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Weekender: 25 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including a hot dog bar crawl

This weekend's lineup has a little bit of everything, from Tame Impala and Panthers Fan Fest to local markets, drag shows and a city-wide hot dog bar crawl.

Things to Do

This weekend&#x27;s lineup has a little bit of everything, from Tame Impala and Panthers Fan Fest to local markets, drag shows and even a city-wide hot dog bar crawl.

The new buzzy spot in your neighborhood is owned by private equity

Who's really behind Charlotte's buzziest spots?

News

Big-city food and drink spots are popping up across Charlotte — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/29/maman-opens-on-july-29-in-eastover" data-vars-content-id="2469fbcc-1c54-4511-9899-52348c3ae62d" data-vars-headline="The new buzzy spot in your neighborhood is owned by private equity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/29/maman-opens-on-july-29-in-eastover" target="_self">Maman</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PopUp Bagels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/30/popup-bagels-opens-in-plaza-midwood-july-10" data-vars-content-id="2469fbcc-1c54-4511-9899-52348c3ae62d" data-vars-headline="The new buzzy spot in your neighborhood is owned by private equity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/30/popup-bagels-opens-in-plaza-midwood-july-10" target="_self">PopUp Bagels</a> and soon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="La La Land Kind Café " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/02/la-la-land-kind-cafe-coming-to-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="2469fbcc-1c54-4511-9899-52348c3ae62d" data-vars-headline="The new buzzy spot in your neighborhood is owned by private equity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/02/la-la-land-kind-cafe-coming-to-charlotte" target="_self">La La Land Kind Café </a>— and their customers are queuing up in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lines as viral" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYkpCVLstvX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==" data-vars-content-id="2469fbcc-1c54-4511-9899-52348c3ae62d" data-vars-headline="The new buzzy spot in your neighborhood is owned by private equity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYkpCVLstvX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==" target="_blank">lines as viral</a> as their products.<ul><li>What do these buzzy brands have in common? They&#x27;re backed by deep-pocketed investors cashing in on Charlotte&#x27;s demographics.</li></ul>

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in Charlotte ranging from $329K to $1.2M

New house listings including properties with standout extras, from an indoor sauna to a home theater.

Real Estate

This week&#x27;s hot homes come with plenty of extras, from a Windsor Park home with a four-person sauna to another property where the entertainment options don&#x27;t stop at the finished basement with a home theater.

New restaurant, bar and event space coming to Steele Creek

Dear Charlotte, a garden-inspired restaurant, bar and event venue will open this fall at the forthcoming Hilton Garden Inn Steele Creek.

Food and Drink

Dear Charlotte, a garden-inspired restaurant, bar and event venue, will open this fall in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Steele Creek" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2019/05/19/steele-creek-is-the-next-hot-neighborhood-in-charlotte-165689" data-vars-content-id="2a365987-e06e-4bed-b82d-368ca67f5ca5" data-vars-headline="New restaurant, bar and event space coming to Steele Creek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2019/05/19/steele-creek-is-the-next-hot-neighborhood-in-charlotte-165689" target="_self">Steele Creek</a> at a forthcoming Hilton Garden Inn. Why it matters: Steele Creek, a growing area in southwest Charlotte, lacks the same amenities as popular neighborhoods closer to the city&#x27;s urban core. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dear Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dearcharlotteclt.com/" data-vars-content-id="2a365987-e06e-4bed-b82d-368ca67f5ca5" data-vars-headline="New restaurant, bar and event space coming to Steele Creek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dearcharlotteclt.com/" target="_blank">Dear Charlotte</a> will provide a gathering space for residents and visitors.

The 15 best LGBTQ+ bars, spaces and gatherings in Charlotte

Show your pride at these local LGBTQ+ spaces and events.

Happy Pride Month! Here are 15 LGBTQ+ bars, spaces and gatherings to check out in Charlotte.Why it matters: June is National Pride Month, and while Charlotte&#x27;s official Pride celebrations take place in August, these local spots celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community year-round.

17 of the biggest events in Charlotte this April

April in Charlotte is when the city fully shakes off winter and leans hard into festival season.

Culture

April in Charlotte is when the city fully shakes off winter and leans hard into festival season.What to expect: Charlotte SHOUT! takes over Uptown, food festivals stack up, neighborhood street events return — and outdoor everything is back in action.

35 of the best things to do this spring in Charlotte

We've rounded over 30 must-attend events and activities to add to your spring calendar

We&#x27;ve rounded up over 30 must-attend events and activities to add to your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 spring calendar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/09/biggest-events-in-charlotte-in-2026-nc" data-vars-content-id="16d1d4ce-d979-4047-bda4-48cfc41b160d" data-vars-headline="35 of the best things to do this spring 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/2026/01/09/biggest-events-in-charlotte-in-2026-nc" target="_self">2026 spring calendar</a>.Why it matters: As the weather warms up, Charlotte&#x27;s calendar fills with food and music festivals, art walks, local races and plenty more ways to get outside.

The ultimate guide to New Year's Eve 2026 in Charlotte

From chef-curated dinners to themed dance parties, here are 30+ ways to ring in 2026.

2026 is almost here. Whether you&#x27;re booking a chef-curated dinner or dancing your way through a themed party, we&#x27;ve rounded up 30+ ways to celebrate New Year&#x27;s Eve in Charlotte.Editor&#x27;s note: All events will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, unless otherwise noted.

How to spend 12 hours in Asheville: A mini guide for food, art and views

Got a little downtime this holiday season? That's all you need for a quick Asheville day trip.

If the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday rush" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/26/charlotte-december-events-guide-2025" data-vars-content-id="5137221c-fc35-48b6-a0ee-2effa346d83e" data-vars-headline="How to spend 12 hours in Asheville: A mini guide for food, art and views" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/26/charlotte-december-events-guide-2025" target="_self">holiday rush</a> comes with a pocket of downtime, that&#x27;s all you need for a quick day trip to Asheville.Why it matters: After Hurricane Helene, many Asheville businesses <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have reopened" data-vars-click-url="https://www.exploreasheville.com/travel-information-asheville-area-post-hurricane-helene" data-vars-content-id="5137221c-fc35-48b6-a0ee-2effa346d83e" data-vars-headline="How to spend 12 hours in Asheville: A mini guide for food, art and views" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.exploreasheville.com/travel-information-asheville-area-post-hurricane-helene" target="_blank">have reopened</a>, but plenty are still recovering, and even small boosts in tourism help.Context: I drove up on a recent Saturday to go leaf-peeping and found that, even with just 12 hours, you can pack in plenty of eating, shopping and exploring.

The 16 best holiday lights around Charlotte in 2025

Discover Charlotte's best holiday lights, from Speedway Christmas to magical neighborhood setups.

Put on your matching Christmas pajamas, pour some hot cocoa and hop in your cars. These are the 16 must-see <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/20/17-festive-things-to-do-in-charlotte-this-holiday-season-238857" data-vars-content-id="18c36e48-5f78-4013-91c8-7359bf8aae68" data-vars-headline="The 16 best holiday lights around Charlotte in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/20/17-festive-things-to-do-in-charlotte-this-holiday-season-238857" target="_self">holiday</a> light displays in and around Charlotte.

12 best Christmas tree farms from Charlotte to the Blue Ridge Mountains

Where to find the best Christmas trees, from Charlotte to the N.C. mountains.

The hunt for this year&#x27;s Christmas tree is on, and as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s second-largest producer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/12/11/nc-top-christmas-tree-producer" data-vars-content-id="0a39f002-641b-43ea-920d-15afc5b247cf" data-vars-headline="12 best Christmas tree farms from Charlotte to the Blue Ridge Mountains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/12/11/nc-top-christmas-tree-producer" target="_self">nation&#x27;s second-largest producer</a>, North Carolina is one of the best places to find one. Why it matters: The majority of the state&#x27;s evergreens are grown in western North Carolina, where farms are recovering and rebuilding after the devastation of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hurricane Helene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/27/estimating-helene-s-damage" data-vars-content-id="0a39f002-641b-43ea-920d-15afc5b247cf" data-vars-headline="12 best Christmas tree farms from Charlotte to the Blue Ridge Mountains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/27/estimating-helene-s-damage" target="_self">Hurricane Helene</a> last year. <ul><li>This season, you can help support them by visiting a local tree lot or making the trip to pick one out in the mountains.</li></ul>

Breakaway Carolina 2025 expected to draw "biggest crowds yet." What to know before you go

The EDM festival will bring heavy hitters like John Summit and Kaytranada to Concord Sept. 26-27.

Music

Breakaway Carolina <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="returns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/24/guide-to-breakaway-carolina-fall-2024" data-vars-content-id="cd2c4b0b-055f-492c-8f81-a023737172af" data-vars-headline="Breakaway Carolina 2025 expected to draw &quot;biggest crowds yet.&quot; What to know before you go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/24/guide-to-breakaway-carolina-fall-2024" target="_self">returns</a> to zMAX Dragway in Concord Sept. 26–27, headlined by electronic music stars John Summit, Eli Brown, Kaytranada and Louis the Child. Why it matters: Now in its ninth year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Breakaway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.breakawayfestival.com/festival/carolina-2025" data-vars-content-id="cd2c4b0b-055f-492c-8f81-a023737172af" data-vars-headline="Breakaway Carolina 2025 expected to draw &quot;biggest crowds yet.&quot; What to know before you go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.breakawayfestival.com/festival/carolina-2025" target="_blank">Breakaway</a> has become Charlotte&#x27;s signature EDM festival, and this year&#x27;s lineup is on pace to draw record crowds and potentially, a sold-out festival, says president Jarrod Fucci.

12 Charlotte-area pumpkin patches to visit this fall

Find this year's jack-o-lantern at these nearby pumpkin patches.

Hello, pumpkin season. Here are 12 pumpkin patches to check out around the Charlotte area.

A weekend guide to North Carolina's Crystal Coast

Wild horses, tiki cruises and pristine beaches. It's all waiting in this 85-mile stretch of North Carolina coastline.

Travel

North Carolina&#x27;s Crystal Coast is well within road trip range for most North Carolinians, sitting just under three hours from Raleigh and five from Charlotte.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Beach season is upon us" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/24/best-beaches-north-carolina-guide-travel-tourism" data-vars-content-id="c248ca82-28ae-4a07-bdae-f7ed62ff48b6" data-vars-headline="A weekend guide to North Carolina&#x27;s Crystal Coast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/24/best-beaches-north-carolina-guide-travel-tourism" target="_self">Beach season is upon us</a>. Use this guide to the Crystal Coast to plan your next getaway.

Guides

The 15 best LGBTQ+ bars, spaces and gatherings in Charlotte

17 of the biggest events in Charlotte this April

35 of the best things to do this spring in Charlotte

The ultimate guide to New Year's Eve 2026 in Charlotte

How to spend 12 hours in Asheville: A mini guide for food, art and views