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Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | July 1-7

Friday

End your week with some live music at the return of Ballantyne’s first-Friday summer concert series, Live at 11. The event will include performances from local artists, Justin Mintun and N-SPIRE, food truck bites, local brews and wine. Ticket sale proceeds will benefit Classroom Central. 5:30-9:30 p.m. $10. Purchase tickets online. Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N Community House Road. https://bit.ly/39ZqLTj

Enjoy an evening of live jazz music at The Bechtler from American actress, singer and voiceover artist Maria Howell. Performances are at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Tickets: $16 for museum members; $20 for non-members. Call 704-353-9209 or purchase tickets online. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. https://bit.ly/3u2VYM6

Saturday

Kick-off your weekend with a hike and make friends with fellow beer lovers in the process. Blue Blaze Hiking Club hosts a series of hikes once or twice monthly on Saturdays. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. To register and stay updated on upcoming hikes, join the Blue Blaze Hiking Club Facebook page. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. https://bit.ly/3OqkKOn

Start your Independence Day celebrations early at Star Spangled Saturday, a fireworks celebration with live music, plus food and drink specials, at Optimist Hall. 6:15-10 p.m. Free. Optimist Hall, 1115 N. Brevard St. https://bit.ly/3biYhEg

Sunday

Celebrate the 4th of July for two full days in the great outdoors with free yoga, live music and more at the return of the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s 4th of July celebration. As of now, there will not be fireworks, but there will be live music from 6-8 p.m., by CBDB and Doom Flamingo on Sunday evening, and Big Daddy Love and Sam Bush on Monday evening. Free admission. $6 parking. Center activities are regular price. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. https://bit.ly/3OtpTVZ

Monday

Witness a U.S. Oath & Naturalization Ceremony for new U.S. citizens, along with VIP guest speakers, a live performance by Drums4Life, the ringing of the American Freedom Bell and more. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Register online. Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive. https://bit.ly/3xSmbyd

The Charlotte Museum of History will celebrate Independence Day with a Naturalization Ceremony for new U.S. citizens for the first time since 2019.
The Charlotte Museum of History will celebrate Independence Day with a Naturalization Ceremony for new U.S. citizens for the first time since 2019.

Tuesday

Learn about wine and pairings at The Generous Pour, The Capital Grille’s summer wine event. From July 5 to September 4, sip as many wines as you’d like guests from a collection of six labels of red, white and rosé from the Antinori family’s estates across the globe. Following dinner, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase bottles of your favorite wines. $32 per person with dinner. Book reservations online. The Capital Grille, 201 N. Tryon St. https://bit.ly/3HUItDY

Bring the kids to SEED Wildlife Garden for storytime and crafts with Rutherford Rabbit, followed by exploring the gardens. Recommended for children under 10 and their families, but all ages are welcome. 1-3 p.m. Free for members; $10 per family for non-members. Registration required online. SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden, 260 Ridgewood Ave. https://bit.ly/3ngJ4X4

Wednesday

Enjoy lunch while supporting a good cause at the grand opening of Bonefish Grill in Matthews Festival Shopping Center. Starting at 11 a.m. following a 10:30 a..m. ribbon-cutting ceremony co-hosted with the Matthews Chamber of Commerce, the restaurant will open for lunch, donating all sales from the day up to $3K to two local non-profits who have joined together to fight hunger across Charlotte, Loaves & Fishes and Friendship Trays. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Bonefish Grill, 10430 East Independence Blvd. https://bit.ly/3OHFEbq

Channel your inner Van Gogh at an abstract/impressionist-style paint and sip event at Catawba Brewing Company. The class includes everything you need to make your work of art, as well as one free drink of your choice. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $25. Register online. Catawba Brewing Company, 933 Louise Ave., #105. https://bit.ly/3Oq7OrY

Thursday

Enjoy a healthy, sustainable pop-up buffet at Chi Catering’s Sustainable Supper Club. 6-9 p.m. $10. Purchase tickets online. RePour at The Innovation Barn, 932 Seigle Ave. https://bit.ly/3OquOa7

Mark your calendar

Grab your tickets now for Tacos ‘N Taps Festival. Get ready to taste over 60 craft beers, mezcals, margaritas and tequilas, sample over 30 different types of tacos, dance to mariachi bands, and, if you’re feeling brave, participate in hot pepper eating contests. Aug. 20. 12-5 p.m. VIP: $75; general admission: $39; taco-only ticket: $30. Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N. Community House Road. https://bit.ly/3MYUYPS

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

Get ready to fill up your coffee cup at Charlotte’s first and only craft coffee festival, No Filter Coffee Fest, returning Sept. 25 after a two-year hiatus. Formerly known as the POUR Coffee Festival, the day-long tasting event will feature over three dozen Southeastern coffee roasters, tea purveyors, local food artisans, live music and more. Tickets on sale now. $25. Purchase online. Camp North End, 300 Camp Road. https://bit.ly/3xAZnmt