The 33 biggest events in Charlotte in 2026
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The Carolina Panthers' first playoff appearance in years has already set the tone for a big sports year in 2026. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
New year, new dates to lock into your 2026 calendar.
Here are the events you'll want to pencil in, including some major sports moments, to stay booked and busy through December.
Editor's note: Official dates for many popular events like Yiasou Greek Festival, Durag Festival and Scarowinds have not been released. You can stay up to date with events with our monthly top events guide and weekender to catch key dates and popular happenings as they're announced.
Panthers' playoff game
Cheer on the Panthers as they take on the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium for the first time in nearly a decade.
When: Jan. 10
Cost: Resale tickets start at $154
Go deeper: Panthers' playoff game is the hottest ticket in Charlotte
Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton
See the North Carolina natives and R&B and soul singers live in concert at Spectrum Center.
When: Jan. 23
Cost: $85+
Go deeper: From sports to shows: 11 January events to kick off the new year in Charlotte
Queen's Feast
Explore more than 120 restaurants in the Charlotte area offering three-course, prix fixe dining deals. View participating restaurants here. Reservations are suggested.
When: Jan. 23-Feb. 1
Cost: $30-$55
African American Heritage Festival
Celebrate Black History Month at the Charlotte Museum of History. The family-friendly event will have performances, guest speakers, panels, and community-focused events with this year's focus on Black heroes in service and sacrifice.
When: Feb. 28
Cost: Free
MJ the Musical
Sing along to over 25 of Michael Jackson's biggest hits as the Broadway show tells his story from his successful career and his life off the stage.
When: Feb. 24-March 1
Cost: $50.20+
Charlotte FC home opener
Charlotte FC kicks off its fifth season at Bank of America Stadium against Austin FC.
When: March 7
Cost: $68.50+
Rich & Bennett's St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl
Paint the town green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Rich & Bennett's 24th St. Patrick's Day bar crawl in Uptown.
When: Saturday, March 14. This event happens rain or shine.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Charlotte SHOUT!
The popular arts festival will return for another 17 days this spring. International and local performers will showcase their work through immersive art, music and food.
When: April 3-19
Cost: Free
Go deeper: What to expect at Charlotte SHOUT!
Charlotte Wine + Food Week
A week-long event that connects wine experts from around the world with Charlotte's top chefs. Proceeds from the event support local charities.
When: April 15-19
Cost: Tickets have not been listed but you can donate here.
Catch an artist live in concert.
- Cardi B at Spectrum Center on April 12. Tickets start at $81.
- Bruno Mars at Bank of America Stadium on April 29.
Tuck Fest
The annual three-day outdoor festival has competitions, exhibitions, demos and live music at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
When: Official dates have not been announced, but it is typically held in April.
Cost: It's free to enjoy live music, experience demos, explore festival vendors and spectate. Competition registration is encouraged.
Truist Championship
The Truist Championship will bring some of the best golfers in the world to Quail Hollow Club.
When: May 6-10
Go deeper: Scoop: Charlotte brands tee up for spotlight at 2026 Truist Championship
Coca-Cola 600
Start your engines for Charlotte's signature NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Festivities include a pre-race concert, driver appearances, military appreciation activities and performances.
When: Sunday, May 24, at 6pm
Cost: Ticket prices vary.
USMNT World Cup
The U.S. men's national team will play a FIFA World Cup send-off match at Bank of America Stadium.
When: May 31
Go deeper: USMNT to play World Cup sendoff match in Charlotte
Banana Ball
Banana Ball returns to Charlotte as the Firefighters and the Texas Tailgaters head to Truist Field.
When: June 4-6
Go deeper: Wacky baseball returns to Uptown in 2026
Taste of Charlotte Festival
Eat your way through a weekend of food and drink samples from local restaurants. You can also expect vendors, kid-friendly activities and live music in Uptown.
When: June 5-7
Cost: Admission is free, but you'll have to buy festival coins for food and drink items.
- Restaurant tastings range from one to three coins and drinks range from three to seven coins.
- A Tasting Coin Cup is $20 and comes with 14 coins.
MLS All-Star Game
Charlotte will host the 2026 MLS All-Star Game for the first time at Bank of America Stadium.
When: July 29
Go deeper: Scoop: Charlotte to host the 2026 MLS All-Star Game
Charlotte Pride Festival and parade
Charlotte's annual Pride Festival will be held in First Ward Park and surrounding streets. The parade will take place on Sunday along Tryon Street starting at 9th Street.
When: Aug.15-16
Cost: Free
Carolina Panthers upcoming season
The Panthers' opponents for the upcoming season are set. Expect rivals Atlanta, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay to make trips to Charlotte, plus the Bears, Lions, Ravens, and Bengals, Seahawks and Broncos.
When: Preseason starts this summer.
Around the Crown 10K
Run through Uptown on I-277 for a new perspective. Proceeds benefit multiple local non-profit organizations.
When: Sept. 6. Registration opens Jan. 10.
Charlotte International Arts Fest
Experience over 200 attractions through visual and performing arts from international and local creatives. Events, some of which are free, will happen in Uptown and Ballantyne.
When: An official date has not been announced, but the festival is usually held in September.
Cost: Free
Duke's Mayo Classic
See West Virginia take on Virginia at BofA Stadium.
When: Sept. 19
Festival in the Park
Head to Freedom Park for the 62nd annual festival of arts, crafts, live music and food.
When: Sept. 25-27
Cost: Free
Breakaway Music Festival
Vibe to EDM, pop, house, and dance music from popular artists at zMAX Dragway in Concord.
When: Sept. 25-26
Cost: Tickets range from $158.99- $899
Charlotte Film Festival
Check out the weekend-long festival showcasing a range of documentaries and special screenings from established and emerging filmmakers at the Independent Picture House.
When: Sept. 26-27
Charlotte Hornets season
Cheer on the home team at the Spectrum Center.
When: The official game schedule hasn't been released, but the season typically starts in October.
Cost: Buy season tickets here.
Hola Charlotte
Taste various foods from more than a dozen Latin American countries, experience the culture and watch live music at this annual festival in Uptown.
When: An official date has not been announced, but this event is expected to be held in October.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Travel back in time to the fictional village of Fairhaven with performance stages, hands-on games and rides, an artisan marketplace and plenty of food.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 3-Nov. 22 from 9:30am-5:30pm
Cost: Tickets go on sale July 1 and often sell out fast.
Go deeper: 5 takeaways from the Carolina Renaissance Festival
Ally Tipoff
High-profile women's college basketball will return to Uptown's Spectrum Center through 2028.
When: No. 9 N.C. State will take on the No. 18 USC Trojans in this year's Ally Tipoff on Sunday, Nov. 9.
Go deeper: South Carolina women's basketball will play in Uptown from 2026-2028
Charlotte Marathon
Thousands of people will run a full marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), 5K (3.1 miles) or a relay through the streets of Charlotte. Proceeds benefit the Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital.
When: Saturday, Nov. 14
Cost: Prices vary. Register here.
Southern Christmas Show
This annual holiday tradition takes place at the Park Expo and Conference Center. Shop from over 400 vendors selling apparel, gifts, food and home decor. Expect decked-out holiday rooms, live performances plus food, drinks and more.
When: Nov.12-22
Cost: Join the email list for ticket updates.
Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade
Get into the holiday spirit with the 80th annual Thanksgiving Eve Parade in Uptown.
When: Nov. 25
Cost: Free
CLT NYE
Event organizers haven't confirmed the location of this year's NYE celebration. The uptown celebration has been held at Truist Field in recent years.
When: Dec. 31
Looking for something seasonal to do? Check out our spring, summer, fall or winter/holiday guides.