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 Sept. 4-7, 2026:
Matthews Alive (Downtown Matthews, NC), Friday to Monday: Every year, the Matthews community gets together for one of its largest festivals over 50 years strong. Over 100,000 people fill the streets for a weekend of good music, food, music and fun. Bring the family for carnival rides, food trucks, vendors and a parade. Don’t miss performances by The Purple Experience: a Prince tribute, The American Ride: Toby Keith tribute, and Electric Avenue: the 80s MTV experience. Admission is free.
Belmont Bookshop’s Literary Festival (Downtown Belmont), Friday & Saturday: Returning for its second year and coming back even bigger, the Belmont Bookshop’s Literary Festival is back. Story lovers can unite at a festival tailored to even the fondest of bookworms. Celebrate literary classics and unfold new adventures at this brand-new event for all ages. Enjoy live author readings, panel discussions and book signings. Meet authors like Steve Sheinkin and Mona Awad. General admission is free to the public with tickets required for VIP Author Night on Friday and the closing keynote on Saturday.
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Asian Night Market (Urban District Market), Friday 5 to 11 p.m.: Experience the vibrant night market culture right here in Charlotte at the popular food and entertainment hall. Along with Urban District Market’s delicious restaurants, you’ll find a collection of local Asian food trucks serving traditional and unique flavors. Shop at the pop-up market, meet local creatives and sing your heart out at karaoke. Admission to the market is free with food available for purchase.
Charlotte Soul Fest (First Ward Park), Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.: Music, art, food and fun: celebrate the vibrant culture here in Charlotte with an all-day festival at First Ward Park. Enjoy the smooth sounds of soul, jazz, gospel and R&B from local artists, or learn something new with free cultural dance workshops. You’ll also find an art walk showcasing the works of local Black creatives, community resources and a family fun zone with inflatables, face painting and more. Admission is free.
Front Porch (2215 Thrift Road), Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The popular outdoor market is back with a brand-new location. Head to FreeMoreWest for another edition of Front Porch (formerly Front Porch Sundays). Everything you know and love about the market but in a bigger location, which means even more local vendors to shop. This Saturday is your last chance to check out the Charlotte FC takeover with activations, giveaways and more. Admission is free.
Charlotte FC vs. Houston Dynamo (Bank of America Stadium), Saturday 7:30 p.m.: The summer of soccer isn’t over just yet. Head to The Fortress to catch Charlotte FC battle it out against the Houston Dynamo. Come early to get your hands on a limited-edition Kristijan Kahlina bobblehead. Tickets start at $32.40.
Labor Day Celebration (Whitewater Center), Saturday & Sunday: If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to celebrate Labor Day, head to the Whitewater Center for a jam-packed weekend of activities. From trail races to yoga for all levels, as well as all the regular fun that the center provides like rafting, climbing and the wildwoods. Enjoy live music all weekend from Empire Strikes Brass and Honey Island Swamp Band. Admission is free with activity passes available for purchase.
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Around the Crown 10K (Mint Museum), Sunday 7:30 a.m.: It’s a Charlotte Labor Day tradition running around Uptown with your neighbors. Head to the pre-race expo to kick off the weekend at Bojangles Coliseum. Here you can find local sponsors, yoga, running and more before the big race. Then, on Sunday, head to the starting line at Mint Museum and run up I-277 where you’ll get a picturesque view of the Queen City during sunrise. Then, stick around for the post-race party at NoDa Brewing and try the Jogger Lagger. Registration starts at $71.53.
Titanic: The Exhibition (Park Expo & Conference Center), closing Monday: After sold-out runs in Los Angeles, Chicago, Sydney and more, Titanic: The Exhibition is making its way to the Queen City. It’s your final chance to check out the interactive and immersive experience that takes you back in time and into careful recreations of the ship’s interior where you’ll find artifacts and stories of the ship, as well as the guests on board that tragic night. Tickets start at $27.
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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