By CLTure
July 14, 2025
Monday, July 14
116th NAACP National Convention at Charlotte Convention Center (July 9-16)
Tickets: $100 plus
The 116th NAACP National Convention concludes this week at the Charlotte Convention Center in uptown, returning to the city for the first time since 1996. Thousands of civil rights leaders, artists, activists, and community members have gathered for one of Charlotte’s largest conventions of the year. Hip-hop trailblazer MC Lyte performed at The Hub on Friday night and spoke on a panel about homeownership and strategies for leveraging property to build wealth in the Black community. This week, a special session, Our Culture, Our Stories: Writing Our Own Narrative, highlights how Black-led groups like the NAACP are not only defending civil rights but also producing culture through film, digital media, and scripted stories that reclaim history and reshape narratives. Panelists will include rapper David Banner, activist Keith Boykin, and Sheila Ducksworth, President of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture. You can check out the full schedule for the NAACP Convention here.
The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session at Petra’s (7 p.m.)
Tickets: $9.98
Celebrate the spirit of jazz at The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session, every Monday night at Petra’s. A tribute to the late, great Bill Hanna, who was widely known as the godfather of Charlotte jazz. The weekly event brings together some of the city’s best musicians for a night of improvisational performances.
Tuesday, July 15
Sam on Someday at Petra’s (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15.70
The Head and the Heart with openers Wild Rivers and Marfa at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $32 plus
Seattle indie-folk band The Head and the Heart, best known for their hit songs “Lost in My Mind,” “Down in the Valley,” and “Rivers and Roads,” will return to Charlotte this week to headline Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre. The band is coming off the release of their sixth studio album, Aperture, which came out on May 9. They’ll be joined by the Canadian folk trio Wild Rivers and the Colorado-based country-folk group Marfa.
Counting Crows with opener The Gaslight Anthem at PNC Music Pavilion (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $30 plus
Wednesday, July 16
Charlotte FC vs. DC United at Bank of America Stadium (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $29 plus
Charlotte FC earned a crucial 2-0 win over New York City FC to move back into playoff position ahead of their midweek clash with D.C. United. Idan Toklomati opened the scoring in the 14th minute off a Pep Biel assist — Biel’s 17th goal contribution this season, a club record. Kerwin Vargas sealed the win with an 81st-minute goal. Despite some sloppy turnovers, Charlotte’s defense held firm, conceding only four shots on target and earning their first clean sheet since May. Next, they face a struggling D.C. United side winless in six matches and last in the league with a -23 goal differential. The club will also debut its new kit, which pays homage to Charlotte’s first professional soccer team, the Carolina Lightnin’, who played in the ASL from 1981 to 1983 at American Legion Memorial Stadium and won the city’s first professional sports championship.
Big Time Rush at PNC Music Pavilion (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $30 plus
Jazz Night with The DJaM Collective at Camp North End (7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
James Austin Johnson (Comedian) at The Comedy Zone (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $30.76 plus
Saturday Night Live cast member James Austin Johnson, best known for his impressions of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, will perform a set at The Comedy Zone this week. Also known for his acting and voice-over work in TV and film, his credits include Barry, Better Call Saul, She Said, Hail, Caesar!, voicing Pouchy in Inside Out 2, and making a cameo in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.
Chad Frick and Tobacco Road at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $17.06
Mates of State with opener Tōth at Amos’ Southend (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $32 plus
Thursday, July 17
Crossroads Cinema: The Dark Knight at Camp North End (8:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Giulio Gallarotti (Comedian) at The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s (July 17-19)
Tickets: $25.00
Mo Betta Thursdays at The Exchange at 36th (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10
Mo’ Betta Thursdays is a weekly jazz event hosted by Braxton Bateman in collaboration with A-part[meant] — a Charlotte boutique spotlighting contemporary womenswear, accessories, and local artwork. Held in the heart of NoDa at the market/bar The Exchange at 36th, the event brings together some of Charlotte’s top musicians for an evening of jazz, R&B, soul, and hip-hop improvisation.
Josh Daniel at Comet Grill (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Wastoid, Colo, Blab School, and Curiosidades De Bombrile at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $14.47
Friday, July 18
Science on the Rocks (Shark Week) at Discovery Place (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $22 plus
Science on the Rocks is a 21-and-up event series at Discovery Place Science that lets you experience the museum like never before — after hours, without the kids, and with a cocktail in hand. Explore interactive exhibits, meet live animals, catch a science show, and get hands-on in the labs. Dance the night away or unwind in the seven-story IMAX Dome Theatre with a documentary or planetarium show. With upgraded experiences and a vibrant, social atmosphere, Science on the Rocks is where Charlotte nightlife meets the wonder of science.
Looking for something different and fun to do with the squad? ‘Science on the Rocks’ Friday at Discovery Place! 🔬🍸 https://t.co/KuJJ4XPPTd pic.twitter.com/6TxlY7hqJB
— CLTure® ( culture ) (@CLTure) September 17, 2018
Brooks Dixon Band at Whitewater Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free (parking: $12)
Jazz Room Presents: Dave Potter featuring Jason Marsalis at Stage Door Theater (July 18-19)
Tickets: $37.75 plus
Charlotte Knights vs. Durham Bulls (7:04 p.m.)
Tickets: $27 plus
The Charlotte Knights will kick off a three-game home series against in-state rivals the Durham Bulls on Friday night. The Bulls are currently second in the International League East standings, while the Knights sit in fifth place. Former Charlotte Hornets great Larry Johnson will also make his first public appearance in Charlotte since 2018 for a special CLT Sports Night alongside former Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart. Johnson, the Hornets’ No. 1 draft pick in 1991, helped turn the team into a playoff contender alongside Alonzo Mourning, Muggsy Bogues, Dell Curry, and Kendall Gill. A national champion and star at UNLV under Jerry Tarkanian, he was famous for his “Grandmama” Converse ads and helped drive the Hornets’ huge merchandise sales and sellout streak in the ’90s. He won Rookie of the Year in 1991-92, was a two-time All-Star, and earned All-NBA Second Team honors in 1993.
Sam Bettens with Carolina Down Boys at Petra’s (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $19.14
Queen’s Feast Charlotte Restaurant Week (July 18-27)
Tickets: $30 plus
Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week returns July 18-27, 2025, giving diners a chance to explore more than 125 restaurants across the Charlotte area with three-course dinners at special prix fixe prices — $30, $35, $40, $45, or $50 per person (plus tax and tip). Menus vary by restaurant, and reservations are highly recommended. Most Queen’s Feast specials are available at dinner only, but some restaurants also offer lunch deals. Check out the full list of participating restaurants.
Durante at The Music Yard (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15.46
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations at Belk Theater (July 18-20)
Tickets: $46.39 plus
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the hit Broadway musical tracing The Temptations’ rise from Detroit’s streets to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Known for their smooth harmonies and iconic dance moves, they scored 42 Top Ten hits, with 14 reaching No. 1. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards and winner of Best Choreography in 2019, the show tells a powerful story of brotherhood, loyalty, and conflict as the group faced personal struggles and political upheaval. Written by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Des McAnuff, and featuring Sergio Trujillo’s Tony-winning choreography, the show brings their timeless songs like “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” to life on stage.
Spafford at Visulite Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25 plus
Oh! You Pretty Things, The 91’s, My Blue Hope, and Home for the Day at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.35 plus
Chico Bean (Comedian) at The Comedy Zone (July 18-20)
Tickets: $42.89 plus
One-third of the hit podcast and tour 85 South Show, Jamal “Chico” Bean will perform multiple sets at The Comedy Zone in Charlotte this week. The multi-talented comedian, who began his stand-up career in Greensboro, joined Wild ’N Out in its fifth season and became known for moments like the “Sucka MC Battles” with Karlous Miller and a standout Wildstyle with Safaree in Season 7. Bean has also hosted the BET Hip-Hop Awards with the 85 South crew, and in 2023 co-starred in the Netflix special Ghetto Legends with DC Young Fly and Karlous Miller.
The Band Solstice with openers Red Dress Amy and Jackson Slater at Snug Harbor (10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12 plus
DustBowlChampion with opener Casket Cassette and Dead Cool at The Evening Muse (10:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $20.38
Tsu Nami at Blackbox Theater (10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $14.53 plus
Saturday, July 19
Lloyd Studios Anniversary Block Party at Do Greater Uptown (1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Charlotte-based video production company Loyd Visuals is celebrating the one-year anniversary of Loyd Studios with a community block party featuring live performances, DJ sets, local vendors, and food trucks. In partnership with the nonprofit Do Greater Charlotte, proceeds from the event will support the development of the new Creative Lab Uptown. Leading up to the block party, Loyd Studios will also host a week of engaging events. Founded in 2017 by William McNeely, Do Greater Charlotte empowers underserved youth in the city through creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship. Their upcoming Creative Lab Uptown — a state-of-the-art, three-story facility at 500 North Tryon Street opening this year — will include a digital creative studio, co-working lounges, and dedicated spaces for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Festival Colombiano at First Ward Park (12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $23.57
Beatfreaq x Ready to Rumble Present: Survival of the Illest at Starlight on 22nd (3:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Ocean Alley at The Fillmore (7:45 p.m.)
Tickets: $45 plus
Australian six-piece psychedelic surf-rock band Ocean Alley returns to Charlotte this week. Preparing to release their fifth studio album, Love Balloon, in September, the band is known for its laid-back blend of rock, reggae, and funk grooves. With four studio albums to date –including their latest, Low Altitude Living (2022) — Ocean Alley has performed at major festivals including Splendour in the Grass, Reading & Leeds, and BottleRock Napa Valley.
Girls Room at The Music Yard (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15.46
Charlotte Knights vs. Durham Bulls (6:05 p.m.)
Tickets: $23 plus
Charlotte Independence vs. Portland Hearts of Pine SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $13 plus
Charlotte Independence host Portland Hearts of Pine SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, aiming to move to the top of the USL League One standings. Currently near the top with a 7-3-4 record, Charlotte will look to bounce back after a narrow 2-1 home loss to Union Omaha in their last match.
Albert Castigilia at Whitewater Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free (parking: $12)
San Holo at Blackbox Theater (10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $49.58 plus
Abbey Elmore at Comet Grill (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Folk-rock singer-songwriter Abbey Elmore will perform a special set at Comet Grill this Saturday night. Hailing from Gaffney, South Carolina, Elmore is best known as the lead of The Abbey Elmore Band, who released their acclaimed album Memory in 2022. Comet Grill, a beloved Charlotte dive bar since 1996, is famous for its delicious burgers and warm, inviting atmosphere.
Bakalao Stars, Pachanga 02, and Selector Mikey Tags at Snug Harbor (10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $14.00
Sunday, July 20
Charlotte Knights vs. Durham Bulls (6:05 p.m.)
Tickets: $20 plus
Ghostbusters at Carolina Theatre (2:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $17.06 plus
The historic Carolina Theatre continues its Lost Years Summer Blockbuster Series by celebrating its “lost years” with a screening of the original Ghostbusters film. The 1984 sci-fi comedy, directed by Ivan Reitman and co-written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, stars Bill Murray, Aykroyd, and Ramis as eccentric scientists who launch a ghost-catching business in New York City. Their venture leads to a supernatural crisis involving an ancient deity named Gozer. A pop culture phenomenon, the film grossed over $370 million worldwide and earned two Academy Award nominations. For extra fun, the famous Ectomobile will be parked on Tryon Street in front of the theatre from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for photo ops.
The Symposium with opener John Myrtle at Neighborhood Theatre (7:00 p.m.)
Tripping Daisy with opener Jumprope at The Fillmore (7:45 p.m.)
Tickets: $34.80 plus
Don’t forget to enter our summer concert giveaway!
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