By CLTure
November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24
Ice Skating at The Bowl (November 22 – January 4)
Tickets: $22.13 (adults with rental) / $20.03 (without rental) / $13.73 (children 5 and under)
The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session at Petra’s (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $9.98
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway (November 21 – January 4)
Tickets: $46.41 plus
Speedway Christmas lights up Charlotte from Friday, November 21, through Sunday, January 4. The Southeast’s largest drive-thru holiday light show features more than five million lights along a four-mile course circling the iconic oval, pit road, and infield road course, synchronized to music on 101.3 FM. Guests can also enjoy drive-in movies on the massive Speedway TV. Tickets include access to the festive Christmas Village on select dates, featuring photos with Santa, a race car selfie station, Santa’s Workshop, an ice maze, food and merchandise vendors, a bar, and the lighted Tree Pathway.
Ice Skating at Camp North Pole (November 20 – January 4)
Tickets: $20.03 (adults) / $16.88 (children 5 and under)
Snowy Days: Winter Experience at Discovery Place Science (November 22 – February 1)
Tickets: $23.95 (adults) $18.95 (children 2-13)
Step into a world of winter wonder as Discovery Place unveils Snow Days, its newest immersive indoor experience. Designed for families looking to add a little magic to the holidays, this exhibit transforms the museum into a cozy, sparkling seasonal escape — no coats required. Visitors can glide across the sock skating rink, stand beneath a glowing Aurora Borealis installation, and explore how animals like Arctic foxes and snowy owls survive the cold through fascinating museum specimens. Families can also build a traditional-style igloo, design their own virtual snowflakes, and discover the art, science, and folklore behind winter’s most iconic crystals.
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights Winterland Express at Village Park (November 15 – December 30)
Tickets: Free / $2.50 (train ride) / $2.00 (carousel)
Kick off the holiday season at Village Park with the Kannapolis Celebration of Lights, running nightly from November 15 through December 30. Stroll through thousands of sparkling lights, ride the Winterland Express train to spot all 12 Days of Christmas, and enjoy the beautifully crafted Village Park Carousel, featuring 1,800 lights and hand-painted Venetian murals. Kids can visit Santa for free photos, make holiday crafts, and watch performances by the beloved Kannapolis Singing Bears, while adults can enjoy food trucks, local artisans on weekends, s’mores, and other festive fun. Admission is free for park entry and light displays, but train and carousel rides require tickets, which may be reserved online or purchased onsite if available. Free parking is also provided at Village Park.
Excide, Mile End, Dream Fatigue, Dazey Doom, and Evelyn at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $14.47 plus
Ice Skating at Whitewater Center (November – February)
Tickets: $25 plus
Experience the magic of winter at the Whitewater Center’s 24,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink. The upper pond of the Whitewater River transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring four unique skating areas, including two scenic ice trails and two free skate zones suitable for all skill levels. Take a break and warm up at the Airstream in the center of the rink, serving both hot and cold beverages.
Tuesday, November 25
Get Sad Y’all presents Emo Night at Snug Harbor (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10.00
Ariel Pink at The Underground (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25.75 plus
Lo-fi psychedelic rock artist Ariel Pink will perform at The Underground on Tuesday night, following the September 12 release of his latest album, With You Every Night. Known for his avant-garde approach and vintage pop aesthetics, he became a defining figure in what later came to be called “hypnagogic pop,” a genre that blends nostalgic, 1980s-inspired sounds with surreal, experimental production.
Wednesday, November 26
Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field (November 26 – January 4)
Tickets: $14.37 plus
The 6th Annual Light the Knights Festival returns to Truist Field this week, transforming the ballpark into a winter wonderland filled with lights, activities, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy the 10-lane snow tubing hill with its 150-foot slope, along with an NHL-sized outdoor ice rink where guests can skate under the Uptown skyline. Attendees can also explore the festival’s Holiday Light Show, which features themed zones such as Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen, Winter Wonderland, and Santa’s Workshop. Plus, visitors can shop at The Market along the outfield concourse, where local vendors offer handmade goods, baked treats, clothing, crafts, and more.
WFNZ’s 23rd Annual Street Turkeys at WFNZ Dog House (7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade (5:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Smokey Joe’s 41st Anniversary Party with Mama and The Ruckus, Cosmic Collective, and Nathan Harris and The Flood (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Charlotte’s legendary dive bar, Smokey Joe’s Café, is turning 41 this year, and the celebration will feature a full day of music, food, and fun. Located in the Cotswold neighborhood, Smokey Joe’s has been a cornerstone of Charlotte nightlife since 1984, known for its vintage decor, pool tables, darts, ping-pong, and giant stone waterfall. The bar scene from Talladega Nights, where Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) meets his future wife, Carley (Amy Adams), was also filmed at Smokey Joe’s. The anniversary celebration will feature live performances by Cosmic Collective, Mama and The Ruckus, and Nathan Harris and The Flood. Guests can also enjoy Ricardo’s Food Truck, along with pulled pork, fried turkey, and plenty of beer specials.
Snug Harbor’s Annual “Suit Night” with Coughing Dove, BrizB, and Rob: Earth-One at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m)
Tickets: $12.00
Oh! You Pretty Things, When I Say Jump, A Life Worth Taking, and Saluda at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.35 plus
Charlotte Hornets vs. New York Knicks (NBA Emirates Cup Group Game) at Spectrum Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $33 plus
The Hornets will look to snap their six-game losing streak on Thanksgiving Eve when they host the Knicks at Spectrum Center in the team’s first home NBA Emirates Cup Group Game. While Charlotte has opened the season with a 4-13 record, rookie Kon Knueppel has been on a scoring tear, averaging 24.3 points on 55.8% shooting from the field and 50% from three-point range. Brandon Miller, who is managing a shoulder injury, will likely play after returning to the starting lineup on Saturday against the Clippers, though he sat out Sunday’s 113-110 loss to the Hawks. The Knicks enter the matchup at 9-6 under new head coach Mike Brown, led by Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges, while OG Anunoby remains out with a hamstring injury.
Thursday, November 27
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 28
Charlotte Checkers vs. Toronto Marlies at Bojangles Coliseum (4:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $29.12 plus
The Charlotte Checkers will take on the Toronto Marlies in a two-game home stand this weekend. The Checkers have won six of their last eight games and are currently fifth in the Atlantic Division standings. Last season, the Checkers made it all the way to the Calder Cup Finals, eventually losing to the Abbotsford Canucks 4-2 in the seven-game series. They’ll face the Marlies, the AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are also fifth in the North Division standings. Friday’s game will celebrate College Night, with discounts for teachers, school employees and college students, while Saturday night will feature the annual Teddy Bear Toss, where fans throw stuffed animals on the ice after the Checkers score their first goal. The collected toys will then be donated to local organizations.
Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Conservancy (November 28-30)
Tickets: $29.96 (adults) / $26.75 (senior) $21.40 (children 2-12)
Black Friday Vintage Market at Monday Night Brewing (12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
The Magicians Table at Blume Studios (November 19 – February 15)
Tickets: $79.99 plus
The Magicians Table opens in Charlotte this week for an unforgettable magic show experience. Enjoy two hours of up-close magic, live theatre, and music that will leave you astonished and spellbound. Arrive early to experience an exclusive pre-show with breathtaking sleight-of-hand and mind-bending illusions, and during the main event, some of the world’s finest magicians will perform right at your table, each showcasing their own unique style.
Davidson Wildcats vs N.C. A&T Aggies (Men’s Basketball) at John Belk Arena (4:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.30 plus
Charlotte Symphony: Home Alone in Concert at Belk Theater (November 28-29)
Tickets: $27.99 plus
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne’s Backyard (November 28 – December 30)
Tickets: $10 plus
The Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular returns to Ballantyne’s Backyard for the fourth year, transforming the 100-acre park into a winter wonderland with more than a million lights, family-friendly attractions, and all-new entertainment. New for this year is the Winter Wonderland Carnival, featuring the Sooper Jet kiddie coaster, Bear Affair spinning ride, rapid slide, and a classic Ferris wheel. Attendees will also enjoy an expanded half-mile walking trail with 40% more light displays, a walk-through Ice Castle, Princess Carriage, Frosty’s Fun Land with artificial snow, life-sized snow globes, and ballerina performances. Santa Claus will make nightly visits through December 23, while the Holiday Village offers local boutiques, food trucks, and seasonal treats.
Roy Wood Jr. (Comedy) The Man of Many Fathers Book Tour at The Fillmore (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $75.50 plus
Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls (NBA Emirates Cup Group Game) at Spectrum Center (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $33 plus
Marlon Wayans at The Comedy Zone (November 28-30)
Tickets: $48.48 plus
Comedian, actor, producer, writer, and member of one of America’s great comedy families, Marlon Wayans will perform multiple shows at The Comedy Zone this weekend. A cast member on the FOX sketch comedy series In Living Color, he later collaborated with his brother Shawn on the popular WB series The Wayans Bros. and went on to star in and produce comedy hits such as Scary Movie (2000) and White Chicks (2004). Wayans played the role of George Raveling in Air (2023), the biographical sports drama about how Nike signed rookie basketball player Michael Jordan in the 1980s, alongside Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. He released his latest stand-up special, Marlon Wayans: Good Grief, in 2024 on Prime Video and recently starred in the Jordan Peele-produced supernatural horror film Him.
The Last Waltz Experience at Visulite Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $18 plus
CloutChaser, Telepathetics, Sober Dad, and Sewer at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.00
Fortune Feimster: Takin’ Care of Biscuits Comedy Tour at Ovens Auditorium (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $51.25 plus
Charlotte/Belmont native, comedian, and podcaster Fortune Feimster returns home for her Takin’ Care of Biscuits Comedy Tour. Making her television debut on NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2010, she has appeared on shows such as The Mindy Project, Chelsea Lately, and Inside Amy Schumer, as well as in multiple films, including the upcoming comedy Judgment Day, starring Will Ferrell and Zac Efron. Her most recent stand-up special, Fortune Feimster: Crushing It!, was released on Netflix in 2024, and she also co-hosts the Handsome Podcast with Tig Notaro and Mae Martin, which recently won Podcast of the Year at Just For Laughs Festival.
Blackhawk Quintet at Eighty Eights (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15.00
Che Durena at The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s (November 28-30)
Tickets: $32.90 plus
Two Step for Tots Toy Drive at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.35
Saturday, November 29
Shop Small Saturday in South End (11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Support local businesses at South End’s 13th annual Shop Small Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy an open-air shopping experience along Camden Road, browse the South End Farmers Market at Atherton, and explore over 120 unique local vendors at retail shops throughout the neighborhood.
Christmas Market at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (November 28-30)
Tickets: Free
Angelo Colina (En Español) at The Comedy Zone (3:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $42.88 plus
Blind Boys of Alabama (Christmas Show) at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $69.76 plus
Celebrate the season with the iconic Southern gospel group Blind Boys of Alabama as they bring their uplifting holiday spirit to Neighborhood Theatre in NoDa. The Grammy-winning ensemble will blend classic holiday standards with selections from their acclaimed albums Go Tell It On The Mountain and Talkin’ Christmas. Known for their soulful harmonies, the Blind Boys of Alabama have been spreading messages of faith, hope, and joy since 1939, performing alongside music icons such as Prince, Tom Waits, Peter Gabriel, and Eric Clapton, bridging gospel with blues and soul.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Toronto Marlies at Bojangles Coliseum (4:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $29.12 plus
Bipul Chettri at Blackbox Theater (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $54.00
Tim Shropshire (Comedy) at Knight Theater (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $40.39 plus
Fayetteville native and former North Carolina A&T football player turned comedian, Tim Shropshire, brings his stand-up show to Knight Theater on Saturday night. Known for his clean, relatable comedy, Shropshire first gained fame with his viral food reaction videos and has since headlined comedy clubs and venues across the country. With content reaching over 1 million fans online and 350 million views, his work has led to collaborations with national brands and comedy tours with KevOnStage.
Avatar with openers Alien Weaponry and SpiritWorld at The Fillmore (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $48.25 plus
Charlotte Hornets vs. Toronto Raptors at Spectrum Center (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $27 plus
Sy Smith at Booth Playhouse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $53.82 plus
R&B singer-songwriter Sy Smith brings her Until We Meet Again Tour to Charlotte. With a career spanning more than two decades, Smith has toured as a supporting vocalist for legends such as Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Chris Botti, and has written songs for artists including Macy Gray, Mya, and The Brand New Heavies. Her latest album, Until We Meet Again, released on FE Music and executive produced by Phonte Coleman of The Foreign Exchange, with significant contributions from Zo! and Tall Black Guy, showcases Smith’s signature multi-layered vocals.
Backwash, Y’all’re, and Slugline at Petra’s (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $9.98
Dollhaver, Aterra, and Nox Eternus at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.00
Digital Noir 10-Year Anniversary at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out
Sunday, November 30
Carolina Panthers vs. Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium (1:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $53.24 plus
In Your Dreams at Independent Picture House (12:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $7.00
J.I.D with opener Young Nudy at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $95 plus (Gametime: $77 plus)
Atlanta rapper J.I.D returns to Charlotte this week following the release of his fourth studio album, God Does Like Ugly, on August 8, which was nominated for Best Rap Album. The project features guest appearances from Westside Gunn, Clipse, Vince Staples, Ciara, EarthGang, Don Toliver, Ty Dolla Sign, 6lack, Jessie Reyez, Mereba, and Pastor Troy, with production by Thundercat, Boi-1da, Lex Luger, and Jay Versace. Joining J.I.D on tour is fellow Atlanta rapper Young Nudy, who released his latest album, Paradise, in August.
Little Image with opener Carver Commodore at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $32.10 plus
Gunna – Wun World Tour at Bojangles Coliseum (8:00 p.m)
Tickets: $108.83 plus
Following the release of his sixth studio album, The Last Wun, in August, Atlanta rapper Gunna is bringing his North American tour to Bojangles Coliseum. The album, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, marks the close of his era with YSL Records and 300 Entertainment. Spanning 25 tracks, The Last Wun showcases a more global sound, featuring Afrobeat collaborations with Burna Boy (“WGFT”), Wizkid (“Forever Be Mine”), and Asake (“Satisfaction”), alongside appearances from Atlanta cohorts Offset and Nechie. It is Gunna’s sixth consecutive studio album to reach the Billboard top 3, following 2024’s One of Wun.
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