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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.

Spend a day in Kannapolis, North Carolina: Everything there is to see, eat, drink and do

The former textile town is remaking itself around baseball, walkability and a revived main street.

Travel

Drive about 30 minutes northeast from Charlotte, or hop on the train for roughly 20 minutes, and you&#x27;ll land in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown Kannapolis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2017/08/28/sleepy-struggling-downtown-kannapolis-set-major-overhaul-101443" data-vars-content-id="f9ff471c-5040-46eb-a74a-c85dbb94a106" data-vars-headline="Spend a day in Kannapolis, North Carolina: Everything there is to see, eat, drink and do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2017/08/28/sleepy-struggling-downtown-kannapolis-set-major-overhaul-101443" target="_self">downtown Kannapolis</a>, a former textile town that&#x27;s remaking itself around baseball, walkability and a revived main street.Why it matters: Kannapolis&#x27; comeback didn&#x27;t happen by chance. After the textile industry collapsed and downtown emptied out, the city bought up much of it in a bold move to reshape the area.

Coffee at 9am, cocktails at 9pm: Plot Twist brings a new "third place" to Plaza Midwood

Plot Twist opens Tuesday, April 21 at 7am just off Central Avenue.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Plot Twist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/12/18/plot-twist-coming-soon-plaza-midwood" data-vars-content-id="352bec81-858f-40c8-9c29-cfccb819a735" data-vars-headline="Coffee at 9am, cocktails at 9pm: Plot Twist brings a new &quot;third place&quot; to 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/2025/12/18/plot-twist-coming-soon-plaza-midwood" target="_self">Plot Twist</a>, a woman-owned coffee and cocktail bar, opens April 21 at 7am in Plaza Midwood.Why it matters: Co-owner Nikki Velazquez describes it as a true &quot;third place,&quot; the kind of spot where you can move from morning coffee and co-working to evening drinks without changing locations.

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.

SCOOP: Latino fusion spot with walk-up taco stand opening in Plaza Midwood

From the teams behind Moo & Brew and Bocao Sushi, La Vecina is expected to open this spring on Central Avenue.

La Vecina, a new outdoor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Latino" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/09/14/17-hispanic-and-latinx-owned-restaurants-to-visit-for-hispanic-heritage-month-233526" data-vars-content-id="8d57e2c7-f239-4de4-84e0-94ac6273b980" data-vars-headline="SCOOP: Latino fusion spot with walk-up taco stand opening 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/2023/09/14/17-hispanic-and-latinx-owned-restaurants-to-visit-for-hispanic-heritage-month-233526" target="_self">Latino</a> fusion restaurant, will open soon on Plaza Midwood&#x27;s Central Avenue. Why it matters: It&#x27;s a fresh offering — by the teams behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Moo &amp; Brew" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mooandbrew.com/" data-vars-content-id="8d57e2c7-f239-4de4-84e0-94ac6273b980" data-vars-headline="SCOOP: Latino fusion spot with walk-up taco stand opening in Plaza Midwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mooandbrew.com/" target="_blank">Moo &amp; Brew</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bocao Sushi" data-vars-click-url="https://bocaoclt.com/" data-vars-content-id="8d57e2c7-f239-4de4-84e0-94ac6273b980" data-vars-headline="SCOOP: Latino fusion spot with walk-up taco stand opening in Plaza Midwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bocaoclt.com/" target="_blank">Bocao Sushi</a> — in a fast-changing neighborhood that&#x27;s often feared to be losing its local charm.

Scoop: Coffee and cocktail bar opening in Plaza Midwood with "cool older sister" vibes

Plot Twist is on track to open in early 2026, joining Trope Bookshop and Wiloe to form a walkable pocket of locally owned businesses.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/03/top-charlotte-coffee-shops-to-work-from" data-vars-content-id="89576944-7d85-4aae-aa43-e20cd143a3b1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Coffee and cocktail bar opening in Plaza Midwood with &quot;cool older sister&quot; vibes" 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</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cocktail bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/03/22/best-cocktail-bars-in-charlotte-137213" data-vars-content-id="89576944-7d85-4aae-aa43-e20cd143a3b1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Coffee and cocktail bar opening in Plaza Midwood with &quot;cool older sister&quot; vibes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/03/22/best-cocktail-bars-in-charlotte-137213" target="_self">cocktail bar</a> called Plot Twist will open in Plaza Midwood early next year. Why it matters: The 1,627-square-foot space, a former auto shop, is being transformed into what co-owner Nikki Velazquez describes as a true &quot;third space,&quot; something she feels was lost during the pandemic. &quot;I imagined the place you&#x27;d go to debrief with your cool older sister.&quot;<ul><li>Plot Twist also stands out as a local business opening in fast-changing Plaza Midwood, a neighborhood known for its quirky personality that&#x27;s seen an influx of new development and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national chains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/31/commonwealth-plaza-midwood-popup-bagels-maman" data-vars-content-id="89576944-7d85-4aae-aa43-e20cd143a3b1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Coffee and cocktail bar opening in Plaza Midwood with &quot;cool older sister&quot; vibes" 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">national chains</a>.</li></ul>

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.

Inside Wiloe, Plaza Midwood's new colorful home and gift shop

Wiloe is bringing color and creativity to Plaza Midwood with local art, bold décor and cheeky gifts.

Business

Wiloe, a locally owned home and gift shop, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/03/new-restaurants-bars-businesses-opened-2025" data-vars-content-id="eaa9c1b2-b505-4aff-a0a8-828bb3966552" data-vars-headline="Inside Wiloe, Plaza Midwood&#x27;s new colorful home and gift shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/03/new-restaurants-bars-businesses-opened-2025" target="_self">opened</a> earlier this year in Plaza Midwood. Why it matters: As the neighborhood sees an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="influx of national chains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/31/commonwealth-plaza-midwood-popup-bagels-maman" data-vars-content-id="eaa9c1b2-b505-4aff-a0a8-828bb3966552" data-vars-headline="Inside Wiloe, Plaza Midwood&#x27;s new colorful home and gift shop" 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">influx of national chains</a>, Wiloe is focused on spotlighting local makers with its selection of colorful home goods, artwork and playful gifts.

Kudzu Bakery & Market brings Southern staples to Dilworth

The beloved South Carolina bakery recently opened in part of the huge former Tuesday Morning space in Dilworth.

Kudzu, a Southern homestyle bakery and market, recently opened in part of the huge former Tuesday Morning space in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dilworth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/13/japanese-american-food-counter-dozo-is-opening-a-full-service-restaurant-in-dilworth" data-vars-content-id="eec4429f-b1f2-4344-bd32-b4ea37f566a5" data-vars-headline="Kudzu Bakery &amp; Market brings Southern staples to Dilworth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/13/japanese-american-food-counter-dozo-is-opening-a-full-service-restaurant-in-dilworth" target="_self">Dilworth</a>. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first North Carolina location for the bakery, which originated over 30 years ago in Georgetown, S.C., and specializes in classic Southern desserts and sides.

The Bowl at Ballantyne is getting an ice skating pop-up this winter

Open to all ages, "Ice Skating at The Bowl" will run Nov. 22-Jan. 4, 2026.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bowl at 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="4532374c-6302-429e-ae59-ab040985c351" data-vars-headline="The Bowl at Ballantyne is getting an ice skating pop-up this winter" 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">The Bowl at Ballantyne&#x27;s</a> outdoor concert venue, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The AMP" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpdZEy0pN4W/" data-vars-content-id="4532374c-6302-429e-ae59-ab040985c351" data-vars-headline="The Bowl at Ballantyne is getting an ice skating pop-up this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpdZEy0pN4W/" target="_blank">The AMP</a>, will turn into an ice skating pop-up for the holidays.Why it matters: This is the first year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.goballantyne.com/ballantyne-reimagined/the-bowl-at-ballantyne" data-vars-content-id="4532374c-6302-429e-ae59-ab040985c351" data-vars-headline="The Bowl at Ballantyne is getting an ice skating pop-up this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.goballantyne.com/ballantyne-reimagined/the-bowl-at-ballantyne" target="_blank">The Bowl</a> is hosting the experience, &quot;Ice Skating at The Bowl,&quot; which will run Saturday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

The ultimate guide to Lake Norman: Best eats, beaches and things to do

Your guide to Lake Norman — from sandy swim spots and boat days to the best eats, breweries and live music.

Lake Norman, North Carolina&#x27;s largest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="man-made lake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/17/huge-summer-boat-party-is-coming-to-lake-norman-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="a4450bcb-8e1b-455f-babf-38a5ebeb332f" data-vars-headline="The ultimate guide to Lake Norman: Best eats, beaches and things to do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/17/huge-summer-boat-party-is-coming-to-lake-norman-charlotte" target="_self">man-made lake</a>, stretches 34 miles long with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="520 miles of shoreline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitlakenorman.org/about/about-the-area/" data-vars-content-id="a4450bcb-8e1b-455f-babf-38a5ebeb332f" data-vars-headline="The ultimate guide to Lake Norman: Best eats, beaches and things to do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitlakenorman.org/about/about-the-area/" target="_blank">520 miles of shoreline</a> just north of Charlotte. It&#x27;s a go-to escape for swimming, boating, shopping and lakeside dining.Why it matters: The lake is anchored by several surrounding towns, most notably Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville and Mooresville, each with its own character, from college-town charm and waterfront living to suburban comfort and motorsports history.