Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | Nov. 5-11
Editor’s note: CharlotteFive has limited coverage of in-person, indoor events to help prevent community spread of COVID-19. Masks are now required in Charlotte and many venues for indoor spaces or close settings.
Friday
Get your caffeine fix at Night Swim Coffee. The specialty roastery and cafe, a collaboration between Undercurrent Coffee and Not Just Coffee, recently opened in Oakhurst. An upcoming flagship location will serve as the official roaster for two Undercurrent Coffee locations, six Not Just Coffee locations and four Night Swim Coffee locations. While the roastery prepares for opening, guests can enjoy beverages from Counter Culture Coffee and Onyx Coffee Lab. 1620 Oakhurst Commons Drive, #306. https://bit.ly/3bxE1vx
Shop art at the First Friday Gallery Crawl in South End. During this monthly event, galleries and shops will be open for extended hours and will feature special events such as receptions, music and live painting. This month’s participating galleries include Dilworth Artisan Station , Gallery C3 at Alchemy, Hodges Taylor, Elder Gallery, Shed Brand Studios and StudioWorks. 5 p.m. Free. Rail Trail. https://bit.ly/3pEYUxh
Saturday
Join the artists of the “JOY” exhibition at the Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art. Media personality and host of “The Oh Show,” Ohavia Phillips, will moderate a conversation with artists Carla Aaron-Lopez, Erin Comerford Miller, Windy O’Connor and Lo’Vonia Parks. During the event, learn about the artists’ practices, their collaboration and how to cultivate joy through relationships. Masks and proof of vaccination (or negative COVID-19 test result) are required to attend. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. 1520 S. Tryon St. https://bit.ly/3EizglX
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in downtown Marion, NC. From 10 community ofrendas to mariachi music to free pan de muerto (bread of the dead), there’s plenty to explore during this vibrant event. Noon-2 p.m. Free. Downtown Marion. https://bit.ly/3CFSp0P
Sunday
In honor of Veterans Day, listen in to a talk with Dr. Lee Fanning, a Charlotte surgeon and author of “Rescue from the Sky.” Fanning’s book tells the true stories of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Aviation Medical Rescue Service throughout the 1970s. There’s limited seating at The Duke Mansion, but the program will also be live on Zoom. Masks and social distancing are required in-person. Registration required. 3 p.m. Free. 400 Hermitage Road. https://bit.ly/3nPg7S2
Continue the Dia de los Muertos celebration at Camp North End. Presented by the Latin American Coalition and Levine Museum of the New South, this event will include altar displays, vendors, food, music and more. The celebration will take place outdoors, but masks and social distancing are recommended. Noon-5 p.m. Free. 300 Camp Road. https://bit.ly/3ETjMFt
Monday
Show your support for Chef Michael Bowling. Bowling, owner of Hot Box Next Level Kitchen, is set to undergo kidney transplant surgery. Upon his return, he’ll need to rest, so the Charlotte chef community is collaborating to support, raise awareness and help with a portion of the expenses for the process. To show your support, attend a fundraiser dinner at Free Range Brewing, held in Bowling’s honor. There will be music, dishes from favorite area restaurants and 15 local chefs serving dishes throughout the room. 5-9 p.m. $85. 2320 N. Davidson St. https://bit.ly/3k1dETn
As the holidays near, flight delays are inevitable. Yet, airport food isn’t your only choice. While planning your upcoming travel, factor in food options to hit nearby, such as Enrico’s Ristorante Pizzeria & Bar or Ichiban Sushi & Hibachi, in case you find you have extra time before your flight departs. https://bit.ly/3bz9zkF
Tuesday
Switch up your home office view. Last year, the Charlotte Knights launched Work from Home Plate, a program where guests can rent a luxury suite at the ball field for a day or the week. Back again this year, suites can be rented from Monday-Friday and accommodate up to eight people, so you can gather with friends or enjoy an office outing, complete with WiFi and a TV. Parking is not included. $120+ per day. 324 S. Mint St. https://bit.ly/3jZSQvA
Reserve your spot to dine in an igloo. What started as a way to serve guests safely during quarantine has now turned into a trend, and Merchant & Trade is delivering again this year. Heated, furnished igloos will be available to rent for groups to dine on the scenic rooftop. Each pod can accommodate up to 10 guests, and food and beverage/rental fees apply. 21+. 5 p.m.-midnight, multiple 2-hour time slots available. $150 rental fee, $600+ food and beverage, depending on reservation time. 303 S. Church St. https://bit.ly/3ECRQFE
Wednesday
Try new cocktails at The Stanley. This year’s fall cocktail menu can be made either with or without alcohol, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. New options include “Hunt for Red October” (mezcal, amaro, beet juice, peppercorn syrup, citrus), “Game Set Matcha” (organic gin, matcha, coconut, vanilla, cream, egg white, soda) and “Murphy’s Law,” (gin, cynar, vermouth, cardamaro) among more. 1961 E. 7th St. https://bit.ly/2YbXkYk
Shop the North End Farmers Market. Now extended to Dec. 22, the market will continue to feature rotating and anchor vendors throughout the holidays, as well as weekly activities like a petting zoo, chef demo and jewelry-making class. 4-8 p.m. Free. Camp North End, Keswick Avenue between the Mount and Keswick districts. https://bit.ly/3nPf3xq
Thursday
Get lost in a winter wonderland during the Southern Christmas Show. Returning for its 54th year, the largest holiday show in North America will feature more than 400 vendors, a life-size gingerbread castle and more as part of its “A Sweet Christmas” theme. Nov. 11-21. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday-Saturday. $15 for adults, $5 for children. The Park Expo and Conference Center, 2500 E. Independence Blvd. https://bit.ly/3CA3JeK
Preorder Thanksgiving dinner. As the holidays approach, it’s time to either visit the store to secure your turkey, or plan ahead to ensure a warm meal on Thanksgiving Day. Many local restaurants will prepare traditional and creative dishes and desserts, so you can treat your loved ones to a local meal — even if you don’t prepare it yourself. https://bit.ly/3EDzUKZ
Mark your calendar
Hear insights from political leader and New York Times bestseller Stacey Abrams at Ovens Auditorium. During the conversation — designed around national events and questions from the community — Abrams will share insights on leadership, politics, entrepreneurship and social justice. Tickets are available via Blumenthal Performing Arts. Nov. 17. 7:30 p.m. $32.50+. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. https://bit.ly/3hBIEca
Attend the CineOdyssey Film Festival, a global and multicultural celebration of works by filmmakers of color. Designed to foster cultural understanding and encourage aspiring filmmakers, the event will include workshops, panel discussions, guest speakers and special screenings in spots such as rooftops and brewery patios. Throughout the event, over 50 films will be presented virtually and in-person. Indoor attendees must follow COVID-19 guidelines, including masking and proof of vaccination. Nov 18-20. $12+. Various locations. https://bit.ly/3nSXCvU
Shop local for gifts at the VTGCLT Winter Market. The Fillmore Charlotte will turn into a winter wonderland just in time for the holidays, complete with 60+ local and regional vendors of vintage, antique and handmade goods. Explore furniture, decor, clothing, jewelry and more to find the perfect gift for your loved ones. Masks and proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required to enter. Nov. 21. 10 a.m. early bird, 11 a.m. general admission. $2 for general admission, $7 for early bird. 820 Hamilton St. https://bit.ly/3EAlDyA
