By CLTure
May 20, 2025
Monday, May 19
Durand Bernarr with openers Gene Noble and Desz The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $41.75 plus
Lucius with opener Victoria Canal at Neighborhood Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $41.07
Monolopy Lifesized: Travel Edition at Blume Studios (May 6 – July 27)
Tickets: $20 plus
A one-of-a-kind interactive gaming experience, Monopoly Lifesized: Travel Edition opens in Charlotte this week, transforming the iconic board game into a 70-minute adventure at Blume Studios. Players navigate a giant Monopoly board featuring classic spaces like Boardwalk, Park Place, the railroads, and utilities. Along the way, you’ll solve puzzles, crack codes, collect properties, and try to outsmart opponents — all before time runs out. A guide will lead you through physical challenges and immersive rooms as you buy property, charge rent, and try to break out of jail in a race to win the game.
Tuesday, May 20
MJ Lenderman & The Wind with opener This Is Lorelei at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $36.50 plus
Asheville native and rising alt-country/indie rock artist MJ Lenderman headlines The Fillmore this week, riding high on the momentum of his latest album, Manning Fireworks, released via ANTI- and Epitaph Records. Known for his work with North Carolina band Wednesday and his time behind the drum kit for Indigo De Souza, Lenderman has steadily emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in the indie scene. Manning Fireworks has earned widespread critical acclaim, including an 8.7 rating and “Best New Music” nod from Pitchfork. Blending a deadpan Southern drawl with a slacker-rock edge, Lenderman crafts songs that are both emotionally raw and slyly humorous. His fusion of grunge-era indie rock grit and stripped-down country charm makes his sound both familiar and refreshingly offbeat — a style uniquely his own.
Les Misérables at Belk Theater (May 20-25)
Tickets: $46.39 plus
Charlotte Knights vs. Round Rock Express (6:35 p.m.)
Tickets: $23 plus
The Charlotte Knights begin a six-game homestand this week against the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and a member of the Pacific Coast League. Tuesday is Taquitos & Tallboys Night, featuring three taquitos for just $4 and $8 tallboy beers. Wednesday is Bark in the Ballpark — where you can bring your furry friend along, as dogs get in free. Thursday is Thirsty Thursday, with $3 fountain sodas, $4 domestic drafts, and $6 craft beers; and the Friday through Sunday games will cap off with postgame fireworks.
Richard Shindell and Laurelyn Dossett at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $31.96
Wednesday, May 21
Jon G’s BBQ Pop-Up at Triple C Brewing (5:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free Admission
Jon G’s Barbecue, the acclaimed Texas-style restaurant based in Peachland, North Carolina, will be popping up at Triple C Brewing this week. Known for their melt-in-your-mouth brisket, tender spare ribs, house-made sausages, and standout sides, Jon G’s draws crowds — typically selling out fast.
Of Mice & Men at The Underground (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $35.25 plus
California metalcore veterans Of Mice & Men return to Charlotte for the first time since 2019, headlining The Underground this week. Known for anthems like “Second & Sebring,” “Would You Still Be There,” and “Bones Exposed,” the band has built a loyal following with their blend of crushing riffs and emotional intensity. On May 8, they dropped their latest single, “Another Miracle,” offering a glimpse into the next chapter of their sound.
Charlotte Knights vs. Round Rock Express (6:35 p.m.)
Tickets: $20 plus
Insane Clown Posse at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $54 plus
Sam on Someday at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $11.55 plus
Sam Tayloe — best known as the frontman of the folk-rock band Time Sawyer — hosts his ongoing live music series, Sam on Someday, at The Evening Muse. The event has become a staple for local music lovers seeking intimate, genre-blending performances that celebrate collaboration and community. What began as a virtual livestream called Sam on Sunday during the pandemic has since blossomed into a standout local and regional musical showcase.
Cannon Rogers, Pleasure House, and Homemade Haircuts at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10 plus
Thursday, May 22
The Pink Stones at Whitewater Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free (Parking: $12)
Charlotte Knights vs. Round Rock Express (7:04 p.m.)
Tickets: $23 plus
Smino, Samara Cyn, and Mamii at The Underground (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $56 plus
Coming off the release of his fourth album Maybe in Nirvana, St. Louis rapper Smino returns to Charlotte’s The Fillmore. Known for his smooth, R&B-infused flow and boundary-pushing style, Smino is the founder of the Zero Fatigue collective and part of the supergroup Ghetto Sage alongside Saba and Noname. His latest project follows acclaimed releases blkswn, Noir, and Luv 4 Rent, and he’s graced major festival stages like Coachella and Lollapalooza. Joining him are rising LA-based rapper Samara Cyn, whose soulful sound and sharp lyricism shine on her debut EP The Drive Home, and Mamii, a genre-blending singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Indiana.
Radian and King Cackle at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10 plus
AGH! A Variety Show For A Cause at Petra’s (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.27
Tommy Stinson (The Replacements) at Thirsty Beaver (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Tommy Stinson, legendary rock musician best known as the founding bassist of The Replacements, will perform at Charlotte’s beloved honky-tonk bar, Thirsty Beaver. Throughout his career, he fronted projects such as Bash & Pop and Perfect, and later spent over a decade as bassist for Guns N’ Roses. Stinson also released solo work (Village Gorilla Head, One Man Mutiny) and played with Soul Asylum. Most recently, he’s been touring and recording with his Americana duo, Cowboys in the Campfire, whose debut album Wronger dropped in 2023.
Two Sides of Me, A Sense of Purpose, The Phantom Friends, and This Island Earth at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10 plus
Rod Man at The Comedy Zone (May 22-25)
Tickets: $30.77 plus
Friday, May 23
Jazz at the Garden: Memorial Weekend Kickoff at Daniel Stowe Conservancy (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $49 plus
Raveena with opener Renao at The Underground (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $38.50 plus
Indie R&B/neo-soul singer Raveena makes her Charlotte debut this week at The Underground. Known for her dreamy blend of R&B, jazz, and pop, the Connecticut-born, Queens-raised artist of Indian Punjabi heritage broke out with her 2017 EP Shanti and earned acclaim for her 2019 debut album Lucid. Her 2022 concept album Asha’s Awakening made Rolling Stone’s Best Albums list, and her latest, Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain, arrived in June 2024. Joining her on tour is rising alt-R&B artist Renao.
NC Education Lottery 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (8:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $30 plus
Time Machine: A Silent Disco Experience at Blume Studios (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25 plus
Step into the Time Machine for a night packed with throwback vibes, featuring three DJs — Dammit Wesley, Kamigo, and Code : Savi — spinning on three separate channels, so you can switch between your favorite nostalgic jams all night long. Hosted by Blumenthal Arts at Blume Studios, the event also offers delicious food for sale from local food trucks Cutting Board CLT and Noom Yai.
Pollyanna, Peach Rings, Weymouth, and Elder Bright at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12 plus
Bakalao Stars and The Spectacles at Camp North End (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Kick off your weekend at Camp North End’s Friday Nights at Camp with live sets from Charlotte’s Latin ska-punk fusion band Bakalao Stars, fresh off the release of their latest EP, 20 Años de Ska, Reggae y Baile. Also performing are Durham’s The Spectacles, who blend ska, rock, and soul. DJ Micki Blendz will keep the party going, while local food vendors, shops, and art installations complete the vibrant community vibe at Camp North End.
Charlotte Knights vs. Round Rock Express (7:04 p.m.)
Tickets: $23 plus
Lil Poppa, Jdot Breezy, and FattMack at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $35 plus
Aneesa Strings at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $36.94 plus
Oakland-born bassist, vocalist, and composer Aneesa Strings brings her dynamic sound to Neighborhood Theatre following the release of her latest EP, The Calm. A prodigy on upright bass by age 12, Aneesa honed her craft studying jazz at USC and Michigan State. She released her debut album, A Shift in Paradigm, in 2014 and followed up with Ways in 2019. Known for her genre-blending style, she’s performed at prestigious festivals and venues such as Newport Jazz and the Hollywood Bowl, collaborating with notable artists like José James and Terrace Martin.
Tand at Whitewater Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free (Parking: $12)
Seth Walker (Album Release) and Ed Jurdi at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $26.44 plus
Americana artist Seth Walker returns to Charlotte’s Evening Muse to celebrate his new album Why The Worry. With a rich blend of gospel, blues, and country, Walker delivers deeply heartfelt songwriting. Joining him is Ed Jurdi, Asheville-based co-founder of Austin’s acclaimed Band of Heathens.
Gravitate at Petra’s (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10
I Set My Friends on Fire, Enthronement, Bleeding Truth, and Laniidae at Snug Harbor (10 p.m.)
Tickets: $27 plus
Saturday, May 24
PALENGKE at Resident Culture Brewing (11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Celebrate Filipino culture and cuisine at PALENGKE, a community market hosted by Philippines Festival NYC, happening Saturday at Resident Culture Brewing Company. This all-ages event offers local and out-of-state vendors serving up Filipino street food, desserts, and fusion dishes. Enjoy everything from lechon and Filipino-style burgers to calamansi drinks, musubi, tacos, mochi cookies, bubble tea, and more.
BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (4:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $30 plus
Charlotte Knights vs. Round Rock Express (6:05 p.m.)
Tickets: $23 plus
Peelander-Z with openers The Girls and Dropsonic at Snug Harbor (10 p.m.)
Tickets: $15 plus
Japanese-American punk rock band Peelander-Z, known for their high-energy shows and colorful, superhero-inspired costumes, returns to Snug Harbor this week. Formed in 1998 in New York City, the band later relocated to Austin, Texas, and describes themselves as a “Japanese Action Comic Punk Band from Planet Peelander.” Their music blends punk rock with J-pop influences, featuring catchy melodies and playful lyrics, delivering a unique fusion of music and performance art. They’ll be joined by North Carolina punk rockers The Girls and Atlanta rock band Dropsonic.
Nikias, Lamaj, Kashmiir, and Joey Zen at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $20.38 plus
Charlotte FC vs. Columbus Crew at Bank of America Stadium (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $44.77 plus
Alternative Champs at The Comet Grill (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Charlotte rock band Alternative Champs take the stage at The Comet Grill Saturday night. Formed in the mid-90s, the band features Mike Mitschele and Rick Randall, who recently gained attention for their work on HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones. As Hot Goat Music, Mitschele and Randall co-wrote several songs for the series — including the viral hit “Turn the Other Cheek,” performed by the character Baby Billy — and appeared on the show as the fictional church band, Tears of David.
Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast at Whitewater Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free (Parking: $12)
Sunday, May 25
Charlotte Knights vs. Round Rock Express (6:05 p.m.)
Tickets: $20 plus
Ubeland Charlotte at Resident Culture Brewing (11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Hosted by Philippines Festival NYC, Ubeland Charlotte transforms the popular Filipino ingredient ube into an unforgettable culinary experience. From desserts to savory ube-infused street foods, the event features both local and traveling vendors celebrating Filipino culture.
Memorial Day Celebration at Whitewater Center (May 24-25)
Tickets: Free (Parking: $12)
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with scenic trail runs, refreshing outdoor yoga sessions, and stand-up paddleboarding on the beautiful Catawba River, all capped off by live performances from American Idol alum Jovin Webb and rising Nashville country-pop artist Harper O’Neill.
Nordista Freeze, Carolina Down Boys, and Tongues of Fire at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $20.38 plus
Shucked Cookout at Blume Studios (4:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Celebrate the upcoming run of the musical Shucked (May 27-June 1) with a free cookout and a family-friendly afternoon of fun at Blume Studios. Enjoy interactive games curated by Play More Charlotte, with parachute games, live chalk art, and an incredible 40-person Double Dutch performance followed by a chance to jump in yourself.
UltimaNota at Middle C Jazz (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $34.65 plus
Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $99 plus
The Coca-Cola 600 roars into Charlotte Motor Speedway with its annual 600-mile, 400-lap showdown. The weekend also features Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA series races, along with BetMGM Speed Street festivities, food, and fan experiences. Packed with entertainment — including a pre-race concert by country band Old Dominion — fans can also enjoy driver Q&As, meet-and-greets, and Trackside Live on Sunday afternoon. Saturday night includes a Smash Mouth concert; plus games, giveaways, and appearances by NASCAR legends.
Worlds Greatest Dad, Stress Fractures, Te’Jani, and Nervous Surface at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12 plus
Nordista Freeze, Carolina Down Boys, and Tongues of Fire at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $20.38 plus
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