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Weekender: 31 things to do in Charlotte this Memorial Day weekend

Events happening May 22-25 include the Water Lantern Festival, Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Cup Series, Charlotte FC game, Soul Food Festival, concerts and parties.

Things to Do

Whether you&#x27;re headed to The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Coca-Cola 600" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/30/charlotte-biggest-may-events-2026" data-vars-content-id="ac4ba7d7-531c-4280-b13f-e6fa63731293" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 31 things to do in Charlotte this Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/30/charlotte-biggest-may-events-2026" target="_self">Coca-Cola 600</a> or planning to check out the Water Lantern Festival, plenty is happening to keep you busy all three days of the holiday weekend.

4 insanely extra things inside Charlotte's first Wegmans

News

Northeast grocery chain Wegmans expects fans to line up when its massive Ballantyne store opens Oct. 14 at 9am.Why it matters: This isn&#x27;t just any supermarket. It&#x27;s what Wegmans calls an &quot;animated&quot; shopping experience, with workers cracking cheese wheels and rolling sushi for an audience.

5-mile hike less than three hours from Charlotte boasts 360 mountain views

A 5-mile Roan Highlands hike offers sweeping views and an summer escape.

Less than three hours from Charlotte is a roughly 5-mile hike with stunning views of the mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee. Why it matters: If high flight prices have you rethinking your summer travel plans, there&#x27;s plenty to do in and around North Carolina.

50+ of the best indoor activities in Charlotte

Whether it’s too hot, cold or rainy, this is the guide for you.

Whether it’s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="too hot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/20/charlotte-hottest-weekend-humidity-heat-wave-advisory" data-vars-content-id="0bd07521-b01a-4015-afb7-fce72218acdb" data-vars-headline="50+ of the best indoor activities in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/20/charlotte-hottest-weekend-humidity-heat-wave-advisory" target="_self">too hot</a>, cold or rainy, this is the guide for you.Here&#x27;s a list of more than 50 things to do inside in Charlotte to escape the elements, listed in no particular order.

America's fastest-growing city has a message: "We're full"

Americans fled big cities for Charlotte. Then recreated one

As Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="barrels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/17/charlotte-population-nears-1-million-after-nation-leading-growth" data-vars-content-id="1420941c-c7f5-4f04-a75a-b87f34528cd4" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s fastest-growing city has a message: &quot;We&#x27;re full&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/17/charlotte-population-nears-1-million-after-nation-leading-growth" target="_self">barrels</a> toward a population of 1 million, the city of transplants and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unicorn natives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/08/10/charlotte-unicorns-arent-so-rare-305204" data-vars-content-id="1420941c-c7f5-4f04-a75a-b87f34528cd4" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s fastest-growing city has a message: &quot;We&#x27;re full&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/08/10/charlotte-unicorns-arent-so-rare-305204" target="_self">unicorn natives</a> is uniting behind a common phrase:<ul><li>&quot;We&#x27;re full.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: Charlotte built a reputation as a place to escape more crowded, costlier cities. Now, residents fear rapid growth is recreating what they fled, from the Atlanta-scary traffic to the New York sticker shock.

Why supermarkets keep flocking to rich Charlotte and avoid everyone else

As Wegmans debuts, Charlotte's grocery divide deepens

South Charlotte is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="getting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/21/ballantyne-wegmans-opening" data-vars-content-id="a1002bff-23cf-4d28-9cd6-6854f3ddda39" data-vars-headline="Why supermarkets keep flocking to rich Charlotte and avoid everyone else" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/21/ballantyne-wegmans-opening" target="_self">getting</a> yet another grocery store as Wegmans prepares to open an upscale shopping experience, with a sushi bar, expansive cheese selection and a sprawling parking lot for hundreds of cars.<ul><li>In west Charlotte, volunteers have spent years seeking funding for food co-ops, so residents won&#x27;t have to haul grocery bags down narrow sidewalks as far.</li></ul>

Scoop: NYC-based French Bakery Maman opens soon in Plaza Midwood

The French-inspired bakery and cafe opens Wednesday, May 20 at 8am.

Food and Drink

French-inspired cafe and bakery Maman opens Wednesday, May 20, in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Plaza Midwood." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/25/prosecco-bar-bev-now-open-plaza-midwood" data-vars-content-id="12612668-063c-4fab-814c-0c291b3e997c" data-vars-headline="Scoop: NYC-based French Bakery Maman opens soon in Plaza Midwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/25/prosecco-bar-bev-now-open-plaza-midwood" target="_self">Plaza Midwood.</a>Why it matters: Maman is the latest national chain to join <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Commonwealth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/31/commonwealth-plaza-midwood-popup-bagels-maman" data-vars-content-id="12612668-063c-4fab-814c-0c291b3e997c" data-vars-headline="Scoop: NYC-based French Bakery Maman opens soon in Plaza Midwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/31/commonwealth-plaza-midwood-popup-bagels-maman" target="_self">Commonwealth</a>, the mixed-use development reshaping part of Plaza Midwood into a hub for buzzy, viral brands, like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PopUp Bagels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/17/popup-bagels-north-carolina-ballantyne-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="12612668-063c-4fab-814c-0c291b3e997c" data-vars-headline="Scoop: NYC-based French Bakery Maman opens soon in Plaza Midwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/17/popup-bagels-north-carolina-ballantyne-charlotte" target="_self">PopUp Bagels</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Block" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/09/south-block-acai-smoothie-ballantyne" data-vars-content-id="12612668-063c-4fab-814c-0c291b3e997c" data-vars-headline="Scoop: NYC-based French Bakery Maman opens soon in Plaza Midwood" 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/south-block-acai-smoothie-ballantyne" target="_self">South Block</a>.

University renovates former Uptown hotel into dorms

The West Trade building will become permanent student housing.

Johnson &amp; Wales University is embarking on a $42 million renovation of its former hotel-turned-residence hall in Charlotte&#x27;s Third Ward.Why it matters: It&#x27;s another prominent Uptown building conversion in the works, joining projects like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brooklyn &amp; Church" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/29/brooklyn-church-uptown-office-conversion-housing-construction-redevelopment" data-vars-content-id="157aacde-1c79-4c31-8a3c-41276bbbf394" data-vars-headline="University renovates former Uptown hotel into dorms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/29/brooklyn-church-uptown-office-conversion-housing-construction-redevelopment" target="_self">Brooklyn &amp; Church</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Johnston Building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/24/office-market-jobs-vacancies-conversions" data-vars-content-id="157aacde-1c79-4c31-8a3c-41276bbbf394" data-vars-headline="University renovates former Uptown hotel into dorms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/24/office-market-jobs-vacancies-conversions" target="_self">The Johnston Building</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the former Two Wells Fargo Center" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/alexsands_/status/2047685999149363622?s=20" data-vars-content-id="157aacde-1c79-4c31-8a3c-41276bbbf394" data-vars-headline="University renovates former Uptown hotel into dorms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/alexsands_/status/2047685999149363622?s=20" target="_blank">the former Two Wells Fargo Center</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="400 South Tryon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/03/uptown-charlotte-400-south-tryon-conversion" data-vars-content-id="157aacde-1c79-4c31-8a3c-41276bbbf394" data-vars-headline="University renovates former Uptown hotel into dorms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/03/uptown-charlotte-400-south-tryon-conversion" target="_self">400 South Tryon</a>.

A massive luxury gym and wellness center is opening in LoSo

Carbon Performance combines high-end equipment, saunas, cold plunges, HYROX classes and co-working under one roof.

Health

Carbon Performance is a 45,000-square-foot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="luxury fitness and recovery center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/11/cold-plunge-cryotherapy-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="5cdf032a-2425-46e9-b92d-2fe5f3d9057a" data-vars-headline="A massive luxury gym and wellness center is opening in LoSo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/11/cold-plunge-cryotherapy-charlotte" target="_self">luxury fitness and recovery center</a> opening in Lower South End later this summer.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tennessee-born fitness company&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://carbonperformance.com/about-us/" data-vars-content-id="5cdf032a-2425-46e9-b92d-2fe5f3d9057a" data-vars-headline="A massive luxury gym and wellness center is opening in LoSo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://carbonperformance.com/about-us/" target="_blank">Tennessee-born fitness company&#x27;s</a> expansion to Charlotte reflects the city&#x27;s growing appetite for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-end wellness spaces " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/05/five-wellness-trends-charlotte-2026" data-vars-content-id="5cdf032a-2425-46e9-b92d-2fe5f3d9057a" data-vars-headline="A massive luxury gym and wellness center is opening in LoSo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/05/five-wellness-trends-charlotte-2026" target="_self">high-end wellness spaces </a>that combine strength training, recovery and lifestyle amenities under one roof.

Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?

The 6-5 vote directs Charlotte's CRTPO rep to challenge the project.

In a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stunning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/10/new-i-77-renderings-test-charlotte-opposition" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/10/new-i-77-renderings-test-charlotte-opposition" target="_self">stunning</a> late-night vote Monday, Charlotte City Council rescinded support for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I-77 South toll lanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/06/ncdot-west-end-reconnecting-communities-i77-toll-lanes" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/06/ncdot-west-end-reconnecting-communities-i77-toll-lanes" target="_self">I-77 South toll lanes</a> project in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its current form." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">its current form.</a>Why it matters: The 6-5 decision could significantly delay the highly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scrutinized" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/13/council-member-graham-on-i-77-designs-tear-it-up" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/13/council-member-graham-on-i-77-designs-tear-it-up" target="_self">scrutinized</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" target="_self">state</a> project&#x27;s path forward — or even kill it.

Charlotte City Council will vote on 150-day data center moratorium

The vote is coming. But the AI boom isn't waiting

Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/08/city-council-data-center-moratorium-construction" data-vars-content-id="b80cd8cc-0db3-4955-9bd1-4b71ec4ae076" data-vars-headline="Charlotte City Council will vote on 150-day data center moratorium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/08/city-council-data-center-moratorium-construction" target="_self">City Council</a> is moving toward a 150-day moratorium on new data centers, potentially giving the city until October to develop regulations before more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="windowless warehouses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/11/charlotte-data-center-boom-electric-bills-water-use-noise-concerns" data-vars-content-id="b80cd8cc-0db3-4955-9bd1-4b71ec4ae076" data-vars-headline="Charlotte City Council will vote on 150-day data center moratorium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/11/charlotte-data-center-boom-electric-bills-water-use-noise-concerns" target="_self">windowless warehouses</a> pop up.Why it matters: Despite rising neighborhood opposition, data centers can currently be built &quot;by right&quot; in eight Charlotte zoning districts, including next to homes and in the heart of Uptown, without city approval.

Charlotte City Council to finally debate data centers freeze

Charlotte is "wild west" for data centers, with few rules.

Charlotte City Council could move Monday toward a temporary pause on new data centers amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing resident concern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/29/charlotte-considers-data-center-moratorium-amid-growth" data-vars-content-id="847d2a6e-9301-4a72-98e5-358dd104c611" data-vars-headline="Charlotte City Council to finally debate data centers freeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/29/charlotte-considers-data-center-moratorium-amid-growth" target="_self">growing resident concern</a>s over noise, water use and electricity demand.Why it matters: Some Charlotte leaders are antsy to take action on data centers — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="which require as much power as a small city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/20/big-tech-capex-ai" data-vars-content-id="847d2a6e-9301-4a72-98e5-358dd104c611" data-vars-headline="Charlotte City Council to finally debate data centers freeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/20/big-tech-capex-ai" target="_self">which require as much power as a small city</a> — before more pop up without their approval or community input.

NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support

NCDOT has real plans to reconnect Charlotte's West End.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The N.C. Department of Transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" target="_self">The N.C. Department of Transportation</a> unveiled &quot;feasible&quot; plans to reconnect Charlotte&#x27;s West End across I-77 to the rest of the city, including a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highway cap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/17/charlotte-i77-freeway-cap-parks" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/17/charlotte-i77-freeway-cap-parks" target="_self">highway cap</a> and new green spaces. Why it matters: The agency is effectively using those long-sought reconnection projects as a bargaining chip to preserve support for widening the same <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">highway</a> that divided the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historically Black neighborhoods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" target="_self">historically Black neighborhoods</a> decades ago.

Charlotte supports affordable housing until neighbors push back

Close council votes and resident pressure are slowing projects as housing costs squeeze renters.

Charlotte leaders campaign on affordable housing, but are increasingly yielding to neighborhood pressure to reject projects.Why it matters: Charlotte&#x27;s housing crisis is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/29/charlotte-housing-affordability-2025-report-supply" data-vars-content-id="27ebb820-3076-4dbb-a467-cde0c593ffd0" data-vars-headline="Charlotte supports affordable housing until neighbors push back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/29/charlotte-housing-affordability-2025-report-supply" target="_self">dire</a>, but unhappy constituents have come close to derailing new construction plans, slowing projects and making the approval process more intimidating and confusing for builders.

Development 🏗️

America's fastest-growing city has a message: "We're full"

Why supermarkets keep flocking to rich Charlotte and avoid everyone else

Scoop: NYC-based French Bakery Maman opens soon in Plaza Midwood

University renovates former Uptown hotel into dorms

A massive luxury gym and wellness center is opening in LoSo