CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Panthers home opener, final Knights weekend and food festivals to check out.
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. 11-13, 2026:
Hell’s Kitchen (Belk Theater), through Sunday: The Tony Award-winning musical from Alicia Keys has made its way to Charlotte. Inspired by Keys’ life, “Hell’s Kitchen” tells the story of 17-year-old Ali searching for her place in the world. With both classic Alica Keys hits and new songs written specifically for the show, it’s the musical that will have you in an “Empire State of Mind.” Tickets start at $47.02.
Foodees Fest (Charlotte Premium Outlets), Friday to Sunday: Come hungry to the viral Foodees Fest now making its way to the Queen City. With dozens of food vendors, you’ll find tastes from around the world and some of the most Instagram-able food trends. From Jamaican food to tacos, to BBQ and boba, there’s something for every appetite. It’s not just food, too, there will also be dozens of stalls at the crafters and artisan’s market. Admission is free.
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Cabarrus County Fair (Cabarrus Arena and Events Center), opening Friday: The Cabarrus County Fair is back. Hop on family-favorite carnival rides, win prizes at the midway and indulge in the sweet treats that the fair is known for. You’ll also find the rodeo, as well as shows like The Dynamo Dogs and Robinson’s Racing Pigs. Headliners include Landon Cline and The Corey Stevenson Band. Admission is $8.50 for 12 and over, $6.50 for ages 6 to 11, free for 5 and under.
South End Shuffle 5K & Mile Run (Wooden Robot Brewery), Saturday 8:30 a.m.:Start your Saturday off strong with a fun 5K around the South End and Wilmore neighborhoods. The South End Shuffle 5K & Mile Run returns for its 13th year of pounding the pavement. Runners 21 and over will get a free beer and younger runners will get ice cream. All finishers receive a medal. Proceeds benefit The Purple Promise Foundation to End Melanoma. Registration is currently $40 and will rise to $45 on race day.
Charlotte Coffee Festival (Lenny Boy Brewing), Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: What’s better than your morning cup of coffee? A whole festival dedicated to the buzzy bean. Head to the Charlotte Coffee Festival where you’ll find over 50 vendors highlighting both local and national brands like Night Swim Coffee and Tiny Tulip Coffee. Catch the Latte Art Competition to see baristas go head-to-head in making the best designs in a mug. Each ticket includes unlimited tastings. General admission tickets are currently $22.17.
Yiasou Greek Festival (Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral), Friday to Sunday: East Boulevard transforms into Greece for one weekend only. Stop on by one of Charlotte’s largest cultural events back for its 48th year. Enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of Greece with cultural exhibits, authentic cuisine, traditional live entertainment and more. Highlights include the baklava, baklava sundaes and a wide variety of meats and vegetables. Admission is $5.
Sazon Latin Food Festival (Divine Barrel Brewing), Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.: Celebrate the traditions and flavors of Latin America with a festival all about food. From tasty tacos to enormous empanadas, the Sazon Latin Food Festival has it all, as well as ceviches, equites and even Jamaican food. Admission is free.
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Panthers vs. Chicago Bears (Bank of America Stadium), Sunday 1 p.m.: You’ve waited all summer and it’s finally here: football is back! Catch the Carolina Panthers’ home opener as they play the Chicago Bears for their first game of the regular NFL season. Start the year off strong and root for the home team right here in Charlotte. Tickets start at $204.95.
Charlotte Knights vs. Buffalo Bisons (Truist Field), through Sunday: It’s the final week of baseball here and the Charlotte Knights are going out with a bang. Head to Truist Field all weekend long for one last stretch of baseball in the heart of the Queen City as they take on the Buffalo Bisons. On Saturday, it’s a supersized post-game fireworks to end the season. Tickets start at $20.
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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