BofA Stadium will welcome college football and mayo fans for the Duke’s Mayo Classic in August. | Photo via Charlotte Sports Foundation
It feels like just yesterday that the Virginia Tech Hokies faced off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Now, all eyes are on Bank of America Stadium — not only for this year’s Duke’s Mayo Classic matchup on Saturday, Aug. 29., but also for 2027, when Wake Forest and Notre Dame will play for the coveted Duke’s Mayo bath.
“Hosting a game of this caliber reinforces Charlotte’s place on the national stage for college football,” said Will Pitts, CEO of Charlotte Sports Foundation. “Welcoming programs like Wake Forest and Notre Dame not only energizes our local economy but also deepens the city’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events.”
While a date has not been set for the 2027 game, fans can register for presales now.
Get your college football fix sooner. Cheer on App State or UNC Charlotte during the 2025 Duke’s Mayo Classic on Saturday, Aug. 29. at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $74.
Music Bingo | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Sycamore Brewing & Taproom | Free | Sip a craft beer and put your listening skills to the test during this bingo game.
Life of Pi | 7:30 p.m. | Belk Theatre | $40+ | Fill the theater for opening night of the Tony-winning show in Uptown.
Wednesday, July 30
Explore Creative Art | 1-3:30 p.m. | Berwick Recreation Center | Free | Create your latest masterpiece using watercolor, acrylics, or pastels in this free workshop.
From IPA’s To HOA’s | 6-8 p.m. | Free Range Brewery | Free | Meet local realtors over a pint to discuss the ins and outs of homebuying.
Wednesday Movie Night | 7:30 p.m. | Blinders Sports Lounge | Free | Savor a themed dinner and drink menu while watching the Avengers take on Thanos in “Avengers: Endgame.”
Thursday, July 31
Cocktails & Bites Experience | 6-8 p.m. | Great Wagon Road Distilling Company | $145 | Savor three courses paired with cocktails using house-distilled spirits.
Oh, You’re Reading Again Book Club | 6-7:30 p.m. | That’s Novel Books | Free | Join fellow bookworms to discuss July’s pick, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt.
Charlotte FC vs. FC Juarez | 7:30 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $30+ | Fill the Fortress for phase one of the 2025 Leagues Cup, where MLS and LIGA MX leagues collide for the trophy.
Tuesday, Sept. 23
Charlotte Film Festival 2025 | Tuesday, Sept. 23-Sunday, Sept. 28 | Times vary | Independent Picture House | The 17th Charlotte Film Festival, themed “Discover Different,” showcases diverse independent films from around the world, featuring narratives, documentaries, shorts, and Q+A sessions with filmmakers.*
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization wants your input for the 2028–2037 Transportation Improvement Program. The CRTPO has proposed projects across Iredell, Mecklenburg, and Union counties. Public comments will be accepted through Thursday, July 31. (WCNC)
Civic
The town of Cornelius is hosting three drop-in events for the community to review a draft of the Downtown Master Plan. The meetings at Cornelius Town Hall will highlight topics like land use, transportation, and arts + branding opportunities.
Edu
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will receive $12.5 million as part of nearly $8 billion in federal K-12 grants. The money will support teacher training, language programs, and techonology. (Queen City News)
Real Estate
Want to find serenity at Lake Norman? This four-acre waterfront estate is on the market, boasting a five-bedroom, six-bathroom home, plus a gourmet kitchen, “memory garden,” fire pit, and floating dock. (The Charlotte Observer)
Arts
A Charlotte couple is showcasing their collection of 200+ wooden holy figurines at the Mint Museum Randolph. Nitza Mediavilla Piñero and Francisco Toste started collecting in Puerto Rico since the ‘90s, and reflect religious and cultural traditions. The exhibition, opening this Saturday, Aug. 2, blends art and spirituality while highlighting Puerto Rican heritage. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
History
USC Lancaster’s Native American Studies Center is hosting a free monthly tour series starting Saturday, Aug. 16. Topics will range from objects in the galleries to behind-the-scenes projects in non-public spaces. Registration is required.
Try This
Do you love it or hate it? That’s the question you need to answer for your friends when playing I Love/Hate Everything. The game was created by four friends from Charlotte — Chuck and Tonya Bludsworth and Wes and Donna Scott — and is available via Kickstarter.
Mailbag
When you subscribed, you may have received an email asking for your favorite topics to read about, and yes, we read every response. For subscriber Diana D., she wants to learn all about the Queen City and upcoming foodie events. Our pro tip: Keep an eye on our monthly Plan Ahead guides — August’s is coming soon.
Sports
Chuba Hubbard and Bryce Young are making moves on the field. Go beyond training camp for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
AI won’t take over the world — people who know how to use AI will. Learn AI skills in three minutes a day with Superhuman AI newsletter. Subscribe for free.*
Older Adults
Did you know about these senior discounts? Aside from basics like bulk shopping and retirement accounts, here are 20 savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Trending
Amazon Essentials just launched a new activewear collection (read: soft, comfortable gym clothes for less). We’re loving these high-waist leggings and these colorful capri-length leggings.*
Category
Try This
🀄️ Mahjong mania
Ready to play mahjong? Your table is waiting. | Photo via Yellow Duck Marketing
Mahjong is taking the Queen City by storm, one tile at a time. This four-person game is played by drawing and trading tiles to complete one of dozens of hands.
Newsletter Editor Maria, here. I feel every time I check friends’ stories on Instagram, at least three people are playing the game in the Queen City every weekend.
So, to satisfy your curiosity about the game, here are several places and groups hosting sessions for all levels.
Recurring games
Monday Night Mahjong | Monday, Aug. 18 + Sept. 15 | 7 p.m. | Vaulted Oak Brewing | $35+ | Register to play with this growing group — light bites are provided at this monthly meetup.
Tiles and Tips at the Teeter | Every Monday | 6 p.m. | Harris Teeter - SouthPark | Free | Spend time sipping wine while matching tiles — basic knowledge is a must to attend.
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.
I recently attended brunch at Catalú for the first time and highly recommend trying the torrija French toast. It’s stuffed with cream cheese and guava puree and was absolutely delicious! If you’re planning your weekend brunches, let us help you.