Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | Oct. 29-Nov. 4

Jessica Swannie
·6 min read

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

Attend opening night of “The Wedding Singer,” presented by Central Piedmont Theatre. The show follows Robbie Hart, a wedding singer who turns all events into a disaster after being left at the altar. Watch Hart try to win the heart of the woman of his dreams during this musical comedy on the Halton stage. 7:30 p.m. $17+. https://bit.ly/3b96pnH

Get lost in Wonderland at Billy Sunday’s Welcome to Wonderland and Mad Tea Party events. Decor, costumes and food and drink specials will transform the space into a whimsical celebration. Look for cocktails such as the Mad Tea Party, Advice from a Caterpillar and We’re All Mad Here, plus food highlights like oysters, tea sandwiches, pies and more. Reservations required. $25 for Welcome to Wonderland; $75 for the Mad Tea Party. 1115 N. Brevard St. https://bit.ly/3CcrhWV

Escape to Wonderland at Billy Sunday’s Mad Tea Party event.
Escape to Wonderland at Billy Sunday’s Mad Tea Party event.

Saturday

Get your coffee and snap a pic for Cuplux’s first-ever drive-thru costume contest. From Oct. 30-31, put on your costume or dress up your pet, then head to the Cuplux drive-thru for your favorite coffee order. With your cup in-hand, take a photo with you or your pet and your beverage and post it to Instagram with @cuplux tagged for a chance to win gift cards and free smoothie coupons. Limit one entry per day. Please be respectful of others in line; do not exit your vehicle or hold up the line to take the photo. 3115 Freedom Drive. https://bit.ly/3ATw1zq

Start the weekend with brunch at Bocado. The South End bar and diner in the former Big Ben space recently added brunch offerings to its menu. From Milky French Toast to specialty cocktails like the Mimosa Your Way, there’s something to tempt you out of bed (somewhat) early on the weekend. 2000 South Blvd. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. https://bit.ly/3baxWVR

Get out of bed for brunch at Bocado Bar + Diner.
Get out of bed for brunch at Bocado Bar + Diner.

Sunday

Don your Halloween costume for Trick or Tread at Barry’s. Class participants will sweat through a total body workout with Phill in the Red Room. The best costume will win a complimentary shake on Barry’s. 11 a.m. $29 (or three classes for $45 for new students). 2140 South Blvd. Suite 2. https://bit.ly/3jCNJRY

Head to Barry’s for an in-costume workout.
Head to Barry’s for an in-costume workout.

Head to Hot Taco for the Guts & Glamour Drag Brunch by Vanity House. Admission includes the drag show, but food and beverage are extra. There will be a QR code menu with favorite dishes from past shows. Costumes are encouraged. 21+. Doors open at 11 a.m. with a DJ, the show begins at noon. $10. 200 E. Bland St. https://bit.ly/3BggQjQ

Monday

Prepare an ofrenda to celebrate Day of the Dead on Nov. 1-2. Charlotte artist Rosalia Torres-Weiner, who is from Mexico City, has explained the traditions of honoring your deceased family members in a video and story for CharlotteFive readers.

Rosalia Torres-Weiner created an ofrenda to honor loved ones who have passed away, as well as members of the Charlotte community who have died from COVID-19.
Rosalia Torres-Weiner created an ofrenda to honor loved ones who have passed away, as well as members of the Charlotte community who have died from COVID-19.

Try out the new lunch service at La Belle Helene. Beginning Nov. 1, the uptown restaurant will offer lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.- p.m. Created by chef/partner Jamie Lynch and Regional Culinary Director Sherief Shawky, the menu includes mixed salads, chilled seafood, soups, sandwiches, and some favorites from the dinner menu. 300 S. Tryon St. https://bit.ly/3msvLBU

Ring in soup season with a bowl of ramen. CharlotteFive rounded up the best places for hearty noodle and broth dishes, from Bao + Broth at Optimist Hall to Jinya in uptown and Yume in Wilmore. https://bit.ly/3Cda6V8

Cozy up with a bowl of ramen.
Cozy up with a bowl of ramen.

Tuesday

Celebrate World Recreation Day with a free bike repair from Queen City Bicycles. Tire, brake and minor shift adjustments will be performed on the Rail Trail at Kingston Plaza. Plus, if you’re looking for a full tune-up, Queen City Bicycles will also offer in-shop discounts. 4-7 p.m. Free. 115 E. Kingston Ave. https://bit.ly/3EiWxEh

Prepare early for your Thanksgiving meal.
Prepare early for your Thanksgiving meal.

Wednesday

Participate in a guided meditation to honor National Stress Awareness Day. Hospitality House of Charlotte and Queen City Assisted Living will run a Facebook Live event with life enrichment coordinator Travis Friot. The 30-minute meditation is great for beginners. 7:30 p.m. Free, but donations are welcome and will benefit Hospitality House of Charlotte. https://bit.ly/3pJJuYF

Enjoy free admission and exciting events at local museums during Wednesday Night Live. Through a partnership among the institutions comprising Levine Center for the Arts (The Mint Museum, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and the Knight Theater) and Bank of America, there will be a rotating weekly event series with live programming. On Nov. 3, The Mint Museum will host Cherrie Yu, a fall 2021 McColl Center artist-in-residence, for a performance and videos. Masks are required. 5-9 p.m. Free. https://bit.ly/3EjACwQ

Enjoy complimentary museum admission and special events during Wednesday Night Live, presented by Levine Center for the Arts.
Enjoy complimentary museum admission and special events during Wednesday Night Live, presented by Levine Center for the Arts.

Thursday

Shop for gifts at the Society Social Holiday Bazaar at Atherton Mill. This first-ever pop-up event from Society Social, a Charlotte-based colorful furniture and accessories brand, will feature Southern, woman-owned brands. Shop gifts from Amanda Petro, Bookout Blooms, Lake Pajamas and more. There will even be a book signing with Hadley Keller, author of “Beachside.” 5-8 p.m. Free. 2000 South Blvd. Suite 195. https://bit.ly/2XMJpaR

Celebrate Diwali at Botiwalla. The festival of lights pays homage to Indian heritage and culture through illuminations, feasts and ceremonies. The family friendly event at Optimist Hall will feature decor, lighting, photo opportunities, special menu items and a henna artist. Seating is first-come, first-served, and reservations are not required. 5:30-9 p.m. 1115 N. Brevard St. https://bit.ly/3GnRNz5

Mark your calendar

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. Nov. 5, 5 p.m. Free. Rail Trail. https://bit.ly/3pEYUxh

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. Nov. 6. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. 1520 S. Tryon St. https://bit.ly/3EizglX

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

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