Get ready for a thrilling match on the pitch. | Photo via Aiken Polo Club
We asked, and 75% of readers wanted the details, so here they are: The Queen City will host the inaugural Queen’s Polo Cup in April 2026. Supported by the Aiken Polo Club, teams will celebrate the growth of polo in the Carolinas, foster community, and raise funds for local charities.
“When I moved to Charlotte, I thought, ‘Why isn’t there something here?’ I’ve been to matches in Aiken and Tryon Equestrian Center, but Charlotte just made sense,” Blake Van Leer, Founding Member of the Queen’s Polo Cup, explained to CLTtoday.
Is this an opportunity to stomp the divots? We think so. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will support The HEARTest Yard and Atrium Health Levine Children’s HEARTest Yard Congenital Heart Center. Organizers also aim to start equestrian therapy programs in the city.
“Our hope is to make this an annual event,” explained Van Leer.
Charlotte Film Festival 2025 | Tuesday, Sept. 23-Sunday, Sept. 28| Times vary | Independent Picture House | $15+ | 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 performance coincides with the Blue Ridge Pride Festival and the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene, celebrating Asheville’s spirit of resilience and inclusivity.
The best part? All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit businesses impacted by Helene through the Always Asheville Fund.
Sala, a European-inspired wine bar and cocktail lounge, will open tomorrow, Sept. 18 in Myers Park, taking over the former Toccare Day Spa. Diners can enjoy an elevated lounge, wines + nine styles of Negronis and Spritz.
Development
White Lodging aims to build a high-rise hotel on the corner of South Tryon and West Bland streets in South End. The company behind JW Marriott in Uptown wants to build parking below the building and street — city representatives will address walkability with developers before voting. A date is TBA. (Queen City Nerve)
Edu
Queens and Elon University are merging. The move will expand access to education and create additional opportunities for students post-graduation. The formal structure will be finalized soon, with the merger anticipated to conclude in summer 2026. (WCNC)
Plan Ahead
South Charlotte Partners will host a “Meet the Candidates + Transportation Referendum Informational Session” on Oct. 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., allowing residents to meet local candidates running for office and ask questions about the proposed 1-cent sales tax. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Community
Mecklenburg County Solid Waste is hosting a Take-Back event on Saturday, Sept. 20, where residents can drop off batteries, clothing, shreddable documents, and more. The event will be at Compost Central along Valleydale Road from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Eat
Planning to tailgate for the Panthers’ home opener this weekend? Angry Ale’s launched a tailgate pack, featuring sliders or tenders, drinks, and sides, starting at $36. Fahrenheit also launched a VIP, all-you-can-eat and drink package — adult tickets are $125.
Announced
Meet: CLTtoday’s Best. From pet-friendly places to fitness centers, we’re asking for your insight on the top-tier spots CLT has to offer. Nominate your favorite businesses now through Friday, Oct. 3.
Charlottean
Lindsay Orr recently won gold and a brown belt promotion at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s Masters World Championship in Las Vegas. Orr became the fastest athlete in Checkmat Charlotte history to reach the belt promotion. (WCNC)
Sports
Will LaMelo Ball unleash a new offense this season? Go beyond the court for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Number
Speaking of tailgating... $190.93. That’s the average cost of a tailgate experience at a Panthers game, according to Oddspedia. To find this price tag, the study conducted a tailgating play-by-play, including the costs of parking at Bank of America Stadium and food + drinks for four people.
Travel
Mark your calendars, travel enthusiasts: MICHELIN will unveil its 2025 Key selections — recognizing exceptional hotels and resorts across the globe — on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Looking for a more lowkey stay closer to home? Explore unique vacation rentals in and around Charlotte.
Job
Ready to kickstart your career in digital media sales remotely? We’re looking for a Sales Coordinator to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Try This
Insurify makes it easy to find your perfect car insurance policy. Compare real-time quotes from 100+ insurers, choose your policy, and get same-day coverage in a few clicks.*
Finance
Ever imagine investing in an industry disruptor like Uber or Venmo in the early days? Well, this private company earned backing from some of their earliest investors. And until tomorrow at midnight, you can invest too.†‡*
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💗 What are you loving?
The Queen City is about to be the backdrop for a new television show. | Photo via Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
There’s a new trend making the rounds on social media — and it’s all about guilty pleasures. People are confessing the little things they “unfortunately do love.” Think: taking pickleball a little too seriously or splurging on $8 lattes from a local coffee shop. Honestly, we can’t live without them.
Editor Maria, here. I’ll go first. Unfortunately, I do love...
Splurging on...
a $7 Sugar Daddy latte from Coffee Republic.
Competing like a pro...
trivia hound at King Canary Brewing.
Reserving a table for date night...
just to get my Cuban-Peruvian fix at Calle Sol.
Satisfying my sweet tooth at...
Seemingly Overzealous.
Snapping too many photos of...
the Charlotte skyline at sunset.
Smiling too hard when...
it’s too easy getting on or off Exit 3A on I-277 — IYKYK.
Now it’s your turn. We’ll re-share this article with your loves.
ASTR the Label’s scarf tie sleeveless sweater, newly added to Nordstrom. Look effortlessly put together as you go from morning meetings to after-work drinks in a top that perfectly transitions from summer to fall.
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’m so excited for the Queen City to host the Queen’s Polo Cup. I’ve never seen a match, but I am a fan of “Pretty Woman” so I’ll probably break out a polka-dot dress and fun hat for the occasion.
‡This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving the ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public.
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