CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Panthers’ home opener, Festival in the Park and Diner en Blanc.
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 Sept. 19-21, 2025:
Charlotte Knights Fan Appreciation Weekend (Truist Field), through Saturday: As the summer closes, so does baseball season and the Charlotte Knights are going off with a bang as they take on the Durham Bulls. For the final home games, expect a ton of fireworks, giveaways and your last hot dogs at the ballpark. On closing night, the entire team will be signing autographs before the game. Tickets start at $22.
"In The Heights" and "Encanto" (Carolina Theatre), Friday and Sunday: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with two films you and the family can watch inside the recently restored Carolina Theatre. Lin Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights brings Broadway’s smash hit to the big screen with the electrifying musical about a neighborhood in New York. Then, watch the Disney sensation Encanto and catch the magical world of the Madrigal family. Tickets start at $16.
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Festival in the Park (Freedom Park), Friday to Sunday: It’s been a Charlotte tradition for over 60 years. Celebrating the people and the art of our community, Festival in the Park returns for a huge milestone with 200 vendors and over 60 hours of live performances surrounding the lake. You can even catch performances that are part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival. Come hungry as dozens of delectable food vendors will be on-site with local favorites and food trucks. Admission is free.
13th Acre Haunt (Monroe), opening Friday: Just a quick drive east of Charlotte are two terrifying attractions, if you dare. What lurks in the woods is only meant for the bravest of souls. From Coffin Creek to The Forbidden Acre, get double the frights for one ticket. In between, take breaks at the Monster Midway with a live DJ spinning every night and grab drinks in the 1800s train car. Tickets start at $35 and grants access to both attractions and Monster Midway.
Diner En Blanc Charlotte (secret), Saturday (secret): It’s a party with the biggest secret: the location. Thousands of guests come dressed in all white ready for an evening soiree: including bringing their own tables, chairs and picnic baskets, but the location is kept under wraps until right before the party. Then, a parade of guests all in white walk together for an unforgettable experience that is culinary, elegant and mysterious. Tickets start at $58.
Ciao Italia Matthews (Stumptown Park), Saturday & Sunday noon to 8:30 p.m.: It’s your passport to a culinary adventure as Ciao Italia Matthews returns for a delicious weekend of food, fun and entertainment. Grab a “passaporto” and take a bite out of mouthwatering pastas, pizzas, Italian sandwiches and desserts while strolling musicians fill the air with music, just like true piazzas in Italy. Watch live pasta-making demonstrations and learn how the best chefs create craveable pasta from scratch. Enjoy the sounds of opera, a Frank Sinatra tribute, comedy acts, orchestras and more all weekend long. Admission is free.
Festival of India (Belk Theater & Ballantyne’s Backyard), Saturday & Sunday: Celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage with a weekend full of music, performances, food and more. On Saturday, the Belk Theater will showcase Bollywood performances, along with arts, crafts, food and attire outside on Tryon Street. Then, on Sunday, Ballantyne’s Backyard will keep the celebration going with Indian dance workshops and Rangoli-making, as well as henna designing. Tickets to the Belk Theater show are $5 and admission to the festival is free.
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Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons (Bank of America Stadium), Sunday 1 p.m.: Football is back in the Carolinas with the Panthers’ home opener where they take on the Atlanta Falcons. Can Bryce Young pull off last season’s thriller the last time they played the Falcons? Tickets start at $58.10.
Latin American Festival CLT (Ballantyne’s Backyard), Saturday noon to 10 p.m.: Celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with the 35th anniversary of one of the largest cultural festivals in our city. From internationally acclaimed artists to authentic cuisine, the Latin American Festival will host over 20,000 guests as part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival. This year, catch the energy of the legendary Puerto Rican Power. Admission is $10.
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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