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
 · 
Maria Adnado
Volunteers dressed in yellow vests wade in the water of a creek with Canadian geese nearby.
Volunteer
How to celebrate Earth Day in Charlotte
In honor of Earth Day, Mecklenburg County is hosting several events where people can learn more about our local environment and help protect it.
April 11, 2025
 · 
Jack VanderToll
A parking lot filled with cars outside the DOWD YMCA.
Travel and Outdoors
Uncovering Charlotte’s most difficult parking spots
We’re looking to find which Queen City parking spots may require planning (and patience).
April 2, 2025
 · 
Jack VanderToll
A group of friends mingles at a park bench in front of a soccer field at Freedom Park.
Parks and Recreation
Navigating springtime parking at Freedom Park
While warmer weather and outdoor activities draw major crowds to Freedom Park, this guide will help you find places to park without the stress.
March 31, 2025
 · 
Jack VanderToll
A giant monitor reading "Sullenberger Aviation Museum" hangs over the US Airways flight inside a former airport hanger.
Play
Round up the family for these kid-friendly activities around Charlotte
Check out these kid-friendly activities for the little ones, from treetop adventures to art museums.
March 28, 2025
 · 
Dylan Aycock
The reflection of a blue heron standing in water with foliage in the foreground.
Travel and Outdoors
How birds are doing in Mecklenburg County
Some bird species are thriving in the Charlotte area while others are becoming harder to find in an ever-growing metro.
March 19, 2025
 · 
Jack VanderToll
An artist's rendering of a large brick building at the end of a wooded bridge.
Parks and Recreation
Discovery Place announces name for new nature museum
The reimagined museum in Freedom Park will offer a place of learning and exploring Charlotte’s natural wonders.
January 16, 2025
 · 
Jack VanderToll
Dozens of seniors take part in a chair yoga class in a gymnasium.
Live
Activities for older adults around Charlotte
The Queen City is packed with fun options to spend a day for anyone in their golden years.
October 10, 2024
 · 
Jack VanderToll
A GIF of tents, visitors, and vendors at the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival.
Sponsored
🎃 We’re carving out some time for fall festival fun
Enjoy a weekend of gorgeous views, local shopping, and tasty eats at the annual Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival.
Sponsored by
A tennis racket and tennis ball beneath a net on a tennis court.
Sports
Charlotte tennis leaves plenty on the court
Tennis serves up ample opportunities for game play, exercise, and community in the Queen City.
September 10, 2024
 · 
Jack VanderToll
An artist's rendering of a new park space in Uptown Charlotte with a hanging light fixture above the plaza.
Development
Design unveiled for Uptown’s McColl Park
The upcoming space celebrates Charlotte’s heritage and legacy of former Bank of America CEO, Hugh McColl.
August 29, 2024
 · 
Jack VanderToll
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A rendering of a highway system leading to Uptown Charlotte.
Airports and Transportation
NCDOT to build elevated I-77 South Express Lanes near Uptown Charlotte
The express lanes are expected to stretch from Brookshire Freeway to the South Carolina line, with construction anticipated to start after 2030.
February 5, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A women skiing down a mountain.
Travel and Outdoors
Where to ski, snowboard, and tube near Charlotte this winter
While the Queen City may not regularly see snow, we’re a short drive from spots to ski, snowboard, and tube this winter.
February 5, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
An aerial view of apartment buildings and rail lines with the Charlotte skyline in the background.
Weather
Snapshot: Your photos from the January 2026 snow day in Charlotte
As snow fell Saturday, Jan. 31 and stayed through the weekend, you shared your snow day photos with us.
February 4, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A brown striped owl perched on a tree with leaves in the background.
Travel and Outdoors
Bird watchers needed for The Great Backyard Bird Count
The annual Great Backyard Bird Count attracts more than one million people nationwide to help record the bird population.
February 4, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
Two older women smiling and holding hands.
Wellness
The Ivey launches program to support people living with Parkinson’s Disease
The SouthPark brain health center is adding a new program designed to help people living with Parkinson’s stay active, steady, and supported.
February 2, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A group of people sit on a patio of a covered restaurant watching a football game on a monitor.
Sports
Super Bowl watch parties in Charlotte
It’s almost time for the biggest game of the year. We’re helping you plan it out.
January 30, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A Carolina Ascent player kicks the ball as an opponent slides to a fall.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Charlotte
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that are worth planning ahead for.
January 29, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A plate with a shrimp taco salad.
Food
Mooresville-based Casa Azteca to open restaurant in Uptown
The modern Mexican-inspired restaurant promises to deliver fresh flavors to Center City when it opens in early 2026.
January 29, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A rendering of an aerial view of a new museum and renovated church site in a busy, tree0lined suburb.
Development
Levine Museum of the New South to open in South End
The longstanding museum closed its temporary Uptown location in 2025 and will soon open a new two-building destination in South End.
January 28, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A Golden Lion of Lunar New Year folklore appears in front of the camera.
Events
Lunar New Year celebrations in Charlotte
While the Lunar New Year is on Tuesday, Feb. 17, there are plenty of ways to celebrate early in Charlotte.
January 28, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado