The first weekend of September is here, and summer is winding down in style. Fill your calendar with a mix of festivals, shopping markets, the return of Alive After 5, dueling pianos, fundraisers, speed dating, and more, all happening in Charlotte this weekend.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Charlotte International Arts Festival
September 1 – 30
The Charlotte International Arts Festival is an annual celebration of imaginative visual and performing arts from the most creative international and local minds. Fun for everyone, from families to individuals ~ stay awhile, play, and welcome curiosity. With over 200 attractions, many for free, this festival has something for everyone that will be sure to leave you feeling inspired.
SouthPark After 5
Thursday, September 4, 5 – 9p
SouthPark After 5 is back from September 4th through October 9th, 2025 bringing free live music, food trucks and drinks, and hands-on art experiences weekly to Symphony Park.This week, Java Band will take the stage, along with free face painting. Grab your lawn chair or picnic blanket and come hang out for a night of music and good vibes
Uptown Dueling Pianos LIVE at Hoppin’
Thursday, September 4, 7:30 – 10:30p
South End’s Hoppin’ is set to host the BEST dueling pianos show, bringing an all-request, sing-along experience packed with crowd favorites. Guests can expect a high-energy Thursday night filled with music, laughter, and plenty of opportunities to sing at the top of their lungs alongside friends.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Yiasou Greek Festival
September 5 – 7
The Yiasou Greek Festival began in 1978 and since then has become one of Charlotte’s largest cultural events. The Yiasou (the Greek word for Hello, Goodbye, and Cheers) Greek Festival features Hellenic cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine and homemade pastries, entertainment, live music and dancing, wine tastings, art, shopping, and more.
Cabarrus County Fair
September 5 – 13
In the land of sugar and smiles, you will find live music performances, thrilling rides, exciting games, a ranch-style petting zoo, delicious food, racing pigs, karaoke, sporting events, and memories to last a lifetime. The fairgrounds are located at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center on Highway 49 in Concord.
Taste of the Arboretum
September 5 – 15
From September 5th to 15th, experience exclusive tasting menus from The Arboretum featuring some of their signature dishes. Check out the menu options at each restaurant here.
Opening Celebration – A Time for Furious Dancing at Harvey B. Gantt Center
Friday, September 5, 6 – 9p
Join the Harvey B. Gantt Center for an evening of art, culture, and community at the opening celebration of a’driane nieves: A Time for Furious Dancing – her first solo museum exhibition in the United States. This show features new and recent work by a’driane nieves, a self-taught, interdisciplinary artist whose practice examines the inner landscape of the self.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Charlotte Soul Fest
Saturday, September 6, 11a – 9p
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and vibe to a nonstop lineup of live performances from Charlotte’s hottest local talent on the Music Stage. All completely FREE and open to the community!
Endless Summer Social at Gin Mill
Saturday, September 6, 1 – 4p
Celebrate the last days of summer at the Gin Mill with a Hawaiian-themed party packed with local vendors, live music, tasty eats, and tropical cocktails. Think sunshine vibes, good times, and one last excuse to rock those summer fits before fall takes over.
Jigsaw Coffee Shop Speed Dating
Saturday, September 6, 2 – 4p
Singles, this one’s for you! Join Jigsaw Dating at OpenTap on Saturday afternoon for a casual speed dating event. Meet new people in the classic speed dating format, with a few minutes to chat with each person. Tickets can be purchased here.
2025 ArtPop Upcycled Fashion Show & Fundraiser
Saturday, September 6, 6 – 9p
ArtPop Street Gallery is excited to announce the 5th year of our premier fashion show and fundraiser. The event will feature multiple pieces of locally-crafted upcycled fashion, premier guest speakers, live art auctions, and more.
BBQ & Blue Jeans
Saturday, September 6, 6 – 9p
BBQ & Blue Jeans is the party of the summer and the signature annual fundraising event for Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center. This year is the 21st Anniversary of BBQ & Blue Jeans. Expect live music from Cameron Moore, cold drinks and a delicious BBQ dinner provided by Midwood Smokehouse.
Women Supporting Women Gala 2025
Saturday, September 6th, 7 – 10:30p
This black-tie optional gala at Foundation for the Carolinas will feature both silent and live auctions with a wide array of unique items and experiences, along with heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, dancing, and more. The gala will be held at Foundation for the Carolinas – 220 North Tryon St., Charlotte.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Keep Pounding 5K
Sunday, September 7
Atrium Health Foundation is teaming up with the Carolina Panthers for another year of the Keep Pounding 5K. Your participation directly supports cancer research and treatment advancements at Atrium Health Levine Cancer and Atrium Health Levine Children’s in Charlotte. Register or donate now to be a part of the fight against cancer.
Front Porch Sundays
Sunday, September 7, 10:30a – 4:30p
Family-friendly (and dog-friendly!) Front Porch Sundays is back this Sunday at Atherton. Grab your crew and meet at your favorite spot to shop from over 100 local vendors, enjoy live music, delicious eats and drinks from food trucks and carts, swag and bag giveaways, and much more.
Dog Days of Summer at Birdsong Brewing
Sunday, September 7, 12 – 4p
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at this free event for pups and their humans. From 12–4 PM, guests can meet adoptable dogs from Kal’s Pals Rescue, grab treats from Charlie’s Barkery, and explore vendors including Social Pet Hotel, Queen City Animal Hospital, Yellow Brick Road Dog Rescue, Four Dogs Pet Supplies, Furever Snacks (with 100% of profits supporting Kal’s Pals), and Peaceful Tails Pet Doula. A Pet CPR & Safety Workshop led by Amy Hillis, CPACO, will also take place from 2–3 PM.
Beginner Sourdough Bread-Making Course at Lost Worlds Brewing
Sunday, September 7, 1 – 3p
Curious about sourdough but don’t know where to start? Head to Lost Worlds Brewing for the Beginner Sourdough Workshop with Homemade by Lauren on Sunday, September 7, from 1 – 3 pm. Hosted by Lauren herself, the class will include hands-on intro to sourdough, your own dough to bake at home, a jar of starter + all the tools you’ll need, and plenty of snacks and sourdough to enjoy.
