up paddleboard yoga or a gentle flow yoga. After a day of activities, unwind with free live music starting at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.
Explore the Queen City on foot in the Around the Crown 10k. Start next to the Charlotte Knights ballpark, then hop onto I-277 to see some amazing skyline views jogging around center city. 7:04 a.m. $50 before Sept. 1.
Monday
Celebrate Charlotte’s creativity with Yard Art Day. Use the Yard Art Day map to find dozens of popup grassroots art exhibits around the city on Monday. Cyclists can congregate at Common Market in Plaza Midwood to enjoy a leisurely guided bike tour of some highlights. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 2007 Commonwealth Ave. Free.
Wednesday
Travel down the Catawba River on your way to dinner at the White Water Center’s Paddle to Table dinner. Take a guided tour on either a kayak or stand-up paddle board at sunset, and end the evening with a fireside dinner with craft beer and wine. 6 p.m. 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. $55 per person.
Thursday
See two iconic bands in one night at the Hootie and the Blowfish: Group Therapy Tour concert live at the PNC Music Pavillion. The BareNaked Ladies open the show, and country star Darius Rucker rejoins his first band to perform with Hootie and the Blowfish. 7:30 p.m. 707 Pavilion Blvd. Tickets start at $75.
Have a Mediterranean feast with a healthy dose of culture at the Yiasou Greek Festival. Choose from a variety of authentic Greek specialities such as gyros, Spanakopita, Greek salad and more while watching live folk dance and music performances. Don’t leave without trying a baklava sundae. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
This story was originally published August 28, 2019 at 10:01 PM with the headline "Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | August 30- September 5."