Whether you visit a pop-up market or a storefront, there are so many ways to support small businesses. | Photo via @southendclt
Small Business Week is almost here, and we’re gearing up to spread the local love.
We’ve partnered with some of Charlotte’s small businesses to celebrate the folks who make up the backbone of our local economy.
From Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10, you can expect Q+A’s with local entrepreneurs that shine a light on what it’s like being a part of the Queen City’s small business community.
From free classes to discounted purchases, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Charlotte’s small businesses.
Map via Proxi
We have something special for our readers, too. We’ve created an interactive map of can’t-miss deals and fun events being offered exclusively during Small Business Week.
From enjoying 15% off an item from The Brass Bird to attending a free class at Gritbox Fitness, there will be plenty of ways to support Charlotte’s small businesses.
Events
Events
Friday, May 2
Lovin’ Life Music Fest | Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4 | 1-11 p.m. | First Ward Park | $345+ | Jam for a single day or the entire weekend with a lineup of 50+ local and internationally-known artists.
“Carmen” | Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Knight Theater | $42+ | Marvel at this retelling of a classic love-triangle story set in Las Vegas.
Saturday, May 3
Charlotte Garden Club: Art in the Garden Tour | Saturday, May 3-Sunday, May 4 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Mint Museum Randolph | $30+ | Art and nature intertwine in this annual fundraiser showcasing six gardens.
South Carolina Strawberry Festival | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Walter Y. Elisha Park, Fort Mill, SC | Free | Enjoy live music, fresh strawberries and themed food, fair rides, and local vendors at this festival.
Becky Robinson | 6 p.m. | The Comedy Zone | $42+ | Tickets are selling fast for this viral comedian known as the “Entitled Housewife.”
River Jam | 7 p.m. | US National Whitewater Center | $12+ | Spend the evening by the water jamming to live music.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA | 7 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $138+ | Experience “Euphoria” during this live show featuring the Super Bowl co-headliners.
Sunday, May 4
Star Wars: A New Hope | 2 p.m. | Carolina Theatre | $16+ | Celebrate “Star Wars Day” by watching one of cinema’s most iconic films in the restored theater.
Sunset Baby Goat Yoga | 6-7:30 p.m. | New Moon Flower Farm, York, SC | $30 | Grab a yoga mat for a chance to welcome a new week with mindfulness and goat cuddles.
Monday, May 5
Rachel Platten | 8 p.m. | Neighborhood Theatre | $40+ | Sing along to “Fight Song” as the award-winning performer takes the stage.
New life is blooming in Asheville, along with lots of new businesses, arts, and adventures. | Photos courtesy Andre Daugherty (1,4), Stephen Pruitt (2,3)
After seven months of resilience and rebuilding by our Asheville neighbors following Hurricane Helene, the region is vibrant and ready to welcome summer visitors.
Not only have fan-favorite spots been restored, but the city is rich with new restaurants, hotels, and collaborative art spaces that are freshly opened or expanded:
New dining:Hell or High Water | An upscale dining concept in Black Mountain that came to life just weeks after the storm, with a focus on family-style meals + local ingredients.
New arts:Third Room | An interactive art space by day, dance party + music venue by night.
New shopping:Atomic Furnishing & Design | Find revitalized mid-century furniture + decor at this shop’s new home, after losing the Swannanoa River location to flooding.
New stays: Peri Social House | This boutique hotel is a restored1936 Georgian-Revival home, with a coffee + wine bar on the first floor and a permanent pizza truck outside.
New festivals:WNC Bike Fest | Enjoy guided rides, bike demos, live music, and local food at Pisgah Area SORBA’s first-ever WNC Bike Fest.
SouthPark’s Symphony Park is hosting the fifth annual Cinco de Mayo Festival on Sunday, May 4. The event celebrates Mexican heritage and history through food, live music, and educational activities. The festival runs from 1 to 7 p.m., and is free to attend. (WCNC)
Eat
It’s giving “girl dinner.” Folia launched a new “Girl Dinner” special, offering 20% off all small plates. South End’s newest cocktail bar also serves martinis and other craft cocktails.
Development
Several homes are now on the market at The Enclave at Enderly Park, a new 15-home subdivision along Plainview Road featuring some of the priciest listings the neighborhood has seen. The homes range from $875,000 to $1 million with three or four bedrooms. (The Charlotte Observer)
Community
Renovations are underway at Mooresville’s Moor Park. The multi-phase upgrades will bring an overhaul to the baseball field + 300 parking spaces, new sidewalks, and improved roads. Phase one is expected to wrap in 2026. (WCNC)
Weather
The weekend is looking warm with higher temperatures + a chance for scattered showers and storms. The good news? WCNC Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich isn’t tracking washouts. (WCNC)
Outdoors
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is hosting a party tomorrow, May 2, to celebrate the newly-renovated Mallard Creek Recreation Center. Games, bounce houses, live music, and food trucks will take over the park starting at 12 p.m.
Plan Ahead
While you’re planning your weekend, be sure to bookmark this guide for all the big events you won’t want to miss this month. From concerts to seasonal festivals and sporting events, we have you covered.
Sports
Speaking of sports... the Charlotte Checkers are vying for the Calder Cup. The team is playing against the Providence Bruins in Round Two of a best-of-five series starting tonight at 7:05 p.m. The team’s next home game is Wednesday, May 7.
Listen
Hypothetically, could the Hornets trade Cooper Flagg for Giannis Antetokounmpo? Go beyond the trade talk for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Shop
Tired of smells that linger? This plug-in air purifier boasts a 99.99% deodorization rate that conquers unpleasant pet, toilet, and kitchen odors.*
Correction
We were so excited for Orosoko Sound Bar and Oaklore Distilling’s new bar and bottle shop in South End that we left out a key detail. The new spot will be across the street from Orosoko and will sell Oaklore bottles to-go —but the bar itself will feature plenty of premium spirits. While an exact opening date is still TBA, you’ll have options when you pull up a seat. (Axios Charlotte)
Category
Eat
🍽️ Ready to clear your plate?
Photo by CLTtoday
Looking for the next new restaurant hitting the Queen City’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Charlotte — plus, what’s coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the culinary curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.
April openings
La Bonbonniere Bakery, 329 S. Tryon St. | Bakery
Satisfy your sweet tooth with stacked cookies, brownies, and other sweet treats.
Mezzo Market, 2212 The Plaza | Mediterranean
Enjoy lunch or dinner at the market, with pizza, tapas, and craft cocktails — then pick up frozen meals and dried pastas to take home.
Coming soon
Leluia Hall, 1829 Cleveland Ave. | Surf and turf | Projected opening: May 2025
The highly-anticipated restaurant will serve steak and seafood, plus feature a raw bar, wine cellar, and a cocktail bar.
The Pub at Uptown, 500 West Trade St., Ste. 104 | Pub | Projected opening: May 2025
The site formerly known as The Pub At Gateway promises an upgraded menu, premium cocktails, and an expanded bourbon list.
I don’t know about you but I’m looking ahead to next Wednesday and every Wednesday until June 4. There’s a free lunchtime concert series at Romare Bearden Park every week. Be sure to grab your lunch and a seat on the lawn — see you there!
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