CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Diner en Blanc’s secret dinner, Duke’s Mayo Classic and a giant food festival takes over the speedway.
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. 18-20, 2026:
FoodieLand Charlotte (Charlotte Motor Speedway), Friday to Sunday: Rev up for a feast of the senses. FoodieLand is coming to the Queen City with every viral dish you’ve seen on TikTok. From pasta in a cheese wheel to rainbow grilled cheese and every deep-fried item imaginable, FoodieLand is the place to be for adventurous eaters and curious cuisine connoisseurs. With over 60 food vendors and hundreds of items, there is a dish for every palate. Tickets are $12.84 when purchased online.
Sainted Trap Choir: A Night Full of Wonder (Caroina Theatre), Friday 7:30 p.m.: Celebrate the music of Stevie Wonder with Charlotte’s very own Sainted Trap Choir. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Wonder’s iconic “Songs in the Key of Life” album, watch the Sainted Trap Choir bring down the house with their renditions of songs like “Sir Duke” and “Isn’t She Lovely,” as well as deep cuts and even more Stevie classics. Tickets start at $51.80.
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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.
Festival of India (Belk Theater & Tryon St), Saturday & Sunday: Celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage with a weekend full of music, performances, food and more. Festival of India, which will take place in a single location for the very first time, will transform Uptown to a “slice of India.” On Saturday, the Belk Theater will showcase Bollywood performances, along with arts, crafts, food and attire outside on Tryon Street. Then, on Sunday, watch the grand finale at Belk Theater with a live performance by the Charlotte Symphony performing Bollywood-inspired orchestral music of A.R. Rahman. Tickets are $5 and valid for both days.
Bands, Brews & BBQ (Downtown Mooresville), Saturday 4 to 9 p.m.: Triple B is back for its third year and bigger than ever. The pits are smoking up succulent slow-roasted meats from over 25 regional food trucks. Learn the secrets of award-winning BBQ from the pitmasters themselves. Wash it all down from a wide selection of beers from your favorite local breweries. Country duo Big & Rich will headline the main stage along with a lineup of local bands. Admission is free.
Optimist Hall’s 7th Birthday Extravaganza, Saturday 5 to 9 p.m.: One of Charlotte’s favorite food halls is turning 7 and you’re invited to the party. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel and musical swings or race your friends at the 3-land slide. And, of course, dine on your favorite dishes from the food hall’s many restaurants or grab a drink at their new bar. Admission is free.
Duke’s Mayo Classic (Bank of America Stadium), Saturday 7:30 p.m.: The West Virginia Mountaineers will take on the Virginia Cavaliers for an exciting regional match up at the home of the Carolina Panthers. Fans with or without tickets can enjoy Fan Fest right outside the stadium beginning at 1:30 p.m where you can find food trucks, merch, a kids zone, and, of course, Duke’s Mayo. Who will get drenched in the mayo bath this year? Find out this Saturday at Bank of America Stadium. Tickets start at $87.41.
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Mid-Autumn Festival (Asian Market), Sunday 12 to 8 p.m.: Bring the family together for a celebration of the full moon. Learn all about the tradition while enjoying fun activities like lantern and moon cake decorating and enjoying music and cultural performances. You’ll also find a large selection of Asian cuisine representing different countries with over 44 vendors. Play chopstick Jenga, photobooths, as well as activities for the kids. Admission is free.
TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue (Truliant Amphitheater), Sunday 7:30 p.m.: Don’t go chasin’ waterfalls, instead, chase the concert with three legendary groups performing together on one stage. R&B icons TLC joins Salt-N-Pepa to throw it back to the 90s with their classic hits like “No Scrubs” and “Push It.” They’ll be joined by the equally influential En Vogue who took over the airwaves and clubs with their songs like “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” and “Free Your Mind.” Tickets start at $40.
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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