By CLTure
August 18, 2026
Monday, August 17
The Wiggles at Ovens Auditorium (3:00 p.m. + 7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $48.30 plus
The Piano at Independent Picture House (August 17-20)
Tickets: $13 plus
Mötley Crüe with openers Tesla and Extreme at Truliant Amphitheater (6:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $27.50 plus
Motley Crue, featuring founding members Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee, longtime frontman Vince Neil, and guitarist John 5, brings their glam-metal spectacle to Charlotte’s Truliant Amphitheater with Sacramento hard-rockers Tesla and Boston metal band Extreme. Formed in Hollywood in 1981, Motley Crue has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and is known for elaborate live performances, pyrotechnics, and anthems including “Dr. Feelgood,” “Kickstart My Heart,” and “Shout at the Devil.” Tesla, whose 1986 debut Mechanical Resonance launched the band’s rise, will bring hits including “Modern Day Cowboy,” “Love Song,” and “Signs,” while Extreme will draw from its multi-platinum catalog, including the No. 1 hit “More Than Words” from 1990’s Pornograffitti.
The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session at Petra’s (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $9.98
OMEGA X at Blackbox Theater (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $59.47 plus
Tuesday, August 18
Intro to DJ Workshop at Do Greater Charlotte Foundation (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $43.37
Do Greater Charlotte Foundation hosts Global Lynk’s Intro to DJ Workshop on Tuesdays, offering aspiring DJs, music lovers and curious creatives a hands-on introduction to the art of DJing. No previous experience is required as participants will learn the basics of DJ equipment and software, get behind the decks, explore how DJs mix music and read a crowd, and connect with experienced Charlotte DJs and members of the local music community. The two-hour workshop includes access to professional equipment, instruction from working DJs and resources for those interested in continuing their journey through Global Lynk’s eight-week DJ cohort.
Poppy with openers LANDMVRKS and Thousand Below at The Fillmore (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets:
Draw McColl (A Weekly Figure Drawing Session) at McColl Center (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15.00
Brickmasters Studio at Discovery Place Science (May 23 – September 7)
Tickets: $23.95 (adults) $18.95 (children 2-13)
Families, aspiring engineers, and LEGO® enthusiasts can explore the creative process behind some of the world’s most impressive brick-built sculptures in Brick Masters Studio: Build with LEGO® Bricks Like a Pro, on display at Discovery Place Science through September 7. Created by Sean Kenney, the exhibition features more than 100 sculptures constructed from over two million LEGO® pieces. Produced by Imagine, with science content developed by Science North, the exhibit explores the intersection of art, science, design, and engineering. Guests can step inside a recreation of a professional artist’s studio, learn how large-scale creations are conceived and built, and participate in hands-on challenges that test creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills. The exhibition also showcases dozens of intricate LEGO® sculptures.
Augustana at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $37.75
Wednesday, August 19
Live on the Plaza with Luther S. Allison & The Blackhawk Quintet at Duke Energy Plaza (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Charlotte Punk Flea Market at Snug Harbor (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Charlotte’s Punk Flea Market takes over Snug Harbor, bringing a unique collection of DIY sellers, artists, collectors and vendors to Plaza Midwood. Attendees can browse an eclectic mix of vintage clothing, vinyl records, cassettes and CDs, retro video games, comic books, VHS tapes, handmade jewelry, original art, horror and B-movie memorabilia, taxidermy, oddities and other unusual finds. Presented by SE Punk Flea Market, the late-night market offers a chance to discover one-of-a-kind treasures while connecting with Charlotte’s punk, alternative and creative communities.
Tim Scott at Middle C Jazz Club (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $35.65 plus
Cleo Sol Album Listening Party at Peace & Saint Charlotte (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Masego with opener Lekan at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $58.50 plus
Genre-blending saxophonist, singer and multi-instrumentalist Masego brings his “TrapHouseJazz” sound to The Fillmore with rising Nigerian-American R&B artist Lekan opening the show. Known for seamlessly blending jazz, hip-hop, R&B, soul and Caribbean influences, Masego has built a devoted following with songs including “Tadow,” “Navajo,” “Mystery Lady” and “Queen Tings,” as well as his acclaimed albums Lady Lady, Studying Abroad and Masego. He is touring in support of his latest project, Fix Your Face, released in July, while Lekan will bring a soulful, contemporary R&B sound marked by smooth vocals, warm production, and influences from classic soul and modern hip-hop, earning him a spot on Spotify’s R&B Artists to Watch list in 2024. He released his debut full-length album, For All the Right Reasons, Vol. 1, earlier this year.
Thursday, August 20
The Pirates of the Caribbean at Carolina Theatre (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $4.63 plus
D.J. Demers at The Comedy Zone (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25.86 plus
Nikki Glaser at Ovens Auditorium (August 20-21)
Tickets: $55.60 plus
Emmy-, Grammy- and Golden Globe-nominated comedian Nikki Glaser brings her sharp, unfiltered brand of stand-up comedy to Ovens Auditorium as part of her all-new The Stunning Tour. One of the most prominent voices in comedy today, Glaser has built a nearly two-decade career through sold-out tours, stand-up specials, podcasts, television and memorable appearances including The Roast of Tom Brady. She made history in 2025 as the first woman to host the Golden Globe Awards solo and returned to host the ceremony in 2026, earning widespread acclaim for her performances. Following her Alive and Unwell and The Good Girl tours, Glaser is now touring in support of her latest hour-long comedy special, Nikki Glaser: Good Girl, which premiered on Hulu in April.
Aurelio Voltaire at Snug Harbor (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $22.00
Riley Roth with opener Haley Mae Campbell at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $17.06
TimaLikesMusic at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $21.65 plus
Brooklyn-based R&B and funk artist TimaLikesMusic brings her soulful sound and sharp musical comedy to Neighborhood Theatre. A multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter and bandleader, Tima blends sultry ’80s and ’90s-inspired R&B with funk, humor and high-energy live instrumentation, creating an interactive show that moves between heartfelt grooves and hilarious, relatable songs. She gained widespread attention for her viral musical jingles on Instagram, including an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and has since surpassed 50 million plays on Instagram Reels while composing music for projects including Iliza Shlesinger’s Netflix special Hot Forever and National Public Media productions.
Emma Willmann at The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s (August 20-22)
Tickets: $30.77 plus
Mo Betta Thursdays at Great Wagon Road Distilling Company (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15.00
The Gringos with opener John Wood Band at Amos’ Southend (8:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $19.20
Athens, Georgia indie-rockers The Gringos bring their ’70s- and ’80s-inspired classic-rock sound to Amos’ Southend with Wilmington’s John Wood Band. Formed by University of Georgia students who began playing together in 2022, The Gringos built a following performing classic-rock covers before developing their own melodic, guitar-driven material, blending vintage rock swagger with indie sensibilities. Known for energetic live performances and infectious hooks, the rising five-piece has taken its music beyond Athens with appearances at SXSW and performances at venues including the 40 Watt Club. The John Wood Band, a six-piece from Wilmington, adds a soulful mix of Southern rock, indie rock, soft rock and jazz rock to the bill.
Friday, August 21
Chef’s Best 2026 at Charlotte Convention Center (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out
OMNOM at The Music Yard (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $34.01 plus
Anime & Wine at Starlight on 22nd (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $21.89 plus
Anime & Wine: Charlotte hosts a one-night pop-up with Chef Kuro Mama at Starlight on 22nd, blending Japanese-inspired comfort food, wine and anime culture for a unique evening out. Chef Angelique, whose cooking draws on her love of anime, bold flavors and the intersection of different culinary traditions, will serve a special menu of Japanese-inspired dishes available for separate purchase. A veteran of cooking competitions including Chopped and Guy’s Grocery Games, Chef Angelique brings a creative and nostalgic approach to the pop-up, inviting guests to enjoy good food, wine and community in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Robyn Springer at Middle C Jazz Club (6:00 p.m. + 8:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $46.15 plus
Thrift Pony After Dark Party at Camp North End (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Slam Charlotte Poetry Slam at Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $13.54 plus
Ruha Benjamin: Technology, Savior or Slayer? at Harvey B. Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out
Harrison Boe, Eli Patterson, and Sierra Carson at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $20.38
Mad Monster Expo at Embassy Suites by Hilton Concord (August 21-23)
Tickets: $35 plus
Mad Monster Expo returns to Concord’s Embassy Suites by Hilton for a weekend celebrating horror, sci-fi and fantasy culture, bringing together major genre stars, filmmakers, vendors, collectors and fans. This year’s list of special guests includes Anthony Michael Hall (The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, Halloween Kills), Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog, Creepshow), Thomas Jane (The Mist, The Punisher), Christopher Lambert (Highlander, Mortal Kombat), Randy Quaid (Vacation, Independence Day), Ray Wise (Twin Peaks, RoboCop), Anthony Carrigan (Barry, Gotham, Superman), Erik Estrada (CHiPs), Rebecca Gayheart (Urban Legend, Scream 2) and WWE legend Lita. Beyond celebrity meet-and-greets and autograph opportunities, the expo features Q&A panels, photo ops, a massive dealer room filled with horror and genre collectibles and merchandise, a film festival showcasing horror, sci-fi and fantasy movies, a costume contest with cash prizes, scary karaoke known as Scaraoke, and Friday and Saturday night after-parties.
VisArt After Dark at VisArt Video (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10.00
Calle 24 at The Underground (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $68.50 plus
Soft Palms with openers Paint Fumes, Crazier, and DJ Scott Weaver at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.00
Long Beach, California, dream-pop and indie-rock duo Soft Palms bring their hypnotic, cinematic sound to Snug Harbor with Paint Fumes and Crazier, plus DJ Scott Weaver. Formed in 2019 by husband-and-wife Julia Kugel of The Coathangers and Scott Montoya, formerly of The Growlers, Soft Palms create lush, atmospheric music that blends dream pop, shoegaze, psychedelia and indie rock. The duo writes, records and self-produces its music from their home studio, COMA, embracing a distinctly DIY approach that carries through their immersive live performances. Their latest album, In Echo, expands on the warm, textured sound of their 2020 self-titled debut with layered analog instrumentation and transportive soundscapes. Charlotte’s Paint Fumes and Athens-based Crazier add their own distinctive indie-rock energy to the bill.
Zoltan Kaszas at The Comedy Zone (August 21-22)
Tickets: $30.76 plus
Nathan Cox at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $24.45 plus
BrizB, Leannan Shi, and Laure Nicole at Petra’s (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $13.54
Vietnamese-American indie bedroom pop-rock singer-songwriter BriZB, the project of Bri Huynh, brings her intimate and vulnerable brand of indie rock to Petra’s alongside Virginia’s Leannán Shi and Raleigh alternative rockers LaureNicole. BriZB’s dreamy, emotionally candid music explores adolescent daydreams, heartache, and the highs and lows of young love, showcased on her debut EP, rough night?, released in 2025, and her latest EP, The World Still Turns, released in March. Leannán Shi blends classic rock influences from the ’70s through the ’90s with contemporary pop-rock, while Raleigh’s LaureNicole rounds out the bill with ’90s-inspired alternative rock.
Wes & The Railroaders, Regence, Jacob Augustine, and Anna Kim The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $14.47
Saturday, August 22
BIG3 at Spectrum Center (12:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $41.58 plus
Brandon Miller Pickleball Classic at Rally Pickleball (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $75 plus
Charlotte Hornets star Brandon Miller hosts his first-ever Celebrity Pickleball Classic, Paddle for Purpose, bringing together current and former Hornets favorites including Kon Knueppel, Coby White, Dell Curry, Muggsy Bogues and Charles Lee for an afternoon of friendly competition and community fun. Hosted by Hornets in-arena host Ohavia Phillips, the event will feature pickleball, live art by Matt Moore, custom sneaker painting by Shoedio, music, food, a sports memorabilia silent auction, raffles, giveaways and more. Proceeds will benefit the Team Miller Foundation and its work supporting youth and families through sports and life-skills programming, food assistance, educational resources, scholarships and health initiatives. Held at Rally Pickleball in South End, the event is open to the public, with spectator tickets available.
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Market on Camden in South End (11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Intersections Live Storytelling Show by Hannah Hasan at McColl Center (2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Free ($10 suggested donation)
Collect-A-Con Charlotte at Charlotte Convention Center (August 22-23)
Tickets: $38.07 plus
The nation’s largest trading card and pop culture convention returns to the Charlotte Convention Center this weekend with trading cards, anime, gaming, comics, collectibles and cosplay. The two-day event will feature more than 900 vendor tables filled with Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, sports cards, Funko POP!, vintage toys, video games and anime merchandise, along with celebrity and anime voice-actor guests, a live performance by Soulja Boy, exclusive collectibles, and opportunities to buy, sell and trade. Special guests include Mortal Kombat and God of War voice actor Christopher Judge, Pokémon voice actors Veronica Taylor and Jason Griffith, and anime voice actors Brad Swaile, Kaiji Tang, Luci Christian and Trina Nishimura. Cosplay is also encouraged, making Collect-A-Con a full weekend of fandom and collecting for pop-culture enthusiasts of all ages.
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Charlotte Crown vs. Greensboro Groove at Bojangles Coliseum (4:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $21.65 plus
Marcus Anderson at Middle C Jazz Club (6:00 p.m. + 8:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $51.15 plus
CatVideoFest at Independent Picture House (August 22-23)
Tickets: $13.00
CatVideoFest 2026 brings a purr-fect compilation of the latest and greatest cat videos to the big screen, featuring everything from hilarious internet classics and unique submissions to animations and music videos. The 70-minute screening offers plenty of feline antics for cat lovers, while also supporting a good cause, with 10% of the box office from the Charlotte screenings donated to Windsor Kittens, a local foster-based cat rescue.
Luke Bryan with openers Drew Baldridge, Randall King, Zach John King, and DJ Rock at Truliant Amphitheater (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $78.50 plus
Charlotte FC vs. D.C. United at Bank of America Stadium (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $32.40 plus
Sean McConnell with opener Olivia Wolf at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $26.44
Carolina Bloom Music Festival at Blume Studios (August 22-23)
Tickets: $71.92 plus
The inaugural Carolina Bloom Music Festival brings two days of indie music to Charlotte’s Blume Studios, featuring emerging and established rock acts across a stacked weekend lineup. Saturday’s bill includes Illiterate Light, Hotel Fiction, Weekend Friend, Quarters, Oceanic and Connor Kelly & The Time Warp, while Sunday features Ax and the Hatchetmen, Foxtide, Hallpass, Current Blue, Recess Party and Bedroom Division, along with acoustic sets from Cdubz and Thomas Rowland. The festival will also feature food trucks, local vendors and DJs, celebrating Charlotte’s indie music community.
The Saint Cecilia, Tayls, and Noir Noir at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.00
Late Bloomer, Y’all’re, and CHUNX at Petra’s (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $13.54
The Heartbreak R&B Party hosted by Keyshia Cole at ALIBI Day & Nightclub (10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10 plus
R&B star Keyshia Cole hosts an R&B party at ALIBI for a night of soulful favorites, sing-alongs and open-air vibes centered around heartbreak, love and the songs that get you through both. The party will feature Cole’s catalog alongside a wide-ranging selection of R&B hits designed to keep the crowd singing, dancing and celebrating the genre late into the night.
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Black Pontiac with opener Fifth Floor at The Evening Muse (10:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out
AYYBO at Blackbox Theater (10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $29.08 plus
Sunday, August 23
Boileryard Brunch at Camp North End (12:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free ($5 suggested donation)
Boileryard Brunch returns to Camp North End, for an afternoon of music, fashion and community from noon to 4 p.m., with DJs Dammit & Friends, Whipp Appeall, DJ Bern and Pers3vere providing the soundtrack. This month’s “I’m With the Band” style guide encourages attendees to channel their inner rock star with band tees, ’80s punk-inspired looks and rebellious fashion. With a $5 suggested donation, the event will also support the Dream Big Dammit Endowment Fund, which aims to raise $5,000 to help fund future parties and equipment while providing five $500 grants to creatives in the Boileryard community.
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Charlotte Crown vs. Greensboro Groove at Bojangles Coliseum (2:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $21.65 plus
Leonard Ouzts at The Comedy Zone (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $24.24 plus
Luther Allison at Middle C Jazz Club (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $35.65 plus
Charlotte native and acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Luther Allison brings his blues-based, gospel-inspired jazz to Middle C Jazz Club, showcasing his mastery of both piano and drums and deep roots in bebop and soul. A graduate of the University of Tennessee and Michigan State University, Allison has toured and performed with artists including José James, Samara Joy, Jazzmeia Horn, the Count Basie Orchestra, Kurt Elling and The Baylor Project, while earning a Grammy as a sideman on Samara Joy’s “Tight.” His acclaimed debut album, I Owe It All To You, received 4.5 stars from DownBeat, while his work as a composer and arranger has included a commission from Wynton Marsalis for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and music direction of Duke Ellington’s sacred works. Allison has also performed at some of the world’s most prestigious jazz venues and festivals, including the Blue Note, Village Vanguard, Kennedy Center and Newport Jazz Festival.
Lettuce at Neighborhood Theatre (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $50.55 plus
Jack Johnson with opener Lake Street Dive at Truliant Amphitheater (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $69.85 plus
Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng at Belk Theater (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $50.13 plus
Comedians Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng are taking a decidedly different approach to bridging the nation’s divides: hatred. The two comedians bring their Hasan Hates Ronny | Ronny Hates Hasan Tour to Charlotte’s Belk Theater for one night of no-holds-barred comedy, facing off in a live debate where they’ll take each other to task personally and professionally. Minhaj, best known for Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj and The Daily Show, has built a career around sharp political and cultural satire, while Chieng, a Daily Show correspondent and actor known for Crazy Rich Asians, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and his Netflix comedy specials, brings his own pointed brand of humor to the showdown.
El Tri at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $59.50
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