21 Things to Do in Charlotte This Week · April 30–May 3, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

BOOM Charlotte 2026

Annual arts festival celebrating creativity across Charlotte with visual art, performances, and community activations.

Friday, May 1, 2026 · Charlotte, NC

Music & Nightlife

Chelsea Handler

Comedian, author, and activist Chelsea Handler returns for an evening of stand-up on the High and Mighty Tour covering everything from her pet dogs to global chaos.

Friday, May 1, 2026 · Ovens Auditorium

DRINK-O De Mayo Fiesta Block Party

A full Cinco weekend fiesta block party in Charlotte with indoor and outdoor day party vibes, nonstop music, dancing, flowing drinks, and a whole fiesta experience from the moment you walk in.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 · Charlotte, NC

Cinco de Mayo Day Party – 2 Step, Tacos & Tequila

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with DJ sets, $5 margaritas, taco specials, food, and hookah at this Uptown Charlotte day party running from 5 PM to midnight.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 5:00 PM · Uptown Charlotte, NC

Charlotte Bachelor at OpenTap

OpenTap transforms into a reality dating circus every Thursday with a new Bachelor, Hopefuls, blindfolded dates, and a crowd that decides Charlotte's next great love story.

Thursday, May 7, 2026 7:00 PM · OpenTap, 5010 Carmel Center Dr, Charlotte

Arts & Culture

Our Favorite Things Fest at Carolina Theatre

A multi-week festival at the historic Carolina Theatre featuring a mix of music, film, and comedy including the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, the Robert Cray Band, and comedian Judy Gold.

Friday, May 1, 2026 · Carolina Theatre, Charlotte

The Little Studio Open House & Pottery Sale

The Little Studio hosts its first-ever Open House and Pottery Sale with pottery for purchase, live wheel demos, coffee, food trucks, and live music — a full day of clay and community.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 · Charlotte, NC

IPH Book Club Discussion - "Misery"

Independent Picture House hosts a book club discussion of Stephen King's gripping psychological thriller "Misery," exploring obsession, survival, and human nature.

Sunday, May 3, 2026 2:00 PM · Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh Street, Charlotte

Food & Drink

South End Food Truck Friday at Lenny Boy

South End's beloved recurring food truck event returns to Lenny Boy Brewing Co., with rotating food trucks, cold beer, and outdoor vibes every Friday in May.

Friday, May 1, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM · Lenny Boy Brewing Co., South End

Charlotte Grilled Cheese Festival 2026

Charlotte's beloved annual Grilled Cheese Festival returns with gooey, creative takes on the classic sandwich from local vendors and food artisans.

Saturday, May 9, 2026 · Charlotte, NC

Outdoors & Active

Summit Coffee OTP Run

The Charlotte Running Club hosts an early morning run starting at Summit Coffee On The Plaza, with announcements at 6:10 AM and the run kicking off at 6:15 AM.

Friday, May 1, 2026 6:15 AM · Summit Coffee On The Plaza, 2501 The Plaza, Charlotte

Teal Diva 5K

The 12th Annual Teal Diva 5K brings the community together at McAlpine Park to celebrate strength and raise awareness for women affected by gynecologic cancer — wear teal, peach, or lavender.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 · McAlpine Creek Park, Charlotte, NC

OpenTap Run Club

Charlotte's nominated best run club meets every Tuesday at 6:30 PM at OpenTap, with 1.5, 3, and 5-mile courses and regular appearances from top shoe brands for free gear demos.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 6:30 PM · OpenTap, 5010 Carmel Center Dr, Charlotte

Family-Friendly

Saturday Music and Art Camp

Drop your kids off for a day of musical exploration and art-making at Arts+ Community Campus while adults enjoy community events or personal time.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM · Arts+ Community Campus, 2304 The Plaza, Charlotte

Free Events

Mad Miles Run Club Anniversary Week

Mad Miles Run Club celebrates six years of community impact with a week full of events — check their bio for registration and tickets to individual happenings.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 · Charlotte, NC

Charlotte Running Club Greenway Run

Join the Charlotte Running Club for a morning run or walk along a local greenway, starting at Mallard Creek Elementary at 7 a.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 7:00 AM · Mallard Creek Elementary, Charlotte

Charlotte Yoga Club at Triple C Brewing

Donation-based beginner-friendly yoga flow at Triple C Barrel Room every Tuesday at 6 PM, with optional social hangs after and all donations supporting local causes.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 6:00 PM · Triple C Barrel Room, Charlotte

Mahjong Nights at OpenTap

Join Sparrow Mahjong Club every Tuesday at 7 PM at OpenTap for American Mahjong — welcoming players of all skill levels for just $10.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 7:00 PM · OpenTap, Charlotte

Sports

Truist Championship at Quail Hollow Club

The PGA Tour's Truist Championship tees up at Quail Hollow Club, featuring new fan experiences, local cuisine, and world-class golf.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 · Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte

Date Night

Tantra Speed Date – Charlotte

An almost-full speed dating event blending mindful connection with fun, quick introductions at Yoga Six Ballantyne.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 5:30 PM · Yoga Six Ballantyne, Charlotte

Movie Nights at Blinders Sports Lounge

Every Wednesday at Blinders, catch a curated film screening in May — the lineup includes Camp Rock, Bridesmaids, The Princess Diaries, and Shrek at 6:15 PM and 8:00 PM showings.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 6:15 PM · Blinders Sports Lounge, Charlotte