Imagine finding a troll like this at one of our many parks. | Photo by Lars W. Jensen via Thomas Dambo
Grab your maps, explorers.Danish artist Thomas Dambo will unveil a new troll sculpture later this year somewhere in the Queen City, as part of his largest North American installation. The work will join a sculpture in High Point and a family of five in Raleigh (hey, RALtoday).
Where, you might ask? The exact location will be a secret until it’s unveiled to encourage exploration.
“The joy is in the discovery,” Thomas Dambo said in a press release. “The trolls are shy creatures. They like to be found, not announced.”
Pro tip: The sculptures will appear on Dambo’s global Trollmap, joining more than 150 others from around the world.
The new “Troll Family” members are in good company: 12 trolls will be visiting the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville as part of the exhibition, “Trolls: A Field Study” — AVLtoday can help you plan your visit.
Asked
Asked
Which park should house Charlotte’s new troll sculpture?
A. Freedom Park B. McDowell Nature Preserve C. Lake Norman State Park D. Big Rock Nature Preserve E. Other
Matthews Alive Festival | Friday, Aug. 29-Monday, Sept. 1 | 4-10 p.m. | Historic Downtown Matthews | Free+ | It’s the first night of a weekend-long festival packed with live music, food, local vendors, and fair rides.
Duke’s Mayo Classic | 7 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $87+ | Experience mayo madness in Uptown as App State and UNC Charlotte play for the coveted mayo bath.
Saturday, Aug. 30
University Farmers Market | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Shoppes at University Place | Free+ | Fill your kitchen with locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and goods.
Bingo Loco | 4 p.m. | Blackbox Theatre | $35 | Win vacations, sing, dance, and shout “bingo!” at the craziest party you’ve ever attended.
Baylee Littrell | 7:30-10 p.m. | The Evening Muse | $20+ | “American Idol” faves Baylee Littrell and Charlotte’s own Josh King will take the stage to perform some hits.
Gino Castillo | 6 p.m. | Middle C Jazz Club | $33+ | Sway to the rhythm as you’re transported to the island of Cuba through song.
Monday, Sept. 1
Charlotte Labor Day Parade | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | North Tryon Street, Uptown | Free | Head to the Square to see floats, marchers, and bands parade through Uptown.
Nourish helps you develop healthy habits that last — all over telehealth and covered by your insurance. | Photo via Nourish
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay out of pocket to talk to a dietitian through Nourish — an easy-to-use platform that connects you with the right care to support your health goals.
Nourish helps match you with a Registered Dietitian for telehealth appointments, so you can access hyper-personalized, clinical-grade nutrition care that’s right for your health journey.
City offices will be closed on Labor Day — Monday, Sept. 1. Charlotte Solid Waste Services will still collect for Monday routes.
Open
Hot Tuna is now open daily along Main Street in Harrisburg. The new Asian fusion restaurant serves sushi rolls, noodles, rice dishes, and cocktails. We can’t wait to try the Harrisburg roll.
Announced
American Airlines plans to open a new private club at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. “Flagship” may be modeled after the first location at the Philadelphia International Airport, with high-end food and drink options. Construction is TBA. (WCNC)
Supperland launched a new dining option for smaller groups looking to dine in Plaza Midwood. “Supper in the Speakeasy” allows parties of one to four people to dine in the 10-seat speakeasy + will be available on select Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Arts
Sunday is the last day to see ANNIE LEIBOVITZ/WORK at the Mint Museum in Uptown. The exhibition features well-known and rarely-seen photos from throughout the renowned photographer’s career. Check out our visit + tour the works by Sunday, Aug. 31.
Try This
Staying in CLT for Labor Day weekend? Play tourist with a LaZoom bus ride — take a comedic Hey Charlotte tour or kick off spooky season early with the Charlotte Ghosted Tour. Locals get discounted tickets.*
Travel
Frontier Airlines is adding two new flights out of Charlotte Douglas: Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Detroit, MI. The flights begin the week of Nov. 21. (WCNC)
Civic
Nominations are open for the fifth annual Urban Design Awards, also known as the Urbies. The awards highlight design and the people and places that help shape the Queen City. Nominations are open through Friday, Sept. 12.
Sports
The Athletic ranked the Hornets’ offseason at No. 6 in the entire league. How will that translate to the regular season? Go beyond the hardwood for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Travel
Escape to Winston-Salem for a romantic getaway filled with charm and connection. Stroll hand-in-hand down cobblestone streets, savor chef-inspired cuisine, and sip wine at local vineyards. With inviting inns and boutique hotels, every moment feels made just for two.*
Best-selling activewear and everyday apparel up to 60% off? Athleta’s taking an extra 30% off sale items now through Monday, September 1. Shop the sale.*
Category
Read
📚 Calling all bookworms
Author signings, a hot dog eating contest, and the chance to meet Libby, the store dog — count us in. | Photo by @belmont.bookshop
Books, authors, and goodies... what a day. Belmont Bookshop is hosting its first literary festival Saturday, Aug. 30, at Upper Stowe Park, in partnership with Downtown Belmont.
Starting at 11 a.m., festival attendees can enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, and contests. Bringing the fam? Children (and parents) can enjoy story times, arts and crafts, scenes from Black Star Theater‘s production of “Matilda: The Musical,” plus a free movie in the park. Check out the schedule.
While the festival is free to attend, there are ticketed experiences like a private mingle sesh with other attendees and an author panel, including local authors like Mazey Eddings, Ali Hazelwood, and Sarah Ficke. The panel starts at 7 p.m. — tickets start at $35.
Editor Maria, here. I enjoyed reading “Late Bloomer” by Mazey Eddings, so I’m thrilled that she’s one of the attending authors.
The Buy
Meridian’s original hair trimmer, now 40% off for Labor Day. This unisex shaver was built for beards, chest, legs, and bikini lines, is 100% waterproof, and was top rated by Elle, Esquire, GQ, and Forbes. Psst — Shop tons of great markdowns like this one while Labor Day sales last.
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.
Ever since I discovered Thomas Dambo’s troll sculptures in a random YouTube video years ago, it’s been a bucket list item to find one in person. This fall, I’ll be visiting all of our parks to find Charlotte’s new resident. I’ll let you know when I find it.
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