A coffee is good at any time of day. | Photo by CLTtoday
While it’s not officially autumn yet, we can still embrace the cooler temperatures and the recipes that come with them — like pumpkin-flavored everything.
According to Google Trends, the search interest in “pumpkin spice” has peaked every September for the past ten years and is currently at an all-time high. Keep reading for fall drink offerings around town.
🍂 Fall-inspired brews
Haraz | Pair a pumpkin spice shaken espresso with a Dubai dream cake for a dreamy day.
Coffee Republic | Iced maple spice butter pecan matcha latte topped with maple spice cinnamon cold foam — don’t mind if I do.
Dine & Shine 2025 Fundraising Event | 6:30-8 p.m. | Mint Museum Randolph | $160 | Join the fundraiser to support workforce development, housing, and STEAM education in the Grier Heights neighborhood.
“Little Shop of Horrors” | 8 p.m. | Theatre Charlotte | $20+ | Watch Audrey II come to life in this campy stage production based on the 1986 film.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Annual 9/11 Stair Climb | 8 a.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord | $40 | Register to climb 110 steps to honor the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Pumpkinpalooza | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Hot Glass Alley | Free | This seventh annual event features live glass blowing demos, a glass pumpkin patch, food trucks, and raffles.
Nebel’s Alley Night Market | 5-10 p.m. | Design Center | Free+ | It’s not Hogsmeade, but it is a “Harry Potter"-themed night of shopping in South End.
Sunday, Sept. 14
Broadway Brunch with Jessie Booth & Friends | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Norfolk Hall at The Suffolk Punch | $19+ | Sing along as professional musical theater artists perform beloved showtunes over brunch.
Disney’s iconic costumes take center stage in Columbia, SC
Presented by South Carolina State Museum
By popular demand, the must-see Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume is sticking around a little longer. | Photos provided by South Carolina State Museum
September 11, also recognized as National Day of Service and Remembrance and Patriot Day. Commemorate the day by visiting the Flags of Remembrance at Romare Bearden Park before volunteering with local organizations.
Civic
Mayor Vi Lyles won her bid for reelection in Tuesday’s primary election, along with several incumbents representing Charlotte’s districts. See the full results from Tuesday’s elections. (WCNC)
Plan Ahead
The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners will hear public input and vote on whether to authorize the formation of a Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA). The discussions will take place next Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. during the Board’s regular meeting. Residents must register to speak.
Open
There’s a new shop selling snacks and souvenirs at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Charlotte! can be found near baggage claim, and allows travelers to buy goodies without going through TSA. Get acquainted with the airport. (WSOC)
Biz
SouthPark’s largest employers, including Coca-Cola Consolidated, Albemarle Corp., and National Gypsum, have collectively pledged $1.1 million to renovate TowneBank Symphony Park. The park’s capital campaign is 90% complete, and construction is expected to be complete by late summer 2027.
Edu
Johnson & Wales University will launch a three-year, 90-credit bachelor’s degree program in Hospitality Management starting next fall. The program aims to give students a faster, more affordable path to work. (WSOC)
Outdoors
Humming for hummingbirds? Ruby-throated hummingbirds are migrating south for the winter, and North Carolina is in their flight path. Visit local birding hot spots to see them fly. (WCNC)
Cause
Ruby Sunshine is asking for donations for local nonprofit Windsor Kittens through Tuesday, Sept. 30. On Saturday, Sept. 20, the breakfast spot will also host a pet adoption at their Ballantyne location from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sports
Is Ejiro Evero’s role as defensive coordinator at risk? Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Eat
Serve us up a slice of meat lover’s — that’s the most popular pizza in North Carolina, according to a survey by TalkerResearch. No matter how you like your ‘za, consider this your sign to order in by grabbing a slice from one of these local places. (Newsweek)
Fun Fact
The world’s oldest hotel has been welcoming guests since 705 A.D. under the ownership of the same family for 52 generations — Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Japan. Over 1,000 years later, the Dunhill Hotel opened, becoming Charlotte’s oldest hotel.
Plan Ahead
Don’t let your seasonal event get lost in oversaturated community calendars. Feature it right here in CLTtoday + get primo placement in front of our 32,500+ engaged subscribers. Get started.
Community
Your wait is almost over. Our CLTtoday’s Best competition opens up for nominations on Sept. 15. Hang tight while soon enough you’ll get the opportunity to tell us who deserves a place at the top in each of our localized categories.
Did you know? You can spend an afternoon on the water with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s adaptive kayaking meetups at Latta Nature Preserve. The program welcomes beginners to learn how to paddle — and all equipment is provided.
The next outing is being held on Thursday, Sept. 18 — registration is required + $25 for residents.
Pumpkin spice lattes are back — and so is our quest for the perfect fall boots. Here are our top five picks of the season:
👢 These knee high boots strike the perfect balance between function and style with an anti-slip rubber outsole and chic buckle detailing.
👢 Free People’s Western booties feature a sophisticated two-inch heel, patent leather, and appliqué details for under $70.
👢 Spot us wearing these vanilla-hued suede pointed toe ankle booties to date nights and dinner parties all season long.
👢 These timeless Chelsea ankle boots are a steal for under $50. Oh, and they’re top-rated on Amazon.
👢 Sporty meets sleek in Eurosoft’s ultra-comfortable side zip boots complete with a padded footbed + round toe design.
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.
Which Panthers player was the first to have his jersey number retired?
The Carolina Panthers have been pounding for 30 years in the Queen City, and 67% of you guessed correctly: Sam Mills was the first to have his jersey number retired.
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