Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | March 13-19
Editor’s note: As COVID-19 continues to spread, it’s important to be mindful of large crowds and practice social distancing. This list was compiled prior to several of the large cancellations around the country, including the NBA’s suspension of the season and the travel restrictions from Europe. Local employers are taking steps to allow for more flexible work-from-home policies as an attempt to slow down the spread of the novel coronavirus. Please keep all of that in mind as you decide whether to keep upcoming social plans that involve crowds and check for cancelations before you go.
Friday
Come hungry to the first South End Spring Food Truck Friday. Enjoy food from eight different food trucks, live music from Wag the Dog and cornhole. 5-11 p.m. 2161 Hawkins St. Free admission.
Hear stories of struggle, growth, resilience and strength at Tales from Down There. This event will feature local storytellers speaking about experiences of personal transformative experiences. All proceeds will benefit the UNCC Interpersonal Violence Survivor Fund, the UNCC Queer and Trans Support Fund and Triota WGST Honor Society. 7-8:30 p.m. $10.
If you can’t get enough Girl Scout cookies, you’ll love the NoDa Brewing Cookie Beers Release.
Try Coconut & Chocolate Ale, Mint Porter, Lemon Shortbread Kolsch and Peanut Butter & Chocolate Brown Ale, and get four-packs to take home. 2921 N. Tryon St. 2-10 p.m. Free admission.
Saturday
POSTPONED: See Martin Lawrence and his friends perform live stand up comedy at the LIT AF Comedy Tour Lawrence’s latest movie, “Bad Boys for Life,” co-stars Will Smith and topped the box office during its opening weekend.Laurence will be joined by comedians DeRay Davis, Bruce Bruce, Adele Givens and Benji Brown at the Spectrum Center for a night jam-packed with comedy stars. 7:30 p.m. 333 E. Trade St. Tickets start at $39.50.
Come uptown and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the 20th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. See live music, Irish dancing and more on the main stage starting at 10 a.m., and the parade starts at 11 a.m. Stick around after for Irish food, treats and vendors until 6 p.m. North Tryon and 9th streets Free admission.
CANCELED: Be part of the world’s largest bar crawl and by joining the Rich and Bennett’s 20th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl. Admission includes drink specials from over 35 bars and restaurants, a t-shirt, live music and koozies. The bar crawl will feature a special beer created by Wicked Weed, Crawlers Ale, which will be served at select bars throughout the event. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Charlotte Irish American Center and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Noon 300 N. Brevard St. $25 in advance, $30 day of event.
Sunday
Spend your afternoon exploring your creativity at BOOM Echoes East. This outdoor festival will feature performances by spoken word poets, DJs, dancers and musicians and interactive art activities with local artists and creatives. 2-6 p.m. 4401 Central Ave. Free admission.
See members of the Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte perform a variety show of their favorite songs from past musicals, comedy acts and storytelling at the David Crane Healing Happening. 6:30 p.m. 300 S. Brevard St. $26.
Learn about the insect life of Charlotte at the UNCC Kids Bug Hunt and Bug Hotel Craft workshop. Start with a fun class, then search the UNCC botanical gardens for different bugs and make a bug hotel to take home. Arrive at 12:30 p.m. for a free story in the woods before the class starts. 9090 Craver Road 2 p.m. $10.
Grateful Dead fans shouldn’t miss the Grateful Brunch with Josh Daniel. Enjoy brunch while listening to an all acoustic set of Grateful Dead covers. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 1218 E. 36th St. Free admission.
Monday
Muggles and wizards alike will love Harry Potter Trivia presented by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Play trivia and enjoy other wizard-themed activities. Ages 21 and up. Cash bar. 7 p.m. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. Free admission.
Tuesday
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in an active way at the Charlotte Runners 13th Annual Green Beer Mile. Wear green and bring four beers or nonalcoholic beverages of choice and run a mile, stopping every quarter mile to consume one of your beverages. The winner finishes the fastest mile while finishing all four beverages. Ages 21 and up. 6:30 p.m. 3710 N. Davidson St.
Wednesday
CANCELED: Enjoy the spring weather and see NC State take on South Carolina in the Collegiate Baseball Series. Gates open at 5 p.m., so come early to get concessions. 6:05 p.m. 234 S. Mint St. Tickets start at $20.
Thursday
Learn about the brewery industry and small business scene in Charlotte at the Charlotte Collaborative Series: Brewers Edition. Staff members from Divine Barrel Brewing, Red Clay CiderWorks and Pilot Brewing discuss their experiences and the importance of collaboration. Ticket includes a drink and dessert. 3701 N. Davidson St. $10.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 5:30 AM.