Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | May 13-19

Editor’s note: CharlotteFive has limited coverage of in-person, indoor events to help prevent community spread of COVID-19. Masks are required at many Charlotte venues for indoor spaces or close settings.

Friday

Head out to Camp North End from now until May 15 to catch screenings at Reel Out Charlotte, Charlotte’s annual LGBTQ film festival, managed by Charlotte Pride. In addition to short and feature-length independent films, the festival also features guest speakers from the Charlotte Film Society. All-Access Pass: $40; Individual screening tickets: $5. Purchase online in advance. Screening times vary. 300 Camp Road. https://bit.ly/3srDAfa

Learn how to make three popular dips — spinach and artichoke, pimento cheese and Mexican corn dip — with Sweet Spot Studio at Free Will Craft + Vine for your next cookout or dinner party. $30. Register online. 6 p.m. 3701 N. Davidson St., #201. https://bit.ly/3P6FThq

Experience the beach without leaving the city at Beachfest Matthews 2022. This annual festival brings vacation vibes to downtown Matthews with live beach music, shag dancing, arts and crafts, carnival rides, food vendors and more. May 13 from 6-10 p.m.; May 14 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free to attend; $20 for Friday All-You-Can-Ride Night in the Carnival wristband. Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St. https://bit.ly/3snSDqi

Back in person for the first time in two years, the Pet Palooza Walk & Festival will feature live music, food trucks, pet-loving vendors, a one-mile fun walk and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 1348 Parker Drive. https://bit.ly/3vWemb5

Saturday

Looking to start your Saturday off on the right foot and support a good cause? Register for the Sara YMCA’s signature event, the 18th annual Run! Ballantyne 8K, 5K and Fun Run. With nearly 2,000 participants in 2019, this event is one of the largest road races in the South Charlotte area. Your participation will help local students in need of support participate in programs like preschool, after-school activities, summer camps and more. $25 for the Fun Run, $40 for 5K race and $45 for 8K race. Register online. 7-11 a.m. 15940 Brixham Hill Ave. https://bit.ly/3wcvisK

Crayola IDEAworks, a 17,000 square-foot immersive experience for kids of all ages bursting with lights, sound and color, opens as part of a limited tour. Open daily through July 31, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. General admission tickets: $20-$29; VIP tickets: $34-$39. Purchase online and reserve a time slot in advance. Ford Building, Camp North End, 400 Camp Road. https://bit.ly/3w1pTFW

For live music, food trucks and shopping from more than 70 local artisans and tastemakers in south Charlotte, head to Ballantyne’s Backyard for Markets at 11 Spring Series. Free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 11611 N. Community House Road. https://bit.ly/3kPCG87

Sunday

If you’re a new entrepreneur looking for tips on how to manage your finances, taxes and more as a small business owner, Pai CPA can help at its Financial Wellness for Creatives workshop. $15. Email appointment@bohemianstylehouse.com to confirm your ticket. 11 a.m. Bohemian Stylehouse, 4416 Monroe Road, Suite A/B. https://bit.ly/3ypsN8U

Head to Camp North End for Counterculture Club’s weekly outdoor yoga under the water tower in the Boileryard. Counterculture Club is a global alcohol-free community that offers monthly membership, Alcohol Freedom coaching and a variety of regular events for anyone who wants to form like-minded friendships and enjoy social activities without drinking. Admission is free for Counterculture Club members, $10 in advance via Eventbrite or $15 at the door. 10-11 a.m. 1824 Statesville Ave. https://bit.ly/3NKdHjH

Monday

If you’re a musician looking to find your spotlight, head to The Evening Muse for “Find Your Muse Open MIC Night,” featuring Ash & Eric, at The Evening Muse. $5. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite. 7-11:30 p.m. 3227 N. Davidson St. https://bit.ly/3ynb3Lo

Tuesday

Watch drag performances, play video games, drink craft beers and more at Devil’s Logic Brewing during CGN After Dark, an event from the LGBTQIA+ community gaming organization, Charlotte Gaymers Network. Free. Register online. 7-10 p.m. 1426 E. 4th St. https://bit.ly/3KUz8fl

Wednesday

Join wellbeing expert and garden influencer Ellen Mary for a talk on the benefits of earthing, forest bathing and gardening. Explore Wing Haven’s gardens on a wellbeing walk and learn to build your own memory container using plantings and natural materials from the gardens. $55 for members; $75 for non-members. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Order tickets online. Wing Haven, 260 Ridgewood Ave. https://bit.ly/3P5mUUv

Thursday

Join the Panthers TopCats and Kenna Kunijo for a pop-up dance class for high schoolers on up at the Atrium Health Dome to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. $30 donation requested. Registration from 5:30-6:15 p.m.; class from 6:15-8 p.m. Sign up online (donation required to secure your spot). Atrium Health Dome, Carolina Panthers Practice Field, 325 S. Cedar St. https://bit.ly/3sqtWcA

Enjoy local music outdoors at Anne Spring Close Greenway’s Summer Concert Series, happening every Thursday evening in May and June. This week, catch local rock group, Todd Johnson & The Revolvers. $6 per adult, $4 for kids 5-12, members and children 4 and younger are free. $5 parking per vehicle. 6-9 p.m. Comporium Amphitheater, 288 Dairy Barn Lane. https://bit.ly/3LWCuzG

Grab the friends who are always there for you and head to Tex-Mex spot, Tipsy Taco for Friends-themed trivia. The event will include a live DJ, drink specials such as a Tipsy Iced Mocha with iced coffee, prizes and more. Free. 6-8 p.m. 7708 Rea Rd. https://bit.ly/3JDEQkW

Mark your calendar

Calling all sweets lovers! Dessert Wars, a (delicious) competition between more than 50 local vendors vying to be voted as your favorite dessert, is coming on May 21. Ticket holders will sample some of Charlotte’s best cookies, cakes, doughnuts, ice cream and other treats, then vote for their favorite dessert. General admission is $45 + fees and tax and includes 30 tickets for dessert samples, a “go-box” and 4 p.m. event entry. VIP tickets are $65 + fees and tax include 50 sample tickets, a “go-box” and 3 p.m. event entry. Children 2 and under are free. Purchase online, as there are no tickets at the door. Park Expo Center, 2500 E. Independence Blvd. https://bit.ly/38nROGw

Map out your selections for Untappd. The June 18 festival features unlimited beer samples from more than 300 choices provided by 100 of the social networking platform’s highest rated breweries — including some of your local favorites. Live music and souvenir cups are included. Session one VIP entry starts at 11 a.m., with doors open for general admission at noon and closing at 3:30 p.m. Session two VIP entry starts at 5:30 p.m., with general admission starting at 6:30 p.m., and wrapping up for the night at 10 p.m. General admission is $60, while VIP entry is $150. American Legion Memorial Stadium, 1218-1238 Armory Drive. https://bit.ly/354E16K

Tickets are on sale now for the inaugural Queen City Jam Sessions, a multi-day music festival from Aug. 19-21, presented by MaxxMusic and NoDa Brewing Company. See Greensky Bluegrass, Oteil and Friends, and Infamous Stringdusters and more at NoDa Brewing. A general admission three-day pass is $189. VIP passes are $299 and include express entrance, premier seating, two beers per day and private bar access. Admission is free for children under 7. Purchase tickets online. NoDa Brewing Company, 2921 N. Tryon St. https://bit.ly/3ENznYk

This story was originally published May 11, 2022 at 11:30 AM.