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

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.

News

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.

Scoop: Chili Willi's opens in Lake Norman

Rob Duckworth revives the longtime West Virginia restaurant in Cornelius with original recipes.

Food and Drink

Chili Willi&#x27;s opens Friday in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former Waterman space" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/27/scoop-chili-willi-s-to-replace-the-waterman-in-lkn" data-vars-content-id="9f34d283-3a51-4651-88ac-78b8317cf2e3" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Chili Willi&#x27;s opens in Lake Norman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/27/scoop-chili-willi-s-to-replace-the-waterman-in-lkn" target="_self">former Waterman space</a> in Lake Norman.Why it matters: The restaurant is a revival of a West Virginia favorite, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="operated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.herald-dispatch.com/special/lost_huntington/lost-huntington-chili-willis/article_0753f68f-e540-59d7-89f4-8b679c203cff.html" data-vars-content-id="9f34d283-3a51-4651-88ac-78b8317cf2e3" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Chili Willi&#x27;s opens in Lake Norman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.herald-dispatch.com/special/lost_huntington/lost-huntington-chili-willis/article_0753f68f-e540-59d7-89f4-8b679c203cff.html" target="_blank">operated</a> for nearly three decades before closing in 2011. Its new iteration has become a passion project for local restaurateur <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rob Duckworth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2018/09/04/rob-duckworth-owner-of-duckworths-136406" data-vars-content-id="9f34d283-3a51-4651-88ac-78b8317cf2e3" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Chili Willi&#x27;s opens in Lake Norman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2018/09/04/rob-duckworth-owner-of-duckworths-136406" target="_self">Rob Duckworth</a> (of Duckworth&#x27;s and Link &amp; Pin), who took his wife there on their first date and remembers making early-career business deals there.

Weekender: 33 things to do in Charlotte this Mother's Day weekend

Events happening May 8-10 include Truist Championship, Charlotte Grilled Cheese Festival, Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival, vendor markets, live music and more.

Things to Do

There&#x27;s still time to pull together a last-minute Mother&#x27;s Day plan with this weekend&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/30/charlotte-biggest-may-events-2026" data-vars-content-id="17e20b88-fe23-4c2a-b628-54d973103e4b" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 33 things to do in Charlotte this Mother&#x27;s 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">events</a> — and maybe squeeze in a little fun for yourself, too.

Inside the 2026 Truist Championship experience in Charlotte

Your guide to the schedule, details, experiences and new offerings at the tournament.

<figure><img alt="Truist Championship sign." height="448" id="2c2cc76c-a949-47f1-b80e-8d57e2e37797" src="https://images.axios.com/P20rQDb4ofELUzp7DiDACG_m1ck=/2026/05/06/1778089739292.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The buildout for this year&#x27;s tournament took roughly 84 days. There are 15 video boards and 136 structures. Video: Ashley Mahoney/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Truist Championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/08/06/golf-pga-truist-championship-replaces-wells-fargo-championship-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="1caf8cf4-f140-4e28-866d-d8ebe802c5a7" data-vars-headline="Inside the 2026 Truist Championship experience 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/2024/08/06/golf-pga-truist-championship-replaces-wells-fargo-championship-charlotte" target="_self">Truist Championship</a> tees off this spring at Quail Hollow Club. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the dawn of a new era for Charlotte&#x27;s annual PGA Tour event, with a new title sponsor for one of the city&#x27;s most popular springtime events.

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.

Charlotte's Carolina Bloom Music Festival announces artist lineup

The new outdoor festival will feature Quarters (Quarters of Change), Illiterate Light, Ax and the Hatchetmen, Foxtide and more Aug. 22-23 in the Iron District.

Quarters and Ax and the Hatchetmen are among the headliners expected to perform at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carolina Bloom Music Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/28/carolina-bloom-charlotte-lineup-indie-rock-alternative-august-iron-district" data-vars-content-id="752355ba-7cea-42c6-af16-a5b7d0e02708" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s Carolina Bloom Music Festival announces artist lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/28/carolina-bloom-charlotte-lineup-indie-rock-alternative-august-iron-district" target="_self">Carolina Bloom Music Festival</a>.Catch up quick: The new rock, indie and alternative music festival in the Iron District just announced its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="artist lineup " data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYNEzMNDuq_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-vars-content-id="752355ba-7cea-42c6-af16-a5b7d0e02708" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s Carolina Bloom Music Festival announces artist lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYNEzMNDuq_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank">artist lineup </a>for Aug. 22-23.

Meet the founder: How one runner built Charlotte's hottest run club

What started as one man's daily two-mile goal is now one of the city's biggest gatherings.

More than 1,000 people now gather weekly at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mad Miles Run Club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/01/04/i-hate-running-but-ill-exercise-with-mad-miles-run-club-317183" data-vars-content-id="ce382f65-2c97-445c-8a00-3a0c874882fb" data-vars-headline="Meet the founder: How one runner built Charlotte&#x27;s hottest run club" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/01/04/i-hate-running-but-ill-exercise-with-mad-miles-run-club-317183" target="_self">Mad Miles Run Club</a>, which began when founder <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cornell Jones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/press-past-releases/axios-local-recognizes-power-players-in-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="ce382f65-2c97-445c-8a00-3a0c874882fb" data-vars-headline="Meet the founder: How one runner built Charlotte&#x27;s hottest run club" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/press-past-releases/axios-local-recognizes-power-players-in-charlotte" target="_self">Cornell Jones</a> committed to running two miles a day.Why it matters: Mad Miles Run Club has grown into one of Charlotte&#x27;s largest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fitness communities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/19/ways-to-make-friends-in-charlotte-nc-social-groups-to-join" data-vars-content-id="ce382f65-2c97-445c-8a00-3a0c874882fb" data-vars-headline="Meet the founder: How one runner built Charlotte&#x27;s hottest run club" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/19/ways-to-make-friends-in-charlotte-nc-social-groups-to-join" target="_self">fitness communities</a> as it celebrates its sixth anniversary this month.

New day-to-night venue opening soon in former Slingshot space

The day-to-night concept will bring DJs, dancing, cocktails and games to the massive Bland Street venue.

South End Hideaway <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opens" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/charlotte-new-business-openings-2026" data-vars-content-id="dbc4a784-9814-4e1b-810f-f731dd926fa8" data-vars-headline="New day-to-night venue opening soon in former Slingshot space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/charlotte-new-business-openings-2026" target="_self">opens</a> Thursday, May 14, in the former Slingshot space on West Bland Street.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new day-to-night concept" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/southendhideaway/" data-vars-content-id="dbc4a784-9814-4e1b-810f-f731dd926fa8" data-vars-headline="New day-to-night venue opening soon in former Slingshot space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/southendhideaway/" target="_blank">new day-to-night concept</a> revives one of South End&#x27;s most recognizable entertainment venues, just weeks after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Slingshot closed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wbtv.com/2026/03/31/its-been-an-honor-popular-south-end-charlotte-nightlife-spot-announces-permanent-closure/" data-vars-content-id="dbc4a784-9814-4e1b-810f-f731dd926fa8" data-vars-headline="New day-to-night venue opening soon in former Slingshot space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wbtv.com/2026/03/31/its-been-an-honor-popular-south-end-charlotte-nightlife-spot-announces-permanent-closure/" target="_blank">Slingshot closed</a> and months after neighboring Resident Culture South End <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shuttered last summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/05/resident-culture-brewing-closes-south-end-taproom" data-vars-content-id="dbc4a784-9814-4e1b-810f-f731dd926fa8" data-vars-headline="New day-to-night venue opening soon in former Slingshot space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/05/resident-culture-brewing-closes-south-end-taproom" target="_self">shuttered last summer</a>.

Charlotte is getting a non-alcoholic bar, with pop-ups planned for the summer

Founder Dre Thomas is launching Heartbutter with a series of pop-ups where you can taste the drinks and vote on the menu.

Charlotte&#x27;s getting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="non-alcoholic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/09/10-spots-in-charlotte-that-serve-delicious-mocktails-and-other-alcohol-free-drinks-236460" data-vars-content-id="ca7fd347-eb4c-4f00-b7c1-f36dcfcf3376" data-vars-headline="Charlotte is getting a non-alcoholic bar, with pop-ups planned for the summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/09/10-spots-in-charlotte-that-serve-delicious-mocktails-and-other-alcohol-free-drinks-236460" target="_self">non-alcoholic</a> bar, and you can help build the menu. Why it matters: Younger Americans are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drinking less" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/19/axios-finish-line-americans-are-drinking-less" data-vars-content-id="ca7fd347-eb4c-4f00-b7c1-f36dcfcf3376" data-vars-headline="Charlotte is getting a non-alcoholic bar, with pop-ups planned for the summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/19/axios-finish-line-americans-are-drinking-less" target="_self">drinking less</a>, but Charlotte still lacks late-night social spaces where alcohol isn&#x27;t the focus. A Charlotte entrepreneur, Dre Thomas, noticed that gap and decided to fill it herself.

Step inside an Egyptian pyramid at Blume Studios

A new Blume Studios exhibit lets Charlotte visitors explore ancient Egypt in a 45-minute VR journey.

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="virtual reality experience" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/07/immersive-ancient-egyptian-experience-coming-soon-to-blume-studios" data-vars-content-id="3d3e9159-f487-4caa-8e63-5dc88eb5390c" data-vars-headline="Step inside an Egyptian pyramid at Blume Studios" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/07/immersive-ancient-egyptian-experience-coming-soon-to-blume-studios" target="_self">virtual reality experience</a> at Blume Studios lets visitors explore the Great Pyramid of Giza both today and in ancient times. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Immersive experiences" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/22/titanic-exhibition-charlotte-park-expo-vr" data-vars-content-id="3d3e9159-f487-4caa-8e63-5dc88eb5390c" data-vars-headline="Step inside an Egyptian pyramid at Blume Studios" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/22/titanic-exhibition-charlotte-park-expo-vr" target="_self">Immersive experiences</a> are popping up all over Charlotte, showing a growing shift in how people seek entertainment. At least three <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immersive experiences" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/03/charlotte-titanic-vr-dates-tickets-immersive-exhibits" data-vars-content-id="3d3e9159-f487-4caa-8e63-5dc88eb5390c" data-vars-headline="Step inside an Egyptian pyramid at Blume Studios" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/03/charlotte-titanic-vr-dates-tickets-immersive-exhibits" target="_self">immersive experiences</a> are in Charlotte this spring.

Charlotte has its own Met Gala serving top red carpet looks

See some of the standout designs from Uptown's second annual event highlighting local designers.

Charlotte has style, and this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Met Gala–inspired event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/23/met-gala-experience-uptown-charlotte-spring" data-vars-content-id="1c0f115e-3ed4-4cca-abc1-8620cec7535d" data-vars-headline="Charlotte has its own Met Gala serving top red carpet looks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/23/met-gala-experience-uptown-charlotte-spring" target="_self">Met Gala–inspired event</a> proves it. Catch up quick: The local take on fashion&#x27;s biggest night gives Charlotte designers and artists a platform to showcase their creativity.

Charlotte nonprofit honors grieving mothers

The initiative aims to reach 700 local mothers who have lost children with flowers and support.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte nonprofit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/nominate-charlotte-widows-flowers-on-valentine-s-day" data-vars-content-id="a562223c-efb1-43b0-a12f-9bd9f082fcc1" data-vars-headline="Charlotte nonprofit honors grieving mothers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/nominate-charlotte-widows-flowers-on-valentine-s-day" target="_self">Charlotte nonprofit</a> aims to deliver flowers and gifts to 700 mothers who have lost a child ahead of Mother&#x27;s Day.Why it matters: Mother&#x27;s Day can be especially painful for bereaved mothers, and the effort aims to show that their children are remembered, Watch Love Grow founder Ashley Manning tells Axios.

Things to Do 🗓

Pro women's basketball returns to Charlotte

Charlotte's Carolina Bloom Music Festival announces artist lineup

Things to do in Charlotte May 11-15, 2026

Indoor playground coming soon to east Charlotte

Meet the founder: How one runner built Charlotte's hottest run club