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

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Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras

Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras.

News

Some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/10/04/red-light-runners-keep-evading-charlotte-leaders-priority-list-309772" data-vars-content-id="90d3b218-0983-497b-a593-ff16e8ff37bc" data-vars-headline="Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/10/04/red-light-runners-keep-evading-charlotte-leaders-priority-list-309772" target="_self">Charlotte</a> drivers who have gotten used to running red lights may soon face a costly reminder to stop.Why it matters: Charlotte will install red light cameras at 10 high-injury intersections as part of a one-year pilot aimed at reducing traffic deaths, following <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="34 fatalities" data-vars-click-url="https://tableau.charlottenc.gov/t/Public/views/VisionZeroDashboard/StandardView?%3Aembed=y&amp;%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&amp;%3Aorigin=card_share_link" data-vars-content-id="90d3b218-0983-497b-a593-ff16e8ff37bc" data-vars-headline="Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tableau.charlottenc.gov/t/Public/views/VisionZeroDashboard/StandardView?%3Aembed=y&amp;%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&amp;%3Aorigin=card_share_link" target="_blank">34 fatalities</a> in just the first half of this year.

DaBaby's Charlotte brunch restaurant is opening soon

The rapper's first restaurant plans a summer opening with chicken and waffle dishes, late-night dining, full bar and more.

Food and Drink

Rapper <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DaBaby" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/04/22/dababy-surprises-charlotte-high-school" data-vars-content-id="0702ecc7-1969-44eb-9f60-3a55eda02e56" data-vars-headline="DaBaby&#x27;s Charlotte brunch restaurant is opening soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/04/22/dababy-surprises-charlotte-high-school" target="_self">DaBaby</a> is opening a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="brunch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/04/14/brunch-charlotte-nc-132274" data-vars-content-id="0702ecc7-1969-44eb-9f60-3a55eda02e56" data-vars-headline="DaBaby&#x27;s Charlotte brunch restaurant is opening soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/04/14/brunch-charlotte-nc-132274" target="_self">brunch</a> restaurant in north Charlotte this summer.Why it matters: While the Charlotte native has long put his hometown on the map <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="through his music" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/27/story-behind-dababy-cybertruck-cover-charlotte-camp-north-end-mixtap" data-vars-content-id="0702ecc7-1969-44eb-9f60-3a55eda02e56" data-vars-headline="DaBaby&#x27;s Charlotte brunch restaurant is opening soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/27/story-behind-dababy-cybertruck-cover-charlotte-camp-north-end-mixtap" target="_self">through his music</a>, this marks his first venture into the city&#x27;s food scene.

30+ best ways to make friends in Charlotte

We've rounded up over 30 groups and gatherings to help you grow your social circle in Charlotte.

Newcomers Guide

We&#x27;ve rounded up over 30 groups and gatherings to help you grow your social circle and community in Charlotte. Why it matters: The Charlotte region has a population of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 1 million people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/26/charlotte-growth-population-1-million" data-vars-content-id="39bc4f34-bd0e-4d22-bef8-5e74a03f3bfd" data-vars-headline="30+ best ways to make friends 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/2026/05/26/charlotte-growth-population-1-million" target="_self">nearly 1 million people</a>, but making <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="friends in a new city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/05/19/i-hated-living-here-a-charlotte-native-learns-to-love-her-city-by-helping-others-find-friends-297661" data-vars-content-id="39bc4f34-bd0e-4d22-bef8-5e74a03f3bfd" data-vars-headline="30+ best ways to make friends 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/2022/05/19/i-hated-living-here-a-charlotte-native-learns-to-love-her-city-by-helping-others-find-friends-297661" target="_self">friends in a new city</a> can be hard.

Ballantyne braces for Morrison Y's closure

The Morrison YMCA, which serves 4,200 households, will be sold to Moments of Hope Church, and the deal is expected to close by summer 2027.

When the YMCA of Greater Charlotte announced plans to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sell its Morrison branch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/17/charlotte-ymca-to-close-morrison-branch-redevelop-noda-location?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_charlotte&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="d40d1633-9a0c-4a35-bfa1-bef2fdc89543" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne braces for Morrison Y&#x27;s closure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/17/charlotte-ymca-to-close-morrison-branch-redevelop-noda-location?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_charlotte&amp;stream=top" target="_self">sell its Morrison branch</a> in south Charlotte, we asked readers to share their memories of the Y that has served Ballantyne. Why it matters: Selling the branch for $42.5 million will provide funds for the YMCA as it navigates a complex <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="financial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article315280372.html" data-vars-content-id="d40d1633-9a0c-4a35-bfa1-bef2fdc89543" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne braces for Morrison Y&#x27;s closure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article315280372.html" target="_blank">financial</a> landscape and tries to keep pace with facility needs.

Weekender: 35 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including a vintage market

Events June 26-28 include live music, Matt Rife stand up, Caribbean Carnival, festivals, vendor markets, Pride celebrations and more.

Things to Do

This weekend has a variety of things to do whether you want to laugh your socks off at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Matt Rife standup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/15/matt-rife-charlotte-spectrum-center-comedy" data-vars-content-id="fcd5ac39-ca51-43c4-8aa7-7c9cc2238b2d" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 35 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including a vintage market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/15/matt-rife-charlotte-spectrum-center-comedy" target="_self">Matt Rife standup</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="celebrate Pride month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/16/best-lgbtq-bars-events-gatherings-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="fcd5ac39-ca51-43c4-8aa7-7c9cc2238b2d" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 35 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including a vintage market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/16/best-lgbtq-bars-events-gatherings-charlotte" target="_self">celebrate Pride month</a> with a list of themed events.

A pocket guide to Winston-Salem: Coffee, food and things to do

Winston-Salem is just 90 minutes from Charlotte and Raleigh. Here's where to grab coffee, eat brunch, browse local shops and spend an afternoon exploring.

Got a few hours and a podcast you&#x27;ve been meaning to start? <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Point your car " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/travel" data-vars-content-id="df9a8f42-fe97-4e19-8ed9-eee1eb8acd11" data-vars-headline="A pocket guide to Winston-Salem: Coffee, food 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/travel" target="_self">Point your car </a>toward Winston-Salem.Why it matters: Located in central North Carolina, Winston-Salem is the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fifth-largest city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitwinstonsalem.com/media/fast-facts" data-vars-content-id="df9a8f42-fe97-4e19-8ed9-eee1eb8acd11" data-vars-headline="A pocket guide to Winston-Salem: Coffee, food and things to do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitwinstonsalem.com/media/fast-facts" target="_blank">fifth-largest city</a> and about a 90-minute drive from Charlotte and Raleigh, making it an easy day trip, weekend getaway or road-trip detour.

New South End cocktail lounge brings two nightlife vibes under one roof

No Proof combines a lively party atmosphere and lounge-style seating in one venue when it opens this June.

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cocktail lounge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/03/18/50-best-bars-in-charlotte-ranked-138366" data-vars-content-id="d93b29a2-fbb6-4c29-9bd0-f6b835325b5b" data-vars-headline="New South End cocktail lounge brings two nightlife vibes under one roof" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/03/18/50-best-bars-in-charlotte-ranked-138366" target="_self">cocktail lounge</a> called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Proof" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/03/scoop-new-cocktail-lounge-no-proof-opening-soon-in-south-end" data-vars-content-id="d93b29a2-fbb6-4c29-9bd0-f6b835325b5b" data-vars-headline="New South End cocktail lounge brings two nightlife vibes under one roof" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/03/scoop-new-cocktail-lounge-no-proof-opening-soon-in-south-end" target="_self">No Proof</a> opens in South End on Saturday, June 20.Why it matters: Owner AJ Jones designed No Proof to cater to different kinds of nights out, with one side built for a high-energy crowd and the other for a more relaxed evening.

New sound healing studio is coming to Plaza Midwood

Casa Gaia will bring sound baths, yoga and wellness events to Plaza Midwood this summer.

Casa Gaia, a sound healing studio, will open in Plaza Midwood this summer. Why it matters: Founder Sofia Paloma describes Casa Gaia as Charlotte&#x27;s first dedicated sound healing studio and believes it may be the first of its kind in North Carolina.

Weekender: 32 things to do in Charlotte this Juneteenth weekend

Events June 19-21 include a Chris Stapleton concert, Black Boat Weekend, festivals, block parties, drag shows, bar crawls, markets and more.

Charlotte is celebrating Father&#x27;s Day and Juneteenth with a list of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/29/biggest-events-june-2026-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="5734a8d3-529a-4b9b-919a-99e60d566f99" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 32 things to do in Charlotte this Juneteenth weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/29/biggest-events-june-2026-charlotte" target="_self">events</a> all weekend long, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/01/live-music-12-cant-miss-concerts-in-charlotte-june-2026" data-vars-content-id="5734a8d3-529a-4b9b-919a-99e60d566f99" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 32 things to do in Charlotte this Juneteenth weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/01/live-music-12-cant-miss-concerts-in-charlotte-june-2026" target="_self">concerts</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Boat Weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/29/black-boat-weekend-lake-norman-2026-dates-events-charlotte-boat-party" data-vars-content-id="5734a8d3-529a-4b9b-919a-99e60d566f99" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 32 things to do in Charlotte this Juneteenth weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/29/black-boat-weekend-lake-norman-2026-dates-events-charlotte-boat-party" target="_self">Black Boat Weekend</a>.

3 South Carolina hikes less than 2.5 hours from Charlotte

Explore Raven Cliff Falls, Caesars Head and Table Rock on one scenic South Carolina trip.

Less than two and a half hours from Charlotte are multiple <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hikes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/19/charlotte-day-trip-hiking-roan-highlands-carvers-gap-appalachian-trail-nc-tn" data-vars-content-id="03ae8d44-a6e3-4c2e-9a48-00c2788862b1" data-vars-headline="3 South Carolina hikes less than 2.5 hours from Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/19/charlotte-day-trip-hiking-roan-highlands-carvers-gap-appalachian-trail-nc-tn" target="_self">hikes</a> with waterfall, lake and mountain views in South Carolina.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re looking for a budget-friendly day trip, there&#x27;s plenty to explore within a few hours of Charlotte.

Summer starts here: Your guide to South End and Uptown

Whether you're looking for live music, sports, sweet treats or drinks with a view, Uptown and South End are packed with ways to make the most of the season.

Partners

Summer in Charlotte comes with a good problem to have: there are almost too many things to do and ways to spend your time.Why it&#x27;s important: This season is fleeting, and there&#x27;s no time for decision fatigue.

Comedian Matt Rife returns to Charlotte with jokes about the city

The comedian returns to Spectrum Center this June and he has a few jokes to share about Charlotte traffic, sports fans and dating.

Comedian Matt Rife loves Charlotte, but that didn&#x27;t stop him from finding a few things to joke about ahead of his upcoming show this summer.Why it matters: Rife credits Charlotte&#x27;s Comedy Zone as one of the first clubs to give him a shot, and says the city has remained one of his favorite stops ever since.

The 21 best things to do in Charlotte this summer

We've rounded up a list of ways to have fun in the sun, including outdoor movies, concerts and more.

Here are 20+ warm-weather activities in Charlotte worth adding to your summertime bucket list.

Axios Raleigh

Blowing Rock wins North Carolina's best mountain town, according to readers

Raleigh

A bracket that shows results from a June 25 survey of 1,095 Axios readers ranking North Carolina mountain towns. Blowing Rock won the title, beating Asheville 61% in the final. The widest margin was Ashevilleâs 84% first-round win over Burnsville; the closest was Brevardâs 51% win over Highlands.

Things to Do 🗓

30+ best ways to make friends in Charlotte

Weekender: 35 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including a vintage market

Blowing Rock wins North Carolina's best mountain town, according to readers

Move and mingle at The Music Yard

Tuckaseegee Arboretum & Gardens now open in west Charlotte