By CLTure
May 12, 2025
Your weekly guide to the best events happening in Charlotte. From sporting events like the PGA Championship and Carolina Ascent soccer, to concerts by Wilco, Sturgill Simpson, and Central Cee, to comedy sets by Hannibal Buress and Funny Marco, and festivals celebrating AAPI Month like the Dragon Boat Festival and the NoDa Asian Food Truck Rally — this week is packed full of exciting events
Monday, May 12
PGA Championship at Quail Hollow (May 12-18)
Tickets: $76 plus
Charlotte welcomes the return of the PGA Championship this week, as the world’s best golfers compete at Quail Hollow. New for 2025 are upgraded bleachers, expanded concessions, and an all-inclusive food system for fans. Rory McIlroy — a four-time winner at the course and fresh off his Masters win — leads the field alongside Scottie Scheffler, with Bryson DeChambeau, defending champ Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, and Brooks Koepka also in contention. Check out our complete guide to the PGA Championship in Charlotte, featuring food, parking, shuttle, and activation info.
Hornets Official Draft Lottery Party at Legion Brewing South Park (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Sturgill Simpson at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $67.20 plus
Alternative country/rock singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson will return to Charlotte for two nights this week, following the release of his stellar new album Passage Du Desir, which came out in July under the alias Johnny Blue Skies. Produced with David Ferguson — known for his work with Johnny Cash, John Prine, and Tyler Childers — the eight-track album marked Simpson’s long-awaited return to music. This will be his first Charlotte appearance since the 2020 A Good Look’n Tour with Tyler Childers, which took place just before the Covid-19 lockdown.
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets at Amos’ Southend (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $32 plus
The Crane Wives at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $37 plus
Tuesday, May 13
Pierce The Veil with openers Sleeping With Sirens and Daisy Grenade at PNC Music Pavilion (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $56 plus
Sturgill Simpson at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $67.20 plus
Shakira, Wyclef Jean, and D-Nice at Bank of America Stadium (6:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $46.90 plus
Colombian pop star Shakira brings her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour to Charlotte, joined by Wyclef Jean and DJ D-Nice. Best known for her 2000s global hits “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever,” she released her 12th studio album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, in March 2024, which won Best Latin Pop Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. Wyclef Jean, the Haitian rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer who co-founded the group Fugees, was also responsible for numerous hits in the late ’90s and 2000s, including co-writing “My Love Is Your Love” for Whitney Houston and “Maria Maria” for Santana. DJ D-Nice, who gained international fame through his Club Quarantine live sessions during Covid, will set the vibes for the evening.
Maria Bamford at Knight Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $34.52 plus
GA20 and Zach Person at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25.57 plus
Wednesday, May 14
Memphis May Fire with openers Caskets, Wind Walkers, and Elijah at The Underground (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $71.55 plus
Punch Brothers at Carolina Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $49.50 plus
Grammy Award-winning, genre-bending progressive bluegrass band Punch Brothers will perform at Charlotte’s historic Carolina Theatre this week. Comprised of master musicians Chris Thile (mandolin), Chris Eldridge (guitar), Paul Kowert (bass), Noam Pikelny (banjo), and Brittany Haas (violin), they’ll perform original compositions and innovative covers at the newly renovated venue.
Jazz Night (The DJaM Collective) at Camp North End (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Yacht Rock Review at The Amp Ballantyne (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $44.30 plus
Ramona, Twin Seas, and DJ Zzzzaappp at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $16 plus
Tijuana’s “romantic indie psychedelic rock” band Ramona brings their vintage Latin rock style to Charlotte’s Snug Harbor, following the release of their new album Redes Sociales in May. They’ll be joined by East Los Angeles indie synth-pop band Twin Seas and DJ Zzzzaappp (Zachary Reader).
Peter & Brendan Mayer at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $31.96 plus
Thursday, May 15
Wilco with opener Waxahatchee at The Amp Ballantyne (6:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $60 plus
Pioneers of experimental indie alt-country, Wilco — best known for their 2001 track “Jesus, Etc.” from the landmark album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot — will perform at The Amp Ballantyne alongside indie folk singer-songwriter Waxahatchee (Katie Crutchfield). Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is widely regarded as a cornerstone of 21st-century indie rock, and the band also won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album with A Ghost Is Born in 2004. Waxahatchee joins Wilco as the opening act, following the release of her acclaimed sixth studio album, Tigers Blood (2024), which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album.
Dollar Signs with Blankstate, American Theory and Rosary at Amos’ Southend (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $18.70 plus
Eliot Bronson at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $20.38 plus
Teddy Swims with opener Diamond Cafe at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $122 plus
Teddy Swims returns to Charlotte, bringing his dynamic vocals on tour in support of his latest album, I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2). The Georgia native who first captivated audiences on YouTube with his covers has since become one of today’s most popular multi-genre artists. His latest album features collaborations across a wide musical spectrum, including Giveon, Muni Long, Coco Jones, and GloRilla. Opening the show is Canadian indie synth-pop artist Diamond Cafe.
Béla Fleck with Edmar Castaneda and Antonio Sanchez at Carolina Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $40 plus
Brett Dennen and River Whyless at Visulite Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25 plus
Lynsea, The Bleus, and Dhemo at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $16 plus
Charlotte-based indie pop singer-songwriter Lynsea headlines Petra’s Thursday night with neo-soul hip-hop artist The Bleus. They’ll be joined by Richmond, Virginia-based alternative R&B act Dhemo, following the release of his debut album, Chasing Smiles.
The Bones of J.R. Jones with Ruen Brothers at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25.57 plus
Pop Evil, Devour the Day, and Oni at The Underground (7:00 p.m)
Tickets: $38.50 plus
Friday, May 16
Billy Idol with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts at PNC Music Pavilion (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $40.50 plus
Funny Marco (Comedy) at The Comedy Zone (May 16-17)
Tickets: $42.89 plus
Kansas City native Funny Marco, a comedian who has built a large following through pranks and awkward interviews on his Open Thoughts podcast, will perform four comedy sets in Charlotte this week at The Comedy Zone. Now based in Atlanta, he brings his spring stand-up tour to the Queen City. Is he actually funny in real life? You’ll have to find out for yourself.
Blue Cactus with Carolina Down Boys at Petra’s (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15.70
Joe May’s Month of Mondays (Album Release) with the Psycodelics (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15 plus
Marilyn Manson at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $138 plus
Industrial/goth rock artist Marilyn Manson will perform in Charlotte for the first time since 2018, following the release of their 12th studio album, One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1, in November. Manson rose to prominence in the ’90s with several influential albums, including Portrait of an American Family (1994), Antichrist Superstar (1996), and Mechanical Animals (1998).
Bodie with opener Gracie Binion at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $23.13 plus
Josh Daniel at Whitewater Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free (Parking: $12)
The Connells with opener Boy Named Banjo at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $42.41 plus
Celebrate Charlotte’s 250th Mec Dec Day at Neighborhood Theatre with North Carolina alt-rock legends The Connells and Nashville-based Americana band Boy Named Banjo. Best known for their college radio anthems and hit song “’74-’75,” The Connells return to the stage riding the momentum of Steadman’s Wake, their first new album in over 20 years. Boy Named Banjo are coming off their 2023 album, Dusk, released through Mercury Records.
Duck with Florencia & The Feeling at Snug Harbor (10 p.m.)
Tickets: $12 plus
Femme Fest 2025 at The Milestone (May 16-17)
Tickets: $25 plus
Saturday, May 17
Dragon Boat Festival at Ramsey Creek Park (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
The Asian & Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival — one of the Carolinas’ largest Asian cultural events — returns this Saturday to Ramsey Creek Park in Lake Norman, featuring live performances, martial arts demonstrations, a cultural parade, traditional crafts, wellness booths, interactive games, and a juried talent show. Guests can sip boba tea or sugarcane juice while enjoying dishes from Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and more. Admission, parking, and shuttle service are free, with proceeds supporting CAACC’s year-round community programming and outreach.
6th Annual Charlotte Brunch Festival at The Boardwalk at The Shoppes at University Place (12 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out
ONE Fest (Yoga) at Lenny Boy Brewing Co. (9:30 a.m.)
Tickets: $55 plus
Japan Fest at Urban District Market (11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Urban District Market celebrates Japanese culture with a weekend filled with matsuri-style games, origami, cosplay, karaoke contests, and martial arts demos.
Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival at Ballantyne’s Backyard (12 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $45 plus
The String Cheese Incident with opener The Wood Brothers at The Amp Ballantyne (5:45 p.m.)
Tickets: $51 plus
Carolina Ascent vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $9 plus
Carolina Ascent hosts Tampa Bay Sun FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday for the teams’ third meeting this season. Tampa Bay won the most recent match 1-0 in March, while the first ended in a scoreless draw. With Carolina leading the league as the first team to clinch a playoff spot and Tampa Bay sitting in third, this matchup could shake up the USL Super League standings.
Kim Richey at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $37.50 plus
Spring Fest at Sycamore Brewing (2:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
The Menders, Sinners & Saints, The Cambria Iron Co. at Ali Forrest at Petra’s (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.27 plus
The Menders, a harmony-heavy garage rock outfit from Gastonia; Charlotte’s beloved folk duo Sinners & Saints (Perry Fowler and Mark Baran); Southern rock/Americana band Bob Fleming & The Cambria Iron Co.; and indie folk singer-songwriter Ali Forrest play a stacked bill of local talent at Petra’s on Saturday night.
Bullet for My Valentine with openers Trivium, August Burns Red, and Bleed From Within at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre (6:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $54.50 plus
Driveways with opener Seneca Burns at Amos’ Southend (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $22 plus
Sunday, May 18
NoDa Asian Food Truck Rally at Crown Station / Divine Barrel Brewing (1 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
CLTure, Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Crown Station, Divine Barrel Brewing, CLT Asian Eats, and MELO THC Seltzer present the NoDa Asian Food Truck Rally on Sunday, May 18 from 1-9 p.m. The free, family- and dog-friendly event celebrates AAPI Month along North Davidson Street, featuring a variety of Asian-owned food vendors, including Cutting Board CLT, Dumpling Girls, and VJ’s Chicken Inasal. Enjoy sweet treats, drinks, vintage games, airbrush hats, a record pop-up, vintage fashion, and an art exhibit by HNin Nie.
Hannibal Buress at The Comedy Zone (3:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $42.89 plus
Hannibal Buress, the comedian, actor, and rapper best known for his roles on Adult Swim’s The Eric Andre Show and Comedy Central’s Broad City, as well as his writing for 30 Rock, will perform a special matinee stand-up set at The Comedy Zone this Sunday.
The Blumey Awards at Belk Theater (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out
Central Cee at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $58 plus
British rapper Central Cee brings his first U.S. headlining tour to Charlotte’s Fillmore. The drill artist, who debuted with the mixtape Wild West in 2021 and topped the UK Albums Chart with his hit song “23,” released his debut studio album, Can’t Rush Greatness, earlier this year. Featuring artists like Skepta, Lil Baby, and 21 Savage, the album includes hits like “GBP” and the collaboration with Dave, “Sprinter,” which became the longest-charting rap song in UK history. This marks Central Cee’s second performance in Charlotte, following his opening set for Drake’s It’s All A Blur tour in 2023.
Avi Kaplan with opener Guthrie Brown at Amos’ Southend (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $33.58 plus
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