CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Kickoff the unofficial start to summer with Memorial Day celebrations, Les Misérables and the opening of Carowinds’ adults-only swim-up bar.
9 things to do in Charlotte this weekend is part of our new newsletter The Go Guide! Every week, get the scoop on the latest events and happenings around Charlotte right in your inbox. To subscribe, make sure to check “The Go Guide” in our newsletter page.
Here’s a list of things to do the weekend of May 23-26, 2025:
Les Misérables (Belk Theater), through Sunday: The dream lives on! The world’s most popular musical returns to Charlotte with an updated staging for the beloved classic. With unforgettable songs like “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” and “One Day More,” it’s the show that audiences around the world keep coming back for. Tickets start at $47.
Charlotte Knights vs. Round Rock Express (Truist Field), through Sunday: Spend Memorial Day weekend watching America’s favorite pastime with a full schedule of games every night through Sunday. Don’t miss back-to-back fireworks after each game Friday through Sunday. Celebrate “Halfway to Halloween Night” on Friday and enjoy trick-or-treating, potion making and more. Tickets start at $27.
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Memorial Day Celebration (Whitewater Center), Saturday & Sunday: There’s plenty to do at the Whitewater Center before the holiday. Get your heart racing with the Memorial Day Trail Race or get your stretches in with yoga classes throughout the day, including stand up paddle yoga. Enjoy live music all weekend long with Jovin Webb, Harper O’Neill and more. Admission is free.
Carolina Harbor Opening Day, Saturday 11 a.m.: The best waterpark in the Carolinas reopens its gates for the season and it has a brand-new addition. The adults-only swim-up bar is making its grand debut this weekend. Your favorite attractions are also back where you can slide down Barracuda Blasters or battle it out at the Boogie Board Racers. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, grab a colorful inner tube and enjoy the Coastal Currents. Admission is included with your Carowinds ticket.
Shop the Yard (Victoria Yards), Saturday noon to 6 p.m.: The colorful Uptown hotspot is back to host the monthly vendor market. With dozens of local artists and small businesses, you’ll find anything you’re looking for to spruce up your life including handmade gifts, home décor, artisan candles and so much more. Admission is free.
Charlotte Water Lantern Festival (Symphony Park), Saturday 6 to 10 p.m.: Take a moment to reflect on life and love in a beautiful ceremony where hundreds of illuminous lanterns flicker through the lake at Symphony Park. Decorate your lantern to remember loved ones, hopes and dreams, or to show gratitude and watch it float among your community’s lanterns. Tickets are $30.99 online or $57.99 at the door.
Camden Commons (Camden Road), Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: It’s the first Camden Commons of the year. Head to South End for a Sunday funday out in the streets. Camden Road becomes a gathering place for live music, dozens of local vendors, fun games and delicious food. Admission is free.
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Coca-Cola 600 (Charlotte Motor Speedway), Sunday 6 p.m.: Celebrating 66 years of epic racing, thousands of NASCAR fans will take over the speedway to watch as the biggest superstars go for the gold. Don’t miss this year’s pre-race headliner: Old Dominion. Arrive early to spend time at Speed Street to get your race day going. Resale tickets start at about $90.
Memorial Day Ceremony (Veterans Park Huntersville), Monday 11 a.m.: Honor the lives of those who have fallen for our country and freedom. A special ceremony will be held with music by the North Mecklenburg Community Chorus and distinguished speakers to remember the sacrifices made by many. This year’s Master of Ceremonies will be American Legion Post 321 Commander Ross Monks. The ceremony is free to attend.
Have an event you want to submit? I’m always looking for things to do around Charlotte. Send me your event to Carmichael.Cruz@WBTV.com.
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