26 Things to Do in 2026
Start planning your year around these exciting happenings in Charlotte.
by Arielle Patterson Jan 02, 2026
From cherished annual festivals to concerts, sporting events and more, there’s no shortage of things to do year-round in the Queen City. Mark your calendar for these 2026 events in Charlotte.
January
1. Celebrate the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 as a new group of racing legends is enshrined during Induction Weekend, Jan. 22-24.
2. Enjoy three-course, prix-fixe menus from nearly 100 restaurants in the Charlotte region during the winter edition of Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week, Jan. 23-Feb. 1.
February
3. From Feb. 5-8, the Charlotte Convention Center transforms into a boater’s paradise during the Discover Boating®️ Mid-Atlantic Boat Show, featuring more than 400 of the newest boats and watercraft for sale. Browse, board and take advantage of big deals on luxury cruisers, pontoons, fishing boats and wakeboats — all under one roof. Save on tickets by using code CRVA20.
4. Sip more than 25 local and regional beers during the Queen City Brewers Festival, Feb. 7.
March
5. Indulge in the Queen City’s culinary scene during Savor Charlotte, featuring interactive classes and demonstrations, special menus and exclusive offers from some of the city’s tastemakers, from March 11-28.
6. Broadway comes to Blumenthal Performing Arts with a lineup of shows throughout the year, including the Tony Award-winning musical “Suffs” at Belk Theater from March 10-15.
April
7. Immerse yourself in the Queen City’s creative scene with interactive art displays, live music, dancers, food and more throughout Uptown during Charlotte SHOUT!, April 3-19.
8. The Whitewater Center hosts Tuck Fest, a three-day event that includes trail running, kayaking, biking, climbing, obstacle and adventure racing, live music and more outdoor activities.
May
9. The Truist Championship returns to Quail Hollow Club with a new name, May 6-10, as some of the top golfers from around the world compete in this PGA Tour signature event.
10. Charlotte Crown, the new professional women’s basketball team, kicks off its inaugural season with a home opener May 21 against the Jacksonville Waves at Bojangles Coliseum.
11. Have full-throttle fun at the Coca-Cola 600, part of the NASCAR Cup Series, on May 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
12. Watch the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team in action at Bank of America Stadium on May 31 as the team faces off against Senegal in the Allstate Continental Clásico.
June
13. Banana Ball comes to Truist Field as two of the league’s teams, the Firefighters and Texas Tailgaters, entertain on the field June 4-6.
14. Get a bite of the Queen City at Taste of Charlotte, a food festival June 5-7 in Uptown that features tastings from local restaurants.
July
15. Rock legends AC/DC are bringing the Power Up Tour to Bank of America Stadium on July 11.
16. Soccer fans can experience a week-long celebration of soccer and culture, including MLS All-Star Skills Challenge and the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, during the MLS All-Star Week at Bank of America Stadium in late July.
August
17. August is pride month in the Queen City. Support the LGBTQ+ community at events throughout the city, including the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade in Uptown.
September
18. Race along I-277 in Uptown during the Around the Crown 10K on Sept. 6. Registration begins online and in person on Jan. 10.
19. Watch independent films from all genres during the Charlotte Film Festival, Sept. 22-27 at Independent Picture House.
20. Enjoy an early-fall day at Freedom Park as you browse works of art and wares from more than 200 artists and vendors during Festival in the Park, Sept. 25-27.
October
21. Throughout the month of October, Carowinds transforms from a theme park to a “scream park” during Scarowinds, featuring spooktacular shows and haunted attractions.
22. Raise a glass to the Queen City’s brewery scene during Charlotte Craft Beer Week. Take advantage of the Charlotte Brewery Pass to unlock discounts for participating breweries year-round.
November
23. Visit the village of Fairhaven, through Nov. 22, to play games, watch live performances, browse the artisan market and eat plenty of food at the Carolina Renaissance Festival.
24. Ornate parade floats light up the night as they make their way down Tryon Street in Uptown during the Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade on Nov. 25.
December
25. Step into a winter wonderland at Truist Field throughout the month of December during Light the Knights, featuring ice skating, snow tubing, shopping, light displays and more.
26. Close out the year by watching a performance of Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” a holiday tradition at Belk Theater.
