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James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie's Diner

Sam Diminich will reopen it as Grey's Diner, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Food and Drink

Mattie&#x27;s Diner on The Plaza, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed last summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/04/matties-diner-closing-the-plaza" data-vars-content-id="130cf239-0fe2-4989-94ef-e65b6c9bcfb2" data-vars-headline="James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie&#x27;s Diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/04/matties-diner-closing-the-plaza" target="_self">closed last summer</a>, will reopen this spring as Grey&#x27;s Diner. Why it matters: In buying Mattie&#x27;s, James Beard–nominated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chef Sam Diminich" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/02/22/chef-sam-diminich-is-opening-a-restaurant-a-mile-from-where-he-used-to-be-homeless-285932" data-vars-content-id="130cf239-0fe2-4989-94ef-e65b6c9bcfb2" data-vars-headline="James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie&#x27;s Diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/02/22/chef-sam-diminich-is-opening-a-restaurant-a-mile-from-where-he-used-to-be-homeless-285932" target="_self">chef Sam Diminich</a> and the team behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Your Farms Your Table Group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/07/restaurant-constance-your-farm-your-table-hopeway-mental-health-facility-meals" data-vars-content-id="130cf239-0fe2-4989-94ef-e65b6c9bcfb2" data-vars-headline="James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie&#x27;s Diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/07/restaurant-constance-your-farm-your-table-hopeway-mental-health-facility-meals" target="_self">Your Farms Your Table Group</a> want to provide Michelin-level hospitality in a space where families, neighbors and regulars can grab a booth without a reservation.<ul><li>The approach aims to challenge the perception that farm-to-table dining is exclusive.</li></ul>

Weekender: 30 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including live music and a street market

Events happening Feb. 20-22 include Jurassic Quest, a bridal show, Hornets game, food truck rodeo and indoor skating.

Things to Do

This weekend is filled with family-friendly activities from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jurassic Quest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/14/interactive-jurassic-quest-event-comes-to-concord-this-february" data-vars-content-id="7354553f-52b9-4f01-b302-71c83bcd96cc" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 30 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including live music and a street market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/14/interactive-jurassic-quest-event-comes-to-concord-this-february" target="_self">Jurassic Quest</a> to a South End street market.

Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets

Ballantyne's event calendar is filling up for 2026, with returning festivals, outdoor concerts and even more to experience at The Bowl.

Neighborhoods

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ballantyne&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/03/10/guide-to-ballantyne-including-bowl" data-vars-content-id="dbc446dd-d3c0-4760-b827-793745e0f292" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/03/10/guide-to-ballantyne-including-bowl" target="_self">Ballantyne&#x27;s</a> event calendar is filling up for 2026, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="returning festivals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/31/ballantyne-event-guide-2025" data-vars-content-id="dbc446dd-d3c0-4760-b827-793745e0f292" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/31/ballantyne-event-guide-2025" target="_self">returning festivals</a>, outdoor concerts and even more to experience at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://thebowlnc.com/?utm_source=2060digital&amp;utm_medium=localseo&amp;utm_campaign=gbp" data-vars-content-id="dbc446dd-d3c0-4760-b827-793745e0f292" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thebowlnc.com/?utm_source=2060digital&amp;utm_medium=localseo&amp;utm_campaign=gbp" target="_blank">The Bowl</a>.Why it matters: As the area keeps growing, its mix of live music, buzzy dining spots and green space is turning this once-corporate corner of south Charlotte into one of the city&#x27;s go-to hangouts.

The evolution of Bank of America Stadium

From site selection in 1989 to what the stadium will look like in 2030, here's a timeline of Bank of America Stadium.

Sports

By 2030, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bank of America Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/03/nfl-stadium-renovations-panthers-bank-of-america-tepper" data-vars-content-id="e78b5e93-6f6a-4540-af79-e5ade529995b" data-vars-headline="The evolution of Bank of America Stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/03/nfl-stadium-renovations-panthers-bank-of-america-tepper" target="_self">Bank of America Stadium</a> will have a fresh look. Why it matters: An $800 million renovation will transform the 30-year-old venue, which is among the oldest in the NFL. Tepper Sports &amp; Entertainment&#x27;s deal with the city also keeps its teams — the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC — here through 2045.

What the Charlotte Music census reveals about the city's music scene

Working outside of the music industry to make ends meet is common, the report shows.

Music

The 2025 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte Music census" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/22/music-census-everywhere-clt-survey-industry" data-vars-content-id="4bdff1e2-d366-4d27-b16b-712061bc7e91" data-vars-headline="What the Charlotte Music census reveals about the city&#x27;s music scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/22/music-census-everywhere-clt-survey-industry" target="_self">Charlotte Music census</a> offers a detailed snapshot of the city&#x27;s music industry, from working musicians to venues and other industry workers.Why it matters: Results are in. And the findings will shape how Music Everywhere CLT (a nonprofit backed by Charlotte Center City Partners) supports the city&#x27;s music scene.

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra music director Kwamé Ryan's journey to the Grammys

Not only is this Kwamé Ryan's first Grammy Award, but it's also the first Grammy for a CSO music director.

News

Kwamé Ryan, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte Symphony Orchestra&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/18/charlotte-symphony-orchestra-carolina-theatre-performance" data-vars-content-id="fd533782-3ec5-4603-8aff-bddf4fcabc4d" data-vars-headline="Charlotte Symphony Orchestra music director Kwamé Ryan&#x27;s journey to the Grammys" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/18/charlotte-symphony-orchestra-carolina-theatre-performance" target="_self">Charlotte Symphony Orchestra&#x27;s</a> music director, won his first Grammy Award Sunday night in Los Angeles. Best Opera Recording went to Jake Heggie&#x27;s &quot;Intelligence,&quot; which was recorded with the Houston Grand Opera. Why it matters: Not only is this Ryan&#x27;s first Grammy, but it&#x27;s also the first Grammy for a CSO music director.

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

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

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

Avett family to help revive historic Cabarrus County theater

A beloved 1948 theater is being reborn as a venue for music, arts and community events.

A historic movie theater in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, is getting a second act and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="famous family name." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/16/avett-brothers-back-in-charlotte-for-2025" data-vars-content-id="650ce0db-53b1-4aaf-a9e6-96e023d381f4" data-vars-headline="Avett family to help revive historic Cabarrus County theater" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/16/avett-brothers-back-in-charlotte-for-2025" target="_self">famous family name.</a>Why it matters: Plans to refurbish and transform the long-vacant Paula Theater into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Avett Theater" data-vars-click-url="https://avetttheater.org/" data-vars-content-id="650ce0db-53b1-4aaf-a9e6-96e023d381f4" data-vars-headline="Avett family to help revive historic Cabarrus County theater" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://avetttheater.org/" target="_blank">The Avett Theater</a> could bring national touring acts to a small <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cabarrus County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/concord-district-exchange-small-business-downtown" data-vars-content-id="650ce0db-53b1-4aaf-a9e6-96e023d381f4" data-vars-headline="Avett family to help revive historic Cabarrus County theater" 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">Cabarrus County</a> town about 45 minutes northeast of Charlotte.

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

Here's a quick list of the 10 biggest concerts coming to the city in January.

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

Charlotte's favorite bar songs of 2025

Don&#x27;t give Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bargoers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/12/12/best-dive-bars-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="75fb46a0-2fdd-4efa-81ca-50c276fcdbfc" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s favorite bar songs of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/12/12/best-dive-bars-charlotte" target="_self">bargoers</a> the aux — unless you like country.Driving the news: That genre dominated the 2025 list of top songs requested on TouchTunes.

Lovin Life Music Fest won't return to Charlotte in 2026

Plans for Lovin' Life Music Fest 2026 are currently on hold, organizers announced on Instagram.

Plans for Lovin&#x27; Life Music Fest 2026 are currently on hold, organizers announced on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Instagram" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DR5WW8YEZEx/?igsh=aTRpZnIwY3I5bDNj" data-vars-content-id="58ef1372-51f5-491c-8c41-667830c09e1f" data-vars-headline="Lovin Life Music Fest won&#x27;t return to Charlotte in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DR5WW8YEZEx/?igsh=aTRpZnIwY3I5bDNj" target="_blank">Instagram</a> Friday. Why it matters: Lovin&#x27; Life, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aimed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/12/12/uptown-charlotte-music-festival-lovin-life-345971" data-vars-content-id="58ef1372-51f5-491c-8c41-667830c09e1f" data-vars-headline="Lovin Life Music Fest won&#x27;t return to Charlotte in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/12/12/uptown-charlotte-music-festival-lovin-life-345971" target="_self">aimed</a> to be Charlotte&#x27;s signature festival and to help put the city on the map as a music destination, drew <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big names" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/18/maggie-rogers-dashboard-confessional-dababy-charlotte-inaugural-lovin-life-music-festival-347909" data-vars-content-id="58ef1372-51f5-491c-8c41-667830c09e1f" data-vars-headline="Lovin Life Music Fest won&#x27;t return to Charlotte in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/18/maggie-rogers-dashboard-confessional-dababy-charlotte-inaugural-lovin-life-music-festival-347909" target="_self">big names</a> like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Post Malone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/12/12/uptown-charlotte-music-festival-lovin-life-345971" data-vars-content-id="58ef1372-51f5-491c-8c41-667830c09e1f" data-vars-headline="Lovin Life Music Fest won&#x27;t return to Charlotte in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/12/12/uptown-charlotte-music-festival-lovin-life-345971" target="_self">Post Malone</a>, Stevie Nicks, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pitbull" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/01/how-popular-lovin-life-music-fest-headliners-are-based-on-spotify-rankings" data-vars-content-id="58ef1372-51f5-491c-8c41-667830c09e1f" data-vars-headline="Lovin Life Music Fest won&#x27;t return to Charlotte in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/01/how-popular-lovin-life-music-fest-headliners-are-based-on-spotify-rankings" target="_self">Pitbull</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gwen Stefani" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/05/lovin-life-music-festival-lineup-2025" data-vars-content-id="58ef1372-51f5-491c-8c41-667830c09e1f" data-vars-headline="Lovin Life Music Fest won&#x27;t return to Charlotte in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/05/lovin-life-music-festival-lineup-2025" target="_self">Gwen Stefani</a>. <ul><li>In its first year, the festival generated an estimated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$32 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/07/lovin-life-music-festival-2024-economic-impact" data-vars-content-id="58ef1372-51f5-491c-8c41-667830c09e1f" data-vars-headline="Lovin Life Music Fest won&#x27;t return to Charlotte in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/07/lovin-life-music-festival-2024-economic-impact" target="_self">$32 million</a> in economic impact.</li></ul>

Charlotte's 2025 Spotify Wrapped

"luther (with sza)" was the most-streamed song on Spotify this year in Charlotte.

&quot;luther (with sza)&quot; was the most-streamed song on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spotify" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" data-vars-content-id="0ea8aa7d-1714-4bee-bd80-591ed2dc4898" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s 2025 Spotify Wrapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" target="_self">Spotify</a> this year in Charlotte.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a vibe, as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lyrics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-tops-global-artists" data-vars-content-id="0ea8aa7d-1714-4bee-bd80-591ed2dc4898" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s 2025 Spotify Wrapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-tops-global-artists" target="_self">lyrics</a> go.

Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this December, including Trans-Siberian Orchestra

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

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

Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this November, including The Jonas Brothers

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

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

Music

What the Charlotte Music census reveals about the city's music scene

Things to do in Charlotte Feb. 23-27, 2026

PBS North Carolina series celebrates the state's rich music culture

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra music director Kwamé Ryan's journey to the Grammys

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