Film productions add hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars to Charlotteâs local economy. | Photo via WCNC
Quiet on set. Before a film or limited series makes its onscreen debut, a cast, crew, and filming location need to be booked. And, it should come as no surprise that Charlotte is a rising star for productions.
Visitors to nearby Monroe will notice its historic downtown area as a backdrop in Judy Blumeâs âAre You There God? Itâs Me, Margaret.â
Photo via WCNC
đ° It pays to film in NC
âWe help lead the charge,â said Guy Gaster, Director of the NC Film Office. âOur job is to recruit movies, TV shows, even national commercials to film here â and spend money here.â One big draw? A 25% rebate for qualifying productions. That kind of production spending often translates to local jobs and a boost for small businesses â from caterers to coffee shops.
âIf we can get to $200 million in production spending this year, that would be a win for the state â and Charlotte usually sees about a third of that,â said Gaster.
âïž The real stars of the Queen City
Local crews are the real stars â next time you spot a film crew downtown, remember theyâre fueling local jobs and small businesses.
Ballantyne Blood Drive | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Brixham Park | Free | Register to donate a pint of blood for the chance to save three lives.
Midsummer Flower Crowns | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Lovingly Charlotte | $82 | Unleash your creativity by arranging your own summer-themed floral crown.
Benfica (POR) vs FC Bayern Munich (GER) | Bank of America Stadium | $18+ | Cheer on these international powerhouses as they compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Wednesday, June 25
Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. High Point Rockers | 12:30 p.m. | CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia | $12+ | Prepare for a spicy run around the bases as the team looks to send the Rockers rocketing back home.
North End Farmers Market | 4-8 p.m. | Ford Green | Free | Browse local vendors slinging Queen City produce and culinary excellence at this weekly market.
Puzzle Palooza | 5:30 p.m. | Cain Center for the Arts, Cornelius | $30+ | Compete against other puzzlers to see who can finish the same 500-piece jigsaw puzzle the fastest.
Thursday, June 26
Market at The Mount | 4-7 p.m. | Grow: a Plant Shop | Cost of purchase | Shop for plants or goods from several vendors before the free movie on the Ford Green lawn.
Oh, Youâre Reading Again Book Club | 6-7:30 p.m. | Thatâs Novel Books | Free | Join the discussion on âGiovanniâs Roomâ by James Baldwin in person or via Zoom.
Itâs getting hot in here. Today is the hottest day of the year, and it could hit 100 degrees for the first time in 2025. The good news? Temperatures are expected to wind down later this week with highs in the low 90s by the weekend. (WCNC)
Open
Yafo Kitchen is now open in Ballantyne, marking its fourth location in the Charlotte area. The eatery will serve its classic Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring shawarma, homemade hummus, falafel, kabobs, and chicken plates.
Announced
The Charlotte Invitational, put on in December by the Charlotte Sports Foundation, will return to the Queen City this winter. Expected on the court: last yearâs winners, Madison Keys and Francis Tiafoe, plus Venus Williams and Taylor Fritz. Mark your calendar for Dec. 4 + sign up for pre-sale tickets.
Development
South Carolina-based homebuilder Center Park Group is constructing a 73-unit rental townhome project in Matthews. The development will include three- and four-bedroom homes, with move-ins expected later this year. (Charlotte Business Journal)
State
Starting this fall, the SCDMV will roll out redesigned licenses, permits, and ID cards featuring advanced security, laser engraving, and Palmetto State symbols. Existing cards remain valid until they expire + new ones will arrive by mail after in-person renewal. (WCNC)
Pets
The Animal League of Gaston County (ALGC) opened a brand-new, full-service veterinary hospital at its building across from the Gaston County Police Department. The team will provide preventative care, wellness exams, spay/neuter services, and surgeries. (WCNC)
Tech
Speaking of the heat... If youâve received a notice that your phone was too hot to use, youâre not alone. Experts recommend keeping your phone in the shade, removing the case to charge it, and disabling fast charging to keep it cool. (WCNC)
Ranked
The City of Belmont ranked third out of the â10 Best Small towns to Live in the USâ by Travel + Leisure Magazine, due to its lower cost of living and proximity to historic downtown shops and parks. Plus, itâs home to the beautiful Daniel Stowe Conservancy.
Arts
More time, more fun. Blumenthal Arts and The Path Entertainment Group have extended âMONOPOLY LIFESIZED: Travel Editionâ through Sept. 21. More than 10,000 tickets have been sold for the innovative, interactive game at Blume Studios since opening in May.
Sports
The NBA Draft is just one day away â could ESPNâs rumor of Jeremiah Fears coming to Charlotte become a reality? Go beyond the roster for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked Onâs daily, team-focused podcasts.
Looking for weekend plans? Head to Jackson County, NC, this Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28, for the Summertime Mountain Artisans Arts & Crafts Show. Dozens of skilled artisans will be showcasing everything from doll craft and leather goods to handwoven rugs, quilts, and handmade jewelry. Plan your visit.*
Real Estate
Need your property to sell fast? Feature it here, in front of our 34,000+ highly engaged readers. Visit our self-service ad portal to get started and see your property in CLTtoday in as little as two days.
Seemingly Overzealousâ third location in Dilworth offers sweet treats, plus classic arcade games. | Photo by CLTtoday
With summer temps heating up, what better way to cool off than with a frozen treat? Weâve rounded up 10+ Charlotte-based spots offering delectable sweets to help you chill out.
Seemingly Overzealous | Various locations
This popular ice cream shop churns out egg-, dairy-, and gluten-free flavors, plus waffle chips and cones.
đ§ Popsicles
Morelia Gourmet Paletas | Various locations
Gone are the days of boring ice cream pops. Order a completely-personalized popsicle filled with condensed milk, lathered in marshmallow fluff, or stacked with fresh fruit. Pro tip: This shop is serving up limited edition Dubai chocolate pops.
đ§ Italian ice
Poloâs Homemade Italian Water Ice | 1806 Rozzelles Ferry Rd.
Beat the heat with your favorite Italian ice flavor combos using fresh ingredients.
Your favorite bug banisher, to get you through the summer season unbitten:
đż These No. 1 best-selling bracelets keep mosquitos away just by wearing them around your wrist or ankle â theyâre DEET-free, use essential oils, and fit both kids and adults.
đ If slicing summer watermelons brings all the ants to your house, try these best-selling ant bait stations, rated 4.6 stars and usually effective within 24 hours.
đĄ For mosquito protection on your porch or patio, try this No. 1 best-selling electric bug zapper â just hang it, plug it in, and enjoy bug-free summer nights.
The fun doesnât have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Yaâll ready for the rodeo?Nickyoâs Rodeo officially opens tomorrow, June 25 in South End. I got a sneak peek of the space and canât wait for you to check out! Think: Cocktails in cowboy boot mugs, a huge dance floor, an indoor + outdoor stage, and cute decor. The progress photos do not do it justice.
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