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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 votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?

The 6-5 vote directs Charlotte's CRTPO rep to challenge the project.

In a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stunning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/10/new-i-77-renderings-test-charlotte-opposition" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/10/new-i-77-renderings-test-charlotte-opposition" target="_self">stunning</a> late-night vote Monday, Charlotte City Council rescinded support for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I-77 South toll lanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/06/ncdot-west-end-reconnecting-communities-i77-toll-lanes" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/06/ncdot-west-end-reconnecting-communities-i77-toll-lanes" target="_self">I-77 South toll lanes</a> project in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its current form." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" 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/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">its current form.</a>Why it matters: The 6-5 decision could significantly delay the highly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scrutinized" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/13/council-member-graham-on-i-77-designs-tear-it-up" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/13/council-member-graham-on-i-77-designs-tear-it-up" target="_self">scrutinized</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" target="_self">state</a> project&#x27;s path forward — or even kill it.

NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support

NCDOT has real plans to reconnect Charlotte's West End.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The N.C. Department of Transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" target="_self">The N.C. Department of Transportation</a> unveiled &quot;feasible&quot; plans to reconnect Charlotte&#x27;s West End across I-77 to the rest of the city, including a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highway cap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/17/charlotte-i77-freeway-cap-parks" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/17/charlotte-i77-freeway-cap-parks" target="_self">highway cap</a> and new green spaces. Why it matters: The agency is effectively using those long-sought reconnection projects as a bargaining chip to preserve support for widening the same <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" 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/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">highway</a> that divided the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historically Black neighborhoods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" 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/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" target="_self">historically Black neighborhoods</a> decades ago.

Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts

City council's transportation committee voted unanimously to hold a separate, deeper discussion with the full body on I-77.

Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/27/i77-south-toll-lanes-traffic-increase" data-vars-content-id="de5493e5-7a3d-4df7-871d-e9019829f342" data-vars-headline="Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/27/i77-south-toll-lanes-traffic-increase" target="_self">city</a> staff and NCDOT on Monday pitched their case for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the I-77 South toll lanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="de5493e5-7a3d-4df7-871d-e9019829f342" data-vars-headline="Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts" 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/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">the I-77 South toll lanes</a> — touting new bike lanes, sidewalks and streetlights — as council members signal they may take action against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" data-vars-content-id="de5493e5-7a3d-4df7-871d-e9019829f342" data-vars-headline="Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts" 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/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" target="_self">the project</a> soon.Why it matters: Despite staff&#x27;s efforts to frame the project as a rare chance to rebuild interstate crossings, elected officials are clearly ramping up behind-the-scenes efforts to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rescind or reconsider support." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/20/i77-south-toll-lanes-pause-north-carolina-ncdot" data-vars-content-id="de5493e5-7a3d-4df7-871d-e9019829f342" data-vars-headline="Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/20/i77-south-toll-lanes-pause-north-carolina-ncdot" target="_self">rescind or reconsider support.</a>

NCDOT's own forecast shows I-77 toll lanes could increase traffic up to 44%

I-77 South widening could increase traffic by 44%.

The N.C. Department of Transportation&#x27;s own projections show that building the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I-77 South toll lanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="9348844b-4993-4378-9dc6-24d023eae21a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT&#x27;s own forecast shows I-77 toll lanes could increase traffic up to 44%" 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/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">I-77 South toll lanes</a> could increase traffic volume on the interstate by up to 44%, according to an email exchange obtained by Axios.Why it matters: The state is moving forward with spending $600 million in public funds for a highway widening that will primarily improve travel times for people who can afford to pay.

Designers envision I-77 cap with parks on top

See designs to cap I-77 with parks and development.

When <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="asked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="e4233d14-f70c-4d4b-9d54-f1b8906b2160" data-vars-headline="Designers envision I-77 cap with parks on top" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" target="_self">asked</a> to reimagine I-77 South in Charlotte, urban designers pitch &quot;lidding&quot; the highway to free up high-value land around Uptown for parks, mixed-use development, and walking bridges.Why it matters: The N.C. Department of Transportation is embarking on a controversial plan to widen the interstate with toll lanes, largely to drive economic growth. New visuals, submitted as part of a design charrette, help envision other possibilities, which supporters say offer more public benefits.

South End Rail Trail portion closes temporarily

A busy Rail Trail stretch is shutting down temporarily.

A large <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="portion of the Rail Trail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/04/south-end-light-rail-stop-construction" data-vars-content-id="4bc88653-344c-4129-b07c-290248af03cb" data-vars-headline="South End Rail Trail portion closes temporarily" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/04/south-end-light-rail-stop-construction" target="_self">portion of the Rail Trail</a> will close, beginning Sunday, April 19, for the South End Station construction.Why it matters: The Rail Trail draws crazy foot traffic in the evenings, especially during these warmer months. But through July, pedestrians and bikers will now have to take detours, directed by signs.

What you can expect from a driverless Waymo ride

Waymo's driverless cars are expected to hit Charlotte streets soon.

I rode in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="car with no driver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/27/robots-driverless-cars-drones-waymo" data-vars-content-id="ea22c824-e572-42af-a727-2eb55db48d2e" data-vars-headline="What you can expect from a driverless Waymo ride" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/27/robots-driverless-cars-drones-waymo" target="_self">car with no driver</a> in Austin twice. And by the second trip, it already felt normal.Why it matters: Waymo is already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="street-mapping" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/24/waymo-driverless-cars-spotted-uptown-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="ea22c824-e572-42af-a727-2eb55db48d2e" data-vars-headline="What you can expect from a driverless Waymo ride" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/24/waymo-driverless-cars-spotted-uptown-charlotte" target="_self">street-mapping</a> the city with human drivers. Once testing is complete, the company&#x27;s driverless fleet will roll out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in phases." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/24/waymo-san-antonio-driverless-cars" data-vars-content-id="ea22c824-e572-42af-a727-2eb55db48d2e" data-vars-headline="What you can expect from a driverless Waymo ride" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/24/waymo-san-antonio-driverless-cars" target="_self">in phases.</a>

NCDOT responds to I-77 toll project backlash with new designs, info center

State continues revisions to I-77 project amid backlash.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="N.C. Department of Transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/10/i77-express-lanes-parks-environmental-concerns" data-vars-content-id="4c154952-8ed4-41d6-b478-b045dde34c97" data-vars-headline="NCDOT responds to I-77 toll project backlash with new designs, info center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/10/i77-express-lanes-parks-environmental-concerns" target="_self">N.C. Department of Transportation</a> is trying to ease mounting opposition to the I-77 South toll lanes by opening a new outreach center and revising designs to &quot;minimize&quot; impacts on homes, parks and cemeteries.Why it matters: NCDOT isn&#x27;t backing off on this $3.2 billion public-private highway project that will come up to people&#x27;s property lines and, in some cases, displace families. But it&#x27;s eager to strengthen its case.<ul><li>This is the first time NCDOT has opened a feedback center dedicated to one project, underscoring the magnitude of the project&#x27;s footprint, record-breaking cost and resistance.</li></ul>

I-77 toll lanes could threaten Charlotte's scarce parkland, streams

Toll lanes threaten Charlotte parks, streams and greenways.

Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="could lose significant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="5a1083e0-44a9-4dea-8462-4469a660ae3f" data-vars-headline="I-77 toll lanes could threaten Charlotte&#x27;s scarce parkland, streams" 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/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">could lose significant</a> parkland if the I-77 toll lanes project moves forward as proposed.Why it matters: The implications go far beyond intruding on some locals&#x27; backyards. No matter how much NCDOT redesigns the widening, the highway construction will — to some degree — pollute the air, dirty water and cost the city its scarce greenery for pavement.

CATS is building a $30M+ South End Station so you stop jumping the tracks

New South End rail stop and crossing coming in 2028.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="years-in-the-making" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/08/15/new-light-rail-stop-in-south-end-planned-to-stop-illegal-crossings-305378" data-vars-content-id="53baf9ac-d345-4c4d-ae75-74578c72c47c" data-vars-headline="CATS is building a $30M+ South End Station so you stop jumping the tracks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/08/15/new-light-rail-stop-in-south-end-planned-to-stop-illegal-crossings-305378" target="_self">years-in-the-making</a> South End Station and pedestrian crossing, between Publix and the Cortland apartments, will start construction this spring and open in 2028.Why it matters: It&#x27;s become common to see pedestrians jumping the fence and endangering themselves while walking across the light rail tracks, as development and the population have boomed in this area between the New Bern and East/West stations since the Blue Line opened in 2007.

Transit 🚗

Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?

NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support

Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts

NCDOT's own forecast shows I-77 toll lanes could increase traffic up to 44%

Designers envision I-77 cap with parks on top