CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Jurassic Quest roars into town and celebrate Year of the Snake for Chinese New Year.
9 things to do in Charlotte this weekend is part of our new newsletter The Go Guide! Every week, get the scoop on the latest events and happenings around Charlotte right in your inbox. To subscribe, make sure to check “The Go Guide” in our newsletter page.
Here’s a list of things to do the weekend of Jan. 231-Feb. 2, 2025:
Jurassic Quest (Park Expo), Friday to Sunday: Roar into an adventure with your family this weekend. Head back in time when giant dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Jurassic Quest is back bringing life-sized monsters to life right before your eyes. Kids can hop on the back of a dino and ride around, dig for fossils, create dino crafts and so much more. Admission starts at $22.
Exhibition Opening Celebrations (Gantt Center), Friday 6 to 9 p.m.: The Gantt Center in Uptown Charlotte is unveiling two new exhibits just in time for Black History Month. The first is Cherry: Khalif Tahir Thompson, featuring eight large-scale paintings for Thompson’s first solo exhibition in the U.S. The second is YoYo Lander: Between the Quiet which is a curated selection of collages from around the country. The special evening commemorating the internationally renowned artists includes bites and discussions with the artists. Admission is free.
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Frigid Trail Race & Plunge (Whitewater Center), Saturday 8 to 11 a.m.: Can you brave the cold? Choose from a brr-isk 5K or 10K trail race around the Whitewater Center which will end with a plunge into the deep-water solo pool. Registration starts at $37.
PuppetPalooza (ImaginOn), Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: It’s an all-day puppet festival at ImaginOn that’s fun for the whole family. Learn all about the art of puppetry and watch local puppetry troops throughout the day. Sing your heart out at puppet karaoke and make a paper sock puppet to take home. Don’t miss the puppet parade at noon. Admission is free.
Southern Oyster, Wine & Beer Festival (Ballantyne’s Backyard), Saturday noon to 5 p.m.: Get ready for a shuckin’ good time when the Southern Oyster, Wine & Beer Festival returns to Ballantyne’s Backyard for its second year and it’s going to be even bigger. The event is tripling its shuckers so that guests won’t have to wait for raw oysters. They’re even doubling the types of raw oysters being served. Wash it all down with over 30 beers, wines and spirits to sample from. Food trucks will be on-site to satisfy even more seafood cravings. Admission starts at $69.
Love Your NODAhood Market & Festival (Divine Barrel Brewing), Saturday noon to 5 p.m.: It’s the block party celebrating one of Charlotte’s favorite neighborhoods. Returning for its fifth year, the festival will feature dozens of local businesses and restaurants, live music and great local beers. Afterwards, stick around for the David Gibson Birthday Jam with Friday Night Vibe for a free show.
Winey Grapes: Charlotte Wine Festival (Slate Charlotte), Saturday 1 to 4 p.m.: Wine lovers can uncork a fabulous time at Winey Grapes. With over 100 wines from around the world to sip on, you’re sure to discover a new favorite, whether it’s a red, white or bubbly. Every guest gets a commemorative glass along with unlimited samples. Admission starts at $69.
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Lunar New Year Cultural Fair (CPCC F. Halton Theater), Saturday 3 p.m.: Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a cultural festival filled with music, food and activities. Try on a traditional dragon and lion dance costume or even a Hanfu, Qipao or Tang suit. Learn the strokes and movements of Chinese calligraphy or build your own lantern. There will be traditional snacks and authentic cuisine for guests to purchase. Admission to the cultural fair is free.
Hamilton (Belk Theater), through Sunday: Don’t throw away your shot! It’s the final weekend for the Tony Award-winning musical by Lin Manuel Miranda returns to the Queen City for a month-long run. Experience the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton with rap, hip hop, jazz and R&B in the epic Broadway blockbuster that has broken records around the world. Tickets start at $49.50, check their website for remaining showtimes.
Have an event you want to submit? I’m always looking for things to do around Charlotte. Send me your event to Carmichael.Cruz@WBTV.com.
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