Things to Do in
Charlotte This Week.
August 17-23, 2026 — Motley Crue and The Wiggles share Monday (one rocks the amphitheater, the other brings the kids to Ovens Auditorium), Nikki Glaser brings her acclaimed comedy to Ovens for two nights (Thursday and Friday), Poppy performs at The Fillmore on Tuesday, Luke Bryan and Charlotte FC share Saturday night, and Jack Johnson closes the weekend Sunday evening. Plus: "Little Shop of Horrors" at Booth Playhouse all weekend, BIG3 Basketball at Spectrum Center, Charlotte Knights baseball, River Jam at the Whitewater Center, farmers markets at peak season, and comedy shows in NoDa.
This might be the most stacked week of Charlotte's entire summer. Monday kicks off with Motley Crue and Tesla bringing the Carnival of Sins to the amphitheater for a massive rock spectacle, while The Wiggles play two family shows at Ovens Auditorium — there is genuinely something for every age group tonight. Tuesday brings Poppy's genre-bending show to The Fillmore. Starting Thursday, Nikki Glaser takes over Ovens Auditorium for two nights of top-tier standup comedy. Saturday is absolutely loaded: BIG3 basketball at Spectrum Center at noon, Charlotte FC vs D.C. United at Bank of America Stadium at 7:30 PM, and Luke Bryan at the amphitheater at 7:00 PM. Sunday winds down perfectly with Jack Johnson and Lake Street Dive at the amphitheater. Add in "Little Shop of Horrors" at Booth Playhouse all weekend, the Charlotte Knights hosting the IronPigs, River Jam on Thursday-Friday-Saturday, Eden Munoz on Friday, Emma Willmann and Steve Hofstetter at The Comedy Club in NoDa, and farmers markets at their late-August peak with NC tomatoes, peaches, muscadine grapes, and sweet corn. If you have been saving your energy all summer, this is the week to spend it.
Monday through Friday.
Motley Crue and The Wiggles share Monday (rock for the adults, Wiggles for the kids), Poppy at The Fillmore on Tuesday, Knights baseball Tuesday through Wednesday, Nikki Glaser at Ovens Thursday and Friday, Eden Munoz on Friday, River Jam on Thursday and Friday, and Emma Willmann comedy in NoDa on Friday. The week builds toward a massive weekend.
Mötley Crüe — The Return of the Carnival of Sins
Truliant Amphitheater — 707 Pavilion Blvd, University City
The iconic rock band Mötley Crüe brings "The Return of the Carnival of Sins" tour to Charlotte featuring Tesla and Extreme as special guests. This is one of the biggest rock shows of the summer — expect "Kickstart My Heart," "Dr. Feelgood," "Girls, Girls, Girls," and an elaborate stage production with pyrotechnics, lighting, and all the spectacle that made Mötley Crüe legendary. Tesla delivers "Love Song" and "Signs," while Extreme brings "More Than Words" and "Get the Funk Out." A massive Monday night rock bill at the amphitheater.
The Wiggles — Tree of Wisdom Spectacular
Ovens Auditorium — 2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte
The Wiggles bring their Tree of Wisdom Spectacular to Ovens Auditorium for two shows on Monday afternoon and evening. A perfect family-friendly option for parents looking for a fun, high-energy show with the beloved children's entertainment icons. Expect "Fruit Salad," "Hot Potato," "Toot Toot, Chugga Chugga, Big Red Car," and all the sing-along favorites that have made The Wiggles a global phenomenon for generations of kids.
Poppy
The Fillmore Charlotte — 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd
Genre-bending artist Poppy performs at The Fillmore on Tuesday night. Known for her ever-evolving sound that shifts between bubblegum pop, heavy metal, and industrial rock, Poppy delivers a visually striking and unpredictable live show. The Fillmore's intimate setting is perfect for experiencing the theatricality and raw energy of her performances up close. Tickets available through Live Nation.
Charlotte Knights vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Truist Field — 324 S Mint St, Uptown
The Charlotte Knights open a midweek series against the IronPigs at Truist Field. Minor league baseball in Uptown is one of the most affordable and enjoyable summer experiences in Charlotte. Tuesday nights often feature special promotions — check milb.com/charlotte-knights for the latest deals. Truist Field has great sightlines, craft beer options, and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Uptown.
Charlotte Knights vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs — Hump Day Game
Truist Field — 324 S Mint St, Uptown
Wednesday night baseball at Truist Field with the Knights hosting Lehigh Valley. Midweek games are typically quieter and more relaxed, making them perfect for families with kids. $2 hot dog specials and drink deals are common on Wednesdays. The Knights are in the final stretch of their regular season, so every game counts.
Nikki Glaser — Live Comedy
Ovens Auditorium — 2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte
One of the sharpest comedians working today, Nikki Glaser brings her no-holds-barred standup to Ovens Auditorium for two nights. Known for her unfiltered, self-deprecating humor, Glaser has headlined Netflix specials, hosted "FBoy Island" and "The Nikki Glaser Podcast," and been a frequent guest on "The Tonight Show" and "The Joe Rogan Experience." This is a rare two-night stand in Charlotte for a comedian at the top of her game. Tickets from around $35.
River Jam: Thursday Night Concert
U.S. National Whitewater Center — 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
Thursday night River Jam at the Whitewater Center — free live music on the outdoor stage with the river as your backdrop. Thursdays draw smaller crowds than the weekend, making this the most relaxed night to experience Charlotte's best summer tradition. Go early for a trail run or paddle before the show. Free admission; parking $6.
Eden Munoz
Ovens Auditorium — 2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte
Regional Mexican music star Eden Munoz performs at Ovens Auditorium on Friday evening (rescheduled from 2025). Munoz, the lead vocalist of Calibre 50 turned solo artist, brings his distinctive Mexican norteño and banda sound to Charlotte. A great option for fans of Latin music looking for a Friday night show that is different from the typical rock and country acts filling the amphitheater.
Emma Willmann — Live Comedy
The Comedy Club at Duckworth's — 3306 N Davidson St, NoDa
Comedian Emma Willmann brings her sharp, witty standup to The Comedy Club at Duckworth's for two shows on Friday evening. Willmann has appeared on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," Comedy Central, and is known for her self-deprecating humor and sharp observations. With Nikki Glaser also in town this weekend, it is Charlotte comedy fans' best weekend of the summer.
River Jam: Friday Night Concert
U.S. National Whitewater Center — 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
Friday night River Jam at the Whitewater Center — free live music on the outdoor stage with the river and trails as your backdrop. The Friday shows are the perfect way to transition into the weekend. Arrive early for a good spot. Free admission; parking $6.
Saturday & Sunday.
BIG3 basketball, Charlotte FC vs D.C. United, Luke Bryan at the amphitheater, farmers markets, River Jam on Saturday, "Little Shop of Horrors" at Booth Playhouse all weekend, and Jack Johnson closing out the weekend Sunday evening. Plus comedy in NoDa on both Saturday and Sunday.
BIG3 Basketball
Spectrum Center — 333 E Trade St, Uptown
The BIG3 — Ice Cube's professional 3-on-3 basketball league — rolls into Charlotte for an afternoon showcase at the Spectrum Center. The league features former NBA stars and international players competing in a fast-paced half-court format that's a lot of fun to watch in person. A great midday sports option before the evening's other events.
Charlotte FC vs. D.C. United
Bank of America Stadium — 800 S Mint St, Uptown
Charlotte FC hosts D.C. United in an MLS Eastern Conference match at Bank of America Stadium. The atmosphere at CLTFC matches is electric — the supporter sections bring drums, flags, tifos, and nonstop energy for 90 minutes. This is a winnable home match against a conference opponent, and the crowd always shows up big for Saturday night games. If you haven't been to a Charlotte FC match yet, this is a great one to start with. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.
Luke Bryan — Word on the Street Tour
Truliant Amphitheater — 707 Pavilion Blvd, University City
Country superstar Luke Bryan brings his Word on the Street Tour to Charlotte with special guests Drew Baldridge, Randall King, Zach John King, and DJ Rock. With 30+ No. 1 hits including "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)," "That's My Kind of Night," "Play It Again," and "Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day," Luke Bryan delivers one of the best country live shows in the business. Lawn tickets from around $49. This is going to be a massive Saturday night at the amphitheater.
Jack Johnson — SURFILMUSIC Tour
Truliant Amphitheater — 707 Pavilion Blvd, University City
Jack Johnson brings his signature laid-back surf-rock sound to Charlotte for a Sunday evening show with special guest Lake Street Dive. Expect "Better Together," "Banana Pancakes," "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing," "Upside Down," and all the acoustic favorites. The amphitheater on a warm August evening is the perfect setting for Jack Johnson's mellow, feel-good music. Lake Street Dive opens with their soulful, genre-blending sound. This is a perfect Sunday evening wind-down to close out the weekend.
Steve Hofstetter — Live Comedy
The Comedy Club at Duckworth's — 3306 N Davidson St, NoDa
Comedian Steve Hofstetter performs a Sunday evening standup show at The Comedy Club at Duckworth's. Hofstetter is known for his quick wit, crowd interaction, and viral comedy videos. A great way to close out the weekend with laughs in NoDa.
Saturday Farmers Markets
Multiple locations across Charlotte
Late August farmers markets across the metro: Charlotte Regional Farmers Market (8 AM–5 PM, 1801 Yorkmont Rd), Kings Drive Farmers Market (7 AM–3 PM, 938 S Kings Dr), South End Farmers Market at Atherton (8 AM–1 PM, 2000 South Blvd), Davidson Farmers Market (9 AM–12 PM, 120 S Main St). Late August is peak season for NC tomatoes, peaches, sweet corn, okra, field peas, blackberries, and the first of the muscadine grapes. The Saturday markets are the busiest and best-stocked day of the week.
"Little Shop of Horrors" at Booth Playhouse
Booth Playhouse — 130 N Tryon St, Uptown
The beloved off-Broadway musical "Little Shop of Horrors" plays a three-day run at the Booth Playhouse in Uptown. Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's campy, crowd-pleasing classic about a hapless florist, his carnivorous plant, and a budding romance is one of the most fun musicals ever written. The Booth Playhouse is an intimate 434-seat venue in the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, perfect for this quirky production. Tickets available through blumenthalarts.org.
River Jam: Saturday Night Concert
U.S. National Whitewater Center — 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
Saturday night River Jam at the Whitewater Center — the most popular night of the week for free live music. Go early to paddle, hike, or bike before the band takes the stage. The weekend crowds create a festival-like atmosphere with food trucks, craft beer, and the river as your backdrop. Free admission; parking $6.
Ongoing & recurring.
River Jam at the Whitewater Center
US National Whitewater Center
Free live concerts every Thursday, Friday & Saturday evening through September — parking $6
Carowinds Summer Season
Carowinds, Fort Mill SC
Full summer operations with roller coasters, water park, and live entertainment — open weekends with extended hours through Labor Day
Little Shop of Horrors at Booth Playhouse
Booth Playhouse — 130 N Tryon St, Uptown
Runs Friday through Sunday, August 21-23 — tickets at blumenthalarts.org
Summer Exhibitions at the Mint Museum
Mint Museum Randolph & Uptown
Rotating art and design exhibitions — check mintmuseum.org for current shows
Titanic: The Exhibition
The Park Expo — 2500 E Independence Blvd
Immersive historical exhibition featuring artifacts from the Titanic — runs through September 7, tickets from $23
NC Beach Blast Festival
Kings Mountain, NC
Annual beach music festival at Kings Mountain — Friday-Saturday, August 21-22, free admission
Don't miss these.
Nikki Glaser at Ovens Auditorium (Thursday & Friday, August 20-21)
Nikki Glaser is one of the funniest comedians working right now, and she is doing TWO nights at Ovens Auditorium. Her Netflix specials are brutally honest and hilarious, and Ovens is a great venue for standup comedy. This is a rare chance to catch a national headliner in an intimate auditorium setting. Thursday night tickets are a great date idea.
Luke Bryan at Truliant Amphitheater (Saturday, August 22)
Saturday night with 30-plus No. 1 country hits at the amphitheater — Luke Bryan is one of the biggest touring artists in country music, and his live show delivers. Lawn tickets from around $49 make this an accessible big-night-out. "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)" under the stars is peak Charlotte summer.
Charlotte FC vs. D.C. United (Saturday, August 22)
Saturday night soccer at Bank of America Stadium is one of the best live sports experiences in Charlotte. The drums, the tifos, the nonstop energy — it is electric. And if you pair it with Luke Bryan, you have got one of the most stacked Saturday nights Charlotte has seen all summer. The stadium and the amphitheater are both in University City area, making the logistics easy.
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