Things to Do in
Charlotte This Week.
October 5 to 11, 2026 - Fall race weekend takes over the metro as Charlotte Motor Speedway returns to its traditional oval for the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America 400 on Sunday, October 11. Midweek brings Olivia Rodrigo's Unraveled Tour to Spectrum Center for two arena nights, plus Fuerza Regida at Truliant Amphitheater, Phoebe Bridgers at Spectrum Center, and the Charlotte Symphony performing Scheherazade at Belk Theater. The weekend rounds out with Charlotte FC vs FC Dallas at Bank of America Stadium, Hornets preseason basketball, Trombone Shorty at The Fillmore, and October farmers markets picking up the first NC apples and pumpkins of the season. One of the most action-packed weekends of the Charlotte fall calendar.
October in Charlotte is when the calendar really fills up, and this week is proof. Midweek is all about arenas and amphitheaters: Olivia Rodrigo plays Spectrum Center on Wednesday and Thursday, Fuerza Regida headlines Truliant Amphitheater on Thursday and Friday, Phoebe Bridgers brings The Lost Tour to Spectrum Center on Friday, and the Charlotte Symphony opens its Scheherazade run at Belk Theater on Friday night. The weekend, though, belongs to Charlotte Motor Speedway, where the fall race weekend peaks with the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America 400 on Sunday afternoon. In between there is Charlotte FC vs FC Dallas at Bank of America Stadium, Hornets preseason basketball at Spectrum Center, Trombone Shorty at The Fillmore, and the first truly fall farmers markets of the year with NC apples, pumpkins, and winter squash. Whether you want arena pop, orchestral elegance, or the roar of Cup cars, this week has your pick.
Monday through Friday.
The Hornets open preseason Tuesday, Olivia Rodrigo takes over Spectrum Center Wednesday and Thursday, Fuerza Regida headlines Truliant two nights, Phoebe Bridgers and the Charlotte Symphony share Friday night, and NASCAR's Truck Series kicks off race weekend at the speedway Friday evening.
Artemas - Live at The Fillmore
The Fillmore Charlotte - 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte
UK alt-pop artist Artemas brings the LOVERCORE / GETTING UP TO NO GOOD tour to The Fillmore with opener Henry Morris. Known for the viral hit "I Like the Way You Kiss Me" and his brooding blend of dark R&B and alt-pop, Artemas delivers an atmospheric, bass-forward live show that fills the room. A moody Monday-night opener for a huge Charlotte week.
Charlotte Hornets vs Brooklyn Nets (NBA Preseason)
Spectrum Center - 333 E Trade St, Uptown Charlotte
The Hornets tip off their 2026-27 preseason at home against the Brooklyn Nets at Spectrum Center. It is your first look at the new-look Charlotte roster in game action, with affordable preseason pricing and a lively Uptown crowd. A great midweek outing for basketball fans.
Rebecca Black - Live at The Fillmore
The Fillmore Charlotte - 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte
Rebecca Black performs live at The Fillmore on her Exhibitionism tour, fresh off her acclaimed pivot into serious, self-aware pop. Tuesday night brings layered production, sharp songwriting, and a devoted fanbase to the music factory district. Tickets through Live Nation.
Olivia Rodrigo: The Unraveled Tour
Spectrum Center - 333 E Trade St, Uptown Charlotte
Olivia Rodrigo brings The Unraveled Tour to Spectrum Center for the first of two Charlotte arena nights. Expect the full GUTS catalog alongside her breakout SOUR hits, with her signature raw, emotional live performance and theatrical staging. One of the most in-demand pop shows of the year, with tickets through Ticketmaster.
Olivia Rodrigo: The Unraveled Tour - Second Night
Spectrum Center - 333 E Trade St, Uptown Charlotte
Olivia Rodrigo returns to Spectrum Center for a second consecutive arena night, this time with Wolf Alice as support. Two nights means two chances to catch one of pop's biggest current stars, and the Thursday show adds a buzz-worthy opening act. Tickets through Ticketmaster.
Fuerza Regida - Live at Truliant Amphitheater
Truliant Amphitheater - 801 I-85, Charlotte
Regional Mexican superstars Fuerza Regida headline Truliant Amphitheater for two nights on their This Is Our Dream Tour. Known for corridos and sierreño style that have made them one of the biggest names in Latin music, their live shows are high-energy singalongs under the open sky. Tickets through Live Nation.
Ryan Davis - Live Comedy at The Comedy Zone
The Comedy Zone - 900 Seaboard St, Charlotte
Headliner Ryan Davis runs a multi-night engagement at The Comedy Zone from Thursday through Saturday. His sharp, self-aware stand-up fills the club for back-to-back sets, and the intimate room makes every joke land. A great date-night option in the music factory district.
Charlotte Symphony: Scheherazade
Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center - 130 N Tryon St, Uptown
The Charlotte Symphony performs Rimsky-Korsakov's lush Scheherazade at Belk Theater, with Orion Weiss soloing in Barber's Piano Concerto under conductor Kwamé Ryan. From the famous violin solo that opens the piece to the shimmering finale, this is storytelling through music at its most vivid. A Friday night of world-class classical music in Uptown.
Phoebe Bridgers: The Lost Tour
Spectrum Center - 333 E Trade St, Uptown Charlotte
Phoebe Bridgers brings The Lost Tour to Spectrum Center for her biggest Charlotte headline show to date, with Alex G as support. Expect her hushed, devastating songwriting, spare arrangements that bloom into full-band crescendos, and her trademark deadpan stage presence. A standout indie show for the season, with tickets through Ticketmaster.
Rising Appalachia at Neighborhood Theatre
Neighborhood Theatre - 511 E 36th St, NoDa
Soulful folk and world-music duo Rising Appalachia play an intimate NoDa show at the Neighborhood Theatre with opener Abigail Dowd. Known for their warm harmonies, global instrumentation, and socially conscious songwriting, they fill the historic theater with an acoustic, fireside energy. A perfect Friday night in the arts district before the race weekend peaks.
Niko Moon: Back To My Roots Tour
The Fillmore Charlotte - 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte
Country hitmaker Niko Moon brings his Back To My Roots Tour to The Fillmore on Friday night. Known for the chart-topping "Good Time" and his laid-back blend of country, pop, and hip-hop, his live show is a feel-good singalong built for the music factory district.
Edith Marquez at Ovens Auditorium
Ovens Auditorium - 2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte
Mexican pop and ballad superstar Edith Marquez performs at Ovens Auditorium on Friday night, bringing her signature romantic pop catalog to Charlotte. A polished, emotional evening for fans of Latin pop in one of the city's classic theaters.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Ecosave 250
Charlotte Motor Speedway - Concord NC (about 20 min north of Uptown)
The fall race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway kicks off Friday night with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Ecosave 250 under the lights. The 2026 fall weekend returns to the traditional 1.5-mile oval layout for the first time since 2017, with practice and qualifying building toward Sunday's Cup race. Kids' NASCAR tickets from $10, plus a Fan Zone and STEAM Expo all weekend.
Saturday & Sunday.
Saturday brings Charlotte FC vs FC Dallas at Bank of America Stadium, the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the speedway, the second night of Scheherazade at Belk Theater, and Ryan Davis comedy. Sunday is the crown jewel: the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with Hornets preseason basketball and Trombone Shorty at The Fillmore closing the night.
Charlotte FC vs FC Dallas
Bank of America Stadium - 800 S Mint St, Uptown Charlotte
Charlotte FC hosts FC Dallas at Bank of America Stadium for a Saturday-night MLS match as the playoff push heats up. The Crown's home crowds are among the loudest in the league, with the Mint Street tailgate scene starting hours before kickoff. Tickets through Ticketmaster.
NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Blue Cross NC 300
Charlotte Motor Speedway - Concord NC (about 20 min north of Uptown)
Race weekend continues Saturday with the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Blue Cross NC 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Support racing, the Fan Zone, and the STEAM Expo keep the speedway buzzing all day before Sunday's Cup race. Kids' NASCAR tickets from $10 make it a family-friendly Saturday.
Charlotte Symphony: Scheherazade - Second Night
Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center - 130 N Tryon St, Uptown
A second evening of the Charlotte Symphony performing Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade with Orion Weiss and conductor Kwamé Ryan. If Friday's performance sells out or you want a more relaxed Saturday option after a day at the speedway, this is a stunning, immersive orchestral night in Uptown. Pair it with dinner at one of the many restaurants on North Tryon or in the EpiCentre district.
Ryan Davis - Final Night at The Comedy Zone
The Comedy Zone - 900 Seaboard St, Charlotte
Ryan Davis closes his Charlotte run with two Saturday shows at The Comedy Zone. The intimate club room, two-set format, and relaxed music-factory atmosphere make it a perfect date night or group outing to finish the weekend.
High June at The Underground
The Underground - 820 Hamilton St, Charlotte
High June headlines The Underground on Saturday night with a high-energy set of modern rock and pop-punk anthems. An intimate club show that keeps the weekend rolling after the soccer match and race-day action.
NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America 400
Charlotte Motor Speedway - Concord NC (about 20 min north of Uptown)
The main event of the fall race weekend: the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The 2026 fall race returns to the traditional 1.5-mile oval for the first time since 2017, a Sunday afternoon of Cup Series racing under the October sun with a pre-race concert from country star Tyler Hubbard. Add the Fan Zone, STEAM Expo, and $10 kids' NASCAR tickets to make it a full family day. The biggest ticket of the entire Charlotte October weekend.
Charlotte Hornets vs Milwaukee Bucks (NBA Preseason)
Spectrum Center - 333 E Trade St, Uptown Charlotte
The Hornets close out their preseason home slate Sunday night against the Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center. A second chance to see the new roster in game action, and a perfect cap to a weekend that also features the Cup race and Charlotte FC. Tickets through Ticketmaster.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue - Live at The Fillmore
The Fillmore Charlotte - 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue bring New Orleans funk, jazz, and rock to The Fillmore on Sunday night. One of the most explosive live bands in the country, Trombone Shorty's high-octane blend of brass and funk fills the room with uncontainable energy. A can't-miss Sunday show to close out a huge Charlotte weekend.
Charlotte VegFest
Victoria Yards - 209 E 7th St, Uptown Charlotte
Charlotte's free all-vegan festival returns to Victoria Yards in Uptown with 100+ plant-based vendors, cooking demos, live performances, and a kids' zone. Whether you are vegan, curious, or just hungry, it is a free afternoon of food and fun in the heart of the city. A great stop before the Charlotte FC match kicks off.
Charlotte Bookpalooza
Charlotte area (check event details)
Charlotte Bookpalooza brings a day of bookish fun to the Queen City on Saturday, October 10, with author events, book swaps, and literary activities for readers of all ages. A cozy, family-friendly alternative to the speedway crowd, perfect for a relaxed fall Saturday.
Charlotte Mimosa Festival
Charlotte venue (21+, check event details)
The Charlotte Mimosa Festival pours bottomless-style brunch vibes into a single festive afternoon on Sunday, October 11, with mimosa tastings, DJs, games, and food vendors. A lively 21+ way to round out the weekend after race day.
Cotton Ginning Festival
Dallas Park - Dallas NC (about 25 min west of Uptown)
The Cotton Ginning Festival in nearby Dallas NC celebrates the region's cotton heritage with free admission, live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and family activities across three days in Dallas Park. An easy, free country-fair-style outing in Gaston County for the whole family.
Ongoing & recurring.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville NC
Open weekends Oct 3 through Nov 22. Jousting, artisan crafts, turkey legs, mead, and costumed performers. One of the country's largest Renaissance festivals, about 20 minutes north of Uptown.
Mecktoberfest at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
OMB Ballantyne - 12101 Promise Land Dr, Charlotte
German-style fall festival weekends Oct 2-4 and Oct 9-11 at OMB Ballantyne: oompah bands, German lagers, brats, pretzels, and stein-holding contests. A family-friendly Oktoberfest tradition in the Charlotte metro.
SCarowinds & Tricks and Treats at Carowinds
Carowinds - 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte
SCarowinds runs select nights through Nov 1 for haunted mazes and scare zones, while Tricks and Treats offers family-friendly daytime Halloween fun on weekends, included with park admission.
Fall Farmers Markets
Charlotte Regional, Kings Drive, South End at Atherton, Davidson
October markets bring the peak of fall: NC apples, pumpkins, winter squash, and late-season tomatoes. Charlotte Regional Farmers Market (1801 Yorkmont Rd), Kings Drive (938 S Kings Dr), South End at Atherton (2000 South Blvd), and Davidson (120 S Main St).
Optimist Hall & 7th Street Public Market Food Halls
1115 N Brevard St & 224 E 7th St, Charlotte
Two of Charlotte's favorite food halls for any-time-of-day eats. Grab a bite at Optimist Hall in Optimist Park or 7th Street Public Market in Uptown before or after any of this week's concerts and games.
Don't miss these.
NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America 400 (Sunday, October 11)
The crown jewel of the Charlotte October weekend. The Cup Series returns to the traditional oval for the first time since 2017, with the $10 kids' tickets, Fan Zone, and STEAM Expo making it a true family day. Even if racing is not usually your thing, the sensory overload of Cup cars at 180 mph on a fall afternoon is unforgettable.
Olivia Rodrigo: The Unraveled Tour at Spectrum Center (Wed & Thu, Oct 7-8)
Two arena nights for one of pop's biggest stars. Olivia Rodrigo's live show is emotional, theatrical, and arena-sized, and Charlotte gets two chances to see it midweek, with Wolf Alice joining Thursday. It is the single most in-demand concert of this week in the Queen City.
Charlotte FC vs FC Dallas (Saturday, October 10)
The Crown hosts FC Dallas at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night with the playoff race tightening. Charlotte FC home matches are a full-evening experience, from the Mint Street tailgates to one of the loudest crowds in MLS, and it is a perfect complement to a weekend at the speedway.
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