Lucky you. You just found CLTtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout the Queen City each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst... Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
Now buckle up for some of the biggest events happening this January.
Sports
Duke’s Mayo Bowl | Friday, Jan. 2 | 8 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $68+ | Will Wake Forest or Mississippi get the mayo bath? Be there to find out.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks™ Live Glow-N-Fire | Saturday, Jan. 3 + Sunday, Jan. 4 | 12:30 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $36+ | Roaring monster trucks will fill the indoor arena with speed, smoke, and high-energy thrills.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Toronto Raptors | Wednesday, Jan. 7 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $26+ | Uptown will be buzzing as the Hornets look to score a win at home.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers | Thursday, Jan. 8 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $25+ | Watch as Buzz City looks to lap the Pacers on the court.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins | Friday, Jan. 9 + Saturday, Jan. 10 | Times vary | Bojangles Coliseum | $29+ | The Checkers and Penguins will play to conquer the ice — who will win?
Charlotte Checkers vs. Springfield Thunderbirds | Tuesday, Jan. 13 + Wednesday, Jan. 14 | Times vary | Bojangles Coliseum | $29+ | Feel the thunder as the Checkers bring the heat at The Biscuit.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Hershey Bears | Saturday, Jan. 17 + Sunday, Jan. 18 | 4 p.m. | Bojangles Coliseum | $29 | Polar bears or Hershey bears — only one can be supreme.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Washington Wizards | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 6 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $31+ | The Hornets will hope for some magic on the court to transport the Wizards back to the West Coast.
Charlotte Hornets vs. San Antonio Spurs | Saturday, Jan. 31 | 3 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $63+ | The Hornets are looking to sting the Spurs on home court.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Providence Bruins | Saturday, Jan. 31 + Sunday, Feb. 1 | Times vary | Bojangles Coliseum | $29+ | Cheer on the Checkers as they close out the month with a game at home.
Theater and comedy
Laurie Kilmartin | Thursday, Jan. 1-Saturday, Jan 3 | Times vary | The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s | $26+ | The Emmy-nominated comic is bringing her hilarious stand-up to Uptown.
Justin Stagner | Wednesday, Jan 7 | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Zone | $30+ | This comic is bringing his best jokes, Southern roots, and channeling his inner Southern Grandpa for laughs.
T.I. (Tip Harris) | Thursday, Jan. 7-Saturday, Jan. 19 | Times vary | The Comedy Zone | $48+ | The award-winning singer is taking the stage for an intimate show.
Ali Siddiq: In The Shadows | Saturday, Jan. 10 | 8 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $50+ | The comic will bring his best jokes to Uptown.
Don “DC” Curry | Thursday, Jan. 15-Sunday, Jan. 18 | Times vary | The Comedy Zone | $20+ | “Next Friday” fans will get to see the comic and actor behind “Uncle Elroy” take the stage.
Opera Carolina Presents: Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi | Friday, Jan. 16-Sunday, Jan. 18 | Times vary | Belk Theater | $32+ | Enjoy a double-feature of orchestral masterpieces.
“The Change Baker” | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 7 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $14+ | Screen the documentary following local baker Manolo Betancur and his work as an activist.
Justin Willman: One For The Ages Tour | Sunday, Jan. 18 | 7 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $55+ | Fresh off the release of Netflix’s first-ever magic comedy special, this performer is visiting the Queen City for his new tour.
“Monty Python’s Spamalot” | Tuesday, Jan. 20-Sunday, Jan. 25 | Times vary | Belk Theater | $46+ | The Broadway classic boasts a great knight at the theater, from flying cows to killer rabbits, taunters, and the Lady of the Lake.
Seth Meyers: Live | Friday, Jan. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $63+ | The SNL alum will bring his best jokes stand-up to Uptown.
Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” | Thursday, Jan. 22-Sunday, Feb. 9 | Times vary | Armour Street Theatre, Davidson | $15+ | Watch the classic tale about second chances and forgiveness — it’s part tragedy and part comedy.
Charlotte Jewish Film Festival YidLife Crisis: Swedishkayt LIVE! | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $34+ | Expect lots of laughs and live music as Eli Batalion and Jamie Elman screen their film and perform on stage.
Amber Autry | Thursday, Jan. 29-Saturday, Jan. 31 | Times vary | The Comedy Zone | $24+ | This high-energy comic is preparing her most hilarious lines for the Queen City.
Malik B. | Thursday, Jan. 29-Saturday, Jan. 31 | Times vary | The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s | $30+ | The hilarious social comic is bringing his best jokes to Uptown.
Heads up: several Candlelight concerts are coming to the Queen City this month.
Image via @gmpatton
Concerts
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift | Friday, Jan. 2 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | The Barrel Room at Triple C Brewing | $36+ | The pop star’s biggest hits will fill the blank space at this sold-out venue.
The New York BeeGee’s Tribute Show | Friday, Jan. 2 | 8 p.m. | Knight Theater | $40+ | Disco down in Uptown with the Bee Gees’ biggest hits + a Donna Summer tribute.
Candlelight: Mozart vs. Beethoven | Friday, Jan. 2 | 8:45-9:45 p.m. | The Barrel Room at Triple C Brewing | $37+ | Hear the biggest hits by the legendary composers in an intimate setting.
Yellow Brick Joel | Saturday, Jan. 3 | 8 p.m. | Knight Theater | $39+ | Sing along to classics like “Uptown Girl” and “Tiny Dancer” during this Elton John/Billy Joel tribute.
Candlelight: Tribute to Adele | Friday, Jan. 9 | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Great Aunt Stella Center | $39+ | You’ll be “Rolling in the Deep” when Adele’s greatest hits are played on strings.
Abbey Road Live! | Friday, Jan. 9 | 8 p.m. | The Visulite Theatre | $20 | Relive the magic of the Fab Four during this live tribute concert.
Strauss’s Blue Danube | Friday, Jan. 9 + Saturday, Jan. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Belk Theater | $40+ | Enjoy the sweeping tribute to Vienna and the rich tradition of the waltz.
Jason Isbell | Friday, Jan. 16 | 8 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $105+ | This singer-songwriter will give you “Something to Love” during his live performance.
The Music of Motown | Friday, Jan. 23 + Saturday, Jan. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Knight Theater | $39+ | Get down to the irresistible smash hits made famous by The Temptations, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.
Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton | Friday, Jan. 23 | 8 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $85+ | The Grammy-winning singers are returning home to the Queen City for one night.
The Orchestra Games | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 11 a.m. | Knight Theater | $23+ | Prepare for the Winter Olympic Games in Italy by watching the CSO compete in musical events of their own.
Captain Mike & The Shipwrecked: Jimmy Buffett Tribute | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 6:30 p.m. | Cain Center for the Arts, Cornelius | $47+ | Captain Mike will play Buffett’s greatest hits for old parrot heads and new fans alike.
JUMP: America’s Van Halen Experience | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 8 p.m. | Neighborhood Theatre | $40+ | Expect two hours of classic Van Halen, complete with guitar solos, screams, and stage skits.
Winter Jam Tour 2026 | Sunday, Jan. 25 | 6-9 p.m. | Bojangles Coliseum | $15+ | Get ready for an all-star lineup during this concert, known as Christian music’s largest annual tour.
GHOST: Skeletour World Tour 2026 | Sunday, Jan. 25 | 8 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $60+ | Get ready for guitar riffs, screams, and jamming during this heavy metal show.
Motion City Soundtrack and Say Anything | Wednesday, Jan. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | The Fillmore | $56 | “Don’t Call it a Comeback,” call it a good night for live music.
Unstoppable Soul: The Tracy Hamlin Experience | Friday, Jan. 30 | Times vary | Middle C Jazz Club | $37+ | The international recording artist will bring her soulful voice — get ready to sing along to “Nothing Can Stop Me Now.”
Prokofiev & Schumann | Saturday, Jan. 31-Sunday, Feb. 1 | Times vary | Knight Theater | $39 | Feel the magic of the symphony as the music moves through meditation, mystery, and triumph.
KREWELLA | Saturday, Jan. 31 | 9 p.m. | Trio | $15+ | You’ll feel “Alive” when this electronic dance duo brings the beat to the dancefloor.
Seasonal + family-friendly
WinterFest | Select nights Friday, Nov. 18- Saturday, Jan. 3 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Carowinds | $24+ | Experience holiday thrills with light displays, ice skating, live entertainment, and holiday-inspired comfort food.
Speedway Christmas | Friday, Nov. 21- Sunday, Jan. 4 | 6-10 p.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway | $35-$45 per vehicle | Cruise the speedway marveling at 5+ million lights on display + shop the market or slide down the 250-ft tubing hill.
Light the Knights | Wednesday, Nov. 26- Sunday, Jan. 4 | Times vary | Truist Field | $44+ | Ice skate, savor holiday treats, shop local vendors, and more during the Knights’ annual event at Truist Field.
Epiphany Celebration (Día de los Reyes Magos) | Sunday, Jan. 4 | 1-5 p.m. | Mint Museum Randolph | Free |
Enjoy exhibition tours, live music, storytelling, crafts, and a taste of Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread).
Fireworks with the Uptown skyline as a backdrop look extra pretty.
Photo via @uptown.clt
New Years
Noon Year’s Eve | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Schiele Museum of Natural History, Gastonia | $10 | Bring the family to the museum before celebrating the new year at noon.
Countdown to Ten: A New Year’s Eve Celebration | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 2-10 p.m. | Pilot Brewing | Cost of purchase | Ring in the new year with local brews, food trucks, and deals — and make it home before midnight.
Crystal Fountains New Year’s Eve Day Show | 3-5:30 p.m. | Vaulted Oak Brewing | Free+ | Enjoy live music and local brews hours before the clock strikes 12.
NYE at L’Ostrica | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 6:30 p.m. | L’Ostrica | Welcome 2026 with a champagne reception and 11-course meal.
NYE ft. Su Case | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | Blume Studios | Groove under GAIA and be transported through the cosmos as we say goodbye to 2025.
CLT NYE | 8 p.m. | Truist Field | $16+ | Ice skate in Uptown before the annual fireworks show at midnight.
Rich and Bennett’s NYE Bash 2026 | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | Brewers at 4001 Yancey | $93 | Limited tickets are available for this annual bash with hor d’oeuvres, cocktails, confetti, and a disco room.
City Lights & Champagne Nights: New Year’s Eve Party | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 8 p.m.-2 a.m. | Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo | $125+ | Enjoy skyline views, live entertainment, cocktails, and party favors.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Sneak | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | Sneak | $50+ | Enjoy champagne, cocktails, and small bites at this exclusive celebration in Elizabeth.
Fahrenheit NYE 2026 Rooftop 80’s Glow Party | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 10 p.m.-2 a.m. | Fahrenheit | $110+ | Dance to tunes from the 80s with Uptown as your backdrop.
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
Atrium Health Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Wreath-Laying Memorial Service | 11:30 a.m. | Marshall Park | Free | Spend the morning hearing about Dr. King’s legacy before a wreath is placed on the statue in Uptown.
Learning from Selma | Thursday, Jan. 15 | 6 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $19+ | Levine Museum of the New South invites the community to a special screening and discussion of “Selma,” the award-winning film that chronicles the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 9:30 a.m. | Uptown | Free | Line the streets as dozens of organizations march to honor the civil rights icon.
MLK Family Day | Monday, Jan. 19 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | One Independence Center | Free | This family-friendly event honors Dr. King through stories, live performances, and crafts.
We Paved the Way: An Author Talk with Dr. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight | Thursday, Jan. 29 | 6:30-8 p.m. | The Pearl | $17+ | The author and historian will discuss her new book and its chapter in the civil rights movement.
Active + outdoors
Winter at Whitewater | Friday, Nov. 14 through mid-February | Times vary | US National Whitewater Center | Cost of purchase | Peruse the illuminated trails, skate on a 24,000-sqft ice rink, or try your hand at cask curling or pond hockey.
Ice Rink at Camp North Pole | Thursday, Nov. 20–Sunday, Jan. 4 | Camp North End | $15+ per person | Go ice skating at this outdoor rink before shopping the Mistletoe Market on select Saturdays.
Birkdale on Ice | Saturday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Jan. 18 | Times vary | Birkdale Village, Huntersville | $15+ | Glide into the holiday on this outdoor ice rink before savoring a dinner nearby.
Ice Skating at The Bowl | Saturday, Nov. 22- Sunday, Jan. 4 | Times vary | The Amp Ballantyne | $12+ | The Bowl will transform into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and an outdoor ice rink.
Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:
- Go to our Events page.
- Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
- Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
- Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.