Things to Do in
Charlotte This Week.
July 13–19, 2026 — The R&B Tour hits Bank of America Stadium with Usher and Chris Brown on Friday, Train and Barenaked Ladies bring summer classics to the amphitheater on Tuesday, Monster Jam takes over the Spectrum Center for a family-friendly weekend, and Chicago & Styx close out Saturday night with classic rock. Plus: Earl Sweatshirt, Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, River Jam at the Whitewater Center, farmers markets, and more.
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Charlotte's summer event calendar keeps delivering week after week. This might be the most diverse lineup of the season — Friday night brings Usher and Chris Brown to Bank of America Stadium for one of the biggest R&B stadium shows of the year, while Tuesday opens with Train and Barenaked Ladies celebrating 25 years of "Drops of Jupiter" at the amphitheater. Families get a huge weekend with Monster Jam at the Spectrum Center (Saturday evening and Sunday matinee), and classic rock fans can choose between Chicago & Styx at the amphitheater or Lindsey Stirling at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre on Saturday night. Earl Sweatshirt brings alternative hip-hop to The Fillmore on Wednesday, Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band keeps the tropical rock alive on Thursday, and River Jam delivers free live music at the Whitewater Center on both Friday and Saturday. It's a packed week in the Queen City.
Monday through Friday.
Open mic in NoDa, Train at the amphitheater, Earl Sweatshirt at The Fillmore, Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, the Usher & Chris Brown R&B Tour at Bank of America Stadium, and River Jam at the Whitewater Center. Music fans are spoiled this week.
Tosco Music Open Mic Night
The Evening Muse — 3162 N Davidson St, NoDa
Start the week with Charlotte's beloved open mic night in the heart of NoDa. The Tosco Music Open Mic has been a staple of the Charlotte music scene for years, giving local singers, songwriters, and musicians a stage. You never know who you'll discover — this is where Charlotte's next breakout act might play their first set. Free admission.
Train — Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere
Truliant Amphitheater — 707 Pavilion Blvd, University City
Train celebrates 25 years of their diamond-certified album "Drops of Jupiter" with a co-headlining summer tour featuring Barenaked Ladies and Matt Nathanson. Expect "Drops of Jupiter," "Hey, Soul Sister," "Calling," and all the hits that defined the early 2000s. Lawn tickets from around $35 — one of the best outdoor concert values of the summer.
Story of the Year w/ Silverstein
The Fillmore Charlotte — 820 Hamilton St, AvidXchange Music Factory
Post-hardcore staples Story of the Year team up with Silverstein for a night of high-energy rock. Both bands have been pillars of the 2000s rock scene and continue to deliver powerful live shows. A great option for rock fans looking for something raw and energetic in an intimate venue setting.
Earl Sweatshirt — Home on the Range Tour
The Fillmore Charlotte — 820 Hamilton St, AvidXchange Music Factory
Alternative hip-hop artist Earl Sweatshirt brings his Home on the Range Tour to The Fillmore with opener MIKE. Known for his introspective lyrics and experimental production, Sweatshirt is one of the most critically acclaimed rappers of his generation — a former Odd Future member who has carved out a deeply personal artistic identity. All ages. General admission.
Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band — Keep The Party Going Tour
Truliant Amphitheater — 707 Pavilion Blvd, University City
The Coral Reefer Band keeps Jimmy Buffett's legacy alive with the Keep The Party Going Tour, presented by Margaritaville. Expect "Margaritaville," "Cheeseburger in Paradise," "Come Monday," and all the tropical rock classics that defined a lifestyle. Lawn tickets from around $40. A perfect summer evening outdoors.
Meck Sounds Music Series
Various Mecklenburg County Parks
Free live music performances at Mecklenburg County parks as part of the summer Meck Sounds Music Series. A great way to enjoy live music in an outdoor, family-friendly setting. Check Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation for the specific park and performer this week.
Usher & Chris Brown — The R&B Tour
Bank of America Stadium — 800 S Mint St, Uptown
Two of the biggest names in R&B share the stage at Bank of America Stadium for The R&B Tour. Usher brings his legendary catalog — "Yeah!," "U Remind Me," "Burn," "My Boo" — plus his signature choreography and showmanship. Chris Brown adds hits spanning two decades. This is one of the most anticipated stadium shows of the summer in Charlotte. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.
River Jam: Pretty Little Goat
U.S. National Whitewater Center — 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
River Jam continues with a Friday night performance by Pretty Little Goat. Free live music at the Whitewater Center with the river, trails, and outdoor atmosphere as your backdrop. This is one of Charlotte's best-kept summer secrets — bring a blanket, grab food from the on-site options, and enjoy. Free admission; parking $13.
Saturday & Sunday.
Monster Jam at the Spectrum Center, Chicago & Styx at the amphitheater, Lindsey Stirling at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre, River Jam, farmers markets, Charlotte Knights baseball, and T.I. closing out Sunday at The Fillmore. The weekend is loaded.
Monster Jam — Pit Party
Spectrum Center — 333 E Trade St, Uptown
Monster Jam's Pit Party lets fans get up close to the massive trucks, meet the drivers, and get autographs before the main event. Kids can climb into the driver's seat and see these 12,000-pound machines up close. Included with event ticket — arrive early, this fills up fast.
Monster Jam
Spectrum Center — 333 E Trade St, Uptown
Monster Jam brings its high-octane stadium tour to the Spectrum Center with monster trucks like Grave Digger, Megalodon, and El Toro Loco competing in racing, freestyle, and skills challenges. A massive hit with families and kids. Tickets from around $32. A second show follows on Sunday at noon.
Chicago & Styx — The Windy Cities Tour
Truliant Amphitheater — 707 Pavilion Blvd, University City
Two classic rock titans share the stage as Chicago and Styx bring their co-headlining Windy Cities Tour to Charlotte. Expect "25 or 6 to 4," "Saturday in the Park," "Renegade," and "Come Sail Away" — plus deep cuts for the diehards. Lawn tickets from around $49. This is one of the best outdoor concert lineups of the summer.
Lindsey Stirling — Duality Untamed Tour
Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre — 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd
Violinist, dancer, and electronic music pioneer Lindsey Stirling brings her Duality Untamed Tour to Charlotte with special guest PVRIS. Stirling's live shows are visually spectacular — a blend of classical violin, EDM beats, and choreography that's unlike anything else in live music. Tickets from around $45.
River Jam: The Fretliners
U.S. National Whitewater Center — 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
Saturday night River Jam features The Fretliners — bluegrass-driven energy at the Whitewater Center. Free live music, outdoor trails, and the river atmosphere make this one of the best Saturday night experiences in Charlotte. Free admission; parking $13.
Carnivorous Plant Pop-Up
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market — 1801 Yorkmont Rd
A unique pop-up market featuring carnivorous plants — Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, sundews, and more — at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. Perfect for plant parents looking to add something unusual to their collection. Free admission. Combine with your regular market shopping for peak-season NC peaches, tomatoes, and summer squash.
Charlotte Knights vs. Opponent TBD
Truist Field — 324 S Mint St, Uptown
The Charlotte Knights host Saturday evening baseball at Truist Field. Minor league baseball under the summer sky, affordable tickets, craft beer, and the intimate atmosphere that makes Truist Field one of the best ballparks in minor league baseball. Post-game fireworks expected. Check milb.com/charlotte-knights for the opponent and ticket availability.
Monster Jam — Sunday Show
Spectrum Center — 333 E Trade St, Uptown
Monster Jam returns for a Sunday matinee at the Spectrum Center. The afternoon timing makes this perfect for families with younger kids. Same high-energy monster truck action — racing, freestyle, and skills competitions. Tickets from around $32.
T.I. — The King Succession Tour
The Fillmore Charlotte — 820 Hamilton St, AvidXchange Music Factory
Atlanta rap legend T.I. brings The King Succession Tour to Charlotte for a night of Southern hip-hop anthems. Expect "Bring Em Out," "Whatever You Like," "Live Your Life," and more. T.I.'s influence on trap music and Southern rap is undeniable — this is a chance to see a genre-defining artist in an intimate venue.
Watermelon Day at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market — 1801 Yorkmont Rd
The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market celebrates peak watermelon season with Watermelon Day — free samples, local watermelon varieties, and all the summer produce you can carry. Combine with the regular Sunday market for the best selection of farm-fresh goods in the metro. Free admission.
Ongoing & recurring.
FIFA World Cup 2026
Bars & restaurants citywide
The World Cup continues — catch matches at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, OMB, Salud Cerveceria, Middle James Brewing, and watch party venues across the metro
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
Summer Exhibitions at the Mint Museum
Mint Museum Randolph & Uptown
Rotating art and design exhibitions — check mintmuseum.org for current shows
Don't miss these.
Usher & Chris Brown at Bank of America Stadium (Friday, July 17)
This is THE show of the week. Two of the biggest R&B artists of the last 25 years sharing a stadium stage — Usher's legendary choreography and hits like "Yeah!" paired with Chris Brown's energy. Bank of America Stadium is going to be absolutely electric on a Friday night. If you love R&B, this is the can't-miss event.
Train with Barenaked Ladies at Truliant Amphitheater (Tuesday, July 14)
Two crowd-pleasing bands on one summer stage with lawn tickets from $35. "Drops of Jupiter" meets "One Week" on a Tuesday evening under the stars — this is the most fun, low-key concert of the week. Bring a blanket and enjoy.
Chicago & Styx — The Windy Cities Tour (Saturday, July 18)
Saturday night at the amphitheater with two of the most iconic classic rock bands in history. "25 or 6 to 4" and "Renegade" on a summer evening — it doesn't get better than this. Lawn tickets from $49.
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