10 things you MUST do around Charlotte in July (post fireworks edition)
You’ve already stuffed yourself with burgers and hot dogs and managed to shoot off fireworks without losing any fingers, but the July fun doesn’t have to stop after Independence Day.
From trail runs to brewery birthdays, here are 10 things you MUST do this month, now that the fireworks are over.
(1) Chow down at Queens Feast
From July 21-30 some of Charlotte’s best restaurants are offering the chance to indulge in three courses for $30 or $35. Here’s how to do this right:
– First, make reservations. The best spots fill up fast.
– Second, make sure you’re actually getting a deal (read: don’t go to the burger place where you’d never spend $30).
– Finally, try the upscale local spot you’ve been hearing so much about.
A few of this summer’s best bets for that include Oak Steakhouse, Bernardin’s at Ratcliffe and Carpe Diem.
(2) Celebrate a brewery birthday.
Free Range Brewing and Wooden Robot Brewery turn two this month and you’re invited to the birthday celebrations July 15. Free Range’s party will be noon-11 p.m., and your ticket will include a custom anniversary glass, music, food and, of course, plenty of beer. Wooden Robot will be celebrating noon-midnight with special beer releases, a commemorative glass, food and live music. And Thirsty Nomad Brewing will celebrate its first birthday July 22 with live entertainment, local vendors and food trucks. They grow up so fast, don’t they?
(3) Hit the trails after dark at the Whitewater Center.
Leave it to the U.S. National Whitewater Center to take something as challenging as a half marathon or 4-mile run and upgrade it by doing it after dark … on wooded trails. Up for the challenge? Bring your headlamp and your courage for the Friday night Tread Nightly run July 21. Feeling extra adventurous? Camp out post-run and wake up with the sun for the Tread Brightly run at 8 a.m.
(4) Rock out to your favorite ’90s jams — and do good.
Break out the flannel and get ready to rock out to some of your favorite ’90s jams at the 90’s Tribute to Benefit Levine Children’s Hospital July 7 at Neighborhood Theatre. Local bands like Ancient Cities and The Business People will be playing everything from Nirvana to TLC. And you know your $10 suggested donation is going to a good cause.
(5) Party in Romare Bearden Park.
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Romare Bearden Park in Uptown is home to two free music series — Bearden Music Series (featuring soul and blues music) and the weekly Party in the Park. The Embers will play the next Party in the Park 6-9 p.m. July 12, and Jmichael Peeples and AJ Ghent Band will entertain at Bearden Music Series 6-9 p.m. July 8.
(6) Get a taste of Eastern N.C. at The Packhouse.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to eat fried chicken in a tobacco barn? (No? Just me?). You can get that experience at The Packhouse, the newest restaurant from Deedee Mills, the mind behind The Mayobird and The Summit Room. The restaurant (500 Morehead St.) opens July 6, serving twists on traditional Eastern N.C. fare like deviled eggs, shrimp and grits, tomato pie and pimento cheese. Here are 7 things we already love about it.
(7) Put your toes in the sand at Sugar Creek’s Island Luau.
Who says you need to drive to the coast for an island getaway? The beach comes to you at the Sugar Creek Island Luau 11 a.m.-11 p.m. July 15. The brewery’s new patio will be transformed into an island paradise complete with an outdoor bar, pig roast, lei making (thanks to Crowned Sparrow Co.), dance classes and live music. 215 Southside Dr.
(8) Catch a flick at Movie Nights in the Square
Who needs an air-conditioned theater with recliner seats? Blumenthal Performing Arts is presenting outdoor movie nights on Fridays and Saturdays this month in uptown’s Spirit Square at the corner of College and Seventh Street. Enjoy free popcorn, food and drinks for sale, and movies under the stars (the show starts at 8:45 p.m.). Bring your own lawn chair and look for a wide variety of popular films from “An American in Paris” to “Breakin’.” See the full lineup of movies here.
(9) Get your booty in gear and raise money with 24 Foundation.
More than 1,000 cyclists will take over Myers Park’s “Booty Loop” for the 16th 24 Hours of Booty event July 28-29. Sign up with a team or as an individual to ride and raise money for the 24 Foundation, which supports the Levine Cancer Institute, Levine Children’s Hospital, LIVESTRONG Foundation and more. If you don’t want to ride, you can also sign up to walk this year, or just donate to the cause and cheer the riders on.
(10) Pop the top at Sycamore’s CANtopia.
Sycamore Brewing will be hosting a music festival, Food Truck Friday and can launch celebration all in one July 7. The event will feature two stages, food trucks, and special beers on tap all to celebrate the brewery’s new lineup of redesigned cans. See, who needs fireworks?
Sarah Crosland contributed to this story.
Photos: Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer; David T. Foster/Charlotte Observer; Corey Inscoe; Courtesy of 24 Foundation; Courtesy of Sycamore Brewing
This story was originally published July 5, 2017 at 1:01 AM with the headline "10 things you MUST do around Charlotte in July (post fireworks edition)."