Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | Feb. 14-20
Friday
Celebrate girl power on Valentine’s Day at the Southern Ladies Arm Wrestling War of the Roses tournament. Cheer on local women and those who identify as femme as they wrestle their way to the top of the bracket. Come for the tournament, but stay for the fun themed concessions and special Free Range Brewing beer release. 8-10 p.m. 2320 N. Davidson St. $4 to attend, $10 to compete.
Kick off your weekend with a Pierogi and Beer Pairing at Thirsty Nomad. Try four unique pierogi from Queen City Pierogi Co., each carefully paired with a Nomad Brewing beer tasting. 5-8 p.m. 4402 Stewart Andrew Blvd. $10 for just pierogi, $18 for pierogi and beer.
Saturday
ABBA fans won’t want to miss Chess the Musical, a rock musical featuring music from ABBA members Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. The story follows the story of two chess masters competing in a politically charged tournament during the cold war, and a love triangle involving one of their managers. 7:30 p.m. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. Tickets start at $10.
Play detective at Love is Dead- a Murder Mystery interactive mystery experience at Red Clay Ciderworks. Solve a murder case while sipping on the 5 oz. pour of Red Clay cider included with your ticket. Food is available to purchase on site. 8 p.m. 245 Clanton Road. $20.
See comedian and actress Yvonne Orji, known for her role on the HBO show “Insecure,” on the Charlotte stop on her Lagos to Laurel Tour. Orji, who recently opened for Chris Rock, will be telling personal humorous stories about her experiences with faith and fame. 8 p.m. 345 N. College St. Tickets start at $29.75.
Sunday
Go back to the 90’s at Seoul Food’s 4th Anniversary Party. This celebration will feature a 90’s themed playlist, giveaways, and 25 cent local beers (cash only). 11:30 a.m.- 11:30 p.m. 1400 S. Church St. Free admission.
Join Aqua e Vino for its annual polenta feast. Polentata 2020 will feature three large courses of antipasti dishes, a hearty serving of polenta with three topping options and a dessert. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 4219 Providence Road. $60.
See a live performance of Chopin Piano Concerto 1 alongside other romantic favorites such as Tchaikovsky’s passionate Romeo & Juliet and Delius’s Walk to the Paradise Garden for a perfect post-Valentine’s date. 3 p.m. 430 S. Tryon St. $19.
See multi-platinum Grammy-award winner Tony Bennett live at the Belk Theater. Bennet will perform classic favorites such as “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” and “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.” 7 p.m. 130 N. Tryon St. Tickets start at $58.
Monday
Start your week right with a decadent Evening of Fondue at Orrman’s Cheese Shop. Learn how to make your own fondue over wine, conversation and hearty tastings. 6:30 p.m. 224 E. 7th St. $45.
Tuesday
Have a happy hour for a great cause at the Lenny Boy Brewing Nonprofit Night Out. From 4-9 p.m., one dollar from every beer or kombucha purchased will benefit Cookies for Kid’s Cancer. 4-9 p.m. 3000 S. Tryon St. Free admission.
Wednesday
Check out the first ever Brewers’ Beer Dinner at Brewer’s at 4001 Yancey. Enjoy six courses of dishes such as potato-crusted redfish and American whiskey cake, each paired with a beer or cocktail. 7-10 p.m. 4001 Yancey Road. $50.
Thursday
Indulge your sweet tooth at the WFAEats Chocolate Tasting. Enjoy a two-hour chocolate tasting, featuring chocolate-themed candies, pastries, baked goods, beers and more. Help judge the “Best of” contest and listen to live music by pianist Noah Friedline throughout the tasting. 6-8 p.m. 3500 Shamrock Drive. $40.