Whether you’re into soccer, pickleball, bowling, or pilates, there’s something for everyone on VRV’s app. | Photo via VRV Athletics
Struggling to meet new people and stay active? Bryan Kaplan faced that exact circumstance when he moved to Charlotte in 2021, so he created VRV Athletics, an app that helps users make new friends and live an active lifestyle.
“It opens the door to get people connected who want to be competitive or just meet people to play with,” said Kaplan, founder of VRV Athletics. “You could have a 30-year-old or a 50-year-old match.”
App users select the sports or activities they enjoy and get matched with people nearby at similar skill levels. The app makes it easy to join meetups, set up games, or find a partner without the usual coordination hassle — say goodbye to pesky group texts.
With its “friendship first, sports second” approach, VRV Athletics focuses on building community over competition. Did we mention? The app is free to download from the Apple and Google Play stores. See you on the field.
Events
Events
Wednesday, Dec. 10
DIY Hydroponics Class | 6-7 p.m. | N.C. Cooperative Extension, Mecklenburg County Center | $10
Hendrick Automotive Group bought a vacant building for $13 million to create office space at 5954 Carnegie Blvd. in SouthPark. The building was previously slated for office and retail development. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Biz
Ernst & Young will move from Uptown to two floors of the new tower coming to Queensbridge Collective, reducing the total number of planned apartment units. The second tower is now expected to have 304 multifamily units, 19 floors, and indoor and outdoor amenities when it’s completed in 2028. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Transit
Residents weighed in on the proposed I-77 express toll lanes from the SC state line to Uptown. The $3.2 billion project would cut several neighborhoods along the freeway. Officials hope to award a contract to a private developer in 2027, with construction anticipated to start in the early 2030s. (Queen City News)
Open
Fontana di Vino is now open in Davidson. Similar to its location in SouthPark, the Italian-inspired restaurant serves pastas, flatbreads, and polenta boards + offers a wide selection of wines.
Shop
JJ’s Red Hot is back open... sort of. The former Dilworth restaurant is now The Drum, an event space ready to host pop-ups, dinners, and special events. (The Charlotte Observer)
Try This
Tona B. Dahlquist Casting is looking for several hundred experienced line dancers for the second season of Netflix’s “The Hunting Wives.” All you need to do is send your name, age, and two current photos to the casting agency. Filming is planned for Friday, Dec. 18. (Tega Cay Sun)
History
Do you remember? On Dec. 8, 2018, the Queen City had one of the biggest early-season snowstorms on record. Charlotte officially had 3 inches, but some areas measured 5 to 6 inches. (WCNC)
Eat
ESO Artisanal Pasta at Optimist Hall is giving away free panettone this weekend. The new eatery ordered four 10-lb panettones from Italy and plans to dish out slices with whipped mascarpone cream. Bonus: whole loaves can be purchased and gift wrapped.
Plan Ahead
The Mint Museum in Uptown will soon feature the works of Caravaggio. More than 30 paintings will be on display starting April 25 through Oct. 25, 2026, and mark the first Caravaggio exhibition in NC in 100 years. (The Charlotte Observer)
Announced
Forrest Frank will bring his Jesus Generation Tour to the Spectrum Center on June 17, 2026, featuring singers Tori Kelly, Cory Asbury, and The Figs. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m.
Sports
The Panthers are focused on keeping the top spot in the NFC. What’s needed to keep the momentum going? Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Seasonal
Happy almost New Year’s. We’re celebrating the countdown to 2026 with 26% off all Newsletter Text Ads and Email Banner Ads on our advertising portal. Use code COUNTDOWNTO2026 at checkout — no long-term contract required.
Beauty
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Event Spotlight
Chabad of Lake Norman leads the annual lighting at Birkdale Village.
Photo via Birkdale Village
Hanukkahbegins at sundown on Sunday, Dec. 14, and there are several opportunities to gather and celebrate the Festival of Lights:
Chanukah Festival | Sunday, Dec. 14 | 4 p.m. | Symphony Park | The annual celebration boasts a giant Menorah lighting, live music, fresh food, and local vendors.
First Night of Hanukkah | Sunday, Dec. 14 | 5-7 p.m. | The Village Green, Davidson | Enjoy the Menorah lighting, crafts, donuts, hot chocolate, and vendors.
The Menorah Lighting | Sunday, Dec. 14 | 5:30 p.m. | The Grove at Birkdale Village | Light up the night during this annual ceremony, plus enjoy family-friendly crafts, donuts, and latkes.
Chanukah Menorah Lighting | Monday, Dec. 15 | 4:30-6 p.m. | StoneCrest at Piper Glen | Take part in holiday activities, hot drinks, fresh food, and live music before the lighting at 5:30 p.m.
13,000 lbs. That’s how much food was collected last week during the annual Drive Out Hunger Night at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Speedway Christmas. The food will be distributed to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. If you have donations, consider dropping them off at any of these locations.
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