23 Things to Do in Charlotte This Week · May 21–24, 2026

Arts & Culture

Charlotte Collects: Black Collectors on Contemporary Art

A panel conversation and cultural event celebrating Black collectors and their impact on the contemporary art world, hosted at the Gantt Center.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 6:30 PM · Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, Charlotte

Mississippi Masala - Movie & Talkback

A screening of the classic film Mississippi Masala followed by a community talkback at Independent Picture House.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 6:45 PM · Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh Street, Charlotte

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

The spectacular Broadway touring production of Moulin Rouge! comes to Belk Theatre for a limited run.

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – Sunday, May 31, 2026 · Belk Theatre, Charlotte

Festivals & Special Events

Pre-Mundial Party - SESC Language and Cultural Meetup

The South End Spanish Club hosts a lively pre-World Cup cultural party and social meetup.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 7:30 PM · Charlotte

Water Lantern Festival

A magical evening festival where attendees release illuminated lanterns onto the water at Symphony Park.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 · Symphony Park, Charlotte

Connolly's 25th Anniversary Street Party

Connolly's closes part of the street for a neighborhood-wide celebration featuring live music and surrounding businesses on their 25th anniversary.

Saturday, May 30, 2026 · Connolly's, Fifth Street, Uptown Charlotte

Broadway Meets Runway

Charlotte Seen presents an unforgettable fusion of theatrical spectacle and high fashion on the runway at 601 Milestone Venue.

Saturday, May 30, 2026 1:30 PM · 601 Milestone Venue, 601 Warren C Coleman Blvd, Concord

Music & Nightlife

Retro Thursday at Varsity Lounge

DJ 2Timez spins R&B, hip hop, and international throwback hits all night at Varsity Lounge — free entry and free parking.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 8:00 PM · Varsity Lounge, Charlotte

Josh Wolf at The Comedy Zone

Stand-up comedian Josh Wolf headlines two shows at The Comedy Zone Charlotte this Friday and Saturday.

Friday, May 22, 2026 – Saturday, May 23, 2026 7:00 PM · The Comedy Zone, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte

Larger Than Life Memorial Weekend Day Party

Six Stars CLT throws a massive Memorial Weekend festival day party at Victoria Yards with nonstop music and outside vibes all day.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 · Victoria Yards, Charlotte

CLT Social Club Latin Night at Must Be Nice

CLT Social Club hosts a reggaeton, bachata, latin pop, and latin house dance night with DJs Riot and Manny — free RSVP available.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 · Must Be Nice CLT, Charlotte

Outdoors & Active

Bodhi Love Yoga Glow Rave + Social

A glowing yoga experience combined with a social gathering, blending movement, music, and community.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 · Charlotte

Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward

A self-guided garden tour through the beautiful private and public gardens of Charlotte's Historic Fourth Ward neighborhood.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 12:00 PM · Historic Fourth Ward, Charlotte

Sports

Charlotte Crown Fan Fest

A fan festival celebrating the Charlotte Crown, featuring games, giveaways, and community engagement for local sports fans.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 · Charlotte

SwimMAC Running Into Summer 5K

A charity 5K benefiting swim lessons and water safety education for Charlotte-area children, run through the heart of the community.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 · Charlotte

Free Events

Summit Coffee OTP Run

Charlotte Running Club hosts a free early morning group run starting from Summit Coffee On The Plaza.

Friday, May 22, 2026 6:15 AM · Summit Coffee On The Plaza, 2501 The Plaza, Charlotte

Local Block Market

Bitcoin Charlotte hosts the Local Block Market, a community outdoor market featuring local vendors and connections.

Sunday, May 24, 2026 12:00 PM · Charlotte

Charlotte Yoga Club at Triple C Brewing

Donation-based beginner-friendly yoga flow at Triple C Brewing, followed by optional hangs — every dollar supports a good cause.

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 6:00 PM · Triple C Brewing, Charlotte

OpenTap Run Club

Nominated Best Run Club in Charlotte, the OpenTap Run Club meets weekly with top shoe brands demoing their latest gear — 1.5, 3, and 5 mile courses available.

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 6:30 PM · OpenTap, 5010 Carmel Center Dr, Charlotte

Food & Drink

Happy Hour at The Auto Pour

CLT Digital Nomads hosts a social happy hour gathering at The Auto Pour wine and beer bar.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 6:00 PM · The Auto Pour, Charlotte

Date Night

Charlotte Bachelor at OpenTap

OpenTap transforms into a live reality dating show every Thursday, with a new Bachelor, Hopefuls, and an audience that helps decide Charlotte's next love story.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 7:00 PM · OpenTap, Charlotte

STK Steak Night America

STK's Steak Night America menu offers a 3-course dinner with signature steakhouse dishes and drinks for $49 per person in Uptown Charlotte.

Friday, May 22, 2026 · STK, 201 S College St, Charlotte

Family-Friendly

Titanic: The Exhibition

An immersive Titanic exhibition at The Park Expo and Conference Center runs through September, featuring artifacts and personal stories from the historic voyage.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 · The Park Expo and Conference Center, Charlotte