Feel that chill in the air? That’s the holiday season knocking at your door, letting you know that it’s time to get your scarves and gloves out of storage! From the Carolina Renaissance Festival, to Fall Ball at The Mint Museum, to the Charlotte Marathon and more, there are so many events happening around the Queen City this November that you won’t want to miss. Here are just a few things you’ll want to mark on your calendar.
(1) Indulge in unlimited mac and cheese (and beer) at CLT s’MACdown.
If the idea of spending hours eating as much macaroni and cheese (and drinking as much beer) as you can fit in your body has you drooling, you’re not alone. A whopping 15,000 people are interested in attending this year’s CLT s’MACdown Mac-n-Cheese Competition & Craft Beer Tasting event on Facebook, hosted by Elevate Lifestyle at Rooftop 210 on Nov. 11 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Get your tickets here.
(2) Cheer for the Panthers as they go up against the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins.
Get your blue and black gear ready, because we’re kicking off the month with back-to-back home games! Root for the home team at Bank of America Stadium as the they take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. and the Miami Dolphins on Monday Nov. 13 at 8:30 p.m.
(3) Geek out in a galaxy far, far away.
Ever dreamed of being a Jedi? Here’s your chance to try! Head to Discovery Place on Nov. 17 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for Science on the Rocks: In a Galaxy Far, Far Away. You’ll get the chance to make your own Jabba the Hutt slime, ride Padawan-style on a hoverboard, drink Star Wars themed cocktails, and more at this adults-only event.
(4) Add another “I Voted” sticker to your collection.
Don’t let your vote go to waste! Get out and impact the results of the mayoral race between Vi Lyles and Kenny Smith, the four at-large city council elections, and the seven district races happening in Charlotte during this year’s general election. Polls will be open on Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. First, you should listen to this podcast previewing the city elections — and make sure you view your sample ballot before you head out to cast your vote!
(5) Do some good during this year’s #GivingTuesdayCLT campaign.
For the fourth year in a row, SHARE Charlotte is hosting the #GivingTuesdayCLT campaign, two weeks of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. SHARE Charlotte’s goal this year is to raise $10 million for more than 230 local nonprofits. Starting Nov. 14, members of the Charlotte community can make financial or in-kind donations and/or pledge to volunteer their time at GivingTuesdayCLT.org.
(6) Stuff your face at JJ’s Red Hots SausageFest 2017.
Sausage, beer and live music – what else could you ask for? Get tickets to JJ’s Red Hots SausageFest 2017, an annual beer and sausage tasting event hosted in Dilworth from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4. Attendees will get to try a variety of sausages made exclusively for this event, along with more than 30 beers from 10 different local Charlotte breweries.
(7) Walk your dog(s) and drink beer at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
On Nov. 5, grab your pup(s) and head to Waggle For Your Beer, a 1.5 mile guided group dog walk on the Light Rail Trail in South End starting and ending at Lenny Boy Brewing Co. on the first Sunday of every month at 11 a.m. Stick around after the walk to shop pet supply vendors and grab a beer, a kombucha, a mimosa, and/or brunch from the A Bao Time food truck.
(8) Celebrate Turkey Day at the annual Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade.
This Thanksgiving, head Uptown to see the largest parade in the Southeast for yourself. Line the streets on Nov. 23 and marvel at the massive floats and balloons, marching bands, dance teams, and more… or, watch it from the comfort of your own home while you scarf down mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Your call.
(9) Run, drink, and be festive at the annual EggNog Jog 5K.
Yes, you read that right: by the end of this month, the time for winter holiday celebrations will (somehow already) be here. Get into the spirit of the season at the annual EggNog Jog 5K at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The family-friendly course is decorated with 3.1 miles of twinkling holiday lights, including a tunnel of lights as well as lights set to music. Come wearing your ugliest sweater, and get ready for some festive fun.
(10) Shop local in support of South End Small Business Saturday.
Support the local economy by shopping at South End Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whatever goods you might be looking for, you can find them here; you can peruse gifts at three separate, one-day-only pop-up markets featuring more than 200 local businesses and upwards of 70 places to eat and drink.
VIA CHARLOTTE FIVE
