25 Things to Do in 2025
Start planning your year around these exciting happenings in Charlotte.
by Arielle Patterson Jan 10, 2025
From cherished annual festivals to concerts, sporting events and more, there’s no shortage of things to do year-round in the Queen City. Mark your calendar for these 2025 events in Charlotte.
January
1. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit, “Hamilton,” is back on tour, making its way to Belk Theater from Jan. 7-Feb. 2.
2. Enjoy three-course, prix-fixe menus from nearly 100 restaurants in the Charlotte region during the winter edition of Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week, Jan. 17-26.
February
3. Celebrate the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 as a new group of racing legends is inducted. Induction Weekend includes an array of special events for racing fans, Feb. 6-8 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
4. Sip craft beer for a good cause during the Queen City Brewers Festival, benefiting Envision Charlotte. This indoor festival features more than 40 local and regional breweries, along with live music.
March
5. Indulge in the Queen City’s culinary scene during Savor Charlotte, a one-of-a-kind experience from March 12-25 that features interactive classes and demonstrations, special menus and exclusive offers from some of the city’s best chefs, mixologists, restaurateurs, bakers and more.
April
6. Immerse yourself in the Queen City’s arts scene during Charlotte SHOUT!. From April 4-20, find interactive art displays, live music, dancers, food and more throughout Uptown.
7. From April 25-27, the U.S. National Whitewater Center hosts Tuck Fest, a three-day event that includes trail running, kayaking, biking, climbing, obstacle and adventure racing, live music and more outdoor activities.
May
8. The Lovin’ Life Music Fest, May 2-4 on three stages in Uptown, will feature a star-studded lineup of artists including headliners Gwen Stefani, Dave Matthews Band and Benson Boone.
9. The PGA Championship returns to Quail Hollow Club, May 12-18, as some of the top golfers from around the world compete for one of the sport’s most coveted titles.
10. Have full-throttle fun at the Coca-Cola 600, part of the NASCAR Cup Series, on May 26 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Can’t make it to the race? Relive racing history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
11. Catch chart-topping headliners like Kendrick Lamar and SZA, as well as Shakira, performing at Bank of America Stadium. The May concert lineup also includes legendary acts like Billy Joel and Sting, along with Metallica.
June
12. Commemorate Juneteenth at the annual Durag Festival, a celebration of Black culture with live music, art exhibitions, a street fashion show and more at Camp North End.
13. Get a bite of the Queen City at Taste of Charlotte, a culinary festival June 6-8 in Uptown that features tastings from local restaurants as well as beer and wine, live music and family-friendly activities.
14. Charlotte hosts four matches of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, featuring global powerhouses like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, as well as two Round of 16 matches at Bank of America Stadium.
July
15. Celebrate America with fireworks and baseball on July 3 at Truist Field. The Charlotte Knights take on the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, followed by a dazzling fireworks display that lights up the Uptown skyline.
August
16. August is pride month in the Queen City. Support the LGBTQ+ community at events throughout the city, including the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade in Uptown.
17. Race along I-277 in Uptown during the Around the Crown 10K on Aug. 31. Registration begins online and in person on Jan. 11.
September
18. Enjoy an early-fall day at Freedom Park as you browse works of art and wares from more than 200 artists and vendors during Festival in the Park, Sept. 19-21.
October
19. Throughout the month of October, Carowinds transforms from a theme park to a “scream park” during Scarowinds, featuring spooktacular shows and haunted attractions.
20. Watch independent films from all genres during the Charlotte Film Festival, Oct. 14-19 at Independent Picture House.
21. Raise a glass to the Queen City’s brewery scene during Charlotte Craft Beer Week from Oct. 17-26. Take advantage of the Charlotte Brewery Pass to unlock discounts for participating breweries year-round.
November
22. Visit the village of Fairhaven, through Nov. 23, to play games, watch live performances, browse the artisan market and eat plenty of food at the Carolina Renaissance Festival.
23. Ornate parade floats light up the night as they make their way down Tryon Street in Uptown during the Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade on Nov. 26.
December
24. Step into a winter wonderland at Truist Field during Light the Knights. Throughout the month of December, go ice skating and snow tubing, stroll the concourse decorated with colorful lights and enjoy holiday treats.
25. Close out the year by watching a performance of Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” a holiday tradition at Belk Theater.
