Charlotte is serving up the biggest weekend lineup of the fall, with concerts, sports, festivals and family-friendly fun packed into October 23-25. Whether you’re cheering in an arena, dancing at a late-night show or strolling through a free festival, there’s something for every taste. Here’s your day-by-day guide to making the most of it.
Friday, October 23
Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks — 7:00 PM at Spectrum Center
The Hornets open the weekend with a Friday night showdown against the Atlanta Hawks. Catch the energy of an NBA arena in full swing as the home team looks to light up the court — the perfect way to kick off a packed weekend in the Queen City.
Charlotte Checkers vs Springfield Thunderbirds — 7:00 PM at Bojangles Coliseum
Prefer your ice with blades and sticks? The Charlotte Checkers face off against the Springfield Thunderbirds in fast-paced hockey action at Bojangles Coliseum. Expect big hits, quick goals and an electric crowd for Friday night hockey.
JPEGMAFIA — 8:00 PM at The Fillmore Charlotte
Boundary-pushing rapper and producer JPEGMAFIA brings his genre-blending live show to The Fillmore Charlotte. Known for explosive performances and fearless creativity, his late-Friday set promises a high-energy night for hip-hop fans.
Saturday, October 24
Romanian-American Festival — 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at Stumptown Park, Matthews (FREE)
This free daytime festival celebrates Romanian culture with traditional food, music and dancing at Stumptown Park in Matthews. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of authentic cuisine and community spirit — no tickets required.
Charlotte Hornets vs Miami Heat — 6:00 PM at Spectrum Center
The Hornets return to Spectrum Center on Saturday evening for a matchup against the Miami Heat. Double down on basketball this weekend with another night of NBA action in Uptown Charlotte.
Candlelight: Halloween Classics — 6:30 PM & 8:45 PM at Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive
Celebrate spooky season by candlelight as a string quartet performs Halloween classics in the atmospheric setting of the Charlotte Museum of History. With two showtimes — 6:30 PM and 8:45 PM — this hauntingly beautiful concert is a magical addition to your Saturday.
Anthony Jeselnik — 7:00 PM at Belk Theatre
Dark-comedy master Anthony Jeselnik takes the stage at Belk Theatre for a night of razor-sharp stand-up. Known for his unapologetic style and perfectly timed punchlines, Jeselnik delivers a comedy experience that is definitely not for the faint of heart.
RAWAYANA — 8:00 PM at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Venezuelan pop-fusion sensation RAWAYANA brings its infectious blend of reggae, funk and Latin rhythms to the Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre. Expect a dance-filled night under the stars with one of Latin music’s most exciting live acts.
Sunday, October 25
Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 1:00 PM at Bank of America Stadium
Close out the weekend with an NFC South showdown as the Carolina Panthers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. From tailgating around Mint Street to the roar of the crowd at kickoff, Sunday football in Charlotte is an experience you won’t forget.
Sam on Someday — 6:00 PM at Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Avenue (Tickets $12)
Wind down the weekend with an intimate evening of music from Sam on Someday at Petra’s on Commonwealth Avenue. At just $12, this cozy neighborhood show is a laid-back way to close out a whirlwind weekend.
Up for a road trip? Don’t miss the NC State Fair’s final weekend in Raleigh, wrapping up Sunday, October 25, with 80+ new food items, the 230-foot America 250 Wheel and nightly fireworks.
Looking for even more ideas? Check out our Events This Weekend page for the best things to do across the Carolinas.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Time: See individual event listings above
- Venue: Multiple venues across Charlotte, NC
- Address: Charlotte, NC
- Tickets: Available through each event’s official ticketing page
Tickets
Tickets for these events are available through Ticketmaster’s Charlotte events page. Prices and availability vary by event, so grab yours early for the most popular shows.