For three days, the Yiasou Greek Festival feeds thousands of visitors from across the Carolinas.
Photo via Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — the Yiasou Greek Festival kicks off in Dilworth this Friday, Sept. 5, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 7. The festival has dozens of food options, craft vendors, live entertainment, dancing, and all the baklava your heart desires.
Editor Maria, here. I’ve been dreaming of this baklava sundae since last year. If you’re heading that way, be sure to take the Light Rail or be prepared to park several blocks away.
Asked
Asked
How many people attend the Yiasou Greek Festival every year?
Find Your Muse Open Mic | 7:30-11 p.m. | The Evening Muse | $8+ | Sway to the original music from local performers and recording artist Chris Wilhelm.
Tuesday, Sept. 2
Simple Plan | 6:30 p.m. | Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre | $50 | Your night will be “Perfect” listening to this hit rock band.
Ceramics 101 | 6:30-9 p.m. | MakerSpace Charlotte | $345 | Join the first night of this six-week series to get you throwing like the pros.
2025 Taste of the Panthers | 6:30 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $121+ | Mix and mingle with Panthers players and legends while savoring mouthwatering food — proceeds benefit Panthers charities.
Wednesday, Sept. 3
Queen City Mahjong Beginner Series | 4-6 p.m. | Dilworth Tasting Room - SouthPark | $55 | Learn the game’s signature tile-passing move, then play full games to score a win.
“Austen’s Pride” | 7:30 p.m. | Knight Theatre | $34+ | Jane Austen discovers herself as she writes the love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy — you’ll see on stage.
Thursday, Sept. 4
SouthPark After 5 | 5-9 p.m. | Symphony Park | Free | Spend the evening enjoying a free concert at the park + food trucks and face painting for the kids.
Mediterranean Street Food | 6-9 p.m. | Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen | $85 | Learn to make chicken shawarma and pickled vegetables during a guided cooking class.
Crossroads Cinema | 8 p.m. | Ford Green | Free | Camp North End will be “Cheetahlicious” when this Disney Channel classic plays on the big screen.
Labor Day. Take part in local celebrations, including the annual parade in Uptown, or explore any of these events.
State
South Carolina’s new Hands-Free Act takes effect today, banning drivers from holding phones or other devices. Warnings will be issued for the first 180 days, with fines of $100 (and points for repeat offenses) starting Feb. 28. (WCNC)
Coming Soon
Progress is being made on Harriet’s Hamburger’s new location at The Commonwealth in Plaza Midwood. The eatery, known for its hamburgers and fries, is expected to open late this year. An exact date is TBA.
Development
The long-planned Charlotte Gateway Station is facing setbacks. Discussions between developers and NCDOT are paused pending election outcomes regarding the 1-cent sales tax for transit and roads funding. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Mansion Monday
Want to live like a NASCAR driver? Former driver Jamie McMurray’s Lake Norman home is available, boasting lake access, a resort-style pool, five bedrooms, and six bathrooms. Did you see the spa-like bathroom?
Weather
Say goodbye to longer evenings, Charlotte. We’re past the days of post-8 p.m. sunsets, signaling shorter days ahead. Enjoy these golden hours while they last.
Eat
I scream, you scream, we all scream for Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, aka the most popular ice cream brand in North and South Carolina. While we’d never pass up a pint of Brambleberry Crisp, the Queen City’s local ice cream shops serve our favorite scoops.
Outdoors
“Something about walking in nature is benefiting our attention.” Those were words spoken by University of California informatics professor Gloria Mark, who has spent decades studying society’s declining attention spans. Swapping the doomscroll for a local hike is a good way to start. (New York Times)
Sports
How long will LaMelo Ball stay with the Hornets? Go beyond the practice court for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Number
69. That’s how many haunted houses are in North Carolina, according to The Scare Factor, though that number may climb if more haunts make their presence known. You can explore the directory to find one near you, but only if you’re brave enough.
Finance
Big ideas deserve the right kind of backing. As a leading SBA lender locally and nationally, Huntington National Bank helps small business owners access flexible capital — with features like longer terms, low down payments, and no balloon payments. Talk with a local lender about what’s possible.*
“The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter.” That’s what one business owner said about hiring through our Job Board. See for yourself — post your open positions for free.
Jobs of the Week
Seeking more freedom in your workday? Do your job from anywhere in these remote roles.
The Sullenberger Aviation Museum displays preserved artifacts from US Airways Flight 1549, including the plane itself. | Photo by CLTtoday
There’s no school today, and you may be wondering what to do with the family. Consider this your sign for a packed day of kid-friendly adventures across the Queen City.
🧠 Educational activities
Discovery Place Science | Kids of all ages can make elaborate castles in Project Build, learn about biodiversity through exploration, and lie on a bed of 5,000 nails.
Sullenberger Aviation Museum | This aeronautical museum transports guests through a timeline of aviation history.
🎢 Thrill-seeking fun
Carowinds | Big fun awaits those kids brave enough to ride the roller coasters or splash in the waterpark.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook | This outdoor park and viewing area boasts scenic views for planes arriving and departing from CLT Douglas + learn how runways are built and the types of planes found at the airport.
A three-pack of women’s athletic leggings, marked down by 42% for Labor Day. Perfect for cycling, dance, yoga, workouts, or everyday wear, stock up on a high-waisted style in your choice of neutral colors.
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.
“Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday” — except for maybe one in Charlotte.
Whether you’re keeping it simple this Labor Day weekend or hosting folks from out of town, our City Guides have you covered when it comes to planning your perfect itinerary, from the best spots to grab an end-of-summer brunch to finding the best pizza to satisfy the pickiest eaters in the family.
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