Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | Feb. 7-13
Friday
Discover a few favorite films at Joedance Premieres: New Films by New Filmmakers. All of the features shown at this festival are new talent and have never been shown at a Joedance event before. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 100 W. Trade St. Free admission.
Listen to the soundtrack of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban performed live by the Charlotte Symphony while the movie is shown on a screen behind the orchestra. 8 p.m. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. Tickets start at $40.
See international opera, pop and classical music star Andrea Bocelli Live at the Spectrum Center. Bocelli is known for selling over 90 million records of operas, classical music and crossover duets with celebrities such as Celene Dion, Jennifer Garner and Ellie Goulding. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $82.50.
Saturday
See Shane Mauss, a comedian who you may know from his appearances on “Conan,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” the BBC and more, perform “Heads Talks Live” at the Evening Muse. Mauss is also a science communicator who highlights the work of a different scientist in his “Here We Are” podcast, and a proponent of psychedelic use. Heads Talks combines Mauss’s love of comedy, science and psychedelic studies for an evening of entertainment. 3 p.m. 3227 N. Davidson St. $18 in advance, $25 day of show.
Learn how to utilize free culture crowdsourcing, and how you can be a part of promoting and preserving the history of hip hop culture at the Wikipedia Editathon Hip Hop event. Bring a laptop and learn how to contribute, enjoy a light lunch and stick around for a conversation about the importance of documenting artistic histories. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. Free admission.
Not a fan of Valentine’s Day? Spend your afternoon at the Mixology with Bob Peters Anti-Valentine’s Day Cocktails event. Peters will demonstrate techniques to make several dark and bitter-flavored craft cocktails. 2:30-3:30 p.m. 1609 Elizabeth Ave. Free.
Sunday
Whether you watch for the outfits or the awards, the Oscars Viewing Party at Single Barrel Room will have you covered. Arrive at 6 p.m. for red carpet coverage, fill out a prediction ballet, win prizes and enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly. 6 p.m. 1221 The Plaza. Free admission.
Celebrate a Decade of Dressler’s with an evening of food from four different Rare Roots Hospitality restaurants, live music, raffle prizes and beer, wine and cocktails from each of the Rare Roots bartenders. 4-7 p.m. 1100 Metropolitan Ave. $35.
Monday
Bundle up to wander through a whimsical wonderland of natural sculptures at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The Magnificent Seven exhibit consists of seven large-scale sculptures, big enough for visitors to wander through, made entirely of plant materials. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 6500 South New Hope Rd. Free with admission to Botanical Gardens: adult $14.95, child ages 12 and under $7.95.
Tuesday
Celebrate Valentine’s Day early with a Chocolate and Beer Pairing at the Unknown Brewing. A certified chocolate expert will teach participants about how to bring sweet and bitter flavor combinations together and pair chocolate with beer. Tastings are included. 7 p.m. 1327 S. Mint St. $25.
Wednesday
Treat yourself to a wine Wednesday at the Reid’s Fine Foods Spanish Wine Dinner. The dinner features five glasses of Spanish wines paired with four courses and appetizers such as Filet Mignon, Spanish charcuterie and Salmon Crostini. 6-9 p.m. 4331 Barclay Downs Drive. $65.
Thursday
Dance lovers won’t want to miss the Charlotte Ballet’s Innovative Works. This performance features three pieces all inspired by the Mint Museum’s current exhibit by three different choreographers with distinct styles. 7:30 p.m. 701 N. Tryon St. Tickets start at $47.
