Parks and Recreation

A group of people throwing dirt onto a mound with shovels while smiling.
Parks and Recreation
Plans growing for east Charlotte’s Eastland Park
The 4.5-acre urban park will feature walking trails, covered picnic space, a playground, sprayground, and dog park.
October 23, 2025 02:18 PM
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Maria Adnado
An aerial photo of a clay dirt and green field.
Development
New Mint Hill park to open in September
The 91-acre park is expected to have several pickleball and basketball courts, a playground, splashpad, and plenty of parking.
August 7, 2025
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Maria Adnado
A line of children lining up to pet a police K-9 officer.
Events
National Night Out events rescheduled due to rain
The annual events bring communities together to meet local law enforcement and share resources + are free to attend.
August 5, 2025
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Maria Adnado
CLTtoday Pickleball Charlotte Sharon Lakes
Play
Where to play pickleball in Charlotte
Playing pickleball in Charlotte is easy when you stop by one of these local indoor and outdoor courts, including Mecklenburg County courts and more.
August 1, 2025
 · 
Mitch Hooper
A vast park with people sitting on the lawn facing away from the camera with two large office buildings in the background and a small pond.
Travel and Outdoors
Why Ballantyne is thriving, according to developers
The developers behind Ballantyne’s expansive natural space share why it’s an amenity that keeps the neighborhood growing.
June 30, 2025
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Maria Adnado
An overhead view of the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
Events
Make the most of Charlotte’s longest day
Enjoy the most of what the Queen City has to offer during the longest day of 2025.
June 17, 2025
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Maria Adnado
A empty running biking and running trail with trees and a pond in the distance.
Travel and Outdoors
Get your steps in on Ballantyne’s greenway trails
Ballantyne’s residents and visitors have over 20+ miles of walking and bike paths, including the Carolina Thread Trail and Fit Trail.
June 3, 2025
 · 
Jack VanderToll
A stretch of sidewalk runs under a line of trees against an empty road.
City
What we learned walking the SouthPark Loop
CLTtoday walked the three-mile urban trail in the heart of SouthPark, known as “The Loop,” to learn its history and exciting future ahead.
May 23, 2025
 · 
Jack VanderToll
A band in yellow shirts playing in a park with inflatable beach balls on the lawn.
Events
Catch a free concert around the Queen City
Summertime brings many free concerts you can attend + enjoy an evening outdoors.
May 21, 2025
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Maria Adnado
A boat carrying an American flag atop a body of water with a jet ski in the background.
Travel and Outdoors
Plan a boat trip around Charlotte
Check a lake day off your summer bucket list by visiting these boating spots around the Queen City.
May 20, 2025
 · 
Jack VanderToll
A bike rider on a sidewalk next to a creek.
City
20 miles of greenways under construction in Mecklenburg County
From new greenway paths welcoming nature-lovers to upcoming trails under construction, there’s no slow-down in sight for Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation.
April 25, 2025
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Maria Adnado
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A couple ordering an ice cream cone from an ice cream shop.
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Local love: CLTtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
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March 12, 2026
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Maria Adnado
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Play
50 great brunch restaurants to try in Charlotte
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March 12, 2026
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Two beers on a table with a taproom in the background.
Play
Raise a glass to Charlotte’s beer scene
Whether you favor a crisp lager or sweet stout, we’ve made a list of the breweries slinging craft beers around the Queen City.
March 10, 2026
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A woman's hand holding an open box of pizza in front of a black food truck.
Live
A guide to Charlotte’s pizza scene
Enjoy a slice of the Queen City’s must-try pizza shops
March 10, 2026
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Maria Adnado
A ruby-throated hummingbird in mid-flight.
Travel and Outdoors
When to spot hummingbirds across Charlotte
Birds like the ruby-throated hummingbird will be appearing in Charlotte in the spring — find out where you can spot them.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A brick building with black-tinted windows and coming soon banners for Uchi.
Food
Uchi and sister-concept Uchibā opening soon
As the Japanese-inspired restaurants prepare to debut in Plaza Midwood, the restaurants’ chef opens up about inspiration, ingredients, and the move to the Queen City.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
Duke and Louisville basketball players reach for a loose ball beneath a net in Spectrum Center.
Basketball
The ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament to tip off in Charlotte
The ACC Men’s Basketball tournament returns to Spectrum Center in Uptown from Tuesday, March 10 to Saturday, March 14.
March 9, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A rendering of several apartment complexes surrounding a park.
Development
Eastland Yards taking shape in East Charlotte
The new development will pay homage to the former Eastland Mall while carving out space for new retailers, amenities, and residential spaces.
March 6, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A hand holding a black tray with a giant lump crab cake in the center in front of a "Poppy's: A Taste of Maryland" sign.
Food
Charlotte-area spot serves a taste of Maryland
At Poppy’s: A Taste of Maryland, crab cakes are the star — bringing a classic Chesapeake staple to the Queen City.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
An overhead photo of a bowl of fried rice, a burger, a tray with ribs, chips, and coleslaw.
Food
New and coming-soon restaurants in Charlotte
Dining in Charlotte is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way. From a classic hamburger to fine dining, bookmark this page to keep in the know about all the new restaurants coming to town.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado