Charlotte

Charlotte Members

Membership

Picture of the Charlotte skyline with CLT written across it.

blue

Axios Charlotte Partners

Axios Charlotte

Standard

Charlotte Alerts

Alert

Axios Charlotte gets you smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in your backyard.

Axios Charlotte Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Charlotte Deep Dive

Deep Dive

topics

politics-policy

epstein-files

donald-trump

2026-midterm-elections

immigration

behind-the-curtain

race-and-equity

technology

privacy-tech-regulation

automation-and-ai

tiktok-news

big-tech

social-media

cybersecurity

economy

social-security

inflation

tariffs

federal-reserve

jobs

transportation

business

stock-market-news

retail-news

crypto

media

elon-musk

dealmaking

health

rfk-jr

drug-prices

axios-explains-abortion

public-health

world

israel

axios-explains-ukraine

iran

russia

china

energy-climate

nuclear-energy

climate-energy-policy

climate-change

extreme-weather

alternative-energy

electric-vehicles

science

emerging-tech

biomedicine

newsletters

charlotte

detroit

columbus

austin

kansas-city

dallas

atlanta

washington-dc

nw-arkansas

boulder

chicago

indianapolis

nashville

richmond

houston

san-francisco

seattle

colorado-springs

boston

des-moines

salt-lake-city

philadelphia

denver

phoenix

new-orleans

miami

twin-cities

huntsville

raleigh

san-antonio

portland

san-diego

tampa-bay

cleveland

pittsburgh

axios-local

axios-pro

axios-live

the-axios-show

What TSA lines are like at Charlotte's airport amid the partial government shutdown

While viral videos show long airport lines nationwide, Charlotte passengers report quick security screenings.

Travel

As the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="partial federal government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">partial federal government shutdown</a> continues and passengers face lengthy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TSA screening wait times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" target="_self">TSA screening wait times</a>, travelers appear to have been spared the headache of long security lines at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Why it matters: CLT has long drawn sharp criticism and faced travelers&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frustration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/07/02/charlotte-airport-complaints-american-airlines" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/07/02/charlotte-airport-complaints-american-airlines" target="_self">frustration</a> in the past because of congestion stemming from airport construction. Now that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="construction on its terminal lobby is complete" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/22/charlotte-airport-terminal-expansion-complete-destination-clt" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/22/charlotte-airport-terminal-expansion-complete-destination-clt" target="_self">construction on its terminal lobby is complete</a>, travelers say they are, at least for now, experiencing a modernized space and speedy security screenings — despite a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/JoeBrunoWSOC9/status/2036114315321737305?s=20" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/JoeBrunoWSOC9/status/2036114315321737305?s=20" target="_blank">shortage</a> of TSA agents.

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.

Music

<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.

Weekender: 28 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including a wine festival

Events happening March 27–29 include the South End Wine & Hops Fest, the Charlotte Fair, a Hornets game and more.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s time to lean into outdoor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring activities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/03/09/spring-guide-charlotte-fun-things-to-do-2024" data-vars-content-id="ba2721a1-1796-4f23-81b1-37c8d6dad6c7" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 28 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including a wine festival" 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/spring-guide-charlotte-fun-things-to-do-2024" target="_self">spring activities</a> — like a wine festival — but if you&#x27;re avoiding the pollen, there are also indoor options, including an R&amp;B coffee day party and a touring art festival worth adding to your calendar.

Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience

A slice of the Italian coast is parked in a Plaza Midwood lot with Bev.

Food and Drink

A slice of the Italian coast is parked in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Plaza Midwood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/17/sip-city-expands-plaza-midwood-event-space-speakeasy" data-vars-content-id="737b0628-60da-4bf3-a7b9-4007a179bf9a" data-vars-headline="Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/17/sip-city-expands-plaza-midwood-event-space-speakeasy" target="_self">Plaza Midwood</a> lot.Why it matters: Bev, a new Prosecco bar in a vintage airstream, lets you channel Euro summer at home, amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="travel season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="737b0628-60da-4bf3-a7b9-4007a179bf9a" data-vars-headline="Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">travel season</a> marked by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="soaring flight prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/20/iran-war-flight-prices-air-travel-tips-cheaper" data-vars-content-id="737b0628-60da-4bf3-a7b9-4007a179bf9a" data-vars-headline="Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/20/iran-war-flight-prices-air-travel-tips-cheaper" target="_self">soaring flight prices</a> and extended <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TSA wait times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/24/charlotte-douglas-airport-tsa-wait-times-security" data-vars-content-id="737b0628-60da-4bf3-a7b9-4007a179bf9a" data-vars-headline="Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/24/charlotte-douglas-airport-tsa-wait-times-security" target="_self">TSA wait times</a>.

Carowinds brings big coasters and family fun to Charlotte

Carowinds's Spring Sale through April 12 includes a free upgrade to more parks and free parking.

Partners

Spring break is around the corner, and summer isn&#x27;t far behind — for families around Charlotte, that means one thing: it&#x27;s time to get out and make some memories.What you need to know: Carowinds is open for 10 days straight from April 3–12, with everything from world-class coasters to a limited-time horror experience.<ul><li>Plus, get free access to more parks — and free parking — with a free upgrade to a Gold Pass during the Carowinds&#x27; Spring Sale.</li></ul>

Charlotte is growing as a disc golf mecca

With 100+ courses and major tournaments, Charlotte is becoming a top travel spot for disc golf.

Charlotte&#x27;s reputation as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disc golf hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/11/the-world-s-best-disc-golfers-are-in-town" data-vars-content-id="a45e2395-be86-4ab6-929d-03633af02c04" data-vars-headline="Charlotte is growing as a disc golf mecca" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/11/the-world-s-best-disc-golfers-are-in-town" target="_self">disc golf hub</a> is strengthening as major tournaments, course growth and out-of-town players fuel its rise as a national destination.Why it matters: Charlotte&#x27;s deep course network and low-cost access are turning a niche sport into a sustained engine for tourism and recreation.

Mahjong studio coming to East Boulevard this spring

A new mahjong studio and boutique will open near Freedom Park this spring.

Heron House Mahjong, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mahjong" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/03/charlotte-mahjong-studio-monroe-road-oakhurst-commons-third-place" data-vars-content-id="b497cdff-6074-4c12-ad61-eebf6e4c2102" data-vars-headline="Mahjong studio coming to East Boulevard this spring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/03/charlotte-mahjong-studio-monroe-road-oakhurst-commons-third-place" target="_self">mahjong</a> studio and boutique, will open this spring near Freedom Park. Why it matters: Three Charlotte entrepreneurs are turning a demand for places to play the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="centuries-old Chinese strategy game" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/mahjong-global-history#:~:text=Mahjong%20was%20developed%20in%20Southern,the%20tiles%20make%20during%20reshuffling" data-vars-content-id="b497cdff-6074-4c12-ad61-eebf6e4c2102" data-vars-headline="Mahjong studio coming to East Boulevard this spring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/mahjong-global-history#:~:text=Mahjong%20was%20developed%20in%20Southern,the%20tiles%20make%20during%20reshuffling" target="_blank">centuries-old Chinese strategy game</a> into a local business.

11 pick-your-own flower farms within 2 hours of Charlotte

Pick your own flowers at these 11 farms within driving distance of Charlotte.

Flower fields across the Carolinas are starting to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bloom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/03/09/spring-guide-charlotte-fun-things-to-do-2024" data-vars-content-id="55cadd07-49a9-49d5-81d4-ba64912b87ee" data-vars-headline="11 pick-your-own flower farms within 2 hours of Charlotte" 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/spring-guide-charlotte-fun-things-to-do-2024" target="_self">bloom</a>.Why it matters: From spring&#x27;s tulip fields to fall&#x27;s sunflower patches, we&#x27;ve rounded up nine pick-your-own flower farms within about two hours of Charlotte.

DIY woodshop studio opens near Uptown

Expect step-by-step workshops where guests create wood signs, trays and other projects.

A DIY woodshop studio has opened in Charlotte&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Belmont neighborhood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/02/sandwich-max-now-open-belmont-neighborhood-charlotte-346950" data-vars-content-id="96049261-7392-4f08-a093-2fc1f1cd9293" data-vars-headline="DIY woodshop studio opens near Uptown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/02/sandwich-max-now-open-belmont-neighborhood-charlotte-346950" target="_self">Belmont neighborhood</a>, offering instructor-led classes where participants create custom home décor.Why it matters: Board &amp; Brush owner Buffy Wilkey hopes the space becomes a &quot;third place&quot; where people can gather, socialize and create outside of bars or restaurants.

Adults, you can go to Slick City: What to know about Charlotte's new slide park

In our conversations with Charlotteans, a common theme emerges: The city needs more things to do that don't revolve around drinking.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Slick City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/12/02/slide-city-action-park-south-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="a2a9b317-c1de-4873-8ed7-3fa7fab5116c" data-vars-headline="Adults, you can go to Slick City: What to know about Charlotte&#x27;s new slide park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/12/02/slide-city-action-park-south-charlotte" target="_self">Slick City</a> looks like it&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for kids." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/30/family-friendly-activities-charlotte-330084" data-vars-content-id="a2a9b317-c1de-4873-8ed7-3fa7fab5116c" data-vars-headline="Adults, you can go to Slick City: What to know about Charlotte&#x27;s new slide park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/30/family-friendly-activities-charlotte-330084" target="_self">for kids.</a> It is. But it&#x27;s also very much <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for adults." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/27/carowinds-carolina-shore-club-waterpark-swim-up-bar" data-vars-content-id="a2a9b317-c1de-4873-8ed7-3fa7fab5116c" data-vars-headline="Adults, you can go to Slick City: What to know about Charlotte&#x27;s new slide park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/27/carowinds-carolina-shore-club-waterpark-swim-up-bar" target="_self">for adults.</a>Why it matters: In our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="conversations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCEw1msJ6cD/" data-vars-content-id="a2a9b317-c1de-4873-8ed7-3fa7fab5116c" data-vars-headline="Adults, you can go to Slick City: What to know about Charlotte&#x27;s new slide park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCEw1msJ6cD/" target="_blank">conversations</a> with Charlotteans, a common theme keeps emerging: The city needs more activities that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="don&#x27;t revolve around drinking." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/21/chilly-coffee-club-wellness-social-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="a2a9b317-c1de-4873-8ed7-3fa7fab5116c" data-vars-headline="Adults, you can go to Slick City: What to know about Charlotte&#x27;s new slide park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/21/chilly-coffee-club-wellness-social-charlotte" target="_self">don&#x27;t revolve around drinking.</a><ul><li>So, may we present: a massive indoor slide park that&#x27;ll almost certainly make you feel like a kid again?</li></ul>

Weekender: 35 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including outdoor markets

Events happening March 20-22 include Camden Commons, No Man's Land Festival, concerts, comedy shows and March Madness watch parties.

This weekend&#x27;s events make it feel like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring is in full effect" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/03/09/spring-guide-charlotte-fun-things-to-do-2024" data-vars-content-id="f2fe09b1-0448-49fb-a4a5-2b1a4a3e8dd2" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 35 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including outdoor markets" 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/spring-guide-charlotte-fun-things-to-do-2024" target="_self">spring is in full effect</a> from the return of Camden Commons to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Man&#x27;s Land Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/11/no-mans-land-festival-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="f2fe09b1-0448-49fb-a4a5-2b1a4a3e8dd2" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 35 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including outdoor markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/11/no-mans-land-festival-charlotte" target="_self">No Man&#x27;s Land Festival</a>.

35 of the best things to do this spring in Charlotte

We've rounded over 30 must-attend events and activities to add to your spring calendar

We&#x27;ve rounded up over 30 must-attend events and activities to add to your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 spring calendar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/09/biggest-events-in-charlotte-in-2026-nc" data-vars-content-id="16d1d4ce-d979-4047-bda4-48cfc41b160d" data-vars-headline="35 of the best things to do this spring 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/2026/01/09/biggest-events-in-charlotte-in-2026-nc" target="_self">2026 spring calendar</a>.Why it matters: As the weather warms up, Charlotte&#x27;s calendar fills with food and music festivals, art walks, local races and plenty more ways to get outside.

Thrift Pony expands to LoSo with massive new thrift shop

The grand opening is Saturday, March 14, at 10am at 3110 S. Tryon St.

A bigger, brighter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thrift Pony" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/22/thrift-pony-expands-to-lower-south-end" data-vars-content-id="cb51b226-c1f5-44af-b677-cf20a901ec47" data-vars-headline="Thrift Pony expands to LoSo with massive new thrift shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/22/thrift-pony-expands-to-lower-south-end" target="_self">Thrift Pony</a> is opening Saturday in Lower South End.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="popular Charlotte resale shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/25/thrift-pony-consignment-vintage-clothing-camp-north-end" data-vars-content-id="cb51b226-c1f5-44af-b677-cf20a901ec47" data-vars-headline="Thrift Pony expands to LoSo with massive new thrift shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/25/thrift-pony-consignment-vintage-clothing-camp-north-end" target="_self">popular Charlotte resale shop</a> is expanding its footprint with a standalone pink building twice the size of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Camp North End" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/07/camp-north-end-charlotte-guide" data-vars-content-id="cb51b226-c1f5-44af-b677-cf20a901ec47" data-vars-headline="Thrift Pony expands to LoSo with massive new thrift shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/07/camp-north-end-charlotte-guide" target="_self">Camp North End</a> store.

💪 McKenzie's Moves: Fuel Bootcamp

I tried a “Low-Octane” day at Fuel Bootcamp —  it was anything but

Things to Do 🗓

Carowinds brings big coasters and family fun to Charlotte

Charlotte is growing as a disc golf mecca

I tried a “Low-Octane” day at Fuel Bootcamp — it was anything but

Weekender: 28 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including a wine festival

Mahjong studio coming to East Boulevard this spring