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Weekender: 26 things to do in Charlotte this Fourth of July weekend

Events happening July 3-5 include firework shows, parties, live music, vendor markets and more.

Things to Do

Events for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this Fourth of July" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/01/the-biggest-events-in-charlotte-this-july-2026" data-vars-content-id="001dfeba-03d0-40cd-8c6b-d86eee7e772f" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 26 things to do in Charlotte this Fourth of July weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/01/the-biggest-events-in-charlotte-this-july-2026" target="_self">this Fourth of July</a> weekend are coming in hot, and apparently so is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record high temperature" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/01/charlotte-july-4-weather-forecast-record-100-degree-heat" data-vars-content-id="001dfeba-03d0-40cd-8c6b-d86eee7e772f" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 26 things to do in Charlotte this Fourth of July weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/01/charlotte-july-4-weather-forecast-record-100-degree-heat" target="_self">record high temperature</a>.

The 10 biggest concerts in Charlotte this July

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

Music

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

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Charlotte

Bars and restaurants will be packed with people watching nations compete on the world's biggest stage.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="0dc69201-2f8a-4339-88c2-a0c6f76e9271" data-vars-headline="Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> is here. Why it matters: Bars and restaurants will be packed with people watching nations compete on the world&#x27;s biggest stage.

16 most anticipated new restaurants and bars in Charlotte

Get ready for creative spots serving everything from tapas to Mexican cuisine.

Food and Drink

We&#x27;re tracking 16 highly anticipated restaurants and bars opening in Charlotte.

For the fans: How to maximize your 2026-27 Hornets season

From weeknight games to marquee matchups, there's a plan for every kind of Buzz City fan.

Partners

Hornets fans are already buzzing for next season as the Hornets ride the momentum of 25 consecutive sellouts at Spectrum Center and welcome another talented draft class.What you need to know: With excitement around the team building off of last season&#x27;s momentum, fans hoping to catch more games in person need to plan ahead.

See inside Kemba Walker's new youth sports hub

The former Charlotte Hornets star says the academy is about creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes.

News

When <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kemba Walker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/13/charlotte-hornets-retire-dell-curry-jersey-spectrum-center-history" data-vars-content-id="21335a73-d795-4dd8-b679-9a50f9488f59" data-vars-headline="See inside Kemba Walker&#x27;s new youth sports hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/13/charlotte-hornets-retire-dell-curry-jersey-spectrum-center-history" target="_self">Kemba Walker</a> broke the Charlotte Hornets all-time scoring record in 2018, he had <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tears in his eyes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thecharlottepost.com/news/2018/03/28/sports/kemba-walker-moves-atop-hornets-all-time-scoring-list/" data-vars-content-id="21335a73-d795-4dd8-b679-9a50f9488f59" data-vars-headline="See inside Kemba Walker&#x27;s new youth sports hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thecharlottepost.com/news/2018/03/28/sports/kemba-walker-moves-atop-hornets-all-time-scoring-list/" target="_blank">tears in his eyes</a> as he said after the game, &quot;I&#x27;m not supposed to be here. A lot of people where I&#x27;m from, they don&#x27;t make it.&quot; Why it matters: Today the former NBA All-Star has opened a new youth sports facility in Concord, making sure the next generation of players has a place to develop.

Nourish Up opens $4.4M Meals on Wheels kitchen

Nourish Up has recently opened a $4.4 million commercial kitchen for its Meals on Wheels program.

Sports

<figure><img alt="Ribbon cutting in front of a &quot;Nourish Up&quot; sign with the Hornets and Nourish Up leadership. " height="450" id="c9ae37cf-7343-4a54-ad88-0e15c4275c71" src="https://images.axios.com/LQlHP0BPo1r3O6i0O2B60ZdByzg=/2026/06/25/1782412391255.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Video: Ashley Mahoney/Axios </figcaption></figure>Nourish Up has recently opened a $4.4 million commercial kitchen for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meals on Wheels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/19/charlotte-summer-food-insecurity-school-break-mecklenburg-nourish-up-snap-changes" data-vars-content-id="b37e1119-5638-415d-99b8-89df513d0b0b" data-vars-headline="Nourish Up opens $4.4M Meals on Wheels kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/19/charlotte-summer-food-insecurity-school-break-mecklenburg-nourish-up-snap-changes" target="_self">Meals on Wheels</a> program. Why it matters: This is the final piece of the nonprofit&#x27;s $22.8 million capital campaign at its hunger hub, Nourish Up CEO Tina Postel told reporters Thursday. The 10,000-square-foot kitchen allows them to prepare roughly 500 daily meals in-house and expand their services.

Hornets trade star player LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball is headed to the Minnesota Timberwolves, per multiple reports.

Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hornets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/05/how-the-charlotte-hornets-became-the-unlikely-darling-of-the-nba" data-vars-content-id="e48b9c22-217e-4935-be9e-50074972f0b9" data-vars-headline="Hornets trade star player LaMelo Ball" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/05/how-the-charlotte-hornets-became-the-unlikely-darling-of-the-nba" target="_self">Hornets</a> star LaMelo Ball is being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, per multiple reports. Why it matters: Ball has been the face of sports in Charlotte since Panthers quarterback Cam Newton left.

How Charlotte scored Scotland for the World Cup

Three national teams chose North Carolina for their base camps this summer.

<figure><img alt="Scottish national team training in Charlotte ahead of the World Cup. " height="450" id="79fccacf-4511-414e-bffa-fcde5067688e" src="https://images.axios.com/rabdGq4ssLiDQva27uTd3E0Hn1I=/2026/06/08/1780942260590.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Video: Ashley Mahoney/Axios</figcaption></figure>Scotland received a proper North Carolina welcome Monday as they began <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="training in Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/17/north-carolina-world-cup-base-camps-germany-scotland-norway-charlotte-winston-salem-greensboro" data-vars-content-id="be9031c8-8443-483e-b665-99f4f0fb8858" data-vars-headline="How Charlotte scored Scotland for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/17/north-carolina-world-cup-base-camps-germany-scotland-norway-charlotte-winston-salem-greensboro" target="_self">training in Charlotte</a> — sunny with temperatures in the 90s. Why it matters: Charlotte will not host <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="be9031c8-8443-483e-b665-99f4f0fb8858" data-vars-headline="How Charlotte scored Scotland for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> matches during this summer&#x27;s tournament, but the city, and the state for that matter, will still feel the tournament&#x27;s presence.

Messi, Tim Ream named to squad for MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte

The first 11 players have been named for the MLS All-Star Game, coming to Charlotte on July 29.

The first 11 players have been named for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MLS All-Star Game" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/15/mls-all-star-game-2026-bank-of-america-stadium" data-vars-content-id="e331c04f-36c5-47e2-9b59-ecc417a70dc5" data-vars-headline="Messi, Tim Ream named to squad for MLS All-Star Game 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/2025/07/15/mls-all-star-game-2026-bank-of-america-stadium" target="_self">MLS All-Star Game</a>, including superstar Lionel Messi and Charlotte FC and United States men&#x27;s national team defender <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tim Ream" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/27/usmnt-defender-tim-ream-s-perfect-day-in-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="e331c04f-36c5-47e2-9b59-ecc417a70dc5" data-vars-headline="Messi, Tim Ream named to squad for MLS All-Star Game 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/2026/05/27/usmnt-defender-tim-ream-s-perfect-day-in-charlotte" target="_self">Tim Ream</a>. Why it matters: This will be the first time Charlotte has hosted the MLS All-Star Game and Ream is Charlotte FC&#x27;s first All-Star. The festivities are expected to pack the city&#x27;s hotels and draw thousands of fans. Organizers are also hoping to capitalize on buzz from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="e331c04f-36c5-47e2-9b59-ecc417a70dc5" data-vars-headline="Messi, Tim Ream named to squad for MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">World Cup</a> taking place across North America June 11- July 19.

Peak Time Pickleball brings 19 courts, saunas and a gym to Wilmore

The facility pairs 19 indoor courts with fitness space, saunas, lounges and future expansions.

Peak Time Pickleball in Wilmore is the latest place to play <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickleball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/21/it-s-cool-to-stay-indoors" data-vars-content-id="ed7f12cf-a521-4c27-914c-5d5e055d9f54" data-vars-headline="Peak Time Pickleball brings 19 courts, saunas and a gym to Wilmore" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/21/it-s-cool-to-stay-indoors" target="_self">pickleball</a> in Charlotte.Why it matters: The 78,000-square-foot warehouse turned pickleball hub has 19 indoor courts, feeding Charlotte&#x27;s hunger for the sport.

Charlotte schools tap into World Cup youth soccer investment

The program aims to make soccer more accessible.

More than 500 Pinewood Elementary School students participated in a soccer clinic for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soccer at Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44888542.46581/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDMvMjMvYmFuay1vZi1hbWVyaWNhLXVzLXNvY2Nlci1kYXZpZC1iZWNraGFtP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfY2hhcmxvdHRlJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/610ab048ad21ed6504461445B4414bff9" data-vars-content-id="f65ddf28-8175-47df-b302-a287ed927aa3" data-vars-headline="Charlotte schools tap into World Cup youth soccer investment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44888542.46581/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDMvMjMvYmFuay1vZi1hbWVyaWNhLXVzLXNvY2Nlci1kYXZpZC1iZWNraGFtP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfY2hhcmxvdHRlJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/610ab048ad21ed6504461445B4414bff9" target="_self">Soccer at Schools</a>, which featured former U.S. Soccer national team players Clint Dempsey and Crystal Dunn.Why it matters: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is part of Bank of America&#x27;s investment in youth soccer leading up to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="f65ddf28-8175-47df-b302-a287ed927aa3" data-vars-headline="Charlotte schools tap into World Cup youth soccer investment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a>, which takes place in North America from June 11 through July 19.

Pro women's basketball returns to Charlotte

The new team hopes to revive Charlotte's pro women's basketball energy.

Charlotte&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="professional women&#x27;s basketball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/09/charlotte-crown-womens-basketball-upshot-league-team" data-vars-content-id="034f6b43-3bcc-42ab-9738-413a31e5af66" data-vars-headline="Pro women&#x27;s basketball returns to Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/09/charlotte-crown-womens-basketball-upshot-league-team" target="_self">professional women&#x27;s basketball team</a> tips off this month. Why it matters: The Charlotte Crown is the latest pro women&#x27;s sports team to call Charlotte home, and it&#x27;s part of a wave of new opportunities for women to compete professionally.

Sports 🏅

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Charlotte

For the fans: How to maximize your 2026-27 Hornets season

See inside Kemba Walker's new youth sports hub

Nourish Up opens $4.4M Meals on Wheels kitchen

Hornets trade star player LaMelo Ball