By CLTure
August 25, 2026
Monday, August 24
Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson with openers The Hu and Orgy at Truliant Amphitheater (6:15 p.m.)
Tickets: $40.50 plus
Mustang Week Charlotte 2026 (August 24-29)
Tickets: $35 plus
Mustang Week takes place in Charlotte, bringing a full week of high-octane automotive events for Mustang and Ford enthusiasts. The festivities kick off Monday at Mac’s Speed Shop in Concord with an all-Mustang meet-up and Poker Run, followed Tuesday by karting, an All-Ford meet-up, an ice cream social and activities at K1 Speed Concord, plus Mustangs & Mochas at RFK Racing, a Streetside Classics open house and Night at the Museum. Wednesday moves to The Horseshoe in Kannapolis for the inaugural Mustang Week Games and All-Ford Meet-Up, featuring field-day competitions, food trucks, live music and vendors, while the week continues with roll racing, drifting exhibitions, track experiences, drag racing, burnouts, an official Mustang car show and the massive Fabulous Fords Friday All-Ford Cruise-In, culminating Saturday with the Official Mustang Week Car Show and Mustang Week Mayhem at zMAX Dragway, featuring burnouts, DJs, music and fireworks.
Cheerleader Roadkill, Appleseed, Dive Bleach, and Slane Stuart at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $19.77
Divorced Dad Rock Night at Snug Harbor (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.00
Tuesday, August 25
Playmore Charlotte’s Nostalgia Night: Rainbow Brite Night at NoDa Brewing Company (6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $35.88
Playmore Charlotte hosts Nostalgia Night: Rainbow Brite Night at NoDa Brewing, inviting guests ages 21 and up to relive the nostalgia of Saturday morning cartoons, childhood crafts and classic throwback memories. Attendees can create a giant rainbow friendship bracelet using oversized ball-pit beads, design a Rainbow Brite-inspired decoden canvas and explore their own color memories through a guided activity. Tickets include one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink, and Rainbow Brite-inspired outfits are encouraged but not required.
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Tony Dabas at The Comedy Zone (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $30.76 plus
Greek with opener Paco at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $31.55 plus
Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds (6:35 p.m.)
Tickets: $20 plus
The second half of the Triple-A season enters its final month as the Charlotte Knights make a push for the playoffs, currently six games behind the top team in the International League East. The Knights host the Memphis Redbirds for a six-game series with a packed lineup of promotions throughout the week, including $2 Hot Dogs on Tuesday, Bark in the Ballpark on Wednesday, a Moonlight Graham Player Pin Giveaway on Thirsty Thursday, a Margaritaville Hawaiian Shirt Giveaway and postgame fireworks on Friday, Hits for Hope Night on Saturday, and Everyone Runs the Bases after Sunday’s finale. With the Knights seeking their first playoff appearance since 2016, every game carries added significance as Charlotte looks to close the gap in the standings with the season entering its final month.
Wednesday, August 26
Latin Music at the Mint at Mint Museum Randolph (5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
2026 Black Carolina Artist Residency Reception at Harvey B. Gantt Center (6:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds (6:35 p.m.)
Tickets: $20 plus
Josh Groban at Belk Theater (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out / Gametime: $112 plus
Healing Gems, La Brava, and Vibexotica at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $14.00
Benson Boone with opener Luna Li at Spectrum Center (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $53.25 plus
Benson Boone brings his theatrical pop-rock to Spectrum Center with Toronto-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Luna Li. Boone, who first gained attention after a brief run on American Idol in 2021 before going viral on TikTok, broke out with his hit “Beautiful Things,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album, Fireworks & Rollerblades, reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200, and he followed with American Heart in 2025, showcasing the wide vocal range, emotional songwriting and energetic stage presence that have made him one of pop’s rising stars. Opening the show is Luna Li, the Toronto-born Korean-Canadian artist known for her dreamy indie-pop sound and viral multi-instrumental jam sessions featuring violin, harp, guitar and keyboard. Li has released two albums, Duality and When a Thought Grows Wings, and has toured with artists including Japanese Breakfast and Wolf Alice.
Thursday, August 27
Destiny Stone, Mina Roth, and MK Moore at The Long Room (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $17.00
Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds (7:04 p.m.)
Tickets: $23 plus
Found Footage Fest at Independent Picture House (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $22.50
Found Footage Fest returns to Independent Picture House with its brand-new Volume #11: Porcelain VHS Treasures, bringing another collection of bizarre, forgotten and wonderfully strange VHS clips to the big screen. Hosted by Joe Pickett of The Onion and Nick Prueher of The Late Show with David Letterman, the live comedy experience draws from their collection of more than 14,000 tapes, featuring oddball discoveries including a psychotic dollar store salesman, a frightening video catalog of porcelain dolls, homemade Bigfoot footage and an ’80s “miracle” treatment called “Psychic Surgery.” Before the 7:30 p.m. show, Sean from Hello Jukebox will kick things off with a 6:30 p.m. DJ set featuring an eclectic selection of obscure and random 7-inch records.
Clarent at The Underground (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $56 plus
Teenage Bottlerocket with opener 77 Lies at Neighborhood Theater (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $27.50 plus
Pablo Francisco at The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s (August 27-28)
Tickets: $30.77 plus
Friday, August 28
Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds (5:05 p.m.)
Tickets: $23 plus
Beyond Boundaries Closing Celebration at Harvey B. Gantt Center (6:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $20 plus
The Panthers close out the preseason at home Friday night against the Houston Texans in their final tuneup before the regular season, just two days before the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline. The Panthers have been cautious with their starters throughout the preseason, but head coach Dave Canales will determine their workload after Wednesday’s joint practice with Houston. Bryce Young and the offense showed encouraging progress in last week’s win over Jacksonville, with Young connecting with Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker during an impressive second drive that ended with a Jonathon Brooks touchdown. The defense, particularly the secondary, will also look to build momentum after allowing several big plays against Buffalo before showing improvement against Jacksonville. Houston, meanwhile, provides a quality final test under head coach DeMeco Ryans. Wednesday’s joint practice should offer both teams valuable live competition before Friday’s finale, while the game will have major implications for players fighting to make the 53-man roster.
Carolina Open Air at Blackbox Theater (August 28-29)
Tickets: $62.88 plus
Tounds with opener Fancy Gap at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $20.57
JB Smoove at The Comedy Zone (August 28-29)
Tickets: $48.48 plus
J.B. Smoove will headline multiple nights at The Comedy Zone this weekend. The Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, writer and producer is best known for his role as Leon Black on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, bringing the unpredictable stand-up and memorable catchphrases that made him a fan favorite throughout the show’s run. Smoove began his career on the writing staff of Saturday Night Live and has since appeared in films including Spider-Man: Far From Home, Spider-Man: No Way Home and The Smurfs 2, as well as television series including The Millers, Real Husbands of Hollywood and Harley Quinn.
Jacoozy at Whitewater Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free (parking: $13)
Eslabon Armado at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $82 plus
Don Trip with opener Tha Landlord at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $89.44 plus
Memphis lyricist Don Trip brings his gritty, deeply personal Southern hip-hop to Charlotte this week, with Las Vegas rapper Tha Landlord opening the show. Trip has built a career around raw storytelling and reflections on family, struggle and life in East Memphis. He was named to XXL’s 2012 Freshman class alongside Future, Danny Brown and Hopsin before signing with Epidemic Records and later establishing himself as an independent artist. Trip is also known for his acclaimed Step Brothers collaboration with Nashville rapper Starlito, which spawned multiple mixtapes and earned praise from Pitchfork, XXL and USA Today. Opening the night is Tha Landlord, a Las Vegas-based recording artist and rapper affiliated with the Grind Hard collective.
Suburban Detour, A Life Worth Taking, Diatomaceous Birth, and PostCHAOS at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.35
Cave Shine (EP Release), How Come, Catchbliss, and Midsummers at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $14.00
The Cher Show at Booth Playhouse (August 28 – 29)
Tickets: $25.76 plus
Queen City Concerts brings The Cher Show to Booth Playhouse, taking audiences on an unforgettable journey through six decades of Cher’s life and career. The Tony Award-winning musical, from the writer of Jersey Boys, features three women portraying Cher at different stages of her life — Babe, Lady and Star — along with two rock-star husbands, a live orchestra and 35 hits from her iconic songbook, including “Believe,” “If I Could Turn Back Time,” “I Got You Babe” and “Dark Lady.” The production also features recreations of Cher’s legendary Bob Mackie gowns, bringing the larger-than-life style and story of one of pop culture’s most enduring icons to the stage.
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This Island Earth, Remote View, and Adolescent Dreams at Petras (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $13.54 plus
The Mad Tea Party, Dhemo, and TeCoby Hines at The Evening Muse (10:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $17.22
The Mad Tea Party, Dhemo, and TeCoby Hines come together for a multi-genre night of music at The Evening Muse in NoDa. Charlotte’s The Mad Tea Party blends funky grooves and rock, while Richmond, Virginia-based Dhemo follows with a genre-blurring mix of indie rock, R&B, jazz, and funk, built around atmospheric synths and layered vocal harmonies. Rounding out the lineup is Charlotte artist TeCoby Hines, who moves between singing and rapping while weaving together hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and soul for an introspective and boundary-blurring sound.
Saturday, August 29
Mid-Autumn Festival Cultural Fair at Marion Diehl Recreation Center (10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
LEGO® Formula 1® Off Track Experience at Symphony Park (August 29-30)
Tickets: Free
The LEGO® Formula 1® Off Track Experience returns to Symphony Park in SouthPark this weekend, bringing an F1 experience to fans of all ages from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The free event features a variety of interactive zones where guests can build, race, and explore the world of Formula 1, including a life-sized Red Bull F1 race car replica made from 400,000 LEGO bricks, a Race Lab for customizing mini race cars, a Wind Tunnel simulation, the timed Thrill City Circuit, a Winners’ Circle podium photo opportunity, and a Pit Lane Challenge inspired by real-world pit stops. Guests can also check out the latest LEGO sets from Speed Champions, LEGO Technic, LEGO Icons, LEGO DUPLO, and more.
K-Pop Stan Fest at Urban District Market (1:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Charlotte Asian Film Festival at Independent Picture House (10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15 plus
The Charlotte Asian Film Festival returns for its fourth edition with a full day of local, national and international films celebrating the diversity of Asian and Asian American stories at Independent Picture House. The 2026 program features 30 finalist films spanning documentaries, narratives, animation and experimental works, with filmmakers representing countries and cultures including India, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand. The festival will also feature a community conversation focused on Asian mental health and media representation, bringing together filmmakers, advocates and community leaders to explore how storytelling can reduce stigma and foster understanding, followed by an outdoor after-party. Presented by the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce and the Asian American Foundation for the Carolinas, the festival takes place Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Independent Picture House.
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Bronco, Cosmic Reaper, and False Gods The Milestone (3:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $28.25
Lakebed Fest at The Long Room (5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $16.24
2026 Keep Pounding High School Classic at Bank of America Stadium (4:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10 plus
The Keep Pounding High School Classic returns to Bank of America Stadium on Saturday with a doubleheader featuring four of the region’s top high school football programs and several highly touted college prospects. Indian Land faces defending South Carolina 5A champion Northwestern at 4 p.m., followed by North Carolina 8A champion Hough taking on Cardinal Gibbons at 8 p.m. Indian Land enters the season following an 11-2 campaign and state semifinal appearance, while Northwestern is seeking its third consecutive 5A state title after going 13-1 and winning last year’s championship 55-13. Hough is coming off a perfect 14-0 season and its first 8A state championship and features nationally ranked 2028 linebacker Ryan Peterson, while Cardinal Gibbons boasts five-star Notre Dame commit Xavier Hasan and NC State commit Griffin Cockerham after finishing 12-2 and reaching the state semifinals.
Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds (6:05 p.m.)
Tickets: $23 plus
Charlotte Crown UPSHOT League Championship Watch Party at Bojangles Coliseum (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
The Charlotte Crown will host a free championship watch party Saturday as the team takes on the Jacksonville Waves in the inaugural UPSHOT League Championship, a one-game, winner-take-all matchup tipping off at 7 p.m. in Jacksonville, Florida. Doors for the watch party at the East Charlotte Room at the Bojangles Entertainment Complex open at 6:30 p.m., with a cash bar, light appetizers, merchandise, raffles, and more. The Crown enter the championship game at 23-11 after a remarkable turnaround season, overcoming a 1-6 start to win 10 straight games and 12 of their final 13 to earn a spot in the league’s championship game. Jacksonville finished the regular season 25-9. The free watch party is open to the public, with fans encouraged to RSVP.
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Parker Barrow at Whitewater Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free (parking: $13)
Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $45.32 plus
Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors are bringing a heavy dose of ’90s alternative-rock nostalgia to Charlotte when the three multi-platinum bands take the stage at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre on Saturday. The night will be packed with familiar hits, including Blues Traveler’s “Run-Around” and “Hook,” Gin Blossoms’ “Hey Jealousy” and “Found Out About You,” and Spin Doctors’ “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong.” As three bands that helped define the sound of ’90s radio, the summer tour offers a chance to revisit some of the decade’s biggest sing-along anthems.
Jackson Harden, Dom Dixon, Griffin Duffey, and Alexa Jenson at Starlight on 22nd (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10.00
Unforgettable: The Love Songs of Natalie Cole at Stage Door Theater (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $43.26 plus
Carolina Ascent FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $9.00 plus
Carolina Ascent FC kicks off its 2026 fall season at home against Tampa Bay Sun FC on Saturday night, returning to American Legion Memorial Stadium after a breakthrough 2025-26 campaign that saw the club finish third in the regular-season standings with a 15-7-6 record and reach its first Gainbridge Super League Final. The Ascent surged into the postseason on an 11-match unbeaten streak before falling to Lexington SC, 3-1 in extra time, and opened the new season on the road with a 1-0 victory over DC Power FC on August 15. With 20 players returning from last season’s finalist squad, along with new additions including two-time Super League Goalkeeper of the Year Hope Hisey and defender Reese Tappan, Carolina will look to start its home campaign with a statement performance. The full night of soccer and entertainment will feature a Base Camp Bash beginning at 3 p.m. with food trucks, live music and games, special guest Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Briana Scurry, free youth jerseys courtesy of Nucor while supplies last, player autographs, pre-match skydivers and post-match fireworks.
Telander at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $26.44
I C RED, Scarhaven, Parallel Lives and Vitals at Amos’ Southend (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $23.60 plus
Rick Ross Port of Miami 20 Year Anniversary Tour featuring the Renaissance Orchestra and Sainted Trap Choir (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $92.49 plus
Rick Ross is bringing his Port of Miami 20th Anniversary Tour to Charlotte for a special symphonic performance featuring Atlanta’s Renaissance Orchestra and Charlotte’s own Sainted Trap Choir. Celebrating two decades since the release of his landmark 2006 debut, Ross is expected to perform Port of Miami in its entirety alongside some of his biggest hits, reimagined with a live orchestra and choir. The black-tie concert promises a unique fusion of Southern hip-hop, gospel, and orchestral music, offering an anniversary celebration unlike a traditional rap show.
Queen City Metalfest at The Underground (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $17 plus
Scarlet House at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $27.50 plus
Off The Wall: Annual Michael Jackson Tribute at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.00
The JETA Team’s annual Michael Jackson Tribute returns to Snug Harbor on Saturday night celebrating the King of Pop on his actual birthday. Off the Wall will bring together fans of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family for a night of music spanning his legendary career, with DJs Chief Rocka Aking, Soul Brother DJ Justice, DJ DK (Danielle Kharman), and DJ Chance providing the soundtrack. Running from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., the celebration promises a full night of MJ classics, Jackson family favorites, and dance-floor energy in one of Charlotte’s favorite independent music venues.
Jupiter Coyote at Visulite Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $20 plus
Woody, Emerson Bruno, and Coughing Dove at Petra’s (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $13.54
Rick Ross After Party at Anthm Nightclub Lounge (10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25.09 plus
Sunday, August 30
Sunday Supper with Slow Food Charlotte at The Artisan’s Palate (5:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $30.87
Slow Food Charlotte will officially launch its new local chapter with Sunday Supper, a family-style gathering at The Artisan’s Palate bringing together local farmers, chefs, producers, and food lovers around the shared table. Chef members of the Slow Food Charlotte Board of Directors will prepare a seasonal feast featuring ingredients sourced from North Carolina farms and producers, while Kris Reid, executive director of Slow Food USA, will discuss the organization’s mission and the role of local chapters in building a more connected and sustainable food system. The evening will also offer opportunities to learn more about Slow Food Charlotte, meet members of the local food community, and get involved through membership, volunteering, partnerships, and sponsorships.
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Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds (6:05 p.m.)
Tickets: $20 plus
Mike Goodwin at The Comedy Zone (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $36.35 plus
KevOnStage at The Fillmore (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out / Gametime: $32 plus
Comedian, actor, writer, and digital creator KevOnStage brings his sharp observational humor to The Fillmore. Kevin Fredericks, better known as KevOnStage, built a massive following through his viral comedy sketches and social media content before expanding into stand-up, television, film, and podcasting. He co-created and stars in the BET+ comedy series Churchy, co-hosts Here’s the Thing with That Chick Angel, and has continued to grow his comedy brand through national tours and live performances. Known for turning everyday experiences and church culture into relatable comedy, KevOnStage is sure to bring his crowd-friendly stand-up to the stage for the sold-out show.
Jutes with opener In Color at The Underground (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $149.06 plus
Big D & The Kids Table with opener Matamoska at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $28.25
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