A new virtual reality experience at Blume Studios lets visitors explore the Great Pyramid of Giza both today and in ancient times.

Why it matters: Immersive experiences are popping up all over Charlotte, showing a growing shift in how people seek entertainment. At least three immersive experiences are in Charlotte this spring.

What to expect: "Horizon of Khufu" runs through Aug. 30 at Blumenthal Arts' Blume Studios.

• Once you're checked in, you'll choose the intensity of your VR experience (moderate or amplified).
• Once you've been fitted for your VR headset, you'll embark on a 45-minute journey from present-day Egypt to 2,500 BC.
• You'll travel with your VR guide through the pyramid, cruise along the Nile River and learn about ancient embalming rituals.

If you go: Tickets start at $28.

• The experience is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Keep reading about my experience

Charlotte's getting a non-alcoholic bar, and you can help build the menu.

Why it matters: Younger Americans are drinking less, but Charlotte still lacks late-night social spaces where alcohol isn't the focus. A Charlotte entrepreneur, Dre Thomas, noticed that gap and decided to fill it herself.

State of play: Heartbutter is a Black-owned, woman-owned non-alcoholic bar for anyone "who wants a meaningful night out without losing their edge," Thomas tells Axios.

• Though Heartbutter doesn't have a brick-and-mortar yet, Thomas is hosting a series of summer pop-ups while she searches for a space.
• She's working with Charlotte mixologist Donnell Owens to craft their signature cocktails using non-alcoholic spirits like Lyre and Ritual.

Stop by: Heartbutter's first pop-up is June 25, 6–8pm at CHNO Coffee in Lower South End.

Keep reading

Group Chat Girlies, a live comedy show by Charlotte comedians Carol Tyler and Skylar Schock, is going on tour after building a strong local following.

Catch up quick: A year in, the interactive show continues to draw packed rooms of Gen Z and millennial women, often hosted at venues like Thrift Pony and The Comedy Club at Duckworth's.

What to expect: Think stand-up comedy meets your group chat messages, with audience segments, confessionals, hot takes, and conversations about what everyone's wearing, watching and listening to.

If you go: The "Do you have blue cheese stuffed olives?" tour kicks off May 14 in Charleston.

• Stops include Knoxville, Nashville, San Diego and Las Vegas through November.
• Keep an eye on Instagram for Charlotte shows.

What they're saying: "If we could bottle the alchemy of girlhood, it's that feeling of being seen and celebrated," Tyler and Schock tell Axios, adding they hope women at their shows ask the question they've always wanted to, and leave with whatever they need that night.

🏗️ More changes could be coming to Plaza Midwood. Barnhardt Manufacturing, the cotton supplier there for 125 years, is seeking to rezone about 21 of the 35 acres it owns off Hawthorne Lane for future mixed-use development. The company CEO called the rezoning the "first step in a thoughtful, multi-year evaluation" in a press release. (X)

🍽️ Popular Davidson restaurant Kindred is temporarily closed due to a small kitchen fire. (Instagram)

💰 The City of Charlotte could raise property taxes to pay for public safety needs, such as new police and fire equipment and salary increases.

• The city manager is asking council to approve a hike of 1.89 cents per $100 of a property's value, an increase of $5.71 a month for the average homeowner. (WBTV)

🏥 WakeMed Health's leadership said Tuesday that a merger with Atrium Health is needed to ensure the Wake County-based hospital network will be thriving a decade from now. (Axios)

🎤 T.I. will perform at The Fillmore on July 19. (Live Nation)

📰 The Truist Championship is launching a $10,000 scholarship honoring former Charlotte Observer golf writers Ron Green Sr. and his son Ron Green Jr. (Observer)

📅 See what's going on around the city.

• Isabella's Mother's Day Pop-Up at Isabella May 7: Celebrate Mother's Day early on May 7! In-store pop-up: free coffee by Roaming Spirits (10:30–12:30), florals, shop Noble Collective Jewelry & Adelaide paper goods. Enjoy 15% off!
• Breakroom Improv Live Show at Sip City May 8: Get ready to laugh as Breakroom Improv brings you a night of unscripted comedy and endless fun! Our team is ready to turn your wild suggestions into hilarious, one-of-a-kind scenes.
• The Color Purple at Theatre Charlotte May 8-24: An unforgettable journey of enduring love and triumph over adversity. Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize winning novel comes to life with a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, and blues.
• Walk A Mile With Safe Alliance at Truist Field May 9: Celebrate survivors & the entire community of supporters who walk alongside those who have experienced abuse. Strut in heels, dress up in costume, carry a creative sign, or simply show up and walk.
• Charlotte Grilled Cheese Festival at South End Station Parking Lot May 9: Unlimited grilled cheese samples, craft beer, mimosa & bloody mary bars, live music & games. GA & VIP options.
• CCM Spring Pottery Festival at Camp North End - Ford Building May 9: Discover the ceramic artistry of 100+ local artists at the Spring 2026 Pottery Festival at Camp North End! If it can be made in clay, you'll find it here!
• The Bowl in Bloom at The Bowl at Ballantyne May 9: Join for a vibrant morning filled with flowers, hands-on crafts, live music, shopping and photo-worthy moments for all ages.
• Cann Presents: Yacht Rock Revue - Primetime at TD Amp Ballantyne May 9: Yacht Rock Revue, hailed by Rolling Stone as the "world's premier soft-rock party band," invites listeners on a nostalgic voyage through the sun-soaked melodies of the '70s and '80s.
• Hats & High Tea Mother's Day Tea Party at Mahlon Mahlon Adams Pavilion Freedom Park May 10: Sip on the finest organic teas, indulge in delicious pastries, finger sandwiches, and scones, and enjoy a charming atmosphere designed to celebrate the women we love most.
• Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward at Historic Fourth Ward May 16-17: A walkable, self-guided garden and lifestyle tour, complete with food, wine and cocktail tastings, plus live music, at gardens and restaurants throughout Historic Fourth Ward in uptown Charlotte.

Want more things to do? Check out our Event Board.

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

Several big names are participating in today's Pro-Am and Celeb-Am at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow Club in south Charlotte.

What to expect: The Pro-Am includes Myers Park high alumnus and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, NASCAR driver and Charlotte native William Byron and fellow NASCAR driver Kyle Larson.

The Celeb-Am lineup features former NFL players:

• Jonathan Stewart
• Luke Kuechly
• Thomas Davis
• Steve Smith, Sr.
• Muhsin Muhammad
• Roman Harper
• Charles "Peanut" Tillman
• Brandon LaFell
• K.K. Short
• Charles Johnson
• James Anderson
• Brenton Bersin
• Mike Tolbert
• Tre Boston
• Wesley Walls
• Mike Rucker

If you go: Gates open at 7 am.

Go deeper: Check out our guide to the Truist Championship

A statue of legendary golfer and Charlotte native Charlie Sifford was unveiled on the Trail of History in Midtown yesterday.

Why it matters: Sifford was the first Black golfer to play on the PGA Tour in 1961.

State of play: Truist Championship donated $125,000 for the $250,000 statue as part of its Truist Tuesday initiative to support local organizations.

Context: This is the 12th statue honoring Charlotteans on the Trail of History, which runs along Little Sugar Creek Greenway in midtown. Two more statues are in the works, Trail of History chairman Scott Syfert tells Axios: one for George and Marie Davis, and another, which he declined to comment on.