Support Us Button Widget

20 of the most anticipated events in 2025

The Queen City is preparing for a jam-packed year. There are plenty of things to keep you busy all year long so we’ve compiled 20 of the biggest events to attend around the Queen City this year.

An aerial shot of massive crowds attending Lovin' Life Music Fest in Uptown Charlotte.

Over 80,000 people attended the first Lovin’ Life Music Fest in Charlotte in May 2024.

Photo via Lovin Life Music Fest

Break out your calendar and start planning for the biggest and best events around Charlotte. Pro tip: Bookmark this article and see just how many events you can attend in the Queen City this year.

Heads up: Not all of these events have a set date yet and are subject to change.

Queens Feast Charlotte Restaurant Week | Jan.17-26 | 100+ restaurants across the Charlotte metro will be featuring three-course dining deals, ranging from $30 to $50 per person.

Queen City Brewers Festival | Feb. 8 | Innovation Barn | Join the celebration bringing the Charlotte region’s craft beer producers together.

ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament | March 11-15 | Spectrum Center | The college basketball tournament will make its 14th tournament appearance in the Queen City.

Charlotte SHOUT! | April 4-20 | Uptown | Join the annual party with 200+ events celebrating art, music, food, and creativity.

A Charlotte chef smiling on stage during the Charlotte StrEATs Festival Neighborhood Cook-Off in 2023.

Watch battling chefs in the Neighborhood Cook-Off during Charlotte StrEATS Festival.

Photo via Ryan Allen

Charlotte StrEATS Festival | April 2025 | This culinary festival highlights Charlotte’s food scene during Charlotte SHOUT!, recognizing neighborhood chefs and their expertise.

BOOM Charlotte 2025 | April 25-27 | University City | Get ready for an immersive three-day exhibition featuring dance, music, theater, poetry, visual art, and film.

Charlotte Wine & Food Week | April 22-27 | World-renowned wine experts team up with Charlotte’s top chefs for a week of first-class dining opportunities, with proceeds going towards charitable organizations benefiting local children and families.

Lovin’ Life Music Fest | May 2-4 | First Ward Park | The blockbuster music festival returns to Uptown, featuring headliners Dave Matthews Band, Gwen Stefani, and Benson Boone.

The Wanamaker trophy sits on a table in front of a golf course.

Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club will host the world’s best golfers during the PGA Championship this May.

Photo by CLTtoday

PGA Championship | May 12-18 | Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club | The world’s best golfers will compete in Charlotte for the coveted PGA Championship trophy.

Coca-Cola 600 | May 25 | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Rev up your Memorial Day weekend with the historic 66th running of one of NASCAR’s most renowned races.

A massive crowd surrounded by tents of vendors in the heart of the city.

The annual Taste of Charlotte festival brings thousands of people to Uptown to sample 100+ of Charlotte’s best restaurants.

Photo via Taste of Charlotte

Taste of Charlotte Festival | June 6-8 | Tryon St. | Savor this three-day food festival, featuring Charlotte’s top restaurants.

World Taekwondo Grand Prix Challenge | June 13-15 | This prestigious tournament will serve as a crucial step in the qualifying process for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

FIFA Club World Cup | June 22-30 | Bank of America Stadium | The Queen City will host four matches of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, including two Round of 16 matches.

24 Hours of Booty | July 25-26 | Myers Park | The annual cycling event includes a 24-hour ride through the “Booty Loop” of Myers Park with proceeds benefiting local cancer research.

Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade | Aug. 16-17 | Join the weekend celebration recognizing Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community.

A large group of runners start the Around the Crown 10K in Uptown.

It’s never too early to begin training for this year’s Around the Crown 10K.

Photo by CLTtoday

Around the Crown 10K | Aug. 31 | Be among the thousands of runners racing the entirety of the Queen City’s three-mile inner loop of I-277.

Yiasou Greek Festival | September | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church | Experience the music, culture, and baklava at one of Charlotte’s largest and longest-running cultural traditions.

Carolina Panthers | September | Bank of America Stadium | After a thrilling end to the 2024 season, keep the momentum going as the team looks to win the NFC South.

Southern Christmas Show | Nov. 13-23 | The Park Expo and Conference Center | Shop from 400+ vendors for gifts, treats, and holiday decor in North America’s largest holiday show.

Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade | November | Celebrate the beloved annual holiday tradition that’s also the biggest Thanksgiving event in the Southeast.

Did we miss your favorite event? Let us know what you plan to attend this year.