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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 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.

Let the "jockeying" begin for Mayor Vi Lyles' seat

Who could replace Vi Lyles as Charlotte mayor?

While politicians <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="publicly" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/jd4clt/status/2052372261869326403?s=20" data-vars-content-id="c4be72be-7627-48fd-b64b-d51b5875e96a" data-vars-headline="Let the &quot;jockeying&quot; begin for Mayor Vi Lyles&#x27; seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/jd4clt/status/2052372261869326403?s=20" target="_blank">publicly</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="praised" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/SenatorMGraham/status/2052383197153943793?s=20" data-vars-content-id="c4be72be-7627-48fd-b64b-d51b5875e96a" data-vars-headline="Let the &quot;jockeying&quot; begin for Mayor Vi Lyles&#x27; seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/SenatorMGraham/status/2052383197153943793?s=20" target="_blank">praised</a> Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles on Thursday following the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news about her resignation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/07/vi-lyles-resigns-charlotte-mayor" data-vars-content-id="c4be72be-7627-48fd-b64b-d51b5875e96a" data-vars-headline="Let the &quot;jockeying&quot; begin for Mayor Vi Lyles&#x27; seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/07/vi-lyles-resigns-charlotte-mayor" target="_self">news about her resignation</a>, the behind-the-scenes campaigns to replace her are likely already underway.Why it matters: An interim mayor could be the expected Democratic nominee in the 2027 election, compressing what would normally be an aggressive race to lead the country&#x27;s 14th-largest city into a matter of weeks.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles will resign early

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles will resign effective June 30, a year and a half before her term ends.

Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vi Lyles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/10/mayor-vi-lyles-reelection-bid-campaign-2025-municipal" data-vars-content-id="ac1a9d83-1bae-4e5f-9673-4486d2e0bca0" data-vars-headline="Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles will resign early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/10/mayor-vi-lyles-reelection-bid-campaign-2025-municipal" target="_self">Vi Lyles</a> announced on Thursday that she will resign from office, effective June 30, a year and a half before her term ends.Why it matters: Lyles&#x27; resignation will likely trigger a battle for her interim seat and potentially set up one of the most competitive mayoral races in recent history.

The federal agency that shook Charlotte left behind few answers

Questions linger about DHS's 1,300 Charlotte immigration arrests.

Nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="five months" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/20/border-patrol-ice-operation-immigration-charlotte-web-trump" data-vars-content-id="fac53f76-daf6-4b05-a25b-8ad3aa244f2e" data-vars-headline="The federal agency that shook Charlotte left behind few answers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/20/border-patrol-ice-operation-immigration-charlotte-web-trump" target="_self">five months</a> after the Trump administration surged Border Patrol agents into North Carolina, the Department of Homeland Security has shared little about Operation Charlotte&#x27;s Web and its reported <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1,300-plus arrests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/operation-charlottes-web-ice-arrests-criminal-illegal-alien-who-killed-15-year-old" data-vars-content-id="fac53f76-daf6-4b05-a25b-8ad3aa244f2e" data-vars-headline="The federal agency that shook Charlotte left behind few answers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/operation-charlottes-web-ice-arrests-criminal-illegal-alien-who-killed-15-year-old" target="_blank">1,300-plus arrests</a> beyond what lawsuits have revealed.Why it matters: The federal agency that for more than two weeks disrupted daily life, prompting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic upheaval " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/24/charlotte-business-closures-cbp-ice-raids-business-impact" data-vars-content-id="fac53f76-daf6-4b05-a25b-8ad3aa244f2e" data-vars-headline="The federal agency that shook Charlotte left behind few answers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/24/charlotte-business-closures-cbp-ice-raids-business-impact" target="_self">economic upheaval </a>and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public school absences" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/20/immigration-crackdown-student-absence-rate-charlotte-schools" data-vars-content-id="fac53f76-daf6-4b05-a25b-8ad3aa244f2e" data-vars-headline="The federal agency that shook Charlotte left behind few answers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/20/immigration-crackdown-student-absence-rate-charlotte-schools" target="_self">public school absences</a>, appears to answer to few, critics say, and may be violating transparency laws fundamental to U.S. democracy.

Gov. Stein urges mental health funding following Iryna Zarutska's murder

Governor seeks mental health funds after light rail stabbing

Democratic Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Josh" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/09/mecklenburg-sheriff-mcfadden-hearing-testimony-north-carolina-lawmakers" data-vars-content-id="a86e62ba-0354-43a9-8579-eaa66d2cbfe3" data-vars-headline="Gov. Stein urges mental health funding following Iryna Zarutska&#x27;s murder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/09/mecklenburg-sheriff-mcfadden-hearing-testimony-north-carolina-lawmakers" target="_self">Josh</a> Stein, speaking to an influential Charlotte business audience Thursday, stressed the need for the General Assembly to invest in mental health care following Iryna Zarutska&#x27;s fatal stabbing on the light rail.Why it matters: Stein said it wasn&#x27;t just Zarutska who was killed by a suspect with a history of mental illness. He referenced a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh teacher who died following an assault in her home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wral.com/news/local/zoe-welsh-ravenscroft-teacher-murder-suspect-ryan-camacho-2026/" data-vars-content-id="a86e62ba-0354-43a9-8579-eaa66d2cbfe3" data-vars-headline="Gov. Stein urges mental health funding following Iryna Zarutska&#x27;s murder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wral.com/news/local/zoe-welsh-ravenscroft-teacher-murder-suspect-ryan-camacho-2026/" target="_blank">Raleigh teacher who died following an assault in her home</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Southport mass shooting." data-vars-click-url="https://www.wect.com/2025/09/30/husband-confirms-his-wife-died-shooting-saturday-southport/" data-vars-content-id="a86e62ba-0354-43a9-8579-eaa66d2cbfe3" data-vars-headline="Gov. Stein urges mental health funding following Iryna Zarutska&#x27;s murder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wect.com/2025/09/30/husband-confirms-his-wife-died-shooting-saturday-southport/" target="_blank">Southport mass shooting.</a>

Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot

Sheriff Garry McFadden is running for reelection during one of the most volatile periods of his career.

Sheriff <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Garry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/12/north-carolina-democrat-primary-voter-guide" data-vars-content-id="6dba2005-00b3-43eb-afb6-f96e33d7a2d2" data-vars-headline="Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/12/north-carolina-democrat-primary-voter-guide" target="_self">Garry</a> McFadden is running for reelection during one of the most volatile periods of his career, as he faces a state investigation into misconduct allegations and national GOP scrutiny over his handling of ICE detainers, prompting the Trump administration&#x27;s November Border Patrol crackdown in Charlotte.Why it matters: In a usually quiet Democratic primary, McFadden has drawn intense challenges from three opponents, all of whom have law enforcement backgrounds and one who has NFL power behind his campaign.

Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide

Early voting is Feb. 12 through Feb. 28, and Primary Election Day is March 3.

Charlotte-area Democrats and some unaffiliated voters who opt into voting blue will essentially decide many local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="45770166-6a22-4f56-bd09-31cb6e30754e" data-vars-headline="Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">elections</a> in the primaries held over the next few weeks.Why it matters: With so few Republicans running in Mecklenburg County, the nominees for offices like sheriff and most county commission seats will be unopposed in the November general election.

Elections 2026: Charlotte Republican primary guide

Voters in the Republican primary will only have a few <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decisions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="7cf7306c-b778-490a-95d1-3154b8b2bea1" data-vars-headline="Elections 2026: Charlotte Republican primary guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">decisions</a> to make, but none is insignificant in a county with shrinking red representation.Why it matters: Republicans will want strong candidates to advance to the general to heighten their party&#x27;s chances of electoral success in Democrat-controlled Charlotte.

CATS' "systemic failures" led to light rail stabbing, feds say

Charlotte transit crime far above U.S. average

Federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/09/state-auditor-investigation-cats-light-rail-stabbing" data-vars-content-id="7f7c3b52-97ed-4526-a7c0-5edfb03e7111" data-vars-headline="CATS&#x27; &quot;systemic failures&quot; led to light rail stabbing, feds say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/09/state-auditor-investigation-cats-light-rail-stabbing" target="_self">Transit</a> Administration Administrator Marc Molinaro is blaming &quot;systemic failures&quot; within the Charlotte transit system for Iryna Zarutska&#x27;s death, as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/focused-agency-safety-plan-audit-final-report-charlotte-area-transit-system" data-vars-content-id="7f7c3b52-97ed-4526-a7c0-5edfb03e7111" data-vars-headline="CATS&#x27; &quot;systemic failures&quot; led to light rail stabbing, feds say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/focused-agency-safety-plan-audit-final-report-charlotte-area-transit-system" target="_blank">new report says</a> the rate of crimes against CATS&#x27; passengers is now three times the national average.Why it matters: A reliable public transit system is crucial for people to reach jobs, health care and climb up the economic ladder. But Charlotte risks losing more riders&#x27; support and federal dollars if it doesn&#x27;t address safety concerns.

Former council members Bokhari, Egleston open lobbying office in Charlotte

Bokhari, Egleston team up for next move: A lobbying firm

Former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/07/18/burn-the-ships-tariq-bokhari-wants-the-gop-to-take-back-charlotte-265926" data-vars-content-id="6a502cae-8370-4656-acbf-bfee4c45a188" data-vars-headline="Former council members Bokhari, Egleston open lobbying office 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/2021/07/18/burn-the-ships-tariq-bokhari-wants-the-gop-to-take-back-charlotte-265926" target="_self">city</a> council members Tariq Bokhari and Larken Egleston are expanding The Southern Group, a government relations and lobbying firm, to Charlotte.Why it matters: Bokhari, a Republican who served a stint in the Trump administration, and Egleston, a Democrat who&#x27;s remained active in the community, were part of a wave of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="young politicians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2020/10/19/the-most-millennial-city-council-in-america-cant-get-along-236374" data-vars-content-id="6a502cae-8370-4656-acbf-bfee4c45a188" data-vars-headline="Former council members Bokhari, Egleston open lobbying office 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/2020/10/19/the-most-millennial-city-council-in-america-cant-get-along-236374" target="_self">young politicians</a> who led Charlotte through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major" data-vars-click-url="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article222423730.html" data-vars-content-id="6a502cae-8370-4656-acbf-bfee4c45a188" data-vars-headline="Former council members Bokhari, Egleston open lobbying office in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article222423730.html" target="_blank">major</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/02/10/uptowns-truist-lights-a-scarlet-letter-or-misunderstood-genius-247620" data-vars-content-id="6a502cae-8370-4656-acbf-bfee4c45a188" data-vars-headline="Former council members Bokhari, Egleston open lobbying office 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/2021/02/10/uptowns-truist-lights-a-scarlet-letter-or-misunderstood-genius-247620" target="_self">business</a> expansions, population growth and the pandemic.

Politics 🇺🇸

Ex-Democrats hand North Carolina GOP key votes

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

Let the "jockeying" begin for Mayor Vi Lyles' seat

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles will resign early

The federal agency that shook Charlotte left behind few answers