The world is burning. This might be your last chance to make a change before the ice caps melt and we all go with them. You can’t just sit back and watch the world die, take action and do the right thing by supporting these good causes and environmentally friendly events.
June 13
Hoppin’ Helps: A Silent Auction for Mackenzie Lynn Barron
What: A close friend of the pour-your-own-beer restaurant found out their 3-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. In response, Hoppin’ is opening their doors for a silent auction in which 100% of the proceeds go toward the family during her treatment. All of the ticket sales and part of the day’s proceeds will also benefit the family.
More: $1; 6-9 p.m.; Hoppin’, 1402 Winnifred St.
June 15
Basic 101 How to Start a Nonprofit
What: With WYTV, learn the ins and outs of starting a nonprofit, including bylaws, tax information and donor management. Speakers include experts in customer relationship management, accounting and governance. Now, go forth and start a nonprofit!
More: Free; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; South Regional Library, 5801 Rea Road
Kiwanis Uptown Southern Summer 2019
What: With seersucker suits and sundress attire encouraged, this derby-themed soirée is a party with a purpose. Donations and proceeds go to Smart Start of Mecklenburg County, which mobilizes resources, forges partnerships and helps families improve early-childhood health. Get ready for a hot Southern night, you just might sweat through your seersucker.
More: $25-35; 6-10 p.m.; Blue Blaze Brewing, 528 S. Turner Ave.
June 22
Annual 5K Domestic Violence Awareness Run/Walk
What: The Park Church is partnering with Safe Alliance for a 5K fundraiser. Get your running shoes on and raise some dough to benefit the efforts of these organizations, which help those dealing with the desperate situation of domestic violence. Even if you’re not in town, you can still log miles for the run.
More: $25 registration, $35 day of race; 7:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.; The Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road
3rd Annual Pints for a Purpose
What: It can take up to three years and thousands of dollars to train a Labrador dog to provide assistance for disabled veterans and children with special needs. For five hours, Lenny Boy Brewing will be donating $1 of every pint sold to Project2Heal, an organization whose mission it is to nurture and train Labrador retrievers for service.
There will be cold beer and Project2Heal pups to pet onsite.
More: Free; 1-6 p.m.; Lenny Boy Brewing, 3000 S. Tryon St.
June 24
Pack The Chamber for #thebufferzone Vote
What: Do you support the new noise ordinance that protects churches, schools and medical facilities with a 200-foot buffer zone? If you don’t know what it is, check out this week’s News feature. The ordinance would prohibit amplified noise near places of worship, education or healthcare. You can sign up to speak your voice and contact your city reps to make sure they’re on your side.
More: Free; 6-7 p.m.; Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. 4th St.
June 29
What: Every day, 22 veterans take their own lives. This ride is to commemorate those who have fallen after the battlefield and to benefit Mission22, an organization committed to helping veterans receive treatment for PTSD, TBI or other injuries from serving in the military. Motorcycle passengers and drivers register to cruise for this cause. If you’re hungry after the ride, lunch is served by RideNow Powersports.
More: $10-20; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; RideNow Powersports Concord, 254 Concord Pkwy S., Concord
July 6
What: Make Midwood clean again! Join the neighborhood in a monthly cleanup event that starts at Common Market. You won’t just feel good getting all the litter and floating Harris Teeter bags off the sidewalks, you’ll also meet the friendly faces of Plaza Midwood and the people behind the Plaza Midwood Merchants Association.
More: Free; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., first Saturday of the month; Common Market, 2007 Commonwealth Ave.
July 13
Charlotte Angels in the Outfield
What: The Knights will donate $5 from every ticket bought through the link to Charlotte Angels Nonprofit, an organization bent on helping every foster care child and family in the city.
More: $17; 6 p.m.; BB&T Ballpark, 324 S. Mint St.
July 26
What: Booty, booty, booty, booty, rockin’ everywhere. Presented by the Levine Institute, 24 Hours of Booty is a 3-mile loop that runners, walkers and cyclists can traverse as long as they want in 24 hours. No, you don’t have to participate for the whole 24 hours, but it’d be a lot cooler if you did. Proceeds benefit nonprofits that support cancer navigation and survivorship programs.
More: Fundraising-based; 7 p.m. to July 27, 7 p.m.; Queens University, 1900 Selwyn Ave.
July 27
Homegrown Tomato FestivalWhat: Back in the day, tomatoes were thought to be poisonous fruits. The human race has seen the error of their ways and now, a juicy heirloom or homegrown tomato is a cool summer snack. Throw down $10 and vote for your favorite homegrown tomato dish. All proceeds go toward 100 Gardens, a nonprofit that implements aquaponics farming in schools for hands-on STEM learning.
More: $10; 12-4 p.m.; Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St.
July 28
What: This charity event’s proceeds will help families whose children face life-threatening illnesses. This is the inaugural Hope Hops & Flip Flops event by March Forth With Hope, and there will be a silent auction, a pig-pickin’, games and live music.
More: $30-75; 4-10 p.m., Brewers at 4001 Yancey, 4001 Yancey Road, A
August 3
GB’s Kids 1st Annual Kids Fashion Show
What: A new nonprofit is making its way into the scene. GB’s Bridging the Gap Foundation is trying to raise the funds to launch its nonprofit dedicated to serving underprivileged youth with mentoring and supplying everyday essential needs. The details for the location aren’t fully ironed out yet, but you can be part of the fledgling nonprofit’s first fundraiser.
More: $15-70; 4-7:30 p.m.; TBA, Charlotte
August 10
What: This evening run will keep you out of the afternoon heat while you run to celebrate your heritage. Signing up means identifying a country that you’re representing, whether its your own home country or your ancestors’. Celebrate the diverse immigrant population with an inclusive jog through Plaza Midwood. The race concludes with music, food, games and family fun.
More: $25; 6-9 p.m.; Latin American Coalition, 4923 Central Ave.
August 16
What: All the 5Ks and 24-hour runs may be a bit much, even for a fitness fanatic, so settle down with a benefit party that helps the Boys & Girls Club of Union County. Take a load off from running around to enjoy some refreshments, live music and the promise of doing good for the students of Union County.
More: $50, 7-9 p.m.; Bottle Factory Venue, 304 W Franklin St., Monroe
August 17
Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade
What: This year signifies a special milestone for the LGBTQ+ community around the country, as June 28 marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City. The Charlotte Pride crew hasn’t announced a full lineup of entertainers and events yet (check our Pride Guide in August), but we already know a few names and you’re in for a show.
More: Free; August 17-18 (festival), August 18 (parade); Uptown Charlotte
August 22
What: There’s a lot of culture and history built into the foundation and walls of many buildings in Charlotte. These awards honor renovation and preservation projects that enrich our communities and neighborhoods culturally and economically. RIP to the James K. Polk Building.
More: $25 and up; 6-8 p.m.; Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Road
August 24
What: Riders can choose 15-, 25-, 37- or 62-mile routes while walkers can opt for shorter 2.5 or 4.5-mile routes in this Tour De Turns. After a hot morning cycling and walking around, sit under the trees for lunch by Harris Teeter and a beer garden from OMB. All proceeds benefit Fish & Loaves Charlotte Mecklenburg, an emergency food pantry nonprofit that provides groceries to families in need.
More: $10 and up; 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Carmel Road Neighborhood Park, 2365 Carmel Road
September 3
What: The city of Huntersville is placing 100 American flags to remember 100 individuals who lost their lives during the Twin Tower attacks on 9/11. In the downtown Huntersville Veterans Park, visitors can pay respects and learn more about the 100 people who died. Adults can look back on the event that changed modern American history, while youths can learn more about it.
More: Free; through September 14; Veterans Park, Main & South Church streets, Downtown Huntersville
September 10
What: For one day, Humane Society of Charlotte is partnering with local restaurants for an all-day fundraiser. As restaurants and breweries sign up, they pledge to donate 15%, 20%, 25% or 30% of the day’s proceeds to the Humane Society of Charlotte. What a good excuse to dine out on a Tuesday.
More: Price of meal; All day; Various restaurants, Charlotte
September 14
What: Since the first PurpleStride in Chicago in 2008, the annual walk has been the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s primary fundraising and awareness raising event. In cities across the country, people will gather wearing purple to help raise money to fight pancreatic cancer. Registering is easy, and raising money for this cause is too.
More: Donation-based; 8 a.m.; Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St.
What: If purple isn’t your color, or you want to double dip on helping fight pancreas-related diseases in a single day, you can hit up Charlotte Tour de Cure. This event has a special place in Queen City Nerve associate editor, Courtney Mihocik’s diabetic heart. Walk, bike or run to raise awareness and research funds for type 1 and 2 diabetes.
More: $20 and up registration fee; 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Ballantyne Corporate Park, 13860 Ballantyne Corporate Place
September 21
What: You’ve heard that a beer after a workout is really refreshing and good for you, right? What about beer during a workout? Beer and Burpees is the chance you get to workout and drink while benefiting Dream on 3, a local organization that grants sports and fitness wishes to children with chronic diseases, life-changing illnesses and disabilities. And no, it’s not BYOB. But there will be food and a beer garden available for those 21 and older.
More: $30 and up; 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; CrossFit Charlotte, 9535 Monroe Road
Why even fight it? While we use paper straws and drive hybrid cars, big corporations are responsible for a huge majority of global warming and climate change. We should just swim out past the breakers and watch the world die, or go out experiencing as many of these parties as possible.
June 14
What: With a picture-perfect life and a happy wife, the Southern roots and cowboy boots country singer Thomas Rhett is swinging through Charlotte for his Very Hot Summer Tour. A fitting title in a time when it seems the planet is warming more and more by the day. The ice caps are melting, but you can forget about that for a night and watch him play hits like “Marry Me,” “Look What God Gave Her,” and “Die a Happy Man,” all inspired by wife Lauren Akins. What is it about this woman?
More: $48.75 and up; 7 p.m.; PNC Music Pavilion, 707 Pavilion Blvd.
June 15
What: Michael McDonald (Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers), Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright round out the lineup for Queen City Jazz Fest, a night-long celebration of, who would have guess it, jazz. Among the three of these American jazz giants, there’s over 100 years of soulful funk, R&B and jazz experience. Get in on the festivities before we’re all blown away.
More: $49 and up; 6 p.m.; CMCU Amphitheatre, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
June 20
What: Don’t be tricked by the name of this festival. You gon’ sweat at Don’t Sweat It Fest. In its eighth installment, the three-day festival has added yet another lineup of food, music and vendors slinging their wares. Performances by Gardeners, DJ NA$A, Party Dad and Motel Glory round out the lineup of music while empanadas will be tossed around by Taco Boiiz. Make the trek to Rock Hill for a sweaty summer night.
More: $15-25; 7 p.m., runs through June 22; Concerts at the Courtroom, 201 E. Main St., Rock Hill
June 22
What: Everyone’s favorite prep rockers are back with a new album, Father of the Bride, and a new tour to show off the fresh slate of songs. They’re playing outdoors, so get ready to sweat through your blazer. More: $34.50-69.50; 7:30 p.m.; CMCU Amphitheatre, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
June 27
What: Your finest white-colored attire is requested for this bougie exclusive event. VIP tables, hors d’oeuvres and multiple bars accompanied by fantastic and inspiring art will be the backdrop to this social event at The Ritz. Grab some party favors and drink the night away with socialites and pretend like you’re Gatsby or something while you drop your savings on some tickets for a table. We’ll all be gone soon and, as you know, you can’t take that money with you.
More: $30-700; 9 p.m.; The Ritz-Carlton, 201 E. Trade St.
June 28
What: Deadheads, unite! Since taking over as front man, John Mayer has ushered in an age of resurgence for the ’60s and ’70s rock band, Grateful Dead, now known as Dead & Company. The trippy, electronic, rock and folk-infused band is sure to bring out a crowd of old hippies and young acid heads blowing smoke over the crowd. Expect a contact high, so leave the kids at home.
More: $49.50-175.50; 7 p.m.; PNC Music Pavilion, 707 Pavilion Blvd.
July 3
What: SUP yoga, slow-flow yoga, you know what’s up at the Whitewater Center. The outdoor festivities also include a SUP battle royale where contestants navigate a watery field of buoys and currents in a bracket. If you’re just there for the drinks and music, Rayland Baxter rounds out Thursday night and North Mississippi Allstars end it on Friday with fireworks displays both evenings. You know, standard Whitewater Center fare.
More: Free; 9:30 a.m., through July 4; U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pwky; usnwc.org
July 13
What: The Vikings were known for their magical beer-making abilities. Tour the Swedes’, Danes’ and Norwegians’ regions with beer at Carolina Beer Temple. Try brews that you most likely haven’t encountered before and broaden your beer horizons with Sweden’s Brewski hazy IPAs or Denmark’s To Ol imperial stouts.
More: Free; 12-11:30 p.m.; Carolina Beer Temple, 2127 Ayrsley Town Blvd.
Free Range Brewing 4-Year Celebration
What: The crew at Free Range hasn’t spilled much about what they’ve got lined up for their fourth birthday, but we expect good music and good beer. What else do you want?
More: Free; 12-11 p.m.; Free Range Brewing, 2320 N. Davidson St.
Young The Giant, Fitz & The Tantrums
What: Two big names in pop and rock under one roof in one night. Young The Giant’s latest album, Mirror, Master is a turn away from their usual upbeat rock riffs into a softer compilation of droning songs, but in a good way. On the other hand, Fitz & The Tantrums’ self-titled album released in 2016 is soon to be followed by an upcoming album. They’ve already dropped the electrifying single “123456” in preparation, and Parade has said it’s in the running for Song of the Year.
More: $29.50-65; 7 p.m.; CMCU Amphitheatre, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
July 14
What: You’re going to eat sooooo many french fries at this festival. Just kidding, but you can look forward to great wine, crepes, pastries, music, dance and a petanque initiation and tournament. Are you like us and don’t know what that last part is? Whatever, there’s a dog costume party, too.
More: $5; 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Nevin Community Park, 6000 Statesville Road
July 20
Charlotte Gets Weird Music & Arts Festival
What: It’s an incredible celebration of the humanities to ring in the end of humanity. The music is all local like we like it. Also featured: live painting, art installations, DJs and plenty more. Take a trip through the “Disco Cosmos” and, fuck it, wear a costume if you want to.
More: $15-20, 5-11 p.m.; The Shed Amphitheatre at Station House
August 3
What: Take a trip down nostalgia lane hopping from spot to spot for an ‘80s R&B DJ party followed by a ‘90s R&B DJ party followed by a … well, you get it.
More: Prices TBD; 4 p.m.; Roxbury (starting point), 116 W. 5th St.
What: Billed as part festival, platform and conference, the Whitewater Center is stepping up to showcase local artists at this inaugural music festival. Better yet, if you’re a musician reading this, they’re still looking for local musicians to fill out the lineup. Deadline is July 1.
More: Free; Aug. 3, 11:30 a.m.-Aug. 4, 6:30 p.m.; U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy.
August 5
What: There is perhaps no band in America more fitting to watch while you ring in the apocalypse. And what better place than Charlotte for them to do it, as they designed their spooky Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots cover after the Firebird sculpture they once saw outside of the Bechtler here in Uptown.
More: $29.50 and up; 7 p.m.; CMCU Amphitheatre, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
August 9
What: There’s no shame anymore in the con game, as those once thought of as nerds for loving comic books, video games, etc. have found themselves at the forefront of the culture. One of these thriving subcultures is anime, so take part in cosplay, fan programming and, of course, a video game room with pride. Let your nerd flag fly.
More: $38-65; Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-Aug. 11, 5 p.m.; Sheraton Charlotte, 555 S. McDowell St.
What: You may have thought KISS was discussing their 46-year history when they named their latest tour The End of the Road. No, the world is ending. We’ve been trying to tell you this through the whole guide. Pay attention when we’re speaking to you.
More: $47 and up; 7:30 p.m.; PNC Music Pavilion, 707 Pavilion Blvd.; pncmusicpav.com
August 16
What: Get a good view for the end of the world while bopping to beats from DJ Little Betty. Free to attend but it’s a cash bar. You can’t take it with you.
More: Free, 8-11 p.m.; City Lights Rooftop, 555 S. McDowell St.
What: The future is almost here. Folks in government are slowly waking up to the viability of cannabis the wonderdrug, and as can be seen by the CBD craze in Charlotte this year, consumers are ready to buy in. Get ahead of the curve at the Carolinas Cannabis Convention, which includes farm tours, a pitch competition and more.
More: $25 and up; Aug. 16-17, all day; Renaissance Charlotte Suites, 2800 Coliseum Centre Drive
September 1
What: There are so many ways to celebrate Labor Day at the Whitewater Center that will leave you feeling so much better about yourself: rock climbing, the trail race, yoga, yoga on a paddle board. For our part, we’ll probably just wait ‘til the sun goes down and watch the River Jam bands play while drinking beers.
More: Free; 9 a.m., all day; U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy.
September 5
What: Throughout this new century, Darius Rucker has had a hell of a solo career, topping the country charts multiple times, but if we’re being honest, we all still know him as Hootie. He brings the Blowfish back for this tour, and we only want to be with them.
More: $34.50 and up; 7:30 p.m.; PNC Music Pavilion, 707 Pavilion Blvd.
What: Since launching in 1978, this four-day festival has become one of Charlotte largest cultural celebrations. Folks of all backgrounds are welcomed to enjoy Hellenic cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine, homemade pastries, entertainment, live music, dancing, wine tastings, art, shopping and more.
More: 11 a.m., runs through Sept. 8; Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd.
September 21
What: For its 29th year, Charlotte’s “signature cultural event” is moving to a new home at Aldersgate in east Charlotte. As always, the event promises a great lineup of musicians and dancers while serving up authentic Latin American food and allowing you to peruse all the beautiful crafts and visual arts on display.
More: Free; Noon-8 p.m.; Aldersgate, 3800 Shamrock Drive
What: Big dogs and small dogs unite for this groovy K9 party, as Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love and Mid Atlantic Pug Rescue combine to host the 11th annual Woofstock. The event will feature more than 20 pet-friendly vendors including Four Dogs Pet Supplies, Barkitecture Charlotte and Simply American Dog Treat Truck.
More: Free; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; NoDa Brewing Co., 2921 N. Tryon St.
What: It may just so happen that you party out all summer while everyone else does the work and (whoops!) it turns out we’re going to be OK after all. This last party still goes for a good cause. Formerly titled Rockin’ for a Cure, Rocktoberfest benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Charlotte chapter.
More: $50 ($21 tax deductible); 6:30-11:30 p.m.; The Fillmore, 820 Hamilton St.; fillmorenc.com
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