Top Concerts and Tours Coming This Fall
Fall is one of the best parts about the Carolinas, and it’s often the autumn concerts and performances that produce the best memories.
by Andy Goh Aug 28, 2026
As Charlotte continues to grow as a city, so does its status as a destination for touring artists. As evidenced by megastars like Olivia Rodrigo choosing to play here two nights, and Ed Sheeran booking a date at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte is now a player on a bigger stage. That means plenty of big, new shows coming this fall.
Brandi Carlile with The Head and the Heart: The Human Tour
When: Tuesday, Sept. 1
Where: Spectrum Center
Since breaking through into mainstream popularity with her second studio album, 2007’s “The Story,” Brandi Carlile has captured the hearts of alt folk rock fans across the country. Carlile has received 28 Grammy nominations and won 11 times, putting her in rarefied air. For her stop in Uptown’s Spectrum Center, Carlile is joined by beloved folk-rock duo, The Head and the Heart.
James Taylor
When: Sunday, Sept. 13
Where: Truliant Amphitheater
Carolinas’ favorite son is coming home for a 2026 U.S. tour. The Chapel Hill native and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2000 inductee is making a stop in the Queen City at Truliant Amphitheater. Get your tickets now to hear your favorite James Taylor songs, including “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You),” “Sweet Baby James” and “Carolina In My Mind.”
The Strokes: Reality Awaits North American Tour
When: Thursday, Sept. 17
Where: Truliant Amphitheater
There’s little doubt that the sound of pop and rock music changed when the Strokes burst onto the scene in the early 2000s. The New York City quintet, led by Julian Casablancas, sounded like no one ever heard before on their breakthrough single “Last Night,” launching an overnight sensation. All these years later, there is still no one that sounds like The Strokes. Catch them on a cozy fall night at Truliant Amphitheater.
Young Thug with NAV: The New Generation Tour
When: Friday, Sept.18
Where: Bojangles’ Coliseum
A unique and visionary artist, Young Thug’s creativity knows no boundaries, and the same is true beyond music. An icon of fashion, Thugger has also pushed boundaries on what a successful male rapper can look and sound like. Along with his label signee NAV, Young Thug promises to bring a show with lots of flair and triumphant energy.
Gorillaz with Little Simz and Deltron 3030: The Mountain Tour
When: Wednesday, Sept. 23
Where: Spectrum Center
There’re very few bands that have reached the pinnacles of pop the way Gorillaz has without anyone knowing more or less what any of the band members looked like. For years, the only visual representation the band had were the animated characters designed by animator Jamie Hewlett and band founder Damon Albarn in music videos like “Clint Eastwood.” The band has since stepped in front of the animations and now tours with live musicians for a show you won’t want to miss.
Kacey Musgraves: Middle of Nowhere Tour
When: Friday, Oct. 2
Where: Spectrum Center
One of the modern faces of country music is Kacey Musgraves. With her laid-back vocal style, witty songwriting and impeccable ear for the sounds of Texas and Nashville, Musgraves is a force to be reckoned with. Her new album, “Middle of Nowhere,” pays tribute to the sound of Texas featuring Spanish and Mexican styles like Mariachi. Get your boots on and saddle up to Uptown for this show.
Weezer with The Shins and Silversun Pickups: The Gathering
When: Saturday, Oct. 3
Where: Spectrum Center
Weezer was the defining band for a generation of fans who probably saw a lot of themselves in the band: a little different, a little geeky, but with no less of a desire to rock as anyone else. That energy propelled Weezer to the highest points in rock and roll in their prime. Still very much active and still very much beloved, Weezer comes to Charlotte with indie veterans The Shins and Silversun Pickups for a show under the bright lights.
Olivia Rodrigo: The Unraveled Tour
When: Wednesday, Oct. 7 and Thursday, Oct. 8
Where: Spectrum Center
Pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo is on tour, and Charlotte is the lucky recipient of not one but two nights of shows. Touring in support of her third studio album, “You Seem Pretty Sad for A Girl So In Love,” Rodrigo has streaming services playing the single “Drop Dead” on repeat. With two nights to choose from, there’s no reason to miss one of pop’s brightest stars very much in her prime.
Thundercat: Distracted AF Tour
When: Thursday, Oct. 15
Where: The Fillmore Charlotte
Bass players aren’t normally known for seeking the spotlight, but Thundercat is no ordinary bass player. Rocking a six string semi-hollow body bass (most basses are four strings and solid bodies), Thundercat flips bass on its head and makes it a lead instrument instead of a supporting one. The music is groovy, jazzy and sly no matter what instrument the star plays.
The Smashing Pumpkins: Rats In A Cage Tour
When: Friday, Oct. 16
Where: Spectrum Center
An undeniable icon of the ‘90s alt rock scene, The Smashing Pumpkins became one of the biggest bands of the era, rivaling Green Day, Weezer and others. Though the band has had lineup changes and inconsistent output the past decade or so, leader Billy Corigan remains committed to the music and presenting the best of the band that made “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,” one of the defining albums of the ‘90s.
Ed Sheeran with Lukas Graham: The LOOP Tour
When: Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: Bank of America Stadium
Perhaps pop music’s most relatable and down-to-earth megastar, Ed Sheeran continues to grow his already impressive career. While sold-out stadium tours across the world are nothing new for Sheeran, this tour seems to find the English singer-songwriter settling into his fame. Joined by Danish pop band Lukas Graham, Sheeran promises to provide a memorable night on the city’s biggest stage.
Trampled By Turtles with Futurebirds
When: Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: TD Amp Ballantyne
While Trampled By Turtles hails from Duluth, Minnesota, their acoustic and bluegrass sound is right at home here in the Carolinas. However, to call the band a bluegrass only act is misleading. Their up-tempo and energetic tunes are just as much rock songs as they are bluegrass. Decide for yourself at Charlotte’s newest outdoor music venue.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 20
Where: Spectrum Center
One of modern music’s most interesting projects, KATSEYE is the result of a years-long talent search documented in the show "The Debut: Dream Academy." Of the 120,000 performers who applied, KATSEYE is represented by five women from backgrounds all across the world, from the U.S. to South Korea. KATSEYE is tailor-made for big shows, bright energy and a worldwide tour that includes a stop in Uptown.
Joshua Bell Plays Bruch
When: Saturday, Nov. 7
Where: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
While violinists aren’t usually featured in these concert roundups, this is an exception. Perhaps the world’s best-known violinist, Bell first played Carnegie Hall at the age of 17. Now on tour through North America and Europe, Charlotte is one of the lucky cities that gets to experience the music of this living legend.
Jack White: Live 2026
When: Friday, Nov. 13 and Saturday, Nov. 14
Where: The Fillmore Charlotte
An uncompromising artist, business person and musician, Jack White is one of the faces of modern rock as well as a revered figure in the music industry. White is known as one of most famous guitar players of his generation, but his songwriting is equally memorable. Always an auteur, White promises to put on a show that demands as much of the audience as it does of the band.
Rush: Fifty Something
When: Friday, Nov. 20 and Sunday, Nov. 22
Where: Spectrum Center
While one could make plenty of jokes about Rush, one of the most essential bands of the 1970s, there is no one who can question their musicianship. While the band lost iconic drummer Neal Peart in 2020, original members Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee continue to play their hearts out each night. Touring with new drummer Anika Nilles, Rush hasn’t lost a step, and fans of any generation should be making plans for this show.
Kurt Vile and the Violators
When: Sunday, Nov. 22
Where: Neighborhood Theatre
A favorite of Charlotteans whenever he tours, Kurt Vile is back on the road with his band, The Violators, making a stop in NoDa at the Neighborhood Theatre. Since leaving The War On Drugs, Vile has made a substantial solo career and is touring in support of his tenth studio album, “Philadelphia’s Been Good to Me.”
Check out our Event Calendar to see more concerts happening in the Queen City.
