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 September.
Sports
Charlotte Knights | Multiple dates | Truist Field | $23+ | Revisit that scenic ballpark view of Uptown to see Charlotte’s pro baseball team.
Carolina Ascent FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC | Saturday, Sept. 6 | 7 p.m. | American Legion Memorial Stadium | $18+ | Mark your calendar for the team’s home opener against Tampa Bay.
SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs | Saturday, Sept. 6 | 2:30 p.m. | zMAX Dragway, Concord | $20+ | Feel the roar of the motocross bikes as they race on a custom-built course with big air jumps, fast straightaways, and elevation changes.
Charlotte FC vs. Inter Miami CF | Saturday, Sept. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $114+ | Cheer on The Crown as they race to send Miami home with a loss.
NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals | Friday, Sept. 19-Sunday, Sept. 20 | Various times | Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord | $13+ | Feel the need for speed as nitro-fueled dragsters compete at zMAX Dragway, going more than 330 miles per hour.
Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons | Sunday, Sept. 21 | 1-4 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $66+ | It’s time to fill the Panthers’ den as the team faces Atlanta for the season home opener.
Charlotte FC vs. CF Montréal | Saturday, Sept. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $15+ | Cheer on The Crown as they take the pitch in royal fashion.
Carolina Ascent FC vs. Sporting JAX | Sunday, Sept. 28 | 2 p.m. | American Legion Memorial Stadium | $18+ | Fill the stands as Charlotte’s only professional women’s soccer team fights for a win.
Theater and comedy
“Austen’s Pride” | Tuesday, Sept. 2-Sunday, Sept. 7| Various times | Knight Theater | $34+ | Jane Austen’s most famous love story comes to life through wit, humor, and music.
“Don’t Call Me White Girl” | Wednesday, Sept. 3 | 6 p.m. | The Comedy Zone | $48+ | Mona, a rising comedian and podcast host of “Don’t Call Me White Girl” will bring her best wit to the Queen City.
An Evening with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson | Thursday, Sept. 4 | 7 p.m. | Carolina Theatre | $25 | The Supreme Court Justice will speak alongside former mayor Harvey Gantt about her newly-released book, “Lovely One.”
Chris Franjola | Friday, Sept. 5 | 6 p.m. | The Comedy Zone | $30+ | The Comedy Central star will make you laugh hard during his one-night-only show in the Queen City.
“Beetlejuice” | Tuesday, Sept. 9-Sunday, Sept. 14 | Various times | Belk Theatre | $40+ | The cult-classic film is now a hilarious musical gracing the Uptown stage for the third time.
Tom Arnold | Thursday, Sept. 11 | 6 p.m. | The Comedy Zone | $43+ | With a career spanning over four decades, laugh along as the actor and comedian brings his best memories to the stage.
“A Raisin in the Sun” | Friday, Sept. 19-Sunday, Sept. 28 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts, Matthews | $23+ | Watch this classic story unfold on stage as a family works to achieve the American dream.
“Journey to Oz” | Saturday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Oct. 5 | Various times | Children’s Theatre of Charlotte | $26+ | Be transported to Kansas and the Emerald City during this immersive theatrical experience.
“Ben Davis: Watch Him Fly” | Saturday, Sept. 20 | 7 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $35 | Watch this one-man show that chronicles the life of Ben O. Davis Jr., an American trailblazer.
Charlotte Film Festival 2025 | Tuesday, Sept. 23–Sunday, Sept. 28 | Various times | Independent Picture House | Free+ | Grab a seat at the theater to watch independent films from around the world, featuring narratives, documentaries, shorts, and Q+A sessions with the filmmakers.
“Wicked” | Wednesday, Sept. 24-Sunday, Oct. 26 | Various times | Belk Theatre | $46.58+ | Follow Elphaba’s journey through Oz as she attends school, befriends Glinda, and becomes known as the “Wicked Witch.”
Concerts
Simple Plan | Tuesday, Sept. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre | $50+ | “I’d do Anything” to get a seat at this rock show.
Coheed and Cambria | Tuesday, Sept. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $20+ | Shake your hair loose at this metal concert also featuring Taking Back Sunday.
Clay Johnson & the Hard Promises and The Maggie Valley Band | Wednesday, Sept. 3 | 7:30-10 p.m. | The Evening Muse | $17+ | Sway along to a little bit of country, folk, Americana, and rock.
John R. Miller | Wednesday, Sept. 3 | 8 p.m. | Neighborhood Theatre | $91 | “The Heat Comes Down” at this Elizabeth concert venue to bring you a jamming good evening.
Chevelle | Thursday, Sept. 4 | 7 p.m. | Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre | $30 | Experience an evening of rock as the band tears up the stage with special guests Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society.
Jazz at the Bechtler: Tribute to Ellis Marsalis ft. Lovell Bradford | Friday, Sept. 5 | 6 p.m. + 8:15 p.m. | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | $25+ | Celebrate the legacy of the jazz piano and one of its most influential figures, Ellis Marsalis.
Camden Cox | Friday, Sept. 5 | 6-11 p.m. | The Music Yard at SouthBound | $15+ | Prepare to dance as the Grammy-nominated artist brings a mix of pop, EDM, and bass to South End.
Jazz Night in the Park | Friday, Sept. 5 | 6-9 p.m. | Walter Y. Elisha Park, Fort Mill, SC | Free | Grab a bite from the attending food trucks before an eight-piece jam brings a high-energy set to the amphitheater.
September In The Park: The Ultimate Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago Tribute | Friday, Sept. 5 | Times vary | Middle C Jazz Club | $50+ | You’ll remember this September performance by this groovy tribute band.
Breaking Benjamin & Three Days Grace | Saturday, Sept. 6 | 7 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $54+ | You’ll get goosebumps when you hear “The Diary of Jane” live.
Gimme Gimme Disco | Saturday, Sept. 6 | 9 p.m. | The Underground | $19 | Be one of the many dancing queens on the dance floor during this ABBA-inspired disco.
The Music of Ella Fitzgerald featuring Maria Howell | Sunday, Sept. 7 | 6 p.m. | Middle C Jazz Club | $33+ | Hear the songs that propelled Ella Fitzgerald to stardom.
Choir! Choir! Choir! | Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $37+ | Get ready to laugh, dance, and sing your heart out during this Queen-themed sing-along.
Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater | Thursday, Sept. 11 | 6-8 p.m. | Mint Museum Uptown | Sold out | Join the commemorative night to reflect history through music hosted by Opera Carolina.
Little Big Town | Saturday, Sept. 13 | 7 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $20 | You’ll wish this band was playing “All Summer” long in Charlotte.
Nelly with Ja Rule, Eve and Special Guests | Sunday, Sept. 14 | 8 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $39+ | It’s not a “Dilemma” to sing along to some of the hottest songs from the early 200s.
A Day To Remember & Yellowcard | Tuesday, Sept. 16 | 6:30 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $39 | “All I Want” is to scream “Ocean Avenue” at the top of my lungs with these bands.
The Lumineers | Wednesday, Sept. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $46+ | The popular folk band is ready to make you sing along to “Ho, Hey.”
WDAV’s Small Batch: North Carolina Baroque Orchestra Chamber Players | Thursday, Sept. 18 | 7-9 p.m. | Free Range Brewing | Free+ | Grab a beer and get lost in the music as the chamber players play songs from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” in Concert | Thursday, Sept. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $42+ | live orchestral performance of the series’ beloved soundtrack
Judas Priest & Alice Cooper Live | Saturday, Sept. 20 | 6:45 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $38+ | “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” if your plans don’t involve these rock icons.
Jill Andrews | Sunday, Sept. 21 | 7:30-10 p.m. | The Evening Muse | $26+ | The singer-songwriter will perform songs from her latest EP exploring motherhood, relationships, and growing older.
Vance Joy | Monday, Sept. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre | $56+ | Enjoy listening to “Riptide” live + $1 per ticket goes to supporting the Save The Music Foundation.
The Marías | Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 8 p.m. | Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre | $118+ | Dance along to this indie pop band from Los Angeles.
Lil Wayne | Thursday, Sept. 25 | 7 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $43+ | Celebrate 20 years of Lil Wayne’s career by jamming to his biggest hits live.
2025 Breakaway Music Festival | Friday, Sept. 26 + Saturday, Sept. 27 | 3-11 p.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord | $44+ | Bring your best dance moves to this three-day EDM festival.
Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers with Charlotte Symphony Orchestra | Friday, Sept. 26 | 7 p.m. | The Amp Ballantyne | $55+ | The Grammy-winning pianist and songwriter will bring his genre-blending band to South Charlotte.
The Runarounds | Sunday, Sept. 28 | 7:30-10 p.m. | The Evening Muse | Tickets at the door | The Wilmington-natives are bringing their tour to the Queen City.
Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group | Monday, Sept. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Knight Theater | $85+ | You may not be able to touch his hat, but you will be able to sing along to his biggest hits.
Alex Warren | Tuesday, Sept. 30 | 8 p.m. | Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre | $97+ | There’s nothing “Ordinary” about this singer’s return to the Queen City — expect a magical show.
Seasonal Events
River Jam | Thursday-Saturday, weekly through Sept. 27 | 7 p.m. | US National Whitewater Center | $12+ | Jam to national touring bands highlighting Americana, roots, and soulful R&B on the outdoor stage.
Matthews Alive Festival | Monday, Sept. 1 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Historic Downtown Matthews | Free+ | Bring the family for a day of live music, games, food, shopping, a petting zoo, and carnival rides.
Charlotte Labor Day Parade | Monday, Sept. 1 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | North Tryon Street, Uptown | Free | Watch along as local labor union floats, vehicles, and marchers parade through Uptown.
Yiasou Greek Festival | Friday, Sept. 5-Sunday, Sept. 7 | Various times | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral | $5 admission | The annual festival draws thousands to Dilworth, and features Hellenic cultural exhibits, Greek cuisine, entertainment, live music and dancing, wine tastings, and shopping.
Panda Fest Charlotte 2025 | Friday, Sept. 12-Sunday, Sept. 14 | Various times | Ballantyne’s Backyard | $19+ | This three-day festival is considered to be the biggest outdoor Asian food festival.
Charlotte Asian Film Festival 2025 | Saturday, Sept. 13 | 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Dubois Center | $14+ | Spend the day watching various films by Charlotte’s Asian voices.
Cornelius Festival of Cultures | Saturday, Sept. 13 | 3-6 p.m. | Cain Park, Cornelius | Free | Enjoy a day of music, food, crafts, and live entertainment from various cultures.
61st Annual Festival in the Park | Friday, Sept. 19-Sunday, Sept. 21 | 4-9 p.m. | Freedom Park | Free+ | Stroll along the park’s walkways to enjoy arts, crafts, live music, and entertainment for the entire family.
Flow Fest | 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. | US National Whitewater Center | Free+ | This one-day festival offers 100+ yoga sessions, vendors, live music, and community.
12th Annual Charlotte African-American Festival | Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | The Carole Hoefener Center | Free+ | Spend the day celebrating African-American culture, music, food, and art.
Wine & Food Festival | Saturday, Sept. 27 | 12-5 p.m. | Symphony Park | $59+ | Sip from 100+ wines, beers, and spirits + dine from local food trucks.
The Village Harvest: A Fall Fest at Farmhouse | Saturday, Sept. 27 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont | Free+ | Bring in the fall season at the gardens with a market, workshops, live music, and the Scarecrow Hollow exhibit.
Cause
2025 Taste of the Panthers | Tuesday, Sept. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $121+ | Mix and mingle with Panthers players and legends while savoring mouthwatering food — proceeds benefit Panthers charities.
3rd Annual Remember Our Heroes 5K | Saturday, Sept. 6 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Nation Ford High School, Fort Mill, SC | $20+ | Run, walk, or jog to support first responders living with Sept. 11-related illnesses.
5th Annual UpCycled Fashion Show & Fundraiser | Saturday, Sept. 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Blume Studios | $150+ | Art meets fashion at this annual runway show featuring local designers + premier guest speakers and live art auctions.
12th Annual South End Shuffle | Saturday, Sept. 13 | 8-11 a.m. | Wooden Robot Brewery | $25+ | Run a mile or take part in the 5K to benefit the Purple Promise to End Melanoma and West Blvd Ministry.
Catwalk for Causes | Tuesday, Sept. 16 | 6 p.m. | Ten Tenths Motor Club, Concord | $1,000+ | Join NASCAR and NFL icons at this charity auction and runway show to raise money for Charlotte-area charities.
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.