Visitor data

• 31 million | Estimated number of people who visited the Charlotte area
• 69% | Average hotel occupancy
• $124 | Average daily rate of a hotel
• 53.4 million | People passed through the Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Economic impact from 2023

• Ranked No. 1 for visitor spending in the state
• $5.8 billion | Spent by domestic and international visitors
• 36,310 | Tourism industry workers in the county
• $185.7 million | Local taxes generated from travel-related occupancy, sales, and property taxes
• $206 million | State tax revenue generated in Mecklenburg County
• $337 | Tax savings created per resident

Statewide tourism

• 43 million | Visitors
• $97+ million | Visitor spending per day
• $35.6 billion | Total spending by visitors in 2023
  
  • $997 million | Spent by international travelers
  • $34.6 billion | Spent by domestic travelers
• $4.5 billion | Generated in federal, state, and local taxes
• $518 | Average savings in state and local taxes by NC households

• Matilda | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 7 p.m. | Booth Playhouse | $18 | Inspired by Roald Dahl’s story and blockbuster film, watch the magical girl’s dream of a better life come to fruition on stage.
• Theme’d Trivia: Decades, 70s, 80s & 90s | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 7-9 p.m. | Royal Bliss Brewing | Cost of purchase | Put your knowledge to the test in this decade-themed blast from the past.

• Back-to-School Bash | Friday, Aug. 16 | 12-6 p.m. | PlantHouse | Cost of purchase | Grow your work space with lush plants and ceramics — a perfect gift for dorm rooms and teachers alike.
• Live Music Fridays | Friday, Aug. 16 | Salted Melon Market & Eatery | Cost of purchase | Dine while enjoying a variety of musical artists in this weekly series.

• 3rd Annual Charity Cookout | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 7 a.m.-10 p.m. | Carolina Beer Temple | $15 | Savor fresh food, join local sports clubs, purchase memorabilia + proceeds go to Dream on 3 — helping children achieve their sports dreams.
• Saturdays on Stitt | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Ella B. Scarborough Center | Free | Grab a treat, books, and school supplies + celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Ella B. Scarborough Center.
• New York Jets vs. Carolina Panthers | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 7-10 p.m. | $20-$242 | Bank of America Stadium | Cheer for the black and blue as they take on the Jets in this preseason game.

• Rock Hill’s Ultimate Drag Brunch - Swifites Brunch Party | Sunday, Aug. 18 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Mercantile | Cost of purchase | Jam to the songs of T. Swift while watching performers bust a move.
• Charlotte PRIDE After Party at Billy Sunday Charlotte | Sunday, Aug. 18 | 5 p.m. | Billy Sunday | Free | Once the parade is done in Uptown, head to Optimist Hall to celebrate love.

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will conduct a rezoning study. The change will affect middle and early college students assigned to magnet schools. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 27, with a final vote on Sept. 10. (WCNC)

• Charlotte City Council discussed the proposed one-cent sales tax for transit projects. Proposed changes could push spending up to $25.3 billion and alter the Silver Line — a move that contributed to the Town of Matthews’ “no” vote this week. A closed session is planned for Monday, Aug. 19. (Charlotte Business Journal)

• EastCoast Entertainment is expanding its headquarters. The talent agency moved to a 5,735-sqft space at Camp North End. ECE’s previous office was in Dilworth for nearly four decades.

• Saturday + weekly tickets for the 2025 PGA Championship sold out in less than 24 hours. Tickets went on sale Wednesday night. Prices range $89-1,249 to attend the annual tournament at Quail Hollow Club in May.

• Last call for dessert. Cold Hearted Gelato announced its closing in Plaza Midwood on Friday, Aug. 16. Popbar, a frozen dessert shop, is also closing at Camp North End on Sunday, Aug. 18. The NoDA location (3123 N. Davidson St.) will remain open.

• Orlando-based Jeff’s Bagel Run will open five locations around Charlotte. The business will take over the former SAS Cupcake shop at Blakeney Town Center (9941-C Rea Rd.). An opening date and additional locations are TBA. (Charlotte Business Journal)

• No Wi-Fi? No problem. Mecklenburg County is installing free public Wi-Fi at 12+ parks and recreation centers. The locations sit within areas identified by Park and Recreation’s 2021 MeckPlaybook master plan. The installations will be complete by January 2025.

• Sit. Good dog. Birdsong Brewing is teaming up with Embark Dog Training to provide brewery training courses. The courses cost $150 and run every Saturday through Sept. 7. Registration is encouraged.

• Dust off your acting chops. “Roofman,” a true crime film starring Channing Tatum, will be filmed in Charlotte and is in need of extras. The Cast Station is looking for former officers, security guards, pastors, and church members. (WSOC)

• Starting Oct. 10, Spirit Airlines will provide direct flights from Charlotte Douglas to New Orleans. The route will be offered five times a week. (The Charlotte Observer)

• LaMelo Ball is back in ankle braces. Is this a sign for the upcoming season? Go beyond practice for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornets with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

• And just like that, the busy school season returns. Get your kids (and yourself) ready with these tips + tricks for the new school year from Novant Health physicians (think: sleep, nutrition, immunizations + more). Need a new doctor? Use these handy filters to find a provider.*

Festival details

Parade information

Parking and street closures

• South Tryon Street will close Friday at 9 a.m. between Morehead and 4th Streets
• East and West Good Samaritan Way