Jousting is one of the most-attended events at the Renaissance Festival.
Photo via Carolina Renaissance Festival
Hear ye, hear ye. Huntersville is transforming into “Fairhaven” for the annual Carolina Renaissance Festival. Every weekend starting Saturday, Oct. 4, through Sunday, Nov. 23, the 25-acre village comes to life with more than 140 vendors, live shows, music, glassblowing and forging, skill games, and jousting tournaments.
Tickets sell out quickly, so it’s best to purchase them online or at local Harris Teeter stores — they are date-specific.
Asked
Asked
Would you ever rent an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Charlotte?
A. Yes, totally — they’re cool. B. Maybe, depends on location. C. Nope, I need more space.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is developing a policy on AI in schools and wants your input. The proposed policy will outline guidelines for AI use in the classroom and across the district. A public hearing is planned for Tuesday, Oct. 14, with additional discussions and a vote happening Tuesday, Oct. 28. (WCNC)
Read
Be on the lookout for a new free little library by That’s Novel Books at Camp North End. The bookstore and North Charlotte destination transformed a former trash disposal site into a library near the giant Legos along Ford Green.
Mansion Monday
This French-inspired estate in SouthPark features amenities like a gourmet chef’s kitchen, private theater, library, and heated saltwater pool. Is this a vacation or home? Oui, oui, mon ami.
Patrick could be part of your pack.
Photo via Luquire
Try This
Wednesday, Oct. 1, is National Black Dog Day. To commemorate the day, Black Dog Club is teaming up with HopFly Brewing in South End to host adoptable dogs and free portraits at the brewery. Plus, $1 per pint will be donated to Black Dog Club.
Drink
Looking for more seasonal bites? Chief’s in NoDa is serving up pumpkin spice lattes with housemade syrup and orange cardamom espresso. I’m heading there this week for a sip.
Announced
Uptown will be glowing. Cosmic Baseball, a glow-in-the-dark game making waves, will takeover Truist Field in 2026. Enter the ticket lottery for black light baseball — exact dates and details are expected in the coming months.
Cause
Applications are open for the Bojangles Foundation’s 2025 Literacy Grant Program. The initiative will award up to 50 organizations each with $1,000 to support programs that promote reading and education in their communities. The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 31.
Biz
WFAE will leave its spot next to First Ward Park in Uptown and move to University City in the spring. National Public Radio affiliate station cites recent federal funding cuts and declining corporate support for the decision. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Festival
Looking for a weekend activity the whole family will enjoy? The Charlotte Kid’s Festival returns Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with activities, educational experiences, and performances. Psst... The festival has a new home this year at The Shoppes at University Place. Plan your visit.*
Sports
What worked on the field against the New England Patriots? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Number
The United Way of Greater Charlotte welcomed 1,500 people to Truist Field for their inaugural event, The Longest Table. Guests enjoyed brunch while sharing stories, building friendships, and celebrating the power of community. If you missed the event, there are still ways to donate to the cause.
Plan Ahead
Planning a fall getaway doesn’t have to involve plane tickets or even a full tank of gas. Experience cozy inns, food festivals, live music, and small-town charm in Orange County, NC. Explore the full calendar of events.*
Featured Deal
This is your last call to take advantage of our early bird deal + get 20% off your business’s spot in our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide. Use code EARLYBIRD20 before it expires on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Finance
This versatile card has quickly become a favorite for many. With no annual fee, 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers into 2026, and up to 5% cash back on everyday purchases, it’s easy to see why it stands out.Explore the perks.*
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop, or three, of ice cream. | Photo by CLTtoday
From new cocktail options to sweet treats, September welcomed a plethora of new dishes to the Queen City. Don’t forget to bookmark this list for all the upcoming restaurants in the Queen City.
September openings
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, The Commonwealth | Ice cream
The popular ice cream chain is known for unique flavors like honeycomb, coffee affogato, Sicilian pistachio, and Earl Grey Tea.
Salt & Honey Co., Optimist Park | Charcuterie
Formerly known as The Board Babe, the company will specialize in custom charcuterie boards, catering, Italian-inspired sandwiches, dips, and salads.
Sala, 715 Providence Rd. | Wine and small bites
This new neighborhood wine bar offers a small snack program featuring marinated olives, stuffed piquillo peppers, cured meats and cheeses, plus spreads like cauliflower purée and hummus.
Distro Beer Hub, 2412 Distribution St. | Craft beer and relaxed fare
This brew destination features four breweries — Dssolvr, Heist, Incendiary, and Divine Barrel — and boasts craft cocktails and a full menu including sushi, wings, and wraps.
Something to make your morning coffee ritual last longer this cool-weather season: a temperature control mug, rated 4.7 stars and currently 10% off. This smart mug lets you control your beverage’s temperature down to the degree, with auto shut-off technology after two hours.
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.
First, Charlotte had Banana Ball, now we’re getting Cosmic Baseball? I’m so pumped for this glowing take on the sport. The only question... should I wear pink, yellow, or both?
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