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What’s happening, Charlotte?

The weekend is here, and so is our list of weekend events.

There’s something for everyone, whether you want to get dressed up for a gala or listen to live jazz.

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but you can still celebrate “Galentine’s Day.” Our reporter Jalon Hill has more on that below.

Finally: QCity Metro thanks Mona T. Harry, our latest reader to pledge financial support. For as little as $5 per month, you can join the growing list of people who support this Black-led media organization.

Mecklenburg County will end mask mandate. Here’s the latest

The mandate will be lifted Feb. 26, ending a divisive health policy that was widely ignored and rarely enforced.

Mecklenburg commissioners were unanimous in their decision.

Health Director Raynard Washington said the county – and indeed the entire nation – is “at a pivotal point” in its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

What factors influenced his recommendation?

Keep reading. [Glenn H. Burkins]

Our Weekend Picks

Sip & See: Black History Month (Thurs): Have a glass of wine and enjoy a night of Black art pieces.

History and Homage: A Culinary Celebration of Black History Month (Fri): Head to Community Matters Cafe for a five-course dinner prepared by some of Charlotte’s Black chefs.

Milton Suggs sings the Great Jazz Composers (Fri): Enjoy the baritone voice of jazz singer Milton Suggs as he pays homage to some of Jazz’s most popular instrumental songs.

The Great Backyard Bird Count (Fri): Find a nice spot and see what birds you’re able to spot on this guided walk. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this event welcomes all.

Founders Day 2022 (Sat): Celebrate over a century of Delta Sigma Theta Sisterhood and enjoy art showcases and performances.

Dinosaurs of Antarctica (Sat): Travel back in time and experience the long-gone forests and swamps of what we know today as Antarctica.

Into America’s Wild (Sat): Explore coastlines, canyons and more in this IMAX experience of America’s wilds.

Coming to America Gala (Sat): Dress up for an evening of fun, celebration, and scholarships in this elegant event.

Brooklyn Nights: The Eric Brice Group (Sat): Hear music inspired by the Harlem Renaissance in this cool, classic, soulful experience.

We try to cover what our QCity community wants to see and do. If we missed something, let us know.

Note: Be sure to visit our events page, where you can find other QCity happenings or post your own event. Sometimes the events we post get rescheduled, changed or canceled. We suggest you check before you go.

This weekend: A Galentine’s Rooftop event

Although Valentine’s Day has passed, Lorri Lofton, creator of Charlotte Brunch Festival, wants to give women a chance to mix and mingle.

On Saturday, Lofton, in partnership with Chandon Gardens Spritz, will host Galentine’s Rooftop Pop Up, a food event at Aura Rooftop in Uptown Charlotte.

Keep Reading. [Jalon Hill]

Don’t miss this all-women tap dance band from Los Angeles

Syncopated Ladies: LIVE! hits the stage at Knight Theater on Wednesday, Feb 23. This groundbreaking show features intricate footwork, sexy feminine prowess and electrifying performances. Gal Pal Tickets are available now. 

The Great 28

The Great 28 is all about Black Charlotteans who are shaping our city. Meet Arkevious Armstrong, founder of Step Up to Leadership, which seeks to inspire Charlotte’s youth, particularly young Black males. We asked Armstrong what inspires his work. Read what he had to say. 

Learn how Lowe’s is helping to shape Charlotte.

Discover Black History in Columbia, S.C.

From museums and historical sites to public art and Black-owned businesses, Columbia has surprising ways to celebrate Black History Month. We’ve put together a guide for your next trip.

On the Town

Last weekend I stopped by Sister in the heart of Plaza Midwood.

I ordered the Shells and Cheese — a sizzling dish with BBQ glazed pork belly stuffed inside jumbo pasta shells and baked in creamy white American cheese.

The food was good, and the place had a nice, relaxed ambiance. If you go, drop me a line. [Amanda]

More Headlines

A rent-relief program in Mecklenburg has gotten another round of funding and could become permanent. (The Charlotte Observer) 🔒

The N.C. Department of Revenue says it won’t begin processing tax returns until Feb. 28 because of a budgeting delay. (WFAE)

North Carolina residents can now see the proposed voting maps that were redrawn under court order. (The News and Observer)

Promote Your Event

QCity Metro partners with some of Charlotte’s leading arts & entertainment organizations. Let us help you promote your next event. Email Bethany Lane at bethanylane@qcitymetro.com.

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