Live music: 10 concerts coming to Charlotte in May, including Kendrick Lamar and Metallica
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Kendrick Lamar performing onstage in 2024. Photo: Timothy Norris/Getty Images for pgLang, Amazon Music, & Free Lunch
Charlotte live music fans, here's a quick list of the 10 biggest concerts coming to the city in May.
May 1: Lovin' Local Uptown
"Lovin' Local Uptown" is a free show ahead of Lovin' Life Music Festival that'll showcase local musicians.
- Ax and the Hatchetmen will headline the show. The band's lead singer, Axel Ellis, is also in The Runarounds, who will perform at Lovin' Life on Saturday, May 3.
- The show will also feature Charlotte indie artists Junior Astronomers and Natalie Carr. Carr performed Lovin' Life last year.
Location: Victoria Yards
Time: 6pm
Tickets: Free but limited; reservations are required.
May 2-4: Lovin' Live Music Fest
This year's main stage headliners include Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, Weezer, Pitbull, Dave Matthews Band and Teddy Swims. Each will close out their respective nights on the Miller Lite Stage.
- The secondary "Happy Thursday" stage will host headliners The Revivalists, Ludacris and Alex Warren.
- Others among the 50+ acts performing are Flipturn, Switchfoot, Lola Young, Gigi Perez, Petey Pablo, Mike, BigXthaPlug, The 502s, Sammy Rae & The Friends and Charlieonafriday.
Location: First Ward Park
Time: Times vary
Tickets: Single-day tickets start at $129, two-day at $259 and all three days at $319.
Go deeper: Your ultimate guide to Lovin' Life Music Fest 2025
May 3: Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Music fans in Charlotte will have to make the tough choice between LLMF and the Kendrick concert happening on Saturday.
Location: Bank of America Stadium
Time: 7pm
Tickets: $261+
May 5: Rachel Platten
Known for her empowering anthem "Fight Song," Rachel Platten fans can look forward to an inspiring live performance.
Location: Neighborhood Theatre
Time: 8pm
Tickets: $37+
May 10: Evening Elephants
This Charlotte-based indie rock band is best known for its dynamic sound and engaging live shows.
Location: The Music Yard
Time: 6pm
Tickets: $21.54+
May 13: Shakira with Alejandro Sanz & Wyclef Jean
Shakira brings her "Las Mujeres No Lloran" tour to Charlotte, joined by special guests Alejandro Sanz and Wyclef Jean, likely performing hits like "La Tortura" and "Hips Don't Lie."
Location: Bank of America Stadium
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: $45.15+
May 15: Teddy Swims
Soulful singer Teddy Swims returns to Charlotte at a more intimate venue following his LLMF debut.
Location: Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Time: 8pm
Tickets: $158.50+
May 28: Halsey
Halsey embarks on her "For My Last Trick" tour, promoting her latest album "The Great Impersonator," with special guests Alvvays and Hope Tala.
Location: PNC Music Pavilion
Time: 7pm
Tickets: $40.50+
May 30: Julian Vaughn
Julian Vaughn, a contemporary jazz bassist and composer, brings his smooth grooves to Charlotte.
Location: Middle C Jazz
Time: 8:45pm
Tickets: $50.65
May 31: Metallica
Heavy metal legends Metallica close out a month of music madness in Charlotte.
Location: Bank of America Stadium
Time: 6pm
Tickets: $172.35+
Go deeper: 13 must-do events in May