23 of the 25 busiest days on record occurred in 2024
The top three busiest travel days were May 24, Oct. 20, and Dec. 1, 2024
TSA recorded the highest single-day local passenger count on May 16 — screening 45,304 people.
There were 596,583 arrivals and departures, up from 539,066 in 2023
International travel increased 13%, growing from 2.1 million passengers in 2023 to 2.4 million in 2024
Since 2019, crews have been busy at work on the Terminal Expansion Project — a $608 million project part of Destination CLT. It’s expected to reach completion this fall. Stay tuned for a full article on the entire project.
Thrift Pony Turns 2 | Friday, Feb.7-Saturday, Feb. 8 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Thrift Pony | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the thrift store’s anniversary with a party, surprises, and activities.
First Friday Gallery Crawl | 5-9 p.m. | South End | Free | Stroll through South End’s vast galleries to see art, hear live music, and enjoy refreshments.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift | 6:45-8 p.m. | Great Aunt Stella Center | $32+ | Fill that “Blank Space” in your calendar by attending this candlelight concert.
Jazz at the Bechtler ft. Toni Tupponce | 8:15 p.m. | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | $25+ | Toni Tupponce joins the Ziad Jazz Quartet for a musical night of love and romance.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Baby Shower for the Carolina Raptor Center | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Carolina Raptor Center, Huntersville | $0+ | Celebrate baby raptors and learn about the rehabilitation needed to keep them healthy.
Market Day | 12-5 p.m. | Queen Park Social | Cost of purchase | Shop more than 40 vintage vendors in this open-air market + enjoy drinks and games.
Dog Adoption Event & Puppy Kissing Booth | 1-4 p.m. | Sycamore Brewing & Taproom | Cost of purchase | Meet your new furry best friend while sipping on craft brews.
Queen City Brewers Festival | 1-4 p.m. | Innovation Barn | $75 | Sample beers from dozens of local brewers while benefiting Envision Charlotte.
Yelp’s Elite Squad is the place for local movers and shakers. | Photos provided by Yelp
Meet your new favorite club.
If you love food, Charlotte, and meeting people who also love both, get to know Yelp’s Elite Squad.
As a member, you’ll be invited to special events, get to know more Charlotte businesses, and have a genuinely good time with other Elites who write “chef’s kiss” reviews.
Here’s the best part — you can nominate yourself (or a friend) to join the Yelp Charlotte Elite Squad. We’re cheering you on.
The Good Wurst closed its final location in Plaza Midwood on Jan. 20. The restaurant had previously closed its South End location back in October. The manager says the property has been rented to a new concept but no other details were shared. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Try This
Enjoy the warmer temperatures while taking in the Rail Trail Lights. Starting tonight through Sunday, Feb. 23, walkers can explore nine illuminated displays along the South End trail. To celebrate the opening of the annual display, there will be live music, entertainment, and remarks starting at 6:30 p.m.
Eat
Toppers Pizza is hosting a ribbon cutting for its fifth Charlotte-area location at 1225 Concord Pkwy. N. in Concord. Starting at 10:30 a.m., hungry diners can expect free Topperstix, carryout specials, and balloons for children. This is Toppers’ first Latino-owned franchise.
Community
The University City Regional Library is opening its doors tomorrow after a $39.8 million renovation. A grand opening celebration will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The new library at 5528 Waters Edge Village Dr. includes educational space, community programming areas, a drive-through book return, and study spaces.
Transit
CATS will launch a new on-demand transit service called “CATS Micro.” The new service will replace the existing Village Rider bus service, due to low ridership. CATS Micro can be booked via an app and operate daily, starting Monday, Feb. 24. (WCNC)
Development
Construction will continue on the Silfab Solar manufacturing plant in Fort Mill. The project has faced opposition since September 2023 from residents, citing air pollutant concerns. In a statement to WCNC, Silfab says it will prioritize the health and safety of its neighbors. (WCNC)
Sports
The Charlotte Hornets unveiled a first for the team and the NBA — the Black Excellence Jersey. The jersey boasts nods to Charlotte’s history and predominantly Black neighborhoods + is part of the “Home is Where the Harte Is” collection, exclusively on sale during tonight’s game.
Listen
Speaking of the Hornets... Mark Williams was traded to the LA Lakers in exchange for two people + an unprotected first-round pick in 2031. Go beyond the clipboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Job
Ready to connect with the best local talent in 2025? We created our community job board just for you. Give it a try + post your first listing for free.
Shop
Set the mood this Valentine’s Day with these rapid onset cannabis gummies that keep selling out. Get 20% off your first order with code FIRST20.*†
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases, helping you save even more while you pay down your debt.*
Category
Plan Ahead
💬 The talk of the ton
There are eight books in the “Bridgerton” series, plus epilogues, two anthologies, and a collaboration book about Queen Charlotte. | Graphic via Canva, Charlotte Museum of History, and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Dearest Gentle Reader,
It is our greatest pleasure to announce a unique event of the season — “Bridgerton” author Julia Quinn will be visiting Charlotte on Saturday, Feb. 15. And you, an esteemed member of the ton, will have two chances to meet the woman behind the best-selling book and Netflix series.
First, consider attending Parasols & Petticoats, a Q+A session at Queens University’s Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. + registration is free, but required.
Editor’s note: Registration is full but you can still join the waitlist.
That evening, visit the modiste for your best attire before Queen Charlotte’s Ball and Banquet at the Charlotte Museum of History. From 6 to 9 p.m., guests can meet Quinn, experience an elegant reception with live music, a costume contest, historical costume displays, cocktail bites, and Regency-era lawn games. Tickets start at $75.
Sincerely, Lady Whistledown CLTtoday
The Buy
The Buy
A corner bathroom counter organizer. Elegant and functional, its three tiers are perfect for housing toiletries and cosmetics while saving precious bathroom counter space.
I’m entirely guilty of binge-watching every episode of “Bridgerton” when new seasons arrive on Netflix. While I have yet to read the books, they’re on my list. Let me know your favorite part of the series, I’d love to discuss!
Answered
Answered
Where’s your favorite place to watch the Super Bowl?
Whether you’re rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs, the Philadelphia Eagles, a star-studded half-time show, or just there for commercials, one thing is certain: 100% of you are excited to see what happens on Sunday.
Specifically, 63% will be watching the game at home, 32% will be attending a watch party with friends, while 5% will brave the crowds to watch the game at a restaurant.
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†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by 6AM City. It is commonly advised to read a company’s terms & conditions and instructions for use before trying new products.
