New flight to Abu Dhabi to launch from CLT | Prepare for takeoff â Etihad Airways will launch four weekly, nonstop flights from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Abu Dhabi starting in May 2026.
Plan a boat trip around Charlotte | Consider spending a day on huge bodies of water just a short drive away â with all the equipment you need.
Memorial Day Pool Party | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Sonesta Charlotte, Lower South End | $28 | Splash into the weekend with live music, games, and barbecue.
36th Street Market | 12-4 p.m. | The Chamber by Wooden Robot - NoDa | Cost of purchase | Shop local artisans while sipping drinks from Wooden Robot + enjoy live music and food trucks.
BetMGM 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series | 2:30 p.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord | $33+ | Watch NASCAR Xfinity Series regulars in an afternoonshowcase of speed on the racetrack.
Charlotte Water Lantern Festival | 6 p.m. | Symphony Park | $31+ | Prepare for an evening spectacle as hundreds of lanterns reflect across the water.
Charlotte FC vs. Columbus Crew | 7:30 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $44+| Honor members of the Charlotte FC community during âSoccer For Allâ night.
Sunday, May 25
Camden Commons | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Camden Road, South End | Free | Shop from dozens of vendors + enjoy live entertainment in the heart of South End.
Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Cup Series | 6 p.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord | $100+ | Experience the roar of engines, the thrill of speed, and the unmatched energy of NASCARâs longest race.
Charlotte Knights vs. Round Rock Express | 6:05 p.m. | Truist Field | $23+ | Root for the home team as the Knights look to send the Express on an âexpressâ trip home with a loss.
Monday, May 26
Memorial Day Ceremony | 10-11 a.m. | Unity Cemetery, Fort Mill, SC | Free | Take time to honor fallen service members at this annual ceremony.
Mindless Minutia Trivia | 7-10 p.m. | Divine Barrel Brewing | Free | Grab a craft brew and put your knowledge to the test â your brain could win you prizes.
$3.08. Thatâs the projected national average price for a gallon of gasoline heading into Memorial Day weekend â 50 cents lower than last yearâs average. If youâre taking a trip out of Charlotte this weekend, youâll likely pay less because gas in North Carolina is below the national average. (GasBuddy)
Travel
Airbnb just launched a new in-app feature that allows you to book services and activities. Do you think theyâll offer any of these wellness trends around Charlotte?
Job
Job hunting? Find your next opportunity close to home. Our community job board features local roles from employers who value hometown talent. Start searching now.
Read
âMy Friendsâ by Fredrik Backman, âAtmosphereâ by Taylor Jenkins Reid + âDonât Let Him Inâ by Lisa Jewell. Those are three of the summerâs most-anticipated books, according to Goodreads data. Head to a Charlotte bookstore to pick up a copy or crack open other local recommendations. (People)
Sports
Can Rico Dowdle and edge rusher Patrick Jones, II reshape the Panthersâ roster? Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked Onâs daily, team-focused podcasts.
City Guide
City Guide
đ Make a splash
The Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center boasts a 25-yard pool, zero-depth entrance, and water slide. | Photo via Mecklenburg Park and Recreation
Today marks the unofficial start of summer, and to celebrate, many pools and watering holes around the Queen City are opening up the lanes and slides for summer fun â including Carowindsâ adults-only pool. Bookmark this list to stay cool as a cucumber all summer long.
Indoor and outdoor pools
Cordelia Pool | Opens today | 2100 N. Davidson St. | $2 | The Cordelia Pool boasts a large water slide and a 50-yd pool.
Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center | Opens today | 2014 Statesville Ave. | $2 | Experience this outdoor aquatic center with a water slide, zero-depth entry pool, and play features.
Natural swimming spots
Ramsey Creek Beach | Saturday, May 24-Sept. 1 | 18441 Nantz Rd., Cornelius | $3-$15 | Ramsey Creek Beach features a boat launch, picnic shelters, fishing pier, and a volleyball court.
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms | Saturday, May 17-Sept. 1 | 1213 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy., Mooresville | $20+ | Dive into the deep, natural quarry at Carrigan Farms before enjoying lunch at the restaurant. Pro tip: Reservations are required.
Your favorite summer find during Amazonâs Memorial Day sale. Note: Deals subject to change.
â With 40% off Sloosh pool floats, youâll be bobbing in the water with back and head support.
â Take 36% off womenâs sun protection shirts, great for blocking UVA + UVB rays during summer hikes, pickleball games, and beach walks.
â Deck out the patio with 46% off solar-powered outdoor string lights.
This past week, City Editor Jack and I got a sneak peek inside Keepers of Balance, a new escape room in Charlotte. We had such a blast trying to escape the realms within. Tickets for the unique experience start at $50 per person, depending on your group size.
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