Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | Aug. 7-13
Friday
Create an art puzzle inspired by multimedia artist Mickalene Thomas with an online workshop with the Harvey B. Gantt Center. This event is appropriate for the whole family. 3-4 p.m. Free admission. https://bit.ly/2PriJo9
Learn about the tiny colorful birds that grace our gardens in the Charlotte area at Hummingbird Week 2020, presented by the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department. Experts will be answering frequently asked questions about these popular birds throughout the week on the department’s social media pages. //www.facebook.com/MeckParkRec/
Discover new independent films at the Virtual Joedance Film Festival. Log on at 8 p.m. for opening remarks from the festival organizer, then watch a curated list of up-and-coming short films. The festival will continue into Saturday with an afternoon series of student films, and more short films showing in the evening. For mature audiences only. 8 p.m. $10 for student screenings, $20 for a day pass, $70 for an all access pass. https://www.joedance.org/
Saturday
Experience new art from eight Carolinas-based artists at the opening of GalleryC3’s exhibition Down with my Demons. Performances from Modern Primitives and Zodiac Lovers will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person. Mask protocol and social distancing will be enforced. 7-10 p.m. 2517 Distribution St. Free admission. https://www.c3-lab.com/events/down-with-my-demons-art-exhibit
Pick a plant and paint a pot at rootedclt’s Plant Pop Up event at the Charlotte Art League. All proceeds will benefit art programs for veterans at the art league. Noon-4 p.m. 4100 Raleigh St. Plants are priced between $15-30. https://bit.ly/2DfPYIO
Write a song in a month — even as a complete beginner — with guidance from the Using your Unique: Virtual Songwriting Workshops. In this four-week series sponsored by the Arts and Science Council, local musicians Arsena Schroeder and 1 Way North will lead you through the steps of creating your own musical masterpiece. 1 p.m. Free admission, pre-registration required. https://bit.ly/33kR0h9
See local singer-songwriter Dane Page perform live at the NoDa Company Store at the Dane Page 8-8-8 Concert. The performance will take place outside on a patio with space for social distancing. 8 p.m. 3221 Yadkin Ave. Free admission. https://bit.ly/3i25RBh
Sunday
Enjoy live music from your boat at Music at the Hot Hole. Caution Blind Driver will be playing at the Allen Fishing Access Area, and donations will be accepted to benefit Girls on the Run. 6-8 p.m. 425 Hot Hole Road, Belmont. Free admission. https://bit.ly/2EEEezM
Monday
Explore the outdoor exhibits and nature trails at the Schiele Museum of Natural History. Visit the gardens and live animals on the farm, wander through a traditional Catawba village and kids can play on the playscape playground. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. Free admission. https://bit.ly/2ENHKYP
Tuesday
Unwind after work with four fun rounds of Mindless Minutia Trivia at Heist Barrel Arts. Bring your team for drinks and a chance to win prizes. 7 p.m., 1030 Woodard Drive. Free admission. https://bit.ly/2BZGRvi
Wednesday
Experience an outdoor art exhibition as you wander the streets of uptown Charlotte and check out Cool Globes Charlotte, an environmentally-inspired series of large, uniquely-embellished globe sculptures. North Tryon Street from Trade Street to 11th Street. Free admission. http://www.coolglobes.org/
Thursday
Fans of Shark Tank won’t want to miss the 53 Ideas Pitch Day. At this livestreamed event, the top 15 of 53 business concepts will pitch their ideas and compete for cash prizes, and you can vote to choose who wins the viewers choice category. 3:30-5 p.m. Free admission. https://bit.ly/3k7KArW