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 November.
Sports
Charlotte Hornets vs. Utah Jazz | Sunday, Nov. 2 | 6 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $24 | Catch the Hornets in action as they battle the Jazz in an early-season matchup.
Dick Vitale Invitational | Tuesday, Nov. 4 | 8:45 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $48+ | College hoops takes the spotlight as the inaugural invitational honors broadcaster Dick Vitale and brings top-tier basketball to Uptown.
World of Outlaws World Finals | Wednesday, Nov. 5-Saturday, Nov. 8 | Times vary | Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord | $74+ | Feel the roar as dirt racing’s biggest stars close out the season with four days of high-speed championship action.
Charlotte FC vs. NYCFC | Friday, Nov. 7 | 7 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $28+ | Cheer on the crown as they look for a win to stay in the 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Syracuse Crunch | Friday, Nov. 7 + Saturday, Nov. 8 | Times vary | Bojangles Coliseum | $25+ | The Checkers return to the ice for a weekend showdown of fast-paced hockey.
Carolina Ascent FC vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 7 p.m. | American Legion Memorial Stadium | $18+ | Cheer on the Ascent as they look to climb the rankings and score a win.
Ally Tipoff | Sunday, Nov. 9 | 3 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $45+ | The USC Trojans and the NC State Wolfpack will charge the court during the annual women’s college basketball showcase.
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints | Sunday, Nov. 9 | 1 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $25+ | The Panthers den is sure to be filled with energy as they look to send the Saints back to the Big Eazy with a loss.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers | Monday, Nov. 10 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $75+ | The stars come out as the Hornets host LeBron and the Lakers for one of the season’s most anticipated games.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks | Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $25+ | Giannis and the Bucks roll into town for a midweek clash that’s sure to bring fireworks on the court.
Auburn Tigers Hockey vs. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers | Thursday, Nov. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Truist Field | $19+ | The 704 Outdoor Faceoff kicks off with Auburn and Coastal Carolina hitting the ice in the center of Uptown.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Hockey | 7:30 p.m. | Truist Field | $19+ | It’s a battle of the Carolinas as the Gamecocks face the Tar Heels on the ice.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $41+ | Uptown will be buzzing during this game against OKC.
North Carolina State Wolfpack Men’s Hockey vs. Alabama Crimson Tide | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Truist Field | $19+ | The 704 Outdoor Faceoff heats up as NC State faces off against Alabama.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Hockey vs. East Carolina Pirates | Thursday, Nov. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Truist Field | $19+ | Either Uptown will be buzzing, or the Pirates will capture the flag and the win — be there to find out.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Clippers | Saturday, Nov. 22 | 1 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $28+ | Catch an afternoon game as the Hornets go head-to-head with the Clippers in a West vs. East matchup.
Appalachian State Mountaineers Hockey vs. Charlotte 49ers | Saturday, Nov. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Truist Field | $51+ | Get ready for another Carolina rivalry in Uptown as App State and the 49ers hit the ice in the final game of the 704 Outdoor Faceoff.
Charlotte Hornets vs. New York Knicks | Wednesday, Nov. 26 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $33+ | The Brooklyn-based team is coming to the Queen City for a royal matchup on the court.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Toronto Marlies | Friday, Nov. 28 + Saturday, Nov. 29 | 4 p.m. | Bojangles Coliseum | $29+ | The Checkers hit the ice for a Black Friday matchup against Toronto—perfect for post-holiday excitement.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls | Friday, Nov. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $38+ | The Hornets host the Bulls as part of the NBA Emirates Cup.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Toronto Raptors | Saturday, Nov. 29 | 6 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $27+ | The Hornets close out the month with a fast-paced game against the Raptors.
Carolina Panthers vs. Los Angeles Rams | Sunday, Nov. 30 | 1 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $53+ | Get ready to pounce — the Panthers are set to charge the Rams in a gridiron battle you won’t want to miss.
Theater and comedy
“Murder on the Orient Express” | Thursday, Oct. 30-Sunday, Nov. 9 | Times vary | Theatre Charlotte | $20+ | Experience the Agatha Christie classic on stage, as travelers work to solve a murder.
Charlotte Ballet: Whispers, Echoes, Voices | Saturday, Nov. 1 | Times vary | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | $38+ | Marvel as ballet and Mozart collide on stage.
Bear Grylls | Tuesday, Nov. 4 | 6 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $19 | The world-renowned adventurer and survival expert will share stories of courage and resilience from living in the wild.
“SIX” | Tuesday, Nov. 4-Sunday, Nov. 9 | Times vary | Belk Theater | $52+ | Meet the six wives of Henry VIII as they bring a royally rocking show to the Queen City.
Meet Thomas Dambo: The Talent Behind the Giant Trolls | Thursday, Nov. 6 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement | $15 | Step into the whimsical world of artist Thomas Dambo, creator of the beloved giant troll sculptures, during an evening of storytelling, creativity, and inspiration.
Garrison Keillor Tonight | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 8 p.m. | Carolina Theatre | $60+ | Enjoy an evening of sung sonnets, limericks, and musical jokes.
Magical Gardens | Sunday, Nov. 16 | 2:30 p.m. | Booth Playhouse | $28+ | Enjoy the magic of ballet as dancers from the Eva Melamed Ballet School take the stage in this enchanted showcase.
“The Sound of Music” | Tuesday, Nov. 18-Sunday, Nov. 23 | Times vary | Belk Theatre | $46+ | Follow Maria’s journey as she introduces music to the lives of the Von Trapp family.
Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour | Thursday, Nov. 20 + Friday, Nov. 21 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $60+ | Tickets are running low to see this hilarious comic in Uptown during his two-night run.
“The Carole King & James Taylor Story” | Saturday, Nov. 22 | 8 p.m. | Booth Playhouse | $69+ | Journey through the career of the award-winning artists Carole King and James Taylor.
“Snow Queen” | Sunday, Nov. 30 | 4 p.m. | Booth Playhouse | $42+ | The Grand Kyiv Ballet will grace the stage to tell the story of the Snow Queen, set to musical works by Mozart, Vivaldi, and other legends.
Henry Cho | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 8 p.m. | Knight Theater | $50 | The American stand-up comedian takes the Queen City stage for his “The Empty Nest Tour.”
“Nutcracker!” Magical Christmas Ballet 2025 | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 8 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $50+ | Watch the famed Nutcracker come to life on stage.
Aziz Ansari: Hypothetical Tour | Thursday, Nov. 20 | 7 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $49+ | The award-winning actor, director, and comedian is ready to make you laugh during his stop in the Queen City.
“A Christmas Carol” | Tuesday, Nov. 26 | 8 p.m. | Booth Playhouse | $30+ | Watch the story of Ebenezer Scrooge performed live on stage.
Fortune Feimster: Takin’ Care of Biscuits Comedy Tour | Friday, Nov. 28 | 8 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $51+ | What better way to laugh over biscuits than to visit the Boplex for this comedian’s hilarious tour.
Concerts
“A Night to Remember” | Saturday, Nov. 1 | 2 p.m. + 8 p.m. | Belk Theatre | $127+ | This concert presents arias and duets from Puccini’s masterpieces.
“Twilight” In Concert | Tuesday, Nov. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $60 | The film-to-concert experience features a candlelit stage while the film runs alongside a 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians.
Jonas Brothers: “Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” | 7:30 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $60+ | See these three brothers perform pop hits like “Sucker” and “Waffle House.”
Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer | Thursday, Nov. 6 | 8:45-10 p.m. | The Barrel Room at Triple C Brewing | $39+ | Experience movie magic as a string quartet performs Hans Zimmer’s iconic film scores by candlelight.
Jazz at the Bechtler | Friday, Nov. 7 | 6 p.m. + 8:15 p.m. | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | $30+ | Internationally renowned jazz violinist Karen Briggs will grace the Uptown stage.
The Two Lips | Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 8 p.m. | Neighborhood Theatre | $31 | Catch this rising alt-R&B duo as they bring soulful vocals, smooth grooves, and vibes to the stage.
Brandy & Monica: The Boy Is Mine Tour | Thursday, Nov. 13 | 8 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $97 | Get ready to sing along to the hits that made R&B history as the iconic duo take the stage.
Playboi Carti: Antagonist Tour | Friday, Nov. 14 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $49+ | Playboi Carti is turning up the energy and keeping the crowd Kid Cudi-level hyped all night long.
Walker Hayes: Unplugged | Friday, Nov. 14 | 6 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $38 | The country artist goes unplugged for an intimate show but don’t worry, you’ll still feel “Fancy Like.”
Atreyu: The Curse Tour | Monday, Nov. 17 | 7 p.m. | Neighborhood Theatre | $37+| The metalcore legends hit the stage, delivering fan favorites and high-octane energy.
Ruben Studdard Sings Luther Vandross | Friday, Nov. 21 + Saturday, Nov. 22| 7:30 p.m. | Knight Theater | $30+ | The “American Idol” winner will bring the soul and warmth to Luther Vandross’ timeless classics.
Gaelic Storm | Friday, Nov. 21 | 8 p.m. | Neighborhood Theatre | $37+ | The Celtic rock band is bringing the Irish spirit to Uptown.
Air Supply | Saturday, Nov. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $81+ | This group is not “All Out of Love” as they bring their 50th anniversary celebration to the Queen City.
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico | Saturday, Nov. 22 | 8 p.m. | Carolina Theatre | $39+ | Enjoy this show packed with holiday tradition and songs in English and Spanish.
“Home Alone” in Concert | Friday, Nov. 28-Saturday, Nov. 29| Times vary | Belk Theatre | $39+ | The beloved comedy classic featuring John Williams’ score will play on the big screen as the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra performs live.
Gunna: Wun World Tour | Sunday, Nov. 30 | 8 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $75+ | The hip-hop star is bringing his hits to the Queen City — get ready to sing along.
Festivals
Carolina Renaissance Festival | Weekends, Saturday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Nov. 23 | 16445 Poplar Tent Rd. | $26+ | Prepare to feast at the annual Renaissance Festival, transporting visitors to a time of medieval mayhem.
21st Annual Día de Muertos Festival | Saturday, Nov. 1 | 12-8 p.m. | Camp North End | Free+ | Honor Latin American culture through art, music, dance, and food.
Romanian-American Cultural Festival | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Stumptown Park | Free+ | The inaugural festival promises live music, dancing, handmade crafts from 80+ vendors, and community.
Seasonal + family-friendly
The Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall | Sunday, Oct. 26-Saturday, Nov. 1 | 6:45 p.m. | 2017 Greenway Ave. | Free | The Elizabeth neighborhood will light its annual display every night through Halloween.
Southern Christmas Show | Thursday, Nov. 13-Sunday, Nov. 23 | Times vary | The Park Expo and Conference Center | $20+ | Shop from 400+ holiday vendors in the country’s largest holiday show.
12th Annual Tree Lighting | Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 6–8 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | Free, but tickets required | The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC will host the annual festival, packed with live music, Panthers legends, plus appearances by Sir Purr and Minty.
UCity Lights | Saturday, Nov. 22 | 4-8 p.m. | The Shoppes at University Place | Free | Create ornaments, sip hot cocoa, and watch as the lights come on to celebrate the holiday season.
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.
2025 Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade | Wednesday, Nov. 26 | 5:45 p.m. | Uptown | Free+ | Head to North Tryon Street as dozens of floats, organizations, and musical groups parade the streets ahead of Thanksgiving.
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.
Holidays at the Garden | Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Dec. 20 | 5-10 p.m. | Daniel Stowe Conservancy | $15+ | Wander the grounds at the garden covered with twinkling lights, savor s’mores and hot cocoa + shop for everyone on your list.
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular | Friday, Nov. 28-Monday, Dec. 30 | 5:30-10:30 p.m. | Ballantyne’s Backyard | $10+ | More than one million lights will illuminate Ballantyne’s Backyard for the holidays, packed with themed walking trails, real snow, playgrounds, and winter carnival rides.
14th Annual Light Up Cornelius | Saturday, Nov. 29 | 4-9 p.m. | Downtown Cornelius | Free | Enjoy live music, model train displays, s’mores, sledding, and more at the town’s heavily attended holiday festival.
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.
Active + outdoors
Drop Dead 5K | Saturday, Nov. 1 | 9 a.m. | Historic Elmwood Pinewood Cemetery | $50 | Wear your best costume to run, with proceeds supporting cemetery preservation via the Historic Elmwood Pinewood Foundation.
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.
Bright Lights Race | Wednesday, Nov. 26 | 6-8 p.m. | Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont | $34+ | The third annual race brings guests of all ages running through the illuminated gardens.
Angels & Sparrows Thanksgiving Family 5K | Thursday, Nov. 27 | 7-10 a.m. | Fleet Feet Sports, Huntersville | $28+ | The donut-filled family-friendly race is celebrating 14 years of hitting the pavement to support Angels & Sparrows.
Cause
Guest Chef Wine Dinner Benefiting Claire’s Army | Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 6 p.m. | Mama Ricotta’s | $250+ | Enjoy a special Sicilian dinner with a guest chef — an evening of delicious flavors and community, benefiting Claire’s Army.
Verse & Vino | Thursday, Nov. 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Crown Ballroom at Charlotte Convention Center | $200+ | Meet New York Times bestselling authors while sipping on wine, enjoying a seated dinner, and raising funds for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
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.