CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Breakaway Music Festival, Festival in the Park and Ballantyne Wine & Food Festival.
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. 25-27, 2026:
Festival in the Park (Freedom Park), Friday to Sunday: It’s been a Charlotte tradition for 62 years. Celebrating the people and the art of our community, Festival in the Park returns for a huge milestone with 200 vendors and over 1,000 stage performers surrounding the Freedom Park lake. Catch performances from the Bailey Marie Band, Randy Franklin & The Sardines and The Grateful Dudes. Come hungry as dozens of food vendors will be on-site with local favorites and food trucks. Admission is free.
Breakaway Music Festival (zMAX Dragway), Friday & Saturday: Get ready to dance for a 2-day party at the zMAX Dragway. This year’s headliners include Chris Lake, Tiesto, San Holo and so much more. Keep the party going at one of the many official afterparties around town. Single day admission passes start at $119 with weekend passes at $219.
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“9 to 5” Dolly Parton Appreciation Day (Carolina Theatre), Friday 7 p.m.: Celebrate Dolly Parton Appreciation Day right here in the Queen City with a special presentation of the beloved classic “9 to 5.” Starring Dolly, herself, along with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, the film follows the three working women who turn the tables on their egotistical boss. QC Life’s Jana Angel will host the Dolly Parton lookalike contest. Tickets are $16.05.
The Wine + Food Festival at Ballantyne (Ballantyne’s Backyard), Saturday 12 to 5 p.m.:Grab your passport to flavor with a culinary event bringing together Charlotte’s best chefs and the world’s best sips. Your ticket includes a souvenir glass with over 100 international wines, beers and spirits to sample. Take a bite out of the city’s best restaurants with specialty pop-up shops and food trucks. A VIP option is available which includes early entry, unlimited drink samples, a bottle of wine and access to VIP bathrooms and lounges. Catch WBTV and QC Life hosts Jana Angel and Jorge Andres’ live cooking demo. General admission starts at $49.
Ciao Italia Matthews (Stumptown Park), Saturday 12 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 a strolling accordion player, Italian pop music, as well as a special performance by the Charlotte Lyric Theater. Admission is free.
‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival (Downtown Cornelius), Saturday 2 to 8 p.m.: Experience the best that Lake Norman has to offer at the annual ‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival. You can rock out to live bands across two stages, shop around the market with over 100 vendors, grab a bite from the best food trucks in town, and the kids can play at either of the two kid zones filled with inflatables and activities. Admission is free.
Charlotte FC Por La Cultura Night (Bank of America Stadium), Saturday 5 p.m.: Celebrate culture, community and The Crown with Charlotte FC with their annual Por La Cultura Night. Before the game, head to the pre-match party where you can see lucha libre wrestling, dance performances, food trucks, a marketplace and more. First fans in get a limited-edition giveaway. The match against the Chicago Fire FC kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at 44.85.
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Party in the Park: Artist Market (Mint Museum Randolph), Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.:If you’re in the market for some new art, head to the annual Artist Market at Mint Museum Randolph. With over 60 artists under one roof, browse for your next statement piece where everything is on sale. From paintings to unique photography, sculptures, jewelry and more, it’s like walking through an art museum where you can take home your favorite pieces. Admission is free.
Charlotte Film Festival (Independent Picture House), through Sunday: Get your popcorn buckets ready and get cozy because this year’s Charlotte Film Festival features over 100 films from emerging artists and filmmakers. Showcasing all forms of the media, patrons can find animated films, documentaries, shorts and features plus so much more, many from local filmmakers. Individual films are $15 with ticket packs available for purchase.
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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