CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Discover these exciting events happening in and around the Queen City this weekend. From family-friendly events to food festivals and sports events, there’s something for everybody to enjoy. Don’t miss out!
FRIDAY, MAY 8
Truist Championship
Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits his tee shot on the 11th hole during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at the Quail Hollow Club, Friday, May 16, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
The Truist Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte will be coming to an end this weekend. One of eight events on the PGA TOUR schedule, the Truist Championship features one of the premier fields in golf, with past champions such as four-time Truist Championship winner Rory McIlroy, Max Homa (2), and Rickie Fowler. The event runs until May 10.
Matthews Summerfest
Come out for the 18th annual Matthews Summerfest! The festival takes place in and around Stumptown Park on Friday and Saturday. The event is free, but there’s a cost for rides and other activities. The festival includes live music, dancing, carnival rides, food vendors, and more. The festivities start at 6 p.m. on Friday and at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
One Thousand Pieces at Knight Theater
This weekend, the production of ‘One Thousand Pieces’ comes to the Knight Theater. “Like light refracted through stained glass, Alejandro Cerrudo’s One Thousand Pieces shimmers between clarity and mystery, reforming in a mesmerizing dance of unity. To the music of Philip Glass performed live by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and inspired by the visions of Marc Chagall’s America Windows, this dreamscape unfolds—fluid and ever-shifting, a reflection on art and love.”
Showtimes:
Saturday, May 9: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, MAY 9
Mooresville Day x Race City Festival
A beloved Mooresville tradition is joining forces with the city’s Day Festival for an action-packed day of live music, food vendors, and entertainment. As part of the nationwide America250 celebration, this year’s event also highlights the city’s deep-rooted heritage as Race City, USA. Live performances include “The Voice” country-rock singer Rob Cole and “American Idol” alt-pop artist Josh King.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more about the event here.
9th Annual Foothills Folk Art Festival
Come out to downtown Newton for the 9th annual Foothills Folk Art Festival! This family-friendly festival features a variety of local and regional contemporary folk and fine artists, hands-on art activities for children, live music, food from downtown restaurants and food truck vendors, a beer garden, and more!
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Carolina Clay Matters Spring Pottery Festival
Come experience the ceramic work of 100+ local artists of the greater Charlotte area. Find pottery for everything, from home decor to outdoor ceramics. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ford Building in Camp North End.
There will be HEX Coffee, a raffle, and more. Admission and parking are free!
Waxhaw Kaleidoscope Fest
Kaleidoscope Festival is Waxhaw’s spring festival held on the weekend of Mother’s Day, and welcomes the beginning of the festival season. The festival will be held atDowntown Park (301 Givens St.) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event includes face painting, caricature artists, cultural dances and food vendors.
Cornelius Cardboard Boat Regatta
Previously postponed due to weather, the Cornelius Cardboard Boat Regatta event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Jetton Park Beach. Registered teams design and build their own boats, using primarily cardboard and duct tape, and race along Lake Norman. Awards will be given to the winners of the boat race and also in the categories of Best Decorated, People’s Choice, and the Titanic Award (best sinking).
PREVIOUS | Cornelius teams raced cardboard watercraft on Lake Norman
Registration is now closed for all racers; viewing the race is free and open to the public.
4th Annual DroneFest
Calling all aviation and drone enthusiasts, the Sullenberger Aviation Museum is hosting the 4th Annual DroneFest. This family-friendly event offers live drone demos, hands-on drone license training, and informational booths from agencies like CMPD, NCDOT, and the FAA. There will also be a helicopter landing, raffles and other prizes. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drone license classes start ahead of the event, at 10 a.m.
Ballantyne Wine Festival
Drink. Eat. Relax. Enjoy over 100 international and local wines, craft beers, and craft spirits. Sample food from local restaurants and food trucks. Experience all this and more at the Ballantyne Wine Festival at Ballantyne’s Backyard.
The event runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. VIP tickets are $75+ while GA is $39+. Visit website for tickets.
Tega Cay Best Dam Food Festival
Head down to Catawba Park for a jam-packed day of sampling some of the best food in the area. The Tega Cay Best Dam Food Festival runs from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The festival is a rain-or-shine event. Reminder that pets, coolers, outside food and drink, alcohol, and weapons are not permitted.
Charlotte FC Hosts Cincinnati
Charlotte has been having a rough time recently, experiencing four straight losses. After three losses on the road and being kicked out of the U.S. Open competition, the Crown is looking to bounce back now that they are home. FC hosts Cincinnati at 7:30 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium. The first fans to arrive will receive a limited-edition Sir Minty keychain, presented by Bojangles.
ONGOING EVENTS
Whitewater Center River Jam
The Whitewater Center’s River Jam runs Thursday through Saturday from May through September, and features over 80 live outdoor concerts. The series features local and national touring bands highlighting Americana, Roots, and Soul/R&B sounds.
Check out the Whitewater Center website for the full list of events and live acts.
Photos: Solandra Hospitality
Titanic: Echoes from the Past
Immerse yourself in the past and take yourself back to 1912. For two months, you can rediscover the tales of the Titanic as you’ve never seen before. This 30-minute free-roam VR experience tours the massive vessel, its grand staircase, the deck, and the passengers who were really here.
This one-of-a-kind blend of technology and history shows an authentic reconstruction of the world’s most legendary ocean liner before and after the wreck. Attendees will set sail on the maiden voyage and explore the wreckage from 3,800 meters below the surface of the Atlantic.
Tickets start at $32.50 for adults and $27.50 for minors. Sessions are limited and filling fast. Book your experience here.
Birkdale Village Commons Market
Every second Sunday from March through October, Birkdale Village transforms into a market filled with vendors, boutique fashion, handmade jewelry, vintage treasures, and more. Each month, there is a new selection of vendors, so everything stays fresh and there’s always something new to discover. The events run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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