CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - It’s a big weekend of sports with the Keep Pounding Classic, Panthers pre-season and Carolina Ascent’s home opener.
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 Aug. 28-30, 2026:
Keep Pounding High School Classic (Bank of America Stadium), Friday 4 p.m.: It’s a doubleheader of high school football at the home of the Carolina Panthers. This year’s lineup includes Indian Land taking on Northwestern at 4 p.m., followed by the Cardinal Gibbons going head-to-head with Hough with kickoff at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 each.
Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans (Bank of America Stadium), Friday 7 p.m.: Football is back in the Queen City, well, preseason at least. Get your first look at this year’s roster playing at home when the Panthers take on the Texans. Come back September 13th for the Panthers’ Home Opener when they play the Bears. Tickets start at $21.65.
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Community Matters 5K (Community Matters Café), Saturday 8 a.m.: Make a difference in your community while you get your heart racing this Saturday morning. An extension of the Charlotte Rescue Mission, Community Matters Café’s Life Skills Program helps those recovering from addiction with transition opportunities and education. Stick around for the post-race celebration with coffee, vendors and more. Registration is currently $55.49 and will rise to $66.18 on the day of the event. All proceeds benefit the café’s Life Skills program.
Mid-Autumn Festival Cultural Fair (Marion Diehl Recreation Center), Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Celebrate the full moon with a cultural fair filled with activities for the whole family. With plenty of hands-on activities including lantern making, mooncake making and calligraphy lessons, learn the significance of mid-autumn while having fun. Don’t miss the shadow puppet show, games and a selection of food. Admission is free.
K-POP Stan Fest (Urban District Market), Saturday 1 to 9 p.m.: Calling all K-POP fans. Now’s your chance to meet and mingle with fellow fans for an “all things K-Pop” festival. You can catch live performances every hour and meet local fandoms. There will also be a curated market with fan merch, as well as DIY stations, trading, a stamp rally and more. Admission is free.
Carolina Ascent Home Opener (Memorial Stadium), Saturday 7 p.m.: The Ascent is back. Cheer them on for their big home opener for a day full of fun and soccer. Come early for the Base Camp Bash with live entertainment, food trucks, giveaways and special guests. Stick around at the end of the game for a dazzling fireworks finale. Tickets start at $9.
Rick Ross (Belk Theater), Saturday 8 p.m.: Celebrate 20 years of Rick Ross’ acclaimed album “Port of Miami” with a special tour featuring orchestral performances of his greatest hits. Ross will be joined by the Renaissance Orchestra and Charlotte’s very own Sainted Trap Choir. Tickets start at $92.49.
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Sundays at Atherton (Atherton Mill), Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Spend your Sunday strolling in South End. Here you’ll find over 60 vendors where you can find everything from handmade goods, jewelry, baked treats and so much more. Soak in the sun with live music and mingling with your neighbors. Admission is free.
Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds (Truist Field), through Sunday: Summer at the ballpark isn’t over yet. Catch those last few summer vibes when the Knights play the Redbirds all weekend long. Don’t miss promotions like Friday’s Margaritaville Hawaiian Shirt giveaway, Friday Knight Fireworks and Sunday’s everyone run the bases. Tickets start at $26.
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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