I can’t believe we’re in 2022. I know I’ll be writing the wrong date on all my papers until at least July, but I’m excited to welcome a new year.

It does look like unusual 70 degree winter weather is officially gone, and temperatures are getting much lower for this weekend. COVID cases are also reaching all time highs in North Carolina, but if you’re feeling a bit stir crazy at home, here are some events to check out in Charlotte this weekend.

Disclaimer: If you do go out, remember to follow all CDC COVID-19 recommendations and guidelines to ensure your safety and prevent the spread of the virus.

 

FRIDAY

Nature Photography Winter Landscapes 

• McDowell Nature Center
• Bring a camera or even your phone to capture beautiful landscapes through your lens. No photo experience is required.
• 10-11:30am.
• Free.

Ice Skating 

• Whitewater Center
• The holidays may have come and gone, but you can still experience winter wonderland magic at Whitewater Center’s ice skating rink.
• Noon to 10pm (hours vary by day) through mid-Feb.
• $25 Day Pass
• $6 parking.

Resident Culture South End Grand Opening

• 332 West Bland St.
• Doors open at 5pm and the first 50 people can enjoy $1 tacos from El Toro Bruto. The party continues with live DJ performances throughout the evening, free merch and gift card giveaways plus a photo booth and games all night long.
• 5pm to 2am.
• Free.

First Friday Gallery Crawl

• South End
• explore some galleries, including Hodges Taylor, Elder Gallery, StudioWorks, Shed Brand Studios, Dilworth Artisan Station, and Gallery C3 at Alchemy.
• 5pm.
• Free.

Post-Holiday Blues

• The Bechtler Museum
• Cure your post-holiday blues by listening to the Ziad Jazz Quartet perform jazzy selections.
• 6pm & 8:15pm.
• $20.

Ballantyne Whiskey Club

• The Ballantyne Hotel
• Whiskey lovers are invited to enjoy a sampling of three special whiskeys from Four Roses Bourbon plus small bites provided by the Gallery Restaurant.
• 6:30pm.
• $85.

Succulents & Sangria 

• PlantHouse
• Grab a glass of sangria from the bar then head over to the workstations to assemble your own terrarium using succulents and decor.
• 6:30-8pm.
• $38.

Homemade Brioche Donuts

• SkillPop
• Culinary instructor Emily Trotochaud will teach you how to make this rich and versatile dough with no special equipment required. You’ll then learn how to fry up and decorate some delicious donuts to enjoy anytime.
• 7-8:30pm.
• $24.

8-Bit Cosplay Party

• Bar Argon
• Join Charlotte Gaymers Network for a cosplay contest and an evening of drag performances by Misster, Onya Nerves, Vegas Van Dank and RC Cola.
• 9pm to 2am.
• Free.

SATURDAY

Family First: Visualizing Black Art

• Harvey B. Gantt Center
• This hands-on art experience will allow guests to experiment with colorful lines and expressive shapes while learning about neo-expressionist artist Jean Michel Basquiat.
• Noon to 2pm.
• $10.

Pokémon Card Trading Post 

• Luck Factory Games
• Buy, sell or trade Pokémon cards with fellow franchise enthusiasts. The trading event is free, but if you decide to stay and play a board game library afterward, admission is $5 per person.
• Noon to 4pm.
• Free.

“Shen Yun” 

• Belk Theater
• This world-renowned classical Chinese dance company takes the audience on a journey through ancient China.
• 2pm & 8pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday.
• $80-$150.

Succulents & Seltzer

• Twigs & Figs
• Enjoy a hard seltzer from the in-house bar while making your own succulent terrarium. Glassware, plants, sand and other decorative items will be provided.
• 3pm.
• $45.

Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks

• Spectrum Arena
• The Hornets are in the hive this weekend as they take on the Milwaukee Bucks.
• 7pm.
• $45+

The New York BeeGee’s Tribute Show ‘Friday Night Fever’

• Knight Theater
• We may be in 2022, but this Bee Gees tribute band is taking it back to the ’70s and performing disco hits like Stayin’ Alive and Night Fever.
• 8pm.
• $29.50.

Valentino Khan

• QC Social LoungE
• Best known for his trap/house hits like ‘Deep Down Low’ and ‘Pump’, Valentino Khan is bringing the energy for a night of immaculate vibes.
• 9pm.
• $25-$35.

SUNDAY

 

Game Day

• Skiptown
•  Arrive between 12:30pm and 1:30pm and you’ll receive a free puppuccino during halftime. Drink specials include $16 Bud Light and Mich Ultra buckets and $20 White Claw buckets.
• 12:30-4:30pm.
• Free.

 

#90sBrunch

• 1501 South Mint
• Dress in your best ’90s apparel and brunch like a true ’90s baby. Expect music from the decade, mimosas and a full brunch menu.
• 1-4pm.
• Menu pricing

Winter Wonderland Air Plant Terrarium

• Twigs & Figs
• Using air plants, glittery snow and other decorative items you’ll create two large snow-globe-inspired terrariums.
• 3pm.
• $40.