Plus, Matthews Alive announces its lineup.
07.07.2025 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

Subscribe

.

wcnc-banner small logo.png

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report


Event Spotlight

A tray of margarita samples, with a hand pouring pink liquid into tajin-rimmed plastic cups with jalapeno and ice inside. The cups are inside a metal tray on a green table, and also have a piece of watermelon in.

Sampling various margaritas sounds like a tasty way to spend the day.

What’s the best margarita in the Queen City? Let’s find out together.

The Charlotte Margarita Festival returns to Suffolk Punch Brewing on Saturday, July 19, where thousands of marg-lovers are set to descend for a flavor-packed showdown. Various ticket options are available, giving guests the chance to sample up to 10 margaritas and nominate their favorite. While the votes are tallied and a winner is crowned, expect live DJ sets, street food vendors, and a raffle to win a trip to Mexico.

Asked

Who has the best margarita in Charlotte?

This is your chance to share your favorites.
Sip, sample, and settle the debate
Pulte Group, Inc.

Events

Monday, July 7

Your Mouth Our Problem | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Tip Top Daily Market | $5 | You talk, they spiral in this improv comedy show inspired by your most unhinged gossip.

Tuesday, July 8

Just One Throw | 6:30-9 p.m. | MakerSpace Charlotte | $55 | It’s time to clay around + discover the art of wheel throwing with ceramic artist Laryssa Entler in this beginner-friendly workshop.

Wednesday, July 9

Water Balloon Baseball | 10-11 a.m. | President James K. Polk State Historic Site, Pineville | $5 | Kiddos ages 6-12 can learn about the history of baseball + play a game with its own summer twist.

“Legally Blonde: The Musical” | Wednesday, July 9-Friday, July 11 | 7 p.m. | Booth Playhouse | $25+ | Get ready for a night of pink and powerhouse performances that will have you bending + snapping in your seats.

Thursday, July 10

Grand Opening | 5-9 p.m. | Alchemy CLT | Free | Come out to celebrate Charlotte’s newest coworking space with complimentary handcrafted drinks + networking.

Rooted Rhythm Concert Series | 6-9 p.m. | Comporium Amphitheater, Fort Mill, SC | $0+ | Bring your chairs + blankets for an outdoor concert with The Hitmen, a party band known for putting their own spin on classic dance hits and the latest chart-toppers.
See our full events calendar
Click here to have your event featured.

Try This

Save $50 on a Biltmore Annual Pass during the summer sale

Presented by The Biltmore
Photo 1: An overhead shot of the Biltmore gardens, surrounded by green trees with the Biltmore Estate visible in the background. Photo 2: Two women and a man ride bikes on a tree-lined gravel path. Photo 3: A family of four looks down at an exhibit in a museum of King Tut in his tomb. Photo 4: A family walks down a thin path lined with trees and grass, with the Biltmore Estate visible in the background through the trees.
Score an Annual Pass for $50 less, plus access to the limited time exhibit Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures. | Photos provided by Biltmore
Did someone say Christmas in July? Save $50 on a Biltmore Annual Pass now through the end of the month.

Passes come with one free admission ticket ($30 value) to the new Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures exhibit during the sale, but the perks continue year-round for Passholders, including:

  • Unlimited Biltmore House visits
  • Access to the Gardens & Grounds, Antler Hill Village, and Biltmore Winery
  • Exclusive Passholder discounts (read: shopping, dining, overnight stays, discounted guest tickets)
  • Free entry for children 16 and under
Become a Passholder for less

News Notes

Ranked

Pizza Baby ranked among the top 50 best pizzerias in the country, according to 50 Top Pizza. Reviewers enjoyed the round and pan pizzas and the use of local ingredients. Want a slice? Check out some of our favorite pizza spots across the Queen City.

Real Estate

Charlotte is one of the best cities for renters, according to a recent survey by RentCafé. The ranking used metrics ranging from cost of living and average apartment size to unemployment rates and average school quality. Make the most out of renting in CLT with our “Live” City Guides.

Mansion Monday

How would you like a seven-bedroom home in SouthPark? This custom-built home boasts six bathrooms, hardwood floors, high ceilings, a turf yard, and a dreamy patio — perfect for entertaining.

Older Adults

The number of North Carolinians aged 65 and up has grown by 15.1%. Makes sense to us — there’s plenty for retired locals to do around here. (Axios)

Drink

$2.94. That’s the average cost of a regular cup of black coffee in North Carolina. While we can’t guarantee prices will be cheaper in Charlotte, we can guarantee that the city’s coffee offerings are far from regular — just check out our guide to local coffee shops. (Coffeeness)

Announced

Matthews Alive announced its lineup for the annual festival happening Aug. 29-Sept.1. Expect to see tribute bands, pop, rock, and all the hits from the 60s to today. The festival will also feature games, food, a parade, a petting zoo, and carnival rides.

Outdoors

Going camping soon? Hipcamp allows you to browse campsites by location, date, and even party size. It looks like McLawland Farms in Charlotte has availability this weekend — and u-pick flowers.

Try This

Want to meet a few Panthers legends? Xavier Legette and Chuba Hubbard will be signing autographs tomorrow, July 8, at AAA Collectibles in Matthews. Advance tickets must be purchased in person to attend.

Plan Ahead

Bank of America Stadium is preparing to host the Keep Pounding Classic. on Friday, Aug. 22, four schools will take part in a double-header game, showcasing their skills in an NFL venue. Tickets are on sale now. (WCNC)

Sports

Can you have too many guards on the roster? Go beyond the clipboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornets with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Health

From skipping exercise to believing surgery is a quick fix — Novant Health is debunking the biggest myths about knee arthritis and replacement. Discover the truth behind common knee replacement surgery myths and feel more at ease with the process.*

Jobs of the Week


City Guide

💦 Make a splash

A young boy sliding down an orange and white striped water slide.
The Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center boasts a 25-yard pool, zero-depth entrance, and water slide. | Photo via Mecklenburg Park and Recreation
Summer is officially here, so what better way to beat the heat than in the water? The Queen City is home to many outdoor swimming spots, splash pads, water parks, and lakes. Bookmark this list to stay cool as a cucumber all summer long.

Indoor and outdoor pools

Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center | Open through Sept. 1 | 2014 Statesville Ave. | $2 | Experience this outdoor aquatic center with a water slide, zero-depth entry pool, play features, and more.

Natural swimming spots

The Quarry at Carrigan Farms | Open through Sept. 1 | 1213 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy., Mooresville | $20+ | Dive into the deep, natural quarry at Carrigan Farms before enjoying lunch at the restaurant — reservations are required.

Water parks

Carolina Harbor at Carowinds | Open through Sept. 7 | 14523 Carowinds Blvd. | Cost included with park admission | The water park inside Carowinds features numerous water slides, two wave pools, and a lazy river.
10+ places to make a splash

The Buy

A magnetic spice storage rack for your fridge. Stock with oils, spices, or go-to cleaning supplies to save valuable counter space + bring your kitchen organization to a whole new level.

Psst — It’s 28% off today as part of an early Amazon Prime Day sale. Check back tomorrow to see which Prime Day sales we think are worth The Buy.
More worth The Buy

Games

Games-Section Header-V2_Green.png
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.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

I have yet to check out Carowinds’ new adults-only area at Carolina Harbor Waterpark. While lounging in a pool with a swim-up bar sounds hydrating, I’ve always been partial to floating in a lazy river.
A headshot of City Editor Maria with a green circular background and her name on the right.
Click Support below to help us out!

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

ADVERTISE | GUIDES | EVENTS | GAMES | SHOP | SUPPORT

† Disclaimers and Legal | * Advertising Policy

The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2025 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602