In exactly 2 weeks, Charlotte will host its 4th major ‘Open Streets 704’ – an event that shuts down several miles of streets to vehicles and organizes dozens of artisans, street vendors, and classes for pedestrians and bicyclists to freely explore.

The first three Open Streets 704 events saw over 25,000 people ditch their cars to walk, ride, skate, and skip down the middle of our city streets.

According to surveys filled out after the event, participants overwhelmingly agreed that Open Streets improved their overall image of Charlotte, and strengthened our community.

Given the growing popularity of the last two Open Streets, this will undoubtedly be the biggest and most active one yet.

Our 4th Open Streets event will be taking over several streets around “LoSo” (Lower South End), and the Park Rd. Shopping Center area. The 5.5 mile route will start at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and end around the Park Rd. Shopping Center and Little Sugar Creek Greenway;

The colors on the above route correspond to ‘zones’ or sections set up for specific focuses, which include;

Arts and Science: (Highlighted in RED)  Opportunities abound to explore your creative side. Musical performances, artist demonstrations, interactive maker spaces, and dance ensembles of all ages will engage with Open Street 704.

 Family Zone: (Highlighted in YELLOW) Fun for the whole family! From bean bag toss to a pop up dog park – be prepared to get active. Activities will include: street soccer, bicycling demonstrations, pet crafts,  life-size jenga, and more!

 Green Zone: (Highlighted in GREEN) Be prepared to learn about the nature all around you, plants and trees in your community, or lend a helping hand in the garden, and find out about local wildlife!

 Wellness Zone: (Highlighted in BLUE) Explore a fitter, healthier version of you! Cooking demonstrations, yoga classes, Zumba, and healthy heart initiatives will fill this zone with fun!

Charlotte’s 4th Open Streets 704 will take place on October 15th, from 1pm – 5pm

You can find more information on Open Street’s website here.

The weekend is almost here!

There will be tons of concerts, shows, and festivals!

Here are the top 10 things happening around the Charlotte region this weekend:

#1 Carolina Renaissance Festival

Opening weekend for Carolina’s biggest Renaissance Festival is here! History comes alive with non-stop, day long entertainments, arts and crafts, games and rides, jousting knights on horseback, feasting and so much more!  Time travel to the greatest party since Camelot! Huzzah!

For more info or tickets click to learn more.

#2 Rent

The broadway hit will be performing live in Charlotte from Sept. 26th through October 1st with several showtimes each day. 

 A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out.

For more info or for tickets click here.

#3 Jason Isbell & Frank Turner

Michael Jason Isbell is a Grammy Award winning American singer-songwriter and guitarist from Green Hill, Alabama, and Francis Edward “Frank” Turner is an English folk singer-songwriter from Meonstoke, Hampshire. They’ll both be performing live this coming Friday and Saturday nights at the Oven Auditorium.

For more info or tickets click here.

#4 Great Grapes! Wine & Food Festival

The 14th annual Great Grapes! festival is here. Charlotte’s premier casual wine tasting with HUNDREDS of wines available for tasting. Take your souvenir tasting glass as you enter the festival and stroll from tent to tent and table to table tasting and sampling the rich heritage of North Carolina vines. As you sip and savor the afternoon, relax in the beautiful setting of the Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall.

For more information click here.

#5 4th Annual Tawba Fest

This coming Saturday from 2pm-9pm, the Riverwalk will be hosting the 4th Annual Tawba Fest. Food, Drinks, Music, Shopping, Water activities, Kid activities and much more.

For more information click here.

#6 Kesha

This coming Saturday evening at 8pm, Kesha will be performing live at the Fillmore.

For more info or tickets click here.

#7 Ian Thomas at Riverjam

This coming Saturday night, Ian Thomas will be performing live at the Whitewater Center. Performing both solo and with his Band of Drifters, Ian Thomas draws on a variety of American roots influences, delivering a captivating raw live performance and distinctive sound from his original compositions on guitar, harmonica and kazoo.

There is no cost, escept for parking ($5 per car).

For more info click here.

#8 Night Nation Run

The Night Nation Run is the World’s first Running Music Festival. A musical voyage filled with live music, lights, lasers, all set to the latest in Electronic Dance Music. Run, walk, skip or dance your way through this electrifying adventure with music carrying you every step.

This coming Saturday night at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

For more information click here.

#9 Lewis Farm Weekend Fall Festival

Dates: Saturdays Sept 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28 Hours: 10 am -4 pm
Sundays Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Hours: 1 pm- 6 pm

Admission: $5 plus tax per person (children 3 and under free)
Pony Rides: $5 per person
Pumpkins: $2-$20 depending on size

Come out and enjoy the day on the farm. Admission covers horse drawn hayride, feed and pet the animals, playgrounds, mazes, and don’t forget to purchase pony ride tickets for your little ones.

For more info click here.

#10 Matthews ArtWalk & JazzFest

Formerly known as Artfest, this newly enhanced ArtWalk & JazzFest event will delight people of all ages with a variety of arts, crafts, music and entertainment. We will introduce a beer and wine garden for adults 21+ to enjoy while listening to jazz; an expanded children’s art and play area and some culinary delights to satisfy everyone.

This Saturday, 10am-6pm.

For more info click here.

If you think other events should be on this list or future lists, let us know – Scott@CharlotteStories.com