Things to Do in
Charlotte This Week.
August 24-30, 2026 — The Carolina Panthers host the Houston Texans for their only preseason home game Friday night at Bank of America Stadium. The Cher Show runs all weekend at Booth Playhouse in Uptown. The Charlotte Knights are on a six-game homestand against Memphis from Tuesday through Sunday. Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors play Saturday at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre. Cirque du Soleil OVO comes to Bojangles Coliseum this weekend. WWE RAW returns to Spectrum Center on Sunday night. Plus: River Jam at the Whitewater Center Thursday through Saturday, Eslabon Armado at The Fillmore and DON TRIP at Neighborhood Theatre on Friday, Queen City Metalfest at The Underground, Keep Pounding High School Classic at Bank of America Stadium, Movies in Fourth Ward Park on Saturday, and farmers markets at peak late-summer season.
This is the last full week before Labor Day, and Charlotte is absolutely loaded. Friday night brings the Panthers' only preseason home game against the Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors bring a night of 90s alt-rock nostalgia to Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre on Saturday. Cirque du Soleil OVO dazzles at Bojangles Coliseum with three shows this weekend. And WWE RAW closes out the weekend Sunday night at Spectrum Center. The Cher Show brings a weekend of glitter and nostalgia to Booth Playhouse in Uptown with both a Saturday matinee and evening show. The Knights are on a six-game homestand against Memphis at Truist Field from Tuesday through Sunday. Eslabon Armado plays The Fillmore on Friday, DON TRIP performs at Neighborhood Theatre, and the Queen City Metalfest takes over The Underground on Saturday. River Jam runs Thursday through Saturday at the Whitewater Center, and the Saturday farmers markets are at their late-summer peak with NC tomatoes, sweet corn, blackberries, and muscadine grapes. If you have been saving your summer bucket list, this is the week to check it off.
Monday through Friday.
Eslabon Armado at The Fillmore, DON TRIP at Neighborhood Theatre, Knights baseball Tuesday through Friday, River Jam on Thursday and Friday, and the big one: Panthers vs Texans preseason football Friday night at Bank of America Stadium. Plus The Cher Show opens Friday evening at Booth Playhouse.
Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson — Truliant Amphitheater
Truliant Amphitheater — 801 I-85, Charlotte
Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson co-headline a massive Monday night show at Truliant Amphitheater, with special guests The Hu and Orgy. This is an arena-level rock show at one of Charlotte's largest outdoor venues — expect theatrical staging, pyrotechnics, and a full-throttle production from two of the most iconic names in modern rock. It's a rare Monday night concert of this scale. Tickets through Live Nation.
Los Parceritos — Live at The Fillmore
The Fillmore Charlotte — 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte
Los Parceritos bring their high-energy Latin fusion sound to The Fillmore for a Monday night show. The band blends Colombian cumbia, reggaeton, and modern pop into a danceable, infectious set that fills the room with energy. The Fillmore's intimate setting — one of Charlotte's best mid-sized venues — makes this a great week-opening concert. Tickets available through Live Nation.
1CLT Free Film Festival — Final Day
Independent Picture House — 4237 Raleigh St, Charlotte
The 1CLT Free Film Festival wraps up its run Monday at the Independent Picture House in NoDa. This community-driven festival showcases independent and documentary films selected by Charlotte-based curators. Screenings are free and open to the public, with filmmaker Q&As following select shows. A great way to catch thought-provoking cinema before the festival ends.
Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds
Truist Field — 324 S Mint St, Uptown
The Charlotte Knights open a six-game homestand against the Memphis Redbirds at Truist Field. Tuesday night baseball in Uptown is one of the most affordable summer entertainment options in Charlotte — get the family out for a game with craft beer, hot dogs, and a beautiful view of the Uptown skyline. Tuesday games often feature special promotions and discounted tickets.
Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds — Hump Day Game
Truist Field — 324 S Mint St, Uptown
Wednesday night baseball at Truist Field with the Knights hosting Memphis. Midweek games are relaxed and family-friendly, with smaller crowds that make it easy to grab a great seat. Check milb.com/charlotte-knights for the latest food and drink specials.
Benson Boone: Wanted Man Tour
Spectrum Center — 333 E Trade St, Uptown
Benson Boone brings his Wanted Man Tour to Spectrum Center for a major arena show. The breakout pop star has become one of the most talked-about new artists in music. Spectrum Center's full production setup makes this a can't-miss show for pop fans. Tickets through Ticketmaster.
Josh Groban: Stage, Screen and Symphony
Truliant Amphitheater — 801 I-85, Charlotte
Josh Groban performs with his Stage, Screen and Symphony tour, blending songs from Broadway, film, and his celebrated catalog. Tickets through Live Nation.
2026 Black Carolina Artist Residency Reception
Harvey B. Gantt Center — 551 S Tryon St, Uptown
The Gantt Center hosts a reception celebrating the 2026 Black Carolina Artist Residency, showcasing work of emerging and established Black artists from across the Carolinas. Free community event.
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, more relaxed crowds than the weekend, making this the most peaceful night to experience Charlotte's best summer tradition. Go early for a trail run or paddle before the show. Free admission; parking $13.
Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds
Truist Field — 324 S Mint St, Uptown
Thursday night baseball at Truist Field with the Knights continuing their series against Memphis. Pair it with a pre-game dinner in Uptown or grab a bite at the ballpark. The Thursday evening crowd is a mix of families and professionals enjoying the end of the work week.
Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans — Preseason Game
Bank of America Stadium — 800 S Mint St, Uptown
The Carolina Panthers host the Houston Texans for their only preseason home game of 2026 at Bank of America Stadium. This is one of just two chances to see the Panthers in Charlotte before the regular season starts — and the only one at home. Preseason games are a great opportunity to see the team's draft picks, rookies, and new acquisitions in action at a lower ticket price than regular season games. The stadium atmosphere is electric even in preseason, with the full Panthers game-day experience including the Keep Pounding drum, Top Cat, and the Sir Purr mascot. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.
The Cher Show — Musical Tribute
Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Arts Center — 130 N Tryon St, Uptown
The Cher Show lands at Booth Playhouse for a weekend run celebrating the music and legacy of one of entertainment's most iconic figures. This tribute production features Cher's greatest hits from "Believe" to "If I Could Turn Back Time" with dazzling costumes and a live band. Friday night's show is perfect for a date night or a group outing in Uptown.
River Jam: Friday Night Concert
U.S. National Whitewater Center — 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
Friday night River Jam at the Whitewater Center featuring Bedford — a Charlotte-based band known for their indie rock sound with Southern soul influences. The Friday shows are a perfect transition into the weekend. Go early for a paddle or trail run, then settle in for live music under the stars. Free admission; parking $13.
Eslabon Armado — Amor Nocturno Tour
The Fillmore Charlotte — 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd
Mexican regional music superstars Eslabon Armado bring their Amor Nocturno Tour to The Fillmore. The band has become one of the biggest names in regional Mexican music with their distinctive sierreño sound and hits like "Ella Baila Sola" and "La La La." This is a high-energy Friday night show in one of Charlotte's best mid-sized venues.
DON TRIP at Neighborhood Theatre
Neighborhood Theatre — 511 E 36th St, NoDa
Houston rapper DON TRIP brings his genre-blend of hip hop and R&B to the Neighborhood Theatre in NoDa. Known for tracks like "Free Shawty" and "Too Much," DON TRIP delivers an energetic live show in one of Charlotte's most beloved independent music venues. The intimate setting and full bar make it a great spot for a Friday night show.
Saturday & Sunday.
Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms at Skyla Amphitheatre, Cirque du Soleil OVO at Bojangles Coliseum, Keep Pounding High School Classic at Bank of America Stadium, Knights baseball Saturday and Sunday, K-Pop Stan Fest, Movies in Fourth Ward Park, Queen City Metalfest, and WWE RAW on Sunday night at Spectrum Center.
The Cher Show — Matinee Performance
Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Arts Center — 130 N Tryon St, Uptown
The Saturday matinee of The Cher Show at Booth Playhouse offers an afternoon celebration of Cher's legendary career. With a full set of hits spanning six decades, dazzling costumes, and a powerhouse vocal performance, this is a perfect weekend activity for multi-generational groups — bring your mom, your sister, or your best friend for a feel-good afternoon of music.
The Cher Show — Evening Performance
Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Arts Center — 130 N Tryon St, Uptown
The Saturday evening performance of The Cher Show caps off the weekend at Booth Playhouse. With hits from "Believe" to "Strong Enough," this tribute show is a crowd-pleaser that fills the intimate theater with energy. Pair it with dinner at one of Uptown's restaurants — the Booth Playhouse is steps from the light rail and dozens of dining options.
Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds
Truist Field — 324 S Mint St, Uptown
Saturday night baseball at Truist Field with the Knights hosting Memphis. Saturday games draw the biggest crowds of the week, with post-game fireworks shows often scheduled. The atmosphere is festive, with kids running the bases and the whole family enjoying the summer evening in Uptown. Check milb.com/charlotte-knights for the Saturday promotions schedule.
Carolina Open Air Summer 2026
Blackbox Theater — 1110 S Tryon St, South End
The Carolina Open Air Summer event brings a curated outdoor experience to the Blackbox Theater in South End. Expect live music, local vendors, food trucks, and community art installations. This is the kind of neighborhood-driven event that makes Charlotte summers so special.
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 $13.
Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds — Series Finale
Truist Field — 324 S Mint St, Uptown
The Knights close out their six-game homestand with a Sunday afternoon finale against the Memphis Redbirds. Sunday afternoon baseball is a Charlotte tradition — grab a seat in the sun, eat a hot dog, and watch the game with a relaxed crowd. Kids get to run the bases after the game on select Sundays. It's the perfect way to end the weekend before Labor Day.
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), and University City Farmers Market (10 AM–2 PM, NOVEL University Place, 6010 Jasmine Lane). Late August is peak season for NC tomatoes, peaches, sweet corn, okra, field peas, blackberries, and muscadine grapes. The Saturday markets are the busiest and best-stocked day of the week.
Blues Traveler & Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors
Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre — 2035 Heritage Center Dr
A powerhouse 90s alternative rock triple bill at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre. Blues Traveler bring their signature harmonica-driven jams and hits like "Run-Around" and "Hook." Gin Blossoms deliver timeless power pop with "Hey Jealousy" and "Found Out About You." Spin Doctors open with "Two Princes" and "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong." This is a can't-miss Saturday night for anyone who grew up on 90s alt-rock radio. A perfect outdoor concert as August winds down.
Cirque du Soleil OVO
Bojangles Coliseum — 2700 E Independence Blvd
Cirque du Soleil brings OVO to Charlotte for three shows this weekend. OVO is a colorful, high-energy production inspired by the vibrant ecosystem of insects. The show features breathtaking aerial acts, stunning costumes, and Cirque du Soleil's signature blend of athleticism and artistry. A spectacular experience for all ages.
Keep Pounding High School Classic
Bank of America Stadium — 800 S Mint St, Uptown
The Keep Pounding High School Classic brings top high school football teams to Bank of America Stadium for an annual showcase event. Local high school athletes get the experience of playing on an NFL field. A great opportunity to catch the next generation of Charlotte football talent.
Queen City Metalfest
The Underground — 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd
Charlotte's heavy metal community converges at The Underground for Queen City Metalfest, featuring a lineup of local and regional metal bands. The Underground's high-ceilinged space and thundering sound system are the perfect setting. A great way to discover Charlotte's thriving underground music scene.
K-Pop Stan Fest 2026
Urban District Market — 2410 N Davidson St, NoDa
K-Pop Stan Fest returns to the Urban District Market in NoDa for a celebration of Korean pop culture featuring dance cover performances, DJ sets, vendor booths, and food from the market's local vendors. A fun and inclusive community event.
Movies in Fourth Ward Park
Fourth Ward Park — 301 N Poplar St, Uptown
Free outdoor movie screening at Fourth Ward Park in Uptown. Part of the summer outdoor movie series, this Saturday night screening is a beloved Charlotte tradition. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and enjoy a family-friendly film under the stars. Free and open to all.
WWE: RAW
Spectrum Center — 333 E Trade St, Uptown
WWE's flagship show RAW returns to the Spectrum Center on Sunday night for a live televised event. Expect high-energy action with WWE's biggest superstars, championship matches, and the electric atmosphere that only a live WWE crowd can deliver. Spectrum Center's state-of-the-art production makes this a spectacular evening of sports entertainment.
KevOnStage — Grief Sucks: A One Man Show
The Fillmore Charlotte — 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd
Comedian and content creator KevOnStage brings his Grief Sucks one-man show to The Fillmore. The show blends comedy and raw honesty as KevOnStage opens up about loss, healing, and finding laughter in life's hardest moments. A unique and deeply human performance.
Ongoing & recurring.
River Jam at the Whitewater Center
US National Whitewater Center
Free live concerts every Thursday, Friday & Saturday evening through September — parking $13
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
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
Sovereignty — Theater Production
Stage 1 at Blume Studios
Runs through September 6 — check blumenthalarts.org for tickets and showtimes
America 250 Locomotive Celebration
N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer NC — 411 S Salisbury Ave
A three-day celebration of American railroading history in honor of America's semiquincentennial. Through Sunday, August 30. About 45 minutes northeast of Charlotte.
Don't miss these.
Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms & Spin Doctors at Skyla Amphitheatre (Saturday, Aug 29)
A full 90s alternative rock triple bill that is the definition of nostalgic summer fun. Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre is a wonderful outdoor venue for this kind of show. If you grew up with "Run-Around," "Hey Jealousy," and "Two Princes," this is your Saturday night.
Cirque du Soleil OVO at Bojangles Coliseum (Saturday & Sunday)
Cirque du Soleil is always spectacular, and OVO is one of their most family-friendly productions. Three showtimes this weekend mean you can fit it into your schedule.
WWE RAW at Spectrum Center (Sunday, Aug 30)
Live WWE events are a whole different energy than watching on TV. Spectrum Center's production makes every entrance feel larger than life, and the Charlotte crowd always brings the noise.
Panthers vs. Texans Preseason Game (Friday, August 28)
The only preseason home game for the Panthers this year under the lights at Bank of America Stadium. Preseason games are the most affordable way to experience the full Panthers game-day atmosphere.
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