Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | July 24-30
Friday
Start your weekend by serving those in need in our community at Showers on the Streets. Come volunteer to help set up shower tents or drop off donations of toiletries or clothing. If you can’t make it on Friday evening, you can also volunteer on Wednesday. 5:30 p.m. 945 N. College St. Free. https://bit.ly/3hi5Bh3
Catch the last 12 hours of 24 Hours of Booty: Unlooped. You can participate in this event, which usually takes place along the 3-mile “booty loop” near Queens University, from wherever you choose as a virtual participant. All proceeds from this event will benefit 24 Foundation’s cancer beneficiary partners. $25. https://bit.ly/3eL3C3s
Saturday
Check out the inaugural 1CLT Film Fest. This two-day online festival is curated by a diverse assortment of the leading film organizations and festivals in the Charlotte area. Tune into this free, virtual event to discover over 20 of the best independent short and full length films. Donations are sought for Creating Exposure Through the Arts and Frontline Foods Charlotte. http://www.1cltfilmfest.org/
Celebrate the Noble Smoke One Year Anniversary with socially distanced lawn games, live music and beer and drink specials all day. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 2216 Freedom Drive. Free admission. https://bit.ly/3eImIXK
Spend an afternoon with the winemaker at Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the wine-making process, taste samples throughout the tour and have a glass of wine. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 450 Groce Road, Ronda. $30. https://bit.ly/398EMJA
Watch “A Love Show,” a virtual performance via Crowdcast from Charlotte Cirque & Dance. Tickets for the show that will include cabaret artist Rachael Houdek and Americana duo Courtney Lynn & Quinn are on a sliding scale from $15-$100, and donations are appreciated. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. https://www.carolinecalouche.org/
Sunday
If your favorite drink is bubbly or pink, check out the Rosé - Mimosa - Soiree. Each admission ticket includes Rose, Red Clay Ciderworks cider and sparkling wine tastings, and a mimosa bar. Music will be provided by DJ Mal Funk Shun, and the Soul Miner’s Garden Food Truck will serve vegan brunch food at an additional cost. Masks will be required when not seated at a table. 11 a.m. 2316 Central Ave. $35. https://bit.ly/3hlY01j
Support small businesses and the arts while finding unique illustrations and other artwork at the Abari Video Game Art Auction. Bid on a selection of video game-inspired artworks from local and nationally renowned artists. This online silent auction starts at noon Free admission. https://bit.ly/2WArDnj
Monday
Film fanatics won’t want to miss ’80s Movie Trivia at Brewers at 4001 Yancey. Answer questions about your favorite retro movies and enjoy $3 drafts. 6:30 p.m. 4001 Yancey Road. Free admission. https://bit.ly/3hm3byh
Tuesday
Watch the first episode of Open Air, a series of studio visits and conversations with Black contemporary artists. This Open Air studio visit features painter and rising star Mario Moore. Take a behind-the-scenes look at Moore’s private studio in Detroit, and learn about his inspirations and experiences as a professional artist. This episode will be livestreamed on the Gantt Museum’s YouTube channel. 7 p.m. Free admission. https://bit.ly/2OBMx1d
Wednesday
Hear Charlotte native contemporary artist Caroline Rust give an artist talk about her work. Rust is a painter whose work is inspired by women’s history, fashion design and the feminine. Check the Elder Gallery Instagram page throughout the day leading up to the talk for posts from the artist herself. 6 p.m. Free admission. https://bit.ly/2ZMSIWJ
Thursday
Meet new CMPD Chief of Police Johnny Jennings at a Virtual Town Hall. Tune in for a discussion of relevant topics such as the role of the police, policing communities of color and more. Email your questions to storymining250@gmail.com for the opportunity to have them answered during the town hall. 7- 8:30 p.m. https://bit.ly/2BcKOfy
This story was originally published July 22, 2020 at 10:41 AM.