Starting Wednesday, May 7, you’ll need a REAL ID to fly in the US. | Photo via WCNC
Today’s the day, Charlotte. If you’re flying out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport — or any US airport — you’re now required to show aREAL ID or passport to board the plane.
City Editor Jack, here. Despite the extended REAL ID deadline, I, like many others, chose to cut it close, and recently went to the DMV to try to get my REAL ID.
Here’s how it went...
7:04 a.m.
I arrived at the NCDMV at 201 W. Arrowood Rd. mentally prepared to spend my morning in line. A sign out front displayed a QR code for placement in the queue for walk-in appointments.
I followed the instructions per the sign and received a text message, informing me that the virtual queue for REAL IDs didn’t open until 12 p.m., so waiting in a physical line wouldn’t do anyone any good.
Staff can answer questions about the virtual queue for REAL ID walk-in appointments.
Photo by CLTtoday
11:55 a.m.
While waiting in the DMV parking lot, I decided to enter my code a few minutes early to see what would happen. Good news: I successfully made it into the queue. Bad news: there were 87 people already ahead of me.
Indian street food cooking class | 6-9 p.m. | Santhoshi’s Cooking Studio, Tega Cay, SC | $65 | Spice up your kitchen skills in this hands-on cooking class.
Wine Down Wednesday on the Lake | 7-9 p.m. | Kevin Loftin Park, Belmont, NC | $24+ | Savor a hand-selected wine tasting experience on this sunset cruise + optional charcuterie & professional photos.
Thursday, May 8
Calligraphy Workshop | 6-8 p.m. | Sip City Market & Bottle Shop | $75 | Create something beautiful channeled through written words in this guided class.
River Jam | Thursday, May 8 - Saturday, May 10 | 7 p.m. | US National Whitewater Center | $0+ | Bring friends and discover new bands during this outdoor concert by the rushing rapids.
The Temptations & The Four Tops | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $75+ | You’ll be on “Cloud Nine” seeing these iconic performers take the stage.
Friday, May 9
Mother’s Day DIY Workshops | 12-6 p.m. | PlantHouse | $29+ | Spend quality time chasing adventures from candle making to terrarium building.
Spring Hat Paint Party | 6-7:30 p.m. | Indian Trail Town Hall, Indian Trail | $30+ | Join this paint party celebrating the beauty of the season.
19th Annual Pink Knights | 7:04 p.m. | Truist Field | $20+ | Bring your best pink outfit for the Knights’ game to support breast cancer awareness + the first 1,000 fans get a pink T-shirt.
The exhibition’s 70 costumes represent nearly six decades of film and television production at Disney. | Photos provided by the South Carolina State Museum
“Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume” — an exhibit, created by the Walt Disney Archives, highlighting how iconic characters are brought to life through costumes — is now on view at the South Carolina State Museum (less than two hours from Charlotte).
Doors are now open at Dolce & Amaro Artisan Bakery in South End. The Italian-inspired bakery in the former Pepperbox Donuts shop is dishing out high-caliber cakes, macarons, brioche, and more sweet treats — plus, plenty of gluten-free options.
Eat
Got lunch plans? Phat Burrito recently opened in Fort Mill at 100 Main St., Ste. 101, offering massive burritos, loaded tacos, plus nachos and queso everyday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Civic
The City of Charlotte revealed its $943.5 million proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026 — a 5.2% increase over FY 2025. This budget won’t include increasing property taxes, and instead focus on mobility planning, small businesses, and workforce development. (WCNC)
Announced
Speaking of the city budget... the proposal involves restructuring Animal Care and Control, moving it from under the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to the Department of General Services. This would mean easier access to funding. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Monday, May 12. (WCNC)
Development
Leasing teams have been selected for the upcoming Iron District. Once the site of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, the Iron District will be a mixed-use, high-density development on the edge of Uptown and South End across from Bank of America Stadium. Construction could begin in early 2026.
Coming Soon
Developer Tri Pointe Homes is planning to build 12 townhome communities across the Charlotte region by the end of the year. In total, 500+ single-family townhomes are planned across Charlotte, Belmont, Mint Hill, and Waxhaw. (The Charlotte Observer)
Outdoors
Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward returns Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, from 12 to 4 p.m. each day. This peek behind the historic walls in the historic Fourth Ward offers guests a self-guided garden and lifestyle tour with food, beer, and cocktail tastings.
Watch
Ready for your next crime thriller binge? The North Carolina coast is the setting for Netflix’s “The Waterfront.” The upcoming drama focuses on an NC family fighting to uphold their legacy in their local fishing industry. Move over, Yellowstone. The full series drops onThursday, June 19. (The News & Observer)
Sports
Can the Panthers’ latest draft picks redefine their defense? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Stroke symptoms can look different for women — know the signs and take action to protect your life. This Women’s Health Month, learn the new stroke prevention guidelines and how to safeguard your brain health at every age. Your health is worth it.*
Pets
Pumpkin, blueberries, quinoa, USDA-grade meat — those are the air-dried ingredients in Sundays For Dogs, a shelf-stable fresh dog food. Save 50% on your pup’s first order.*
Biz
You know that moment when a company goes from “never heard of” to “suddenly everywhere?”That’s RAD Intel — and you can still invest. Join their supporters like Adobe and Fidelity by May 8.†‡*
Category
Biz
🐦⬛ A little birdie told us...
Make your house feel more like home with a shopping trip at The Brass Bird. | Photo by Michael Blevins via @mb_productions_nc
With so many people relocating to Charlotte, it’s sometimes the small comforts that can make a house feel like home. And during Small Business Week, what better way to refresh your home than by shopping local?
Meet The Brass Bird, a modern mercantile and wine bar located in downtown Pineville. This small biz showcases USA-made goods curated from artisans and other small businesses, including:
Piedmont Pennies
Whispering Willow
Dot & Army
Queen City Crunch
Ella B Candles
Off The Block
The Butler’s Pantry
Bear Food and more
We did some shopping and found there’s something for everyone — from unique home decor to the perfect gift, a new bottle of wine, or a delicious snack.
Looking to check it out? Mention CLTtoday during Small Business Week (through Saturday, May 10) and you’ll receive 15% off one item at checkout — except for alcohol.
Want more savings? Take a look at the deals happening across the city to celebrate Small Business Week.
The Buy
Support small businesses and artisans across the country when you shop Amazon Handmade. We love these aromatherapy shower steamers that are USA-made with plant-powered scents like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, and lemon.
If anyone needs a good show to watch, I recommend checking out “The Pitt” on MAX. My friends in healthcare say it’s the most realistic medical drama on TV right now. I’m biding my time before “The Waterfront” drops this summer on Netflix.
Answered
Answered
How many hours do Charlotteans lose while sitting in traffic per year?
While we’re waiting for express lanes along I-485 in South Charlotte to be finished this winter, we learned Charlotteans lose a lot of time every year sitting in traffic — 41 hours to be exact. Only 19% of voters got the right answer.
‡This offering is made pursuant to Regulation A Round and involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Company valuation is set by RAD Intel. Please review all offering materials before making an investment decision.
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