Top Concerts and Tours Coming This Fall
Fall is one of the best parts about living in the Carolinas, and it’s often the autumn concerts and performances that produce the best memories.
by Andy Goh Aug 31, 2023
In fall, the weather is still warm, people are going back to school or work and these shows are the backdrops to many of those moments. Charlotte’s fall touring season is as strong as ever with a number of large acts coming to local music venues in the late summer slate, including some of the greatest American bands in history. Check out some of the shows coming to the Queen City this fall.
Chlöe: The In Pieces Tour
When: Thursday, Sept. 7
Where: The Fillmore Charlotte
The future of R&B is in good hands with young stars like Chlöe Bailey, who along with twin sister Halle (perhaps best known for her starring role in the new Little Mermaid movie) have been making waves on the pop charts since their debut in 2018. Shortly thereafter, Chlöe stepped out on her own musically, and has been drawing plenty of attention since. Her debut album, “In Pieces,” was released earlier this year on Beyoncé’s Parkwood record label, and now the young star hits the road to support the project. Step out and see this rising talent at Uptown’s AvidXchange Music Factory.
Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson
When: Saturday, Sept. 9
Where: PNC Music Pavilion
From humble beginnings in 2016 at a farm in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Outlaw Music Festival has grown into an annual summer celebration of country and folk music. This year highlights host Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday, and it will be one of the largest tours to date. Charlotte’s stop includes performances from the Red-Haired Cowboy, Tedeschi Trucks Band, String Cheese Incident and many more.
LL Cool J: The F.O.R.C.E Tour
When: Saturday, Sept. 9
Where: Spectrum Center
With the 50th anniversary of the founding of hip-hop just behind us, there’s been plenty of celebrating the founders and trailblazers of this art form. In particular, Juvenile has enjoyed a bit of a career renaissance thanks to a viral NPR Tiny Desk concert. LL Cool J’s F.O.R.C.E. Tour has been making stops in cities across the country featuring some of these golden-era acts. Get your tickets today to see Juvenile along with some of rap's most essential acts on this tour, live under the bright lights of Spectrum Center.
Victoria Monét - The JAGUAR Tour
When: Monday, Sept. 18
Where: The Fillmore
Producer, songwriter and infectious R&B vocalist Victoria Monét is hitting the road this fall to support her highly anticipated debut album, “JAGUAR II.” With many dates on this tour selling out within minutes of its launch, tickets for Monét’s stop in Charlotte will be in high demand. Debuting in 2020 with her first solo project, “JAGUAR,” Victoria Monét quickly established herself as R&B royalty. Having worked with contemporaries such as Ariana Grande, Fifth Harmony, Chloe x Halle, Bryson Tiller and more, Victoria Monét is a performer whose stock is sharply on the rise. Get in on the ground floor before she plays a bigger venue next year.
Drake: It’s All a Blur Tour, featuring 21 Savage
When: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22-23
Where: Spectrum Center
Unquestionably the biggest name and brightest star in hip hop right now is Aubrey Graham, better known as Drake. This isn’t uncharted territory for the Canadian-born rapper, however. Drake has been topping charts since the early days of the Obama administration. With pop-friendly raps and a keen sense of what gets the zeitgeist talking, Drake is never far from anyone’s mind. Drake has brought out plenty of stars with him to various stops. Who will he bring with him to Charlotte’s center stage?
Raphael Saadiq revisits Tony! Toni! Toné! Just You and Me Tour
When: Friday, September 22
Where: Ovens Auditorium
New Jack Swing is back in full effect! Raphael Saadiq, one of the most memorable and influential R&B acts of the ‘80s and ‘90s, is touring to give a new generation of fans a taste of this Oakland-infused funk. While individual creative directions eventually forced the band apart, there’s no denying that the trio of Dwayne Wiggins, his brother Raphael, and Tim Riley had struck gold with Tony! Toni! Toné! For the first time since the 1990s, the core trio is getting back together for a tour spanning the group’s entire catalog of hits like “Feels Good” and “Let’s Get Down,” as well as hits from either of the three members’ solo careers and other artists they’ve written for.
Illiterate Light with Airpark
When: Thursday, Sept. 28
Where: The Evening Muse
Both bands on this night’s bill at NoDa’s Evening Muse are composed of duos, but neither band’s sound is small nor incomplete. Both based in Nashville, the two bands push the limits of indie pop music with rich arrangements and clever storytelling. Make sure to spend an evening in Charlotte’s arts and entertainment neighborhood and catch this show along with dinner and drinks.
Lana Del Rey
When: Friday, Sept. 29
Where: PNC Music Pavilion
In support of her latest album “Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,” veteran pop singer and songwriter Lana Del Rey is going on a short but sweet tour of the South. Charlotte’s PNC Music Pavilion is one of just 11 dates to experience a truly original pop talent. Slowly rising from internet obscurity in the early 2010s, Del Rey has ascended to rarefied air as a Grammy-nominated singer who also writes and composes her own songs, an increasingly unique combo for the modern pop star. Del Rey’s uncompromising vision, alluring vocal performance and flair for the cinematic in her videos are sure to combine for a can’t-miss night at PNC.
Breakaway Music Festival
When: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 29-30
Where: zMAX Dragway
EDM and house music have come a long way in the past 30-plus years. First breaking through the mainstream in the late ‘90s, EDM was hampered by predictable drum lines and formulaic songwriting outside of a few hits. In the years since, however, the DJs and producers creating EDM and house have taken the game up to a new level. Now incorporating a much more euphoric and nuanced sound, EDM has proved to be much more than just a backing track to a house party. The best DJ, crowd and lights combination can become an almost religious experience for any music fan. Breakaway Music Festival takes this sound to several cities, and the fall Charlotte stop features local DJ, Domii, alongside headliners Flume and Alison Wonderland, as some of the many acts you’ll see over two nights at zMAX Dragway.
Jonas Brothers
When: Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Spectrum Center
One of America’s favorite pop-rock bands reunites to celebrate their deep and diverse catalog this fall, and Charlotte’s getting a front row seat. A spiritual successor to the boy band era of the early millennium, the Jonas Brothers brought a more approachable and relatable sound than their polished predecessors, but still achieved a similar level of worldwide success and stardom. The sibling trio with Carolina roots released four albums between their 2006 debut “It’s About Time” and 2009’s “Lines, Vines and Trying Times” before splitting up to pursue solo careers. Reuniting in 2019, the band is back and bigger than ever. Nick, Joe and Kevin will be playing hits throughout their catalog, as well as from their latest album, “The Album,” released in May 2023.
Janelle Monae: The Age of Pleasure Tour
When: Monday, Oct. 2
Where: Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Grammy-nominated singer, rapper, producer and actor Janelle Monae rolls into town for a stop on her sizzling summer tour promoting her latest record, “The Age of Pleasure.” It’s been quite a summer for Monae, as the promo tour for the record has seen the singer embracing her androgynous and pansexual ideology, all while promoting non-binary people, women of color and body positivity. Adopting a bossa-nova and reggae tone to her smooth R&B sound has produced a record that sounds like a summer-time beach party where everyone is invited. Get your ticket and join the party at the AvidXchange Music Factory’s Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre to celebrate The Age of Pleasure.
Luke Bryan: Country on Tour 2023
When: Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: PNC Music Pavilion
One of country music’s most popular acts, Luke Bryan makes a stop at PNC Music Pavilion. With more than 10 albums under his belt during his 17-plus year career, Luke Bryan has established himself as a perennial star. He’s also bolstered his profile by appearing alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie on ABC’s “American Idol” celebrity judge panel since 2018. Playing a style of country music that will pair perfectly with dusty roads and setting suns, Luke Bryan will absolutely provide a memorable show for country music fans in Charlotte.
Travis Scott Utopia Tour
When: Wednesday, Oct. 11
Where: Spectrum Center
In a genre built on star power, flaunting some of the biggest names in the music industry, Travis Scott has achieved rarefied air and has been one of hip-hop’s brightest stars for a handful of years now. Scott’s immense popularity has mushroomed since his solo debut in 2015 with “Rodeo.” The Houston-born rapper’s psychedelic brand of trap music has seen massive crossover pop appeal, as Scott has collaborated with everyone from Rhianna to Ed Sheeran to Bon Iver to Bad Bunny and more. Scott’s live performances are electrifying and epic, drawing massive crowds wherever he goes. Expect a packed house in Uptown for one of music’s most anticipated tours.
St. Paul & The Broken Bones: The Angels in Science Fiction Tour
When: Friday, Oct. 13
Where: Knight Theater
One of the first things that hits your ear when listening to Birmingham, Alabama-based St. Paul & The Broken Bones is the fiery blowtorch of vocals provided by lead singer Paul Janeway. At full blast, you’ll wonder how any human can produce that level of projection. Once you acclimate to that, you quickly realize the rest of the band is a top-notch collection of musicians who shift seamlessly from rock to pop to blues to gospel and sometimes all at once. When the band is firing on all cylinders, they bring a choral sound that will have you jumping out of your seat and clapping your hands. Do just that at the Knight Theater in Uptown on a spooky Friday the 13th evening.
Aerosmith: PEACE OUT the Farewell Tour with The Black Crowes
When: Tuesday, Oct. 17
Where: Spectrum Center
When you talk about the greatest rock bands the United States has ever produced, Aerosmith is firmly in that conversation. Aerosmith is the epitome of the hard rocking and partying band whose stardom eventually met their downfall, but they are unique in that they bounced back to become arguably even better. From early-career power ballads “Dream On” and “Sweet Emotion” to the “Rock This Way” collaboration with Run-DMC to the undeniable ‘90s hits like “Cryin’,” “Janie’s Got a Gun,” and “Livin’ on the Edge,” Aerosmith has cemented themselves as a prominent part of many music fan’s backgrounds. See them on their final tour with The Black Crowes in Uptown.
John Mayer
When: Monday, Oct. 23
Where: Spectrum Center
There are few in the music industry who are currently working harder than John Mayer. A pop-rock singer-songwriter when he debuted in 2003 with “Room for Squares,” Mayer achieved instant success with the pop crossover appeal of tracks like “Your Body is a Wonderland” and “Daughters.” While Mayer clearly was a talented songwriter, his scorching guitar work quickly took center stage, as tracks like “Neon” are regarded as some of the best studio guitar playing ever recorded. With a foundation in blues and rock soloing, Mayer found himself to be a natural fit alongside the surviving members of the Grateful Dead, and has been touring with them for several years, including a stop in Charlotte earlier this year. Now touring under his own name, Mayer returns to the Queen City to dazzle audiences with his guitar mastery, as well as a deep catalog of songs that go much further than your typical rock solo.
Kansas: Another Fork in the Road 50th Anniversary Tour
When: Friday, Nov. 3
Where: Ovens Auditorium
Another indispensable cornerstone of ‘70s and ‘80s rock will celebrate a milestone achievement on tour for their 50th anniversary, and one of these tour stops is Ovens Auditorium. Kansas has been a household name since releasing their fourth album in 1976, which included the hits “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” The former song in particular has been sustained in pop culture through TV and movie appearances, as well as a notable inclusion in Guitar Hero 2. Despite their own creative differences and revolving door of musicians, Kansas remains one of the most revered names on tour today.
Eagles: The Long Goodbye, featuring Steely Dan
When: Tuesday, Nov. 7
Where: Spectrum Center
Speaking of iconic American bands, there might not be a bigger name on this list than the Eagles. With more than 200 million albums sold worldwide, they can certainly make a strong claim to the throne. Known for masterful harmonies, brilliant songwriting and uncompromising musicianship, the Eagles have produced a wealth of iconic music. Hits like “Hotel California,” “Take it Easy,” “Tequila Sunrise” only begin to tell a story of a band at the height of creativity influence for several generations. Though original member Glenn Frey passed away in 2016, the Eagles continue to soar along with fellow ‘70s rock stalwarts Steely Dan.
Pink: Trustfall Tour
When: Sunday, Nov. 12
Where: Spectrum Center
One of the most enduring voices of the late ‘90s and early 2000s pop-vocal era, Pink has proven to be a consistent presence at the top of the charts ever since. Becoming a star soon after the release of her debut album “Can’t Take Me Home,” Pink has only continued to produce powerful but authentic pop music, while also creating one of rock’s biggest stage shows. The Philadelphia-born singer, who also helped cover Patti LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade,” brings high-energy performances and grand entertainment perfect for Spectrum Center stage.
More Can't-Miss Shows
Nickelback: Get Rollin' Tour
Tuesday, Sept. 12
PNC Music Pavilion
Lil Baby - It's Only Us Tour
Tuesday, Sept. 12
Spectrum Center
ODESZA: The Last Goodbye Tour
Thursday, Sept. 14
PNC Music Pavilion
Noah Cyrus: The Hardest Part Tour
Saturday, Sept. 16
The Underground
Becky G: Mi Casa, Tu Casa
Tuesday, Sept. 19
Ovens Auditorium
Lil Yachty: The Field Trip Tour
Wednesday, Oct. 4
The Fillmore
Playboi Carti
Wednesday, Oct. 18
Spectrum Center
The 1975
Friday, Oct. 20
Spectrum Center
Check out our Event Calendar to see more concerts happening in the Queen City.
