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WNBA player and sister open cozy Concord coffee shop

Kayla McBride, a Minnesota Lynx guard, and her sister Karlee McBride-Webber open 1122 Coffee Co. in downtown Concord

1122 Coffee Co. is now open in downtown Concord.

1122 Coffee Co. is now open in downtown Concord. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios

A WNBA player and her sister have opened a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coffee shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/03/top-charlotte-coffee-shops-to-work-from" data-vars-content-id="9fa7041d-56a3-43be-86da-85b7d05d5fdc" data-vars-headline="WNBA player and sister open cozy Concord coffee shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/03/top-charlotte-coffee-shops-to-work-from" target="_self">coffee shop</a> in downtown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Concord" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/12/19/spend-a-day-in-concord-20-things-to-eat-drink-see-and-do-2-294442" data-vars-content-id="9fa7041d-56a3-43be-86da-85b7d05d5fdc" data-vars-headline="WNBA player and sister open cozy Concord coffee shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/12/19/spend-a-day-in-concord-20-things-to-eat-drink-see-and-do-2-294442" target="_self">Concord</a>.Why it matters: Sisters and co-owners Karlee McBride-Webber and Kayla McBride, a guard for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Lynx" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/08/lynx-2026-season-depleted-roster" data-vars-content-id="9fa7041d-56a3-43be-86da-85b7d05d5fdc" data-vars-headline="WNBA player and sister open cozy Concord coffee shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/08/lynx-2026-season-depleted-roster" target="_self">Minnesota Lynx</a>, want 1122 Coffee Co. to feel like an extension of their home.

Food and Drink

Charlotte has style and its own fashion week to prove it, returning Sept. 22-26.

Why it matters: Charlotte Fashion Week Founder Rita Miles tells Axios the nearly weeklong event is about more than strutting outfits down a runway — it's about building an inclusive creative space and offering an accessible path into fashion.

Catch up quick: Miles launched Charlotte Seen, the fashion organization behind Charlotte Fashion Week, in 2010. The annual event kicked off in 2011 as a platform for designers, models and other creatives.

Now, it's grown to more than 200 shows over 16 years, with international recognition and an upcoming lineup featuring over 80 designers and 600 models.

"There's a lot of creatives in this city. So why not spotlight that in Charlotte?" Miles said. "Being able to offer this is what made us become the largest Southeast fashion shows and week."

Zoom in: The event also uses its platform to address bullying and mental health, opening shows and rehearsals with mental health-focused speakers and encouraging models to share their stories and seek support.

What they're saying: Miles says Charlotte Fashion Week is open to everyone from 5-year-old first-timers to models in their 80s, regardless of experience.

"You don't have to be seasoned to hit the runway. You can be a natural," she said. "You just have to have pride in doing it and respect to the designer."

What to expect: Charlotte Fashion Week has a list of scheduled events from runway shows to after-parties at nearby spots like Stylus Lounge and Soul Gastrolounge. 

A kickoff party, with champagne, small bites and desserts, is scheduled for Tuesday from 6:30-9pm.

Thursday's All About Fabrics-sponsored design challenge features designers who had one hour to select their fabric and four months to create a collection. The winner will earn a spot at New York Fashion Week next year. The show starts at 7:30pm.

Friday evening's show is an unconventional runway featuring looks made from recyclable materials, plus an Icelandic Water segment featuring garments created from the brand's bottles and labels. The show starts at 7:30pm.

Saturday, there will be two runway shows, each with a cocktail hour and vendor shopping beforehand. The shows are 12:30-3pm and 6:30-9:30pm.

If you go: All of the fashion shows will be at PINE (4100 Raleigh St.). Tickets range from $58-$79.

What's next: Charlotte Fashion Week is still accepting models and behind-the-scenes creatives, including hair and makeup artists, photographers and videographers, for this year's event.

Apply or email info@charlotteseen.com for more information.

Applications are also open for designers and models interested in participating in next year's Charlotte Fashion Week.

Check out some of the previous runway looks:

Charlotte Fashion Week returns to the runway

The city's creative talent takes center stage Sept. 22-26 with runway shows, contests and more near NoDa.

Charlotte Fashion Week to return September 2026

Charlotte Fashion Week will be held at PINE, near NoDa, from Sept. 22-26. Runway photos courtesy of Rita Miles

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte has style" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/04/charlotte-has-its-own-met-gala-red-carpet-looks-uptown-fashion-art" data-vars-content-id="a55f81bc-8e68-4176-99fb-033b9e42ec88" data-vars-headline="Charlotte Fashion Week returns to the runway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/04/charlotte-has-its-own-met-gala-red-carpet-looks-uptown-fashion-art" target="_self">Charlotte has style</a> and its own fashion week to prove it, returning Sept. 22-26.Why it matters: Charlotte Fashion Week Founder Rita Miles tells Axios the nearly weeklong event is about more than strutting outfits down a runway — it&#x27;s about building an inclusive creative space and offering an accessible path into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fashion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/11/it-s-already-springtime-in-fashion-closer" data-vars-content-id="a55f81bc-8e68-4176-99fb-033b9e42ec88" data-vars-headline="Charlotte Fashion Week returns to the runway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/11/it-s-already-springtime-in-fashion-closer" target="_self">fashion</a>.

Things to Do

FOMO, aka fear of missing out, is what you might experience if you haven't attended this weekday Uptown event, centered around art, culture and community.

Why it matters: Thousands of people have turned out for FOMO, and Thursday is your last chance to experience the block party in 2026 or you'll have to wait until next year.

Context: Makayla Binter, who's behind Charlotte Is Creative, and Dammit Wesley, known for local events like Boileryard Brunch and Durag Fest, started FOMO Museum Block Party in 2023 to get people out to experience art while the Mint Museum and Bechtler Museum were simultaneously hosting major exhibits featuring Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.

They imagined a few hundred people might attend. Instead, about 1,200 people showed up the first night. When they brought it back, attendance jumped to roughly 2,500, and by last year they saw 10,000 people take over the streets of Uptown.

"Events like this exist in other cities. Charlotte deserves to have the same spaces," Binter said, adding that FOMO helps people realize they can engage with local arts institutions more often. "I think we're kind of just a flashlight to remind people to explore their arts scene."

Zoom in: FOMO typically happens twice a year — once in the spring during Charlotte SHOUT! and once around the time of the Charlotte International Arts Festival. But with the arts festival not returning this year, the team is partnering with Charlotte Center City Partners to take over Uptown Live instead.

This year, the team is using FOMO's growing reach to connect people with causes and organizations beyond the arts. The League of Women Voters will be on site to help people register to vote, alongside nonpartisan local nonprofits like ourBRIDGE for Kids, which focuses on immigration and food insecurity.

"It's an opportunity to get informed, get connected with the boots-on-the-ground organizations who could use the volunteers, the support and then also put it into action," Binter said.

What to expect: Think block party meets arts festival. Expect hands-on art activities with Upcycle Arts,  photo and content ops, a charm bar, music from local DJs like Touch Grass' organizer and more.

About 15 food and drink vendors will participate, including local favorites like Manolo's Bakery and Mad Dash. Multiple bars in the Fifth Street District will be open and activated for the night.

If you go: FOMO is free to attend at Truist Center Plaza (214 N Tryon St.) from 5–11pm, and bars and venues along Fifth Street will keep the party going until 2am.

You can park in the Truist Center deck (closest option), the deck connected to Basil (Avenue Condominiums), the Fifth Third deck or the deck next to The Daily Tavern.

FOMO Museum Block Party taking over Uptown 2026

FOMO museum block party taking over uptown charlotte 2026

Massive FOMO block party returns to Uptown

Thousands are expected at the cultural and creative event Thursday, Sept. 17, in First Ward.

FOMO returns to Uptown Thursday, Sept. 17 2026

FOMO returns to Uptown Thursday, Sept. 17. Photo: Courtesy of David Landinez

FOMO, aka fear of missing out, is what you might experience if you haven&#x27;t attended this weekday Uptown event, centered around art, culture and community.Why it matters: Thousands of people have turned out for FOMO, and Thursday is your last chance to experience the block party in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/09/biggest-events-in-charlotte-in-2026-nc" data-vars-content-id="ae6ced56-5660-44fc-b163-f5acd0bc9fc2" data-vars-headline="Massive FOMO block party returns to Uptown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/09/biggest-events-in-charlotte-in-2026-nc" target="_self">2026</a> or you&#x27;ll have to wait until next year.

Culture

This weekend is filled with a few festivals for the family, from UNC Charlotte's 48th annual International Festival to FoodieLand Food Festival and Flow Fest.

🤣 Laugh to jokes from Jeff Dye at The Comedy Zone. | Prices vary | Showtimes through Saturday | Details

🥩 Enjoy a five course meal at Fleming's Steakhouse with wine and whiskey pairings. | $149 | 7pm | Details

🎤 See George Birge live at The Underground. | $25 | 8pm | Details

🎶 Listen to a musical tribute to Stevie Wonder at Carolina Theatre. | $51+ | 7:30pm | Details

🎤 Hear Wu-Tang Clan live in their tour stop at Truliant Amphitheater. | $26+ | 7:30pm | Details

🤘Vibe to Rainbow Kitten Surprise at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre. | $85+ | 8pm | Details

🕯️ Learn how to create a custom candle at Seaboard South End while you sip on drinks. | Prices vary | 7-9pm | Details

🏈 Test your knowledge of football trivia at Suffolk Punch for a chance to win a cash prize. | Free | 7-9pm | Details

🙌 Stop by Triple C Brewing Company for a live band, raffles and more, as they raise funds for cancer. Proceeds benefit the Levine Cancer Institute & Children's Hospital. | Free | 5-8:30pm | Details

🕯️ Create a custom candle at House Of Akasi at Camp North End. | $55 | 3-5pm | Details

🛍️ Shop from Thrift Pony after dark at Camp North End and stick around for live music in the Boileryard. | Free | 7-10pm | Details

🍽️ Eat your heart out with 250+ vendors with global flavors then stick around for artisan shops, games and live music at FoodieLand Food Festival in Concord. | $12.84. | Runs through Sunday | Details

🧑‍🍳 Become a chef for the evening an learn how to paella and tapas in a hands on class at The Foodies School. | $96.66 | 6:30pm | Details

🛍️ Shop from local businesses with Manifest Market at Town Brewing Co. | Free | 5-8pm | Details

🎊 Check out Garba Night with Kirtidan Ghadvi for Gujarati folk music and dancing at Park Expo. | $35 | 8pm | Details

🤩 Watch contestants compete by showing off their talents at Horne Performing Arts Center for a chance to crown the best. | $1-$50 | 6:30pm | Details

🏓 Play pickleball in a glow in the dark session at Rally while you meet new people. | $40 | 6:30pm | Details

🎨 View artwork from Corey Pemberton's new exhibit at The Mint Museum and stick around for a vendor market and artist demonstrations. | Free | 10am-4pm | Details

🎷Vibe to music from Grammy nominated saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa at Middle C Jazz. | $37.75-$46.65 | 6-7:30pm | Details

🎤 See Don Lemon and DL Hughley live at Ovens Auditorium. | $54+ | 7pm | Details

🏟️ Watch Virginia and West Virginia play in the Duke's Mayo Classic at Bank America. | $87+ | 7:30pm | Details

🧘‍♀️ Spend the weekend at Whitewater Center's Flow Fest for vendors, yoga sessions, workshops, live music and more. | Free. Parking $13 | Runs through Sunday | Details

🧗‍♀️ Participate in a bouldering competition at Whitewater Center. | $50-$55 | 8am-12:30pm | Details

☕️ Attend a holy coffee party at Lottie's Cafe with music form a live DJ, giveaways, games and more. | $14.64 | 5-8pm | Details

🛍️ Shop local business in a morning market hosted by Manifest Market at Pure Pizza and visit Oktoberfest markets in the afternoon at NoDa Brewing and Fonta Flora. | Free | 9am and 12-5pm | Details

🎊 Celebrate culture at UNC Charlotte's International Festival with booths, performances, food, crafts and more. | Free | 10am-6pm | Details

🛍️ Shop The 36th Street Market with local vendors, live music and rotating food trucks. | Free | 2pm | Details

🦋 Take the kids to Reedy Creek Nature Center to learn about the importance of monarch butterflies over crafts, milkweed giveaways, activities and pollinator garden plantings. | Free | 10am | Details

🎊 Spend time with the Deltas of Charlotte at Greenville Park for adult-style musical chairs, line dancing with Step Kulture, a bounce house, face painting, free food, a DJ and fresh produce giveaway from Nourish Up. | Free | 1pm | Details

🤣 Laugh the night away to jokes from comedians at Charlotte Comedy Theater and stick around for more shows. | $15 | 8pm | Details

🧹 Volunteer to clean up the Rail Trail and stick around for a drink and raffle. | Free | 10am | Details 

🎤 Vibe to TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue at Truliant Amphitheater. | $26+ | 7:30pm | Details

🎶 See Shaboozey live in concert at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre. | $27.50+ | 8pm | Details

📚 Pull up a chair and book to That's Novel Books at Camp North End for a silent book club. | Free | 9:30am-11am | Details

🧁 Stop by Queen Park Social to get your sweet tooth fix at a dessert market. | Free | 12-5pm | Details

🦵Play in a women's kickball game at Park Road Park. | $11.35 | 1-3pm | Details

🧺 Unwind with Touch Grass' monthly picnic pop-up at First Ward Park. | Free | 3-8pm | Details

🖼️ Visit Harvey B Gantt Center to discuss art, culture and storytelling with Black artists and stick around for vendors. | Free | 1-4pm | Details

🍳 Attend the annual Black Woman Architecture Brunch in South End. Proceeds benefit BWA Network and scholarships. | $40 | 11:30am-2pm | Details

👭 Have a mother and daughter day at MOSAIC, a summit to help you create a deeper connection through conversations and more.  | $185-$340 | 9:30am | Details

👰‍♀️ Attend the Best of Bridal Show with your fiance to help you start planning your wedding by meeting local vendors at Lenny Boy Brewing. | Free | 1pm | Details

🍽️ Enjoy a multicourse California wine country themed Sunday supper at L'Ostrica. | $90 | 5:30pm | Details

Check out more upcoming events on our Event Board. Hosting an event? Reach more Charlotteans through an Event Listing, which includes placement on our Event Board and in our weekday newsletter. Have a scoop about a cool event? Submit your event.

Weekender: 42 things to do in Charlotte this weekend

Events happening Sept. 18-20 include FoodieLand Festival, International Festival, Flow Fest. Duke Mayo's Classic, concerts, vendor markets and more.

UNC Charlotte International Festival. 40+ things to do in Charlotte this weekend Sept. 18-20, 2026

UNC Charlotte's International Festival is back Saturday, Sept. 19. Photo: Courtesy of Amy Hart

This weekend is filled with a few festivals for the family, from UNC Charlotte&#x27;s 48th annual International Festival to FoodieLand Food Festival and Flow Fest.

We're looking for standout spaces across the Charlotte area for our ninth annual Home of the Year award celebrating the work of local architects and designers.

Catch up quick: Every year we highlight the best of the best in residential real estate and we're eager to receive submissions for 2026.

Past winners have flexed their design skills with a Davidson estate designed for family fun, a rustic Lake Norman retreat and a historic Plaza Midwood mansion reimagined for modern living.

Finalists have brought plenty to the table, too, from a transformed 1960s ranch to a swanky speakeasy.

Now, we're looking for the best of 2026. Here's what to know before submitting a nomination.

Qualifications: Homes must be newly built or remodeled within the past 12 months.

Apartments, condos, townhouses and single-family homes in the Charlotte area are eligible.

Homeowners can nominate their own spaces. Architects, designers and other professionals can submit clients' homes.

How to submit: Email your nomination(s) to alexis.clinton@axios.com using the subject line "2026 Home of the Year nomination."

Please include the address, a brief description (up to three sentences) and at least three photos.

What's next: The deadline to submit is Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. If your nomination is selected as a finalist, we will follow up for more information.

Nominations are open for our annual Home of the Year awards

We're seeking standout spaces across the Charlotte area for our ninth annual awards celebrating the work of local architects and designers.

Charlotte's 2025 Home of the Year is a Davidson estate family dream home built for fun. Davidson estate

Axios Charlotte's 2025 Home of the Year went to a family dream home in Davidson. Photo: Courtesy of SkyCam Digital

We&#x27;re looking for standout spaces across the Charlotte area for our ninth annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Home of the Year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/12/15/davidson-home-of-the-year-luxury-family-design-charlotte-home-of-the-year" data-vars-content-id="d370979a-8d4f-4580-b09c-9a1bd9b4cb75" data-vars-headline="Nominations are open for our annual Home of the Year awards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/12/15/davidson-home-of-the-year-luxury-family-design-charlotte-home-of-the-year" target="_self">Home of the Year</a> award celebrating the work of local architects and designers.

Alexis Clinton

Featured stories

Charlotte Fashion Week returns to the runway

Weekender: 42 things to do in Charlotte this weekend

Massive FOMO block party returns to Uptown

Nominations are open for our annual Home of the Year awards

WNBA player and sister open cozy Concord coffee shop