You can’t help but smile when the skyline comes into focus while arriving at CLT. | Photo via @cltairport
Today is expected to be one of the busiest days at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), as the airport braces to see 925,000 passengers through Tuesday, July 8 for the Fourth of July travel period.
Before heading to the airport for the holiday rush, use this guide, which covers everything from terminals and parking to where to grab the best food.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is ranked the world’s seventh busiest airport.
Photo by CLTtoday
What to know
TSA | According to the CLT’s website, it takes ~15 minutes to get through security during off-peak hours and 30+ minutes during peak hours. Check live wait times.
Map it out | These maps of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
Parking
Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from their midnight arrival. Schedule your parking in advance for a hassle-free travel day and to save a little cash.
What’s your favorite amenity at Charlotte Douglas International Airport?
A. Plane-watching from the overlook B. Mother’s rooms C. Relaxing in the airport rocking chairs D. Grabbing a bite in the food court E. Pet relief areas
SkyShow Fireworks Spectacular | 6:05 p.m. | Truist Field | $30+ | It’s your last chance to get tickets to Uptown’s biggest fireworks display after the Knights’ game.
“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” | 7-9 p.m. | Carolina Theatre | $16+ | E.T. will “be right here” as the film is shown on the newly-restored big screen.
Friday, July 4
Carolina Eucalyptus Festival | Friday, July 4-Sunday, July 6 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | 188 Meek Rd., Gastonia | Cost of purchase | Visit the eucalyptus and lavender farm for a pick-your-own experience + sip refreshing drinks.
Independence Day at the Museum | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Charlotte Museum of History | Free | Join the celebration as new American citizens take their oath of citizenship.
Inaugural Old Glory Grease Run | 1 p.m. | US National Whitewater Center | $20 | Test your skills running across a greased pole to capture the flag at the end.
Red, White, & Belmont | 6-10:30 p.m. | Upper Field of Stowe Park, Belmont | Free | Enjoy live music before a spectacular fireworks show.
Saturday, July 5
Red, White + Blooms | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont | $0+ | Soak up the live music and activities at this expansive garden.
USA Men vs. Belgium Rugby | 7:30 p.m. | American Legion Memorial Stadium | $21+ | The USA Eagles will play their first international match in Charlotte — you’ll want to watch the scrum.
Sunday, July 6
Meal with Strangers | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Location available after registration | $7+ | Meet new friends over brunch at a mystery location.
Who’s hungry? Charlotte’s bi-annual restaurant week, Queen’s Feast, returns this summer. Starting Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 27, savor a mix of three-course meals from 125+ restaurants around Charlotte. Prix fixe prices range from $30 to $50 per person.
Development
Local developer Panorama Holdings is constructing 434 apartments along West Morehead Street — with amenities like a resort-style pool, fitness center, and common areas for residents. The apartments are expected to be completed by 2028. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Transit
Gov. Josh Stein signed the PAVE Act into law — a bill allowing Mecklenburg County to place a one-cent sales tax for transit projects on this November’s ballot. The plan includes funding for road projects and the Red Line. (WCNC)
Environment
Duke Energy may raise monthly electric bills for South Carolina residents. The company requested a rate hike of ~7% — equating to $10.38 per bill — to help support power grid investments, storm readiness, and fleet enhancements. If approved by regulators, the change could go into effect in March 2026. (WCNC)
Outdoors
Have you seen this update? The upcoming Charlotte Museum of Nature released a new rendering of its Treetop Canopy Walk + plans to plant more than 500 trees. The upcoming nature museum near Freedom Park will also feature an outdoor pavilion with amphitheater seating and is expected to open in 2026.
Community
The Lotus Campaign, a Charlotte nonprofit helping unhoused individuals, is teaming up with real estate developers to end homelessness by pairing landlords with prospective residents. Since 2020, the Lotus Campaign has helped more than 600 families and individuals find homes in Charlotte. (WCNC)
If you wear red, white, and blue tomorrow, July 4, you can get a free original glazed doughnut at Krispy Kreme. The Charlotte-based doughnut chain is also releasing a new patriotic doughnut collection to celebrate the holiday. (The Charlotte Observer)
Sports
The Hornets signed Tre Mann to a three‑year, $24 million deal as the 2025 NBA free agency began. Go beyond the boardroom for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Finance
Even “1883" couldn’t script a gold run like this: An ounce of gold is expected to cost $4,000 in 2026. Diversify your portfolio with a gold IRA — no pickaxe required.†*
Older Adults
Your fifties + beyond is a great time to build wealth. Beyond basics like bulk shopping and retirement accounts, here are 14 financial benefits seniors are entitled to (but often forget to claim).*
Shop
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The fun doesn’t 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.
My best friend is in town for a couple of days so, of course, I introduced her to the pastries and breakfast items at Amélie’s French Bakery & Café in NoDa. Needless to say, we ended up bringing boxes of treats home for this morning’s breakfast. Pro tip: Order the tiramisu latte.
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