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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.

Charlotte's Carolina Bloom Music Festival announces artist lineup

The new outdoor festival will feature Quarters (Quarters of Change), Illiterate Light, Ax and the Hatchetmen, Foxtide and more Aug. 22-23 in the Iron District.

Quarters and Ax and the Hatchetmen are among the headliners expected to perform at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carolina Bloom Music Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/28/carolina-bloom-charlotte-lineup-indie-rock-alternative-august-iron-district" data-vars-content-id="752355ba-7cea-42c6-af16-a5b7d0e02708" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s Carolina Bloom Music Festival announces artist lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/28/carolina-bloom-charlotte-lineup-indie-rock-alternative-august-iron-district" target="_self">Carolina Bloom Music Festival</a>.Catch up quick: The new rock, indie and alternative music festival in the Iron District just announced its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="artist lineup " data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYNEzMNDuq_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-vars-content-id="752355ba-7cea-42c6-af16-a5b7d0e02708" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s Carolina Bloom Music Festival announces artist lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYNEzMNDuq_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank">artist lineup </a>for Aug. 22-23.

Meet the founder: How one runner built Charlotte's hottest run club

What started as one man's daily two-mile goal is now one of the city's biggest gatherings.

More than 1,000 people now gather weekly at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mad Miles Run Club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/01/04/i-hate-running-but-ill-exercise-with-mad-miles-run-club-317183" data-vars-content-id="ce382f65-2c97-445c-8a00-3a0c874882fb" data-vars-headline="Meet the founder: How one runner built Charlotte&#x27;s hottest run club" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/01/04/i-hate-running-but-ill-exercise-with-mad-miles-run-club-317183" target="_self">Mad Miles Run Club</a>, which began when founder <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cornell Jones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/press-past-releases/axios-local-recognizes-power-players-in-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="ce382f65-2c97-445c-8a00-3a0c874882fb" data-vars-headline="Meet the founder: How one runner built Charlotte&#x27;s hottest run club" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/press-past-releases/axios-local-recognizes-power-players-in-charlotte" target="_self">Cornell Jones</a> committed to running two miles a day.Why it matters: Mad Miles Run Club has grown into one of Charlotte&#x27;s largest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fitness communities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/19/ways-to-make-friends-in-charlotte-nc-social-groups-to-join" data-vars-content-id="ce382f65-2c97-445c-8a00-3a0c874882fb" data-vars-headline="Meet the founder: How one runner built Charlotte&#x27;s hottest run club" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/19/ways-to-make-friends-in-charlotte-nc-social-groups-to-join" target="_self">fitness communities</a> as it celebrates its sixth anniversary this month.

Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this May

Charlotte live music fans, here's a quick list of the 10 best concerts coming to the city in May.

Music

Live music fans, here&#x27;s a list of the 10 best concerts coming to Charlotte in May.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">May 2: October London &amp; Lalah Hathaway</h2>You can expect this evening to be filled with smooth vocals and timeless R&amp;B at this soulful concert experience.Location: Ovens AuditoriumStart time: 8pm<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2D006429BCDAC080?_ga=2.92720538.628807160.1777305067-1270236140.1777305067" data-vars-content-id="1b71af24-6878-4f82-acae-ebb05c1dfce0" data-vars-headline="Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this May" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2D006429BCDAC080?_ga=2.92720538.628807160.1777305067-1270236140.1777305067" target="_blank">Tickets:</a> $89+<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">May 3: The Kid LAROI</h2>The Australian singer and rapper is known for his breakup songs, catchy hooks and plenty of tunes you&#x27;ve probably heard (or had) on repeat. Location: The FillmoreStart time: 7:30pm<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/the-kid-laroi-a-perfect-world-charlotte-north-carolina-05-03-2026/event/2D006449A779A31F" data-vars-content-id="1b71af24-6878-4f82-acae-ebb05c1dfce0" data-vars-headline="Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this May" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/the-kid-laroi-a-perfect-world-charlotte-north-carolina-05-03-2026/event/2D006449A779A31F" target="_blank">Tickets:</a> $76<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">May 7: Riley Green</h2>Expect a mix of fan favorites like &quot;Worst Way&quot; and &quot;You Look Like You Love Me&quot; and a full lineup of special guests, including Justin Moore, Drake White and Hannah McFarland.Location: Truliant AmphitheaterStart time: 7pm<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/riley-green-cowboy-as-it-gets-charlotte-north-carolina-05-07-2026/event/2D00632AAF4840ED?landing=c" data-vars-content-id="1b71af24-6878-4f82-acae-ebb05c1dfce0" data-vars-headline="Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this May" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/riley-green-cowboy-as-it-gets-charlotte-north-carolina-05-07-2026/event/2D00632AAF4840ED?landing=c" target="_blank">Tickets:</a> $60+<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">May 13: Kid Cudi</h2>Kid Cudi&#x27;s shows bring a whole vibe, mixing chill emotional songs with high-energy tracks that the crowd knows every word to. Location: Truliant AmphitheaterStart time: 6:30pm<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/kid-cudi-presents-the-rebel-ragers-charlotte-north-carolina-05-13-2026/event/2D006430264D13C1" data-vars-content-id="1b71af24-6878-4f82-acae-ebb05c1dfce0" data-vars-headline="Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this May" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/kid-cudi-presents-the-rebel-ragers-charlotte-north-carolina-05-13-2026/event/2D006430264D13C1" target="_blank">Tickets:</a> $32+<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">May 16: Dave Matthews Band</h2>The jam-heavy rock band brings big energy, long sets and plenty of moments for the crowd to sing along to.Location: Truliant AmphitheaterStart time: 7:30pm<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/dave-matthews-band-charlotte-north-carolina-05-16-2026/event/2D006384A8F4C095" data-vars-content-id="1b71af24-6878-4f82-acae-ebb05c1dfce0" data-vars-headline="Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this May" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/dave-matthews-band-charlotte-north-carolina-05-16-2026/event/2D006384A8F4C095" target="_blank">Tickets:</a> $74+<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">May 17: John Legend</h2>John Legend brings his &quot;An Evening of Songs &amp; Stories&quot; tour to Ovens Auditorium with intimate versions of hits like &quot;All of Me&quot; and &quot;Ordinary People,&quot; along with stories from his life and career.Location: Ovens AuditoriumStart time: 8pm<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2D00642FADD5DEDD?_ga=2.34047526.628807160.1777305067-1270236140.1777305067" data-vars-content-id="1b71af24-6878-4f82-acae-ebb05c1dfce0" data-vars-headline="Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this May" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2D00642FADD5DEDD?_ga=2.34047526.628807160.1777305067-1270236140.1777305067" target="_blank">Tickets:</a> $74+<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">May 18: Sting</h2>Make a Monday feel a little less like a Monday with Sting, the former frontman of The Police whose solo career spans decades of rock, pop and jazz-leaning hits.Location: Truliant AmphitheaterStart time: 8pm<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/sting-30-tour-charlotte-north-carolina-05-18-2026/event/2D006357CB25B1A8?landing=c" data-vars-content-id="1b71af24-6878-4f82-acae-ebb05c1dfce0" data-vars-headline="Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this May" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/sting-30-tour-charlotte-north-carolina-05-18-2026/event/2D006357CB25B1A8?landing=c" target="_blank">Tickets:</a> $32+<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">May 20: Pitbull with Lil Jon</h2>Time to get the bald caps ready — Mr. Worldwide returns with Lil Jon for a night of nonstop hits, throwbacks and pure party energy.Location: Truliant AmphitheaterStart time: 8pm<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/pitbull-im-back-with-special-guest-charlotte-north-carolina-05-20-2026/event/2D006393848B59D2?landing=c" data-vars-content-id="1b71af24-6878-4f82-acae-ebb05c1dfce0" data-vars-headline="Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this May" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/pitbull-im-back-with-special-guest-charlotte-north-carolina-05-20-2026/event/2D006393848B59D2?landing=c" target="_blank">Tickets:</a> $94+<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">May 23: Willie Nelson &amp; Family</h2>A chance to see a legend. Willie Nelson &amp; Family will bring the classics, a laid-back vibe and a crowd that spans generations.Location: Skyla Credit Union AmphitheatreStart time: 7:30pm<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/willie-nelson-family-charlotte-north-carolina-05-23-2026/event/2D0064869912A939" data-vars-content-id="1b71af24-6878-4f82-acae-ebb05c1dfce0" data-vars-headline="Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this May" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/willie-nelson-family-charlotte-north-carolina-05-23-2026/event/2D0064869912A939" target="_blank">Tickets:</a> $45+<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">May 30: The Queens: Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Stephanie Mills</h2>Four legends share one stage as Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Stephanie Mills bring The Queens tour to Charlotte for a can&#x27;t-miss R&amp;B show.Location: Spectrum CenterStart time: 8pm<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2D0063679DD8C7D7?CAMEFROM=CFC_SPECTRUMCTR_WEB_WEBSITE_QUEENSCLT26" data-vars-content-id="1b71af24-6878-4f82-acae-ebb05c1dfce0" data-vars-headline="Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this May" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2D0063679DD8C7D7?CAMEFROM=CFC_SPECTRUMCTR_WEB_WEBSITE_QUEENSCLT26" target="_blank">Tickets:</a> $79+

See inside: BackStage Lounge to reopen as DeepCuts Hi-Fi

BackStage Lounge will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reopen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/charlotte-new-business-openings-2026" data-vars-content-id="66f25ad2-c1d6-4d7a-9b78-51dba5fbe2d8" data-vars-headline="See inside: BackStage Lounge to reopen as DeepCuts Hi-Fi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/charlotte-new-business-openings-2026" target="_self">reopen</a> as DeepCuts Hi-Fi on Friday, May 1.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a new era for the former South End speakeasy, which has transitioned into a restaurant and hi-fi listening bar.

Your guide to Charlotte's biggest May events

It's going to be an easy month to stay booked and busy in Charlotte.

May is when the city turns into full-on &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="get outside " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/03/09/best-patios-charlotte-nc" data-vars-content-id="a795d11f-85e5-49e6-a125-38c6ef272eb7" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Charlotte&#x27;s biggest May events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/03/09/best-patios-charlotte-nc" target="_self">get outside </a>and do everything&quot; mode.What to expect: The month starts with markets and art walks, builds into a stretch of major sporting events, from the Truist Championship to the Coca-Cola 600, and keeps the hype going with concerts, theater and day parties.

Carolina Bloom Music Festival brings indie rock lineup to Charlotte

The two-day event in the Iron District features 20 bands, DJs, and local vendors and more this August.

Charlotte is getting a new rock, indie and alternative music festival this summer.Why it matters: As multi-day festivals get harder to host and becoming <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more expensive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/30/festivals-expensive-artists-coachella" data-vars-content-id="20040cec-3c37-4912-a292-075a02e0c2fb" data-vars-headline="Carolina Bloom Music Festival brings indie rock lineup to Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/30/festivals-expensive-artists-coachella" target="_self">more expensive</a> for fans, Carolina Bloom Music Festival organizer Patrick Wynne wants to offer a more affordable option for the city.

Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this April

Charlotte live music fans, here's a quick list of the 10 best concerts coming to the city in April, including Bruno Mars and Cardi B.

Charlotte live music fans, here&#x27;s a quick list of the 10 best concerts coming to the city in April.

DaBaby announces Charlotte music festival with 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes and other hip-hop artists

Tickets go on sale this week for the June fest featuring 50 Cent and more at Route 29 Pavilion.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DaBaby" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/17/dababy-light-rail-music-video-stabbing" data-vars-content-id="92848cf9-f648-4c9e-875f-caecf64821d7" data-vars-headline="DaBaby announces Charlotte music festival with 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes and other hip-hop artists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/17/dababy-light-rail-music-video-stabbing" target="_self">DaBaby</a> announced Monday he&#x27;s bringing a hip-hop festival to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Concord" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/concord-district-exchange-small-business-downtown" data-vars-content-id="92848cf9-f648-4c9e-875f-caecf64821d7" data-vars-headline="DaBaby announces Charlotte music festival with 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes and other hip-hop artists" 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/concord-district-exchange-small-business-downtown" target="_self">Concord</a> this summer. Why it matters: The Be More Grateful Fest lineup includes 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, Waka Flocka and about a dozen more artists, DaBaby <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="posted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWPFMA2ihA3/" data-vars-content-id="92848cf9-f648-4c9e-875f-caecf64821d7" data-vars-headline="DaBaby announces Charlotte music festival with 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes and other hip-hop artists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWPFMA2ihA3/" target="_blank">posted</a> on his Instagram Monday.

Former Opera Carolina maestro launches tuition-free program to train artists

A new Charlotte program removes cost barriers for performers while paying them to train and perform.

Renowned conductor James Meena has launched Charlotte Lyric Theatre, a new tuition-free training program and performance company. Why it matters: The program addresses several financial challenges aspiring artists face, such as the cost of voice or acting lessons, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte Lyric Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://charlottelyrictheatre.com/" data-vars-content-id="9c53bcf4-62b7-41d5-a734-4c0fa8504088" data-vars-headline="Former Opera Carolina maestro launches tuition-free program to train artists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://charlottelyrictheatre.com/" target="_blank">Charlotte Lyric Theatre</a> offers for free.<ul><li>&quot;It&#x27;s tough enough keeping life and limb together for these artists,&quot; Meena tells Axios. </li></ul>

Stellar Gospel Music Awards coming to Charlotte

The gospel "Grammys" land in Charlotte Aug. 12-15, backed by $995K in state funding.

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards are coming to Charlotte this summer. Why it matters: The Stellar Awards are often compared to the Grammys for gospel music. The annual awards <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/22/huntsville-artists-in-the-gospel-spotlight" data-vars-content-id="218fb063-3697-40f7-b856-7e8862ff64b8" data-vars-headline="Stellar Gospel Music Awards coming to Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/22/huntsville-artists-in-the-gospel-spotlight" target="_self">show</a>, which has more than 3.6 million television viewers, will put a global spotlight on Charlotte and draw a large number of people to the city, local boosters hope.

Music

Charlotte's Carolina Bloom Music Festival announces artist lineup

Finalists named for Charlotte's high school theater awards

Meet the founder: How one runner built Charlotte's hottest run club

Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this May

See inside: BackStage Lounge to reopen as DeepCuts Hi-Fi