Treat yourself to a latte, caramel macchiato, iced matcha, and a honeycomb — you’ll love them.
Photo by CLTtoday
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. is welcoming coffee lovers to its first Charlotte-area shop today. The coffee shop near UNC Charlotte and across from The Shoppes at University Place serves hot and cold coffees, matcha lattes, and espressos + plenty of sweet treats like the honeycomb pastry (see above).
Plus, there’s plenty of seating if you need to work, and a gorgeous mural worth admiring — scroll to The Wrap for a pic.
Events
Events
Friday, Aug. 22
Jason Aldean | 7:30 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $83+ | You’ll wish you were watching this rocking show from a “Big Green Tractor.”
National Night Out | 6-8 p.m. | The Richard “Stick” Williams Dream Fields | Free | Enjoy some friendly competition and free food as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Charlotte Fire baseball teams play a scrimmage.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Tour de Turns | 7-9 a.m. | New City Church | $30+ | This annual charity bike ride takes riders and walkers through South Charlotte to benefit Nourish Up and their work to end hunger.
The Wellness Festival presented by A Walking Vibe | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts | Donations encouraged | Take a jog, stretch your muscles during a yoga session, or dance and let loose at this one-day wellness celebration.
Roll With Me: Sushi + Sake Night | 5-7 p.m. | The Perfect Beet | $82 | Learn to roll the perfect sushi with your loved ones or friends.
Sunny Daze Music Festival | 7-10 p.m. | NoDa Art House | $28 |
Boulevard | Free+ | Spend the evening grooving to live music and shopping from pop-ups.
Paint Your Pet | 12-2 p.m. | OpenTap | $35 | Send in your pet’s photo early for the chance to paint them on a canvas.
Charlotte FC vs. New York Red Bulls | 7 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $15+ | Cheer on the Crown as they hope to keep their winning streak alive at home.
Monday, Aug. 25
“Friends” Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Vaulted Oak Brewing | Free+ | You don’t have to be “on a break” from television to put your sitcom knowledge to the test.
Soul Gastrolounge’s new space is more than twice the size of the original restaurant.
Photo via Soul Gastrolounge
Opening
The time has come. Almost three years after its closure in Plaza Midwood, Soul Gastrolounge is opening its new location on Monday, Aug. 25. The restaurant will serve fan favorite menu items like the Asian glazed pork belly tacos, lamb lollipops, and Korean barbecue wings. Snag a resy.
Biz
Coquette is moving to the former Essex Bar and Bistro space at One South in Uptown. The French-inspired restaurant near The Mint Museum is known for its classic dishes and cocktails + is expected to open in early 2026. I’m excited to savor brunch with a view of Trade and Tryon streets. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Legacy
Longtime NASCAR promoter H.A. “Humpty Wheeler” has died. Wheeler joined Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1975 and served as the track’s president until retiring in 2008. The Belmont native was known as the “P.T. Barnum of motorsports.” (WCNC)
Community
The fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Festival at Truist Field has been canceled, citing the current immigration climate. Festival organizers expressed gratitude for community support and hope to return in 2026. (WCNC)
Transit
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) approved the proposed 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. The plan inlcudes light rail expansion, road improvements, and upgrades for bikes and pedestrians. If approved by voters this fall, the county’s total sales tax rate would increase to 8.25%, or about $240 a year per household. (WCNC)
Try This
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, Sept. 3. Customshop and Rada are hosting a one-night-only collaboration dinner, serving items like a tortilla Española with caviar, scallops, and agnoloti. Tickets are $195, including tax and tip.
Outdoors
If you’re planning to hit the lake, watch out for snakes. According to a report by WorldAtlas, Lake Wylie is one of the most snake-infested lakes in South Carolina. Most snake encounters involved non-venomous species, but wildlife officials have received reports of copperheads. If you spot one, here’s what you should do. (WCNC)
Plan Ahead
SouthPark After 5 returns to Symphony Park this fall. Starting Thursday, Sept. 4, and every Thursday through Oct. 9, head to the park for free live music, family-friendly experiences, and food trucks. The concert series runs from 5 to 9 p.m. every week.
Trending
Puppies at the Humane Society of Charlotte got the star treatment during a photo shoot by Tampa’s own Adam Goldberg, a photographer who has helped hundreds of rescue dogs find homes. Our friends at TBAYtoday share how you can help his mission.
Sports
What if the Hornets make a major leap this season? Go beyond the practice court for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Seasonal
Christmas in ... August? If you’re a local business with a product or service you’d like to share with our readers this holiday season, consider securing your promo now before we sellout. Our Holiday Shopping Spotlight Bundle includes three newsletter inclusions discounted by 20%.
Imagine spending the Carolina Panthers’ upcoming season in here. | Rendering via Blinders
Football season is here + the countdown to the Panthers’ kickoff is on. We’ve got the 411 on where to catch all the action around Charlotte — whether you’re a Panthers, 49ers, USC, Clemson, or App State fan.
Psst... bookmark this roundup for your next game day.
Blinders Sports Lounge | Open daily | Cheer for your time as they play on the biggest screen on the East Coast while ordering flatbreads, sliders, and craft cocktails.
Growler’s Pourhouse | Closed Mondays | Watch the Panthers on this neighborhood bar’s six TV screens — plus, order the Sunday special: 12 wings for $10.
Painted Rooster | Open daily | The Painted Rooster and game days go together like chicken and ranch — perhaps the best in Charlotte.
Angry Ale’s | Open daily | This hangout in Montford also hosts App State watch parties, so feel free to visit for a savory burger, tenders, or cheesesteaks to get your pro or college football fix.
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.
How gorgeous is this mural? The owners of Qamaria say the image is of a Yemeni woman in customary garb, and it can be found at any of Qamaria’s various locations in Michigan, Illinois, and Texas. I love the colors!
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