10 things you MUST do around Charlotte in May

Let’s just call May “The Month of Fun Festivals,” shall we? From Speed Street to a centennial celebration, and from music and brews to bourbon and barbecue, this month is packed with fun and festive events for getting out and soaking in the spring season.

We’ve found the top 10 you definitely don’t want to miss.

(1) Take in the tastes and tunes at N.C. Brewers and Music Festival.

We dare you to find a better way to spend a spring Saturday than on a picturesque farm drinking N.C. beer, eating from local food trucks and listening to live music. This seventh-annual festival, held May 12-13 at the Historic — and beautiful — Rural Hill farm just north of Charlotte, includes 11 bands and more than 40 brewers from across the state. Go for the day, including a three-hour tasting session, on Saturday. Or get serious about your beer and bands and camp out for the weekend on the grounds.

4431 Neck Road, Huntersville.

(2) Celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Just in case you needed any encouragement to have tequila on a Friday night, there’s a holiday this month made for it. Looking for the city’s best margarita to say cheers to Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla May 5? Head to Paco’s Tacos & Tequila, Vida Cantina, Ru Ru’s Tacos & Tequila, Comida or The Tipsy Burro.

Craving Charlotte’s top tacos to toast our south-of-the-border neighbors? Snag a seat at Sabor Latin Street Grill, Three Amigos, Tacos el Nevado, Cabo Fish Taco or Bakersfield.

(3) Get a peek into Plaza Midwood.

With its rich history and current hip vibe, Plaza Midwood may be Charlotte’s hottest hood. Decide for yourself with a behind-the-scenes look during the two-day Midwood Maynia festival May 5-6. Maynia includes a home tour of eight stylish neighborhood homes and gardens (Pro tip: Grab one of the free B-Cycle bikes on site to ride around and see the homes), talks from Charlotte historian and Midwood resident Dr. Tom Hanchett, the Midwood Miles 5K race, live local music in Midwood Park, and even a highly entertaining pet parade.

(4) Spend a day with pints and pups at South End Hops Festival.

We’ve got the beer festival concept down now: Offer samples of local craft beer, throw in some live music and include a few food trucks. As far as formulas go, this one is undeniably fun. This annual festival at the corner of Carson Boulevard and Mint Street on May 13 adds an extra element to the good time by inviting one of the more friendly members of the family — your dog. We’re betting that news elicits a tail wag or two.

308 W. Carson Blvd. 

(5) Say Cheers to Cheerwine at the drink’s Centennial Celebration.

OK, so you’ll have to venture a bit outside of Charlotte for this one, but this quintessential Carolina celebration is worth the 45-minute drive to Salisbury. The town is celebrating 100 years of its iconic, family-owned soft drink May 20 with a festival featuring an N.C. barbecue competition, live music and local craft beer, as well as special touches like limited edition Cheerwine merchandise, King of Pops Cheerwine-flavored popsicles, fresh donuts from Krispy Kreme’s mobile store and, of course, plenty of free Cheerwine.

N. Main Street, Salisbury.

(6) Soak in the NASCAR scene at Speed Street.

Not into NASCAR? Don’t worry. This festival, which takes over the streets of uptown May 25-27, isn’t limited to race lovers. With live music from big names like Billy Currington and Jake Owen, as well as food and drinks, there’s plenty to entertain you off the track. If you are a fan, though, driver appearances, autographs and exhibits make this fest a must this month.

(7) Stroll through an outdoor arts fest at Kings Drive Art Walk.

Just when you thought Little Sugar Greenway couldn’t get any more beautiful this season, it’s time for the annual Kings Drive Art Walk. The two-day arts event May 6-7 features fine and emerging artists along the greenway between East Morehead and the Pearle Park Way Bridge. (Pro tips: Park at the Metropolitan, grab brunch on the patio at Vivace, and wander down the greenway to peruse the art.)

600 S. Kings Dr.

(8) Go hog wild at Beer, Bourbon & BBQ.

OK, transplants, it’s time to get serious about being Southern. This annual festival held on May 13 in Symphony Park offers a flavorful taste of the South. In addition to the chance to sample 60 beers and 40 bourbons, you’ll find lots of local barbecue vendors on site. Live rock and bluegrass music, bacon tastings and even something called the “Shrine of Swine” round out this ultimate cultural culinary experience.

5440 Carnegie Blvd.

(9) Listen and learn on Charlotte City Walks.

Want to impress your friends with your random Charlotte history knowledge? You’re in luck. In 2012, local historian Tom Hanchett launched the City Walks concept in Charlotte, leading just one walk. Five years later, there are 22 of the popular walks around the city throughout this month. Historians and neighborhood leaders will lead you through historic local spots like Dilworth, Enderly Park and Uptown, and share their stories along the way. The walks are free, but fill up fast, so sign up now.

(10) Toast to Mom at 7th Street Public Market.

You’re officially out of excuses for not having a Mother’s Day gift. Uptown’s Seventh Street Public Market is hosting its Mother’s Day Sip & Shop pop-up shopping event from 4-9 p.m. Friday, May 12, just in time to find something cool and local for Mom. From candles to artwork to chocolate, this is your one-stop-shop for the holiday — or for a little something fun for yourself. And speaking of fun, the market will offer a glass of free sparkling wine to the first 100 customers.

Photos: Marty Price; Charlotte Observer file

This story was originally published May 1, 2017 at 1:00 AM with the headline "10 things you MUST do around Charlotte in May."