Axios Charlotte

February 19, 2026

McKenzie Rankin

👋 Hi, Thursday! It's McKenzie, rounding up what's big in Ballantyne this year.

📣 As the area grows, its mix of live music, buzzy restaurants and green space is making this corner of south Charlotte a go-to hangout.

🗓️ Grab your calendar (or your notes app). Below are the best ways to eat, explore and spend your time there in 2026.

This newsletter is 541 words, a 2-minute read.

1 big thing: 🛍️ Shop, sip and stroll your way around

Outdoor urban plaza with people sitting and dining near green artificial turf, a curved concrete bench, black chairs, and storefronts including a hamburger restaurant, Arrow, and solidcore. — The green of The Bowl will host the Bowl Street Pop-Up Market monthly April–November. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

The green of The Bowl will host the Bowl Street Pop-Up Market monthly April–November. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

From open-air markets to beer festivals, here are a few ways to sip, snack and explore your way through Ballantyne this year.

🍓 March–June, September & October: Stock up on fresh foods and artisanal goods at the Ballantyne Farmers Market the first Wednesday of each month.

10am–1pm | Brixham Park.

🛍️ April–November: Shop local vendors at the Bowl Street Pop-Up Market every first Saturday of the month.

10am–3pm | The green of The Bowl.

🍗 May 9: Try over 60 beers, more than 40 bourbons and lots of BBQ at the annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ festival.

12–6pm | Ballantyne's Backyard | $42.80+.

More 2026 festivals

2. 🎶 Cue the live music

Outdoor concert at sunset with colorful sky, crowd watching band on stage under large roof, purple and orange lighting, trees and tents in background — In addition to concerts, The Amp also hosts festivals, markets and fitness classes. Photo: Courtesy of Go Ballantyne/Northwood Office

In addition to concerts, The Amp also hosts festivals, markets and fitness classes. Photo: Courtesy of Go Ballantyne/Northwood Office

The Amp is Ballantyne's outdoor hub for concerts and live music, and its 2026 lineup is rolling out.

From yacht rock to metal, here are six shows announced so far.

🎶 Apr. 11: The Spring Mix featuring Cory Wong, Snarky Puppy and Friends | Doors open 2pm | $94+.

🪕 Apr. 18: Gov't Mule and Larkin Poe | Doors open 4pm | $53+.

🎸 May 9: Cann Presents: Yacht Rock Revue | Doors open 6pm | $53+.

🤘 June 16: Claypool Gold | Doors open 4:30pm | $71+.

🎹 June 19: The String Cheese Incident | Doors open 5pm | $50+.

🎵 June 20: The Human League | Doors open 5pm | $65+.

3. 🧘‍♂️ Stretch, sweat, repeat

Group of people sitting on yoga mats spaced out on green grass, wearing headphones, under blue sky with white clouds near trees and a pavilion with red benches. — Fitness in Brixham Park. Photo: Courtesy of Go Ballantyne

Fitness in Brixham Park. Photo: Courtesy of Go Ballantyne

Ballantyne's expansive green spaces set the stage for everything from pop-up fitness classes to full marathons.

🧘‍♂️ Kicking off in April: Unroll your yoga mat for an outdoor workout in Brixham Park, part of Ballantyne's monthly fitness series.

🏃 Mar. 28: Come for the run and stay for the beer at the Craft Beer Half Marathon 2026.

8am | Brixham Park | $55 (5-miler); $85 (half marathon); virtual runner options also available.

🏃🏽‍♀️ May 30: Choose from an 8K, 5K or Fun Run at the 22nd Annual Run! Ballantyne.

7:30am | The Amp Ballantyne | $20–$60.

10 ways to get outdoors in Ballantyne

4. ✍️ Your full-day game plan

PopUp bagels is one of the newest — and highly anticipated — spots to open in Ballantyne. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

Want to make a day out of it? Start with our guide to exploring Ballantyne here, and make sure to carb-load with a bagel from PopUp Bagels to fuel the day.

🌯 Still hungry? Here are 20 spots worth grabbing a bite.

👀 Want what's new? PopUp Bagels, Brasserie Copain, açaí bowl cafe South Block and The Salty are some new spots opened within the last year in the Bowl.

🍸 Beyond The Bowl: Dunbar Social by Topgolf opened at The Ballantyne Hotel, and Azul Tequileria & Cocina is a new addition to Ballantyne Village.

What we're watching: Ballantyne is constantly growing. Reid's Fine Foods will open soon by Ballantyne Village, and artisanal pizza chain Mister O1 will open in The Bowl in the fall.

☀️ I'm dreaming about a sunny spring day at The Bowl — Fly Kid Fly coffee in hand, strolling the vendor market and figuring out which patio to hit afterward. Good thing we're almost there.

📝 Keep this guide handy to help plan your next visit.