A mini Met Gala-inspired event is bringing fashion designers, local artists and creatives back to Charlotte on May 1.

Why it matters: Happening a few nights before fashion's biggest night, the event brings that red carpet energy to Uptown, creating a local fashion-meets-art experience.

Driving the news: This year's event, titled "Mint to Be: The Feminine Body as Costume Art," will take place at the Mint Museum from 6-10pm.

What to expect: Along with a runway show, the second annual event will have a designer competition and a monthlong exhibition tied to the theme.

• Designers will compete for a $1,000 cash prize for the best runway couture look, judged by both the audience and a panel.
• More than 15 local artists, plus the nonprofit gallery ArtPop, will create pieces for the exhibit that'll be on display at the Mint Museum until June 1.

If you go: Dress to impress, and smile for the cameras once you step on the red carpet.

• General admission tickets start at $35.

Keep reading about the event

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Police Trainee at Town of Matthews.
2. Vice President of Philanthropy at Foundation For The Carolinas.
3. Event Catering Manager at Beau Monde Hospitality Group.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

New public trails at Spencer Mountain are in the works and expected to open this fall.

Why it matters: Spencer Mountain in Gaston County will offer ample new hiking and outdoor recreation options about 21 miles northwest of Charlotte.

What to expect: The 1,250-foot summit will include a small park with an overlook deck with views of the Charlotte skyline and three public trails.

• George Poston Park will be the trailhead for Spencer Mountain.
• The trails from the park will connect to the Matthews-Belk South Fork River Corridor, extending 23 miles south to Daniel Stowe Conservancy.

By the numbers: The project is expected to cost $1.5 million. The state is contributing $600,000. Gastonia-based CaroMont Health is also helping fund the project, as are other individual private donors.

See the map

North Carolina Democrats are lobbying to make the state one of the first presidential primary contests in 2028, arguing that it reflects the rest of the U.S. given its growing, diverse population.

Why it matters: If selected, North Carolina could hold a large influence over which candidate ultimately secures the nomination. It could also attract tens of millions of dollars of investments into statewide campaigns.

Driving the news: North Carolina is one of 12 states allowed to bid to be one of the first primary states in 2028.

• Anderson Clayton, chair of the N.C. Democratic Party, said she wants North Carolina to go first in the nation, as Iowa traditionally did for decades.
• She says her pitch to Republicans is a financial one. Communities throughout the state, she said, would benefit from an influx of campaign and media attention.

Yes, but: In North Carolina, unlike many of its competing states, Democrats will need Republican help to win a spot before Super Tuesday.

• That's because the state legislature would need to approve changing primary dates.

What's next: North Carolina Democrats will present their case to the DNC in May.

Go deeper: What they're saying

Police say a drive-by shooting at the Huntersville home of Mecklenburg County commissioner candidate Aaron Marin was targeted, with no injuries reported as local authorities and the FBI investigate. (WBTV)

New data shows that Border Patrol's presence in Charlotte, which led to widespread school absences, didn't broadly affect standardized test scores. (Observer 🔐)

JPMorgan Chase plans to open five new branches in the Charlotte region this year as part of its national expansion. (CBJ 🔐)

💸 Charlotte-based Wayflyer secured a $250 million credit facility to expand small-business lending nationwide. (CBJ 🔐)

News you can use from our partners.

• 📖 Step into the pages of your favorite tales at the Storybook Ball on March 14 at Discovery Place Kids - Huntersville. Enjoy a family-friendly evening of whimsical activities and storybook character appearances. Get tickets.

This week's homes are all about big backyards and outdoor living.

Zoom in: The Madison Park home pictured above, for example, has a shaded back patio, fire pit and fenced-in yard.

• Plus, it's located on Montford Drive, a short drive from Park Road Shopping Center, the Little Sugar Creek Greenway and SouthPark Mall.
• The 1,631-square-foot home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms and is listed for $785K.

More hot homes

📅 See what's going on around the city.

• Uchi & Uchibā Charlotte Job Fair Sat and Sun: Uchi and Uchibā Charlotte are gearing up to open their doors and expand their team. They're seeking ambitious, excited team members across a variety of roles, from sushi chefs to bar staff.
• Fuel the Fire - Presented by Queens University of Charlotte Athletics at Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement at Queens University of Charlotte Feb. 26: Don't miss Molly Grantham deliver a powerful keynote, Bet on Yourself, followed by a moderated panel featuring trailblazers from the Charlotte community and beyond championing girls & women in sport. $25.
• The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA at Knight Theater Feb. 27-28: The world's top ABBA tribute band joins your CSO to perform the iconic songs of a generation. "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Waterloo," and many more will have you dancing in the aisles. $34+.
• Coppélia presented by Charlotte Youth Ballet at Dale F. Halton Theater at Central Piedmont March 7-8: Coppélia is a joyful, family-friendly ballet featuring student dancers and global professionals. Follow Swanilda and Frantz into Dr. Coppélius's whimsical workshop for a lively adventure for all ages. $35.
• Carmina Burana at Dale F. Halton Theater March 14-15: A bold fusion of dance and circus transforms the iconic musical masterpiece Carmina Burana. Over 100 performers unite on stage in a monumental collaboration. $35+.

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

Dilworth Tasting Room rolled out a revamped, pared-down food menu this week, cutting several longtime favorites.

Why it matters: The change signals how even long-running Charlotte staples are adapting to rising costs and a rapidly evolving dining scene.

DTR's new menu at its flagship Dilworth location features 18 Mediterranean-inspired shareable plates.

• It shrinks from 26 dishes (not including the now-gone, build-your-own charcuterie section) to a one-page spread.

Between the lines: No more flatbreads. No more Brussels sprouts. But they're "not reinventing the wheel," chef Jonathon Shuler says. They're focusing on the dishes they do well within a confined space (a 300-square-foot kitchen) in a city whose culinary palate is evolving.

• "It's different, but still on brand, still small plates, but more creative," co-owner Zoe Kovic said. "It's time for us to step up our game."

Keep reading about the decisions that led to the change, plus everything we tried