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It’s about to be one hot summer. Event calendars at venues across the Charlotte area are heating up with fun things to do, no matter what you’re into.

This year’s Summer Guide is packed with returning favorites like Charlotte Squawks, the Yiasou Greek Festival and the Charlotte Black Film Festival, plus newcomers like The Queen City Jam Session, a three-day music festival at NoDa Brewing Company. So slap on the sunscreen, grab your crew and get in the sun while it’s still livable.

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Live Music

The Fillmore 

820 Hamilton St.

June 22: Pusha T
June 24: Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
June 25: Motion City Soundtrack
July 2: Purity Ring
July 25: Sleeping With Sirens
August 13: Anthrax w/ Black Label Society
August 23: Teyana Taylor
September 8: DPR
September 18: Alec Benjamin

The Underground

820 Hamilton St.

June 24: Memphis May Fire
June 25: LÉON
July 1: Des Rocs w/ The Blue Stones
July 2: Social House
July 10: Billy Howerdel
July 12: The Wrecks
July 19: Avatar
July 28: Boy Pablo
July 30: Sean Kingston
August 2: Polyphia
August 5: Sasha Alex Sloan
August 6: Ken Carson
August 9: Northlane
August 11: Coi Leray
August 12: BLXST
August 16: Pinegrove
August 19: Sleigh Bells
August 24: Hoodie Allen
August 27: Kany Garcia
September 1: Jay Critch
September 7: Apocalyptica
September 8: Alex Isley
September 9: Wild Rivers
September 19: Ashe
September 22: Matt Maeson

PNC Music Pavilion

707 Pavilion Blvd.

June 24: Backstreet Boys
June 30: Train
July 1: Chicago and Brian Wilson w/ Al Jardine, Blondie Chaplin
July 8: OneRepublic
July 14: The Chicks
July 22: Luke Bryan
July 23: Tedeschi Trucks Band
July 24: Rob Zombie and Mudvayne
July 25: The Doobie Brothers
July 27: The Black Keys w/ Band of Horses
July 29: Jason Aldean
August 6: Styx w/ REO Speedwagon, Loverboy
August 9: Chris Brown w/ Lil Baby
August 10: Encanto: The Sing Along Film Concert
August 11: Wiz Khalifa w/ Logic
August 12: Keith Urban
August 13: KIDZ BOP Live
August 23: Jack Johnson
August 26: Rod Stewart w/ Cheap Trick
August 31: KoRn w/ Evanescence
September 6: Five Finger Death Punch
September 18: Wu-Tang Clan w/ Nas
September 10: Outlaw Music Festival featuring Willie Nelson, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Billy Strings, Larkin Poe and Charley Crockett

Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre 

1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.

June 23: H.E.R.
July 3: 5 Seconds of Summer
July 8: Whiskey Myers
July 16: Big Time Rush
July 24: Coheed and Cambria
July 29: Iration and Atmosphere
July 30: Halestorm w/ The Pretty Reckless, The Warning, Lilith Czar
August 2: Alicia Keys
August 5: Kehlani
August 12: David Gray
August 18: Brett Eldredge
August 20: Andrew McMahon in The Wilderness w/ Dashboard Confessional
August 25: Jack white
August 26: Goo Goo Dolls
August 27: Jamey Johnson
August 30: Lauv w/ Hayley Kiyoko
August 31: Dispatch w/ O.A.R.
September 15: Koe Wetzel
September 17: Lake Street drive
September 20: The Head and The Heart

Ovens Auditorium

2700 E. Independence Blvd.

June 29: Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
July 9: El Gran Combo
July 15: Biz Markie Tribute Concert
July 16: Steely Dan
July 28: Vince Gill
July 30: R&B Kickback Concert
August 4: Gladys Knight
August 5: Matute
August 12: Brit Floyd
August 16: A.R. Rahman
August 21: Bronco
September 2: Intocable
September 3: Daughtry
September 8: The Temptations w/ The Four Tops

Spectrum Center

333 E. Trade St.

June 21: Machine Gun Kelly
June 24: James Taylor
July 12: New Kids on the Block
July 22: Shawn Mendes
August 2: Kendrick Lamar
August 10: Why Don’t We
August 27: The Lumineers
September 4: Twenty One Pilots
September 20: Karol G

Bank of America Stadium

800 S. Mint St.

June 28: Def Leppard w/ Mötley Crüe, Poison, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
July 15-16: Garth Brooks
Sept. 1: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Sept. 18: Elton John

U.S. National Whitewater Center 

5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy.

The U.S. Whitewater Center’s River Jam features live music on an outdoor stage every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. from May through September. Genres span roots rock, Americana, bluegrass, folk and funk. Other activities include yoga, open-water swims and rafting down the rapids. Admission is free aside from parking.

Celebrate America

June 22 | 8:30 p.m. | Truist Field | $25 and up

The Charlotte Symphony performs patriotic favorites and memorable anthems and marches followed by a fireworks finale against the backdrop of the Charlotte skyline.

South by South End Music Festival

June 25 | Noon-8 p.m. | Lenny Boy Brewing | Free

South End’s annual music festival features food trucks, vendors, drinks on tap and a lineup of musical artists including singer-songwriter Emi Grace; indie-rock group Whitehall; indie-rock and left-field hip-hop trio RDGLDGRN, and reggae-rock band Simplified.

Live at 11

July 1, Aug. 5 & Sept. 2 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Ballantyne’s Backyard | $10, free for 5 and under

Various artists perform in this outdoor concert series on the first Friday of each month from July through September. Food trucks will be on site. Ticket proceeds benefit Classroom Central.

Jazz at the Bechtler

July 1 | 6 & 8 p.m. | Bechtler Museum | $16-20

American actress, singer and voiceover artist Maria Howell joins the Ziad Jazz Quartet to perform songs such as “Someone to Watch Over Me” by George and Ira Gershwin, “The Lady Is a Tramp” by Rodgers and Hart, and “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” by Ella Fitzgerald.

Jam at The Dam

Fridays, July 22-September 9 | The Boathouse, McAdenville | Free

Catawba Riverkeeper’s family- and pet-friendly live music event series takes place Friday nights at The Boathouse. Bring your own lawn chair and arrive anytime after 4 p.m. Rent a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard from 4:30-6:30 p.m. with music to follow. Rotating food trucks will be on site at each event.

The Queen City Jam Session

August 19-21 | Times vary | NoDa Brewing NorthEnd Taproom | $189 and up

A three-day music festival at NoDa Brewing featuring Greensky Bluegrass, Oteil & Friends, The Infamous Stringdusters and others for a total of 40 bands and solo artists. There will also be food trucks and art vendors on side throughout the weekend.

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Arts, Culture, Food & Drink

Knight Theater

430 S. Tryon St.

June 30: An Evening With Mo’Nique and Friends
The original “Queen of Comedy,” Mo’Nique has captivated audiences around the world in stand-up comedy, television, film and literature.
More: $55 and up; 8 p.m.

July 15: Bored Teachers Summer Break Comedy Tour
Bored Teachers, a platform for educators to escape and find humor in the frustration and exhaustion that comes with teaching, brings its teacher-comedians to the stage.
More: $30 and up; 8 p.m.

July 16: Cuzzin Clyde
Comedian and Charlotte native Cuzzin Clyde captivates audiences with his stories of transitioning from the streets to the stage, raising his daughters, being incarcerated and relationships.
More: $25 and up; 8 p.m.

July 22: The Fab Four
The Fab Four is an Emmy-award-winning Beatles tribute band that will make you think you are watching the real thing, with uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics.
More: $21.50 and up; 8 p.m.

July 23: Tosco Music Beatles Tribute
A popular Charlotte tradition where local and regional acts perform Beatles songs in a variety of music genres.
More: $21.50 and up; 7:30 p.m.

August 18: Comedy Bang! Bang!
Scott Aukerman takes his long-running podcast and talk show parody, Comedy Bang! Bang!, on the road with comedian Paul F. Tompkins, plus a rotating cast of “CBB All-Stars” to be announced.
More: $39.75 and up; 7 p.m.

August 20: Mary Chapin Carpenter
Award-winning American rock, folk, and country music singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter has sold over 15 million records during the course of her acclaimed career. In 2020, she released two albums, The Dirt And The Stars and One Night Lonely.
More: $45 and up; 8 p.m.

September 2: Incognito w/ Maysa
Led by Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick, the acid-jazz collective Incognito has placed 15 singles on the U.K. pop chart. Contemporary jazz vocalist Maysa Leak has been featured on many Incognito recordings.
More: $49 and up; 8 p.m.

September 3: PJ Morton
R&B and soul singer, songwriter, performer and producer PJ Morton’s latest project, Gospel According to PJ, earned the 2021 Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album.
More: $29.50 and up; 8 p.m.

September 9: Ruben Studdard Sings Luther Vandross
An evening of your favorite Luther Vandross hits sung by Ruben Studdard, an American R&B, pop and gospel singer known for winning the second season of American Idol.
More: $37.50 and up; 7:30 p.m.

September 15: Girls Gotta Eat
Comedic duo Ashely Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg bring their top comedy podcast, Girls Gotta Eat, to the stage. During the show, they’ll answer questions about sex, dating and relationships in a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience.
More: $42.50 and up; 7:30 p.m.

September 16: Little Feat
Little Feat was originally formed in Los Angeles in 1969, but disbanded shortly before lead vocalist and guitarist Lowell George’s death in 1979. Surviving members re-formed Little Feat in 1987. Their music is described as a mix of California rock, funk, folk, jazz, country, rockabilly and New Orleans swamp boogie.
More: $59.50 and up; 8 p.m.

Belk Theater 

130 N. Tryon St.

June 15-26: Disney’s Frozen
This Tony-nominated musical features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar-winning movie, plus an expanded score, stunning sets and costumes, special effects and powerhouse performances.
More: $40 and up; dates and times vary

July 2: Charlotte Symphony: The Music of The Rolling Stones
Charlotte Symphony performs Windborne’s The Music Of The Rolling Stones: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards 1969 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rolling Stones iconic albums, Beggar’s Banquet and Let It Bleed.
More: $36 and up; 7:30 p.m.

July 8: Harmony Homecoming (An Unforgettable Evening With Champion Barbershop Quartets)
The show includes performances by Nightlight, Crossroads, After Hours, Forefront, Interstate Rivals, Main Street, Signature and Vocal Spectrum.
More: $25 and up; 7:30 p.m.

July 15-17: Blue Man Group
Through non-verbal comedy, percussion instruments and vibrant color, the Blue Man Group engages audiences of all ages with the universal language of humor.
More: $29.50 and up; times vary

July 26-31: To Kill a Mockingbird
A play based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1960 novel of the same name, adapted for the stage by Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin. Rolling Stone calls it “an emotionally shattering landmark production of an American classic.”
More: $25 and up; times vary

August 13: “Weird Al” Yankovic
Drawing from his back catalog of 14 studio albums, the show will feature Yankovic’s non-parody material – the somewhat more obscure pastiches and original songs that have largely flown under the pop culture radar.
More: $55 and up; 8 p.m.

September 6-11: Mean Girls
Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls is the hit musical based on the 2004 movie of the same name. It comes from an award-winning creative team, including writer Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).
More: $25 and up; times vary

Ovens Auditorium

2700 E. Independence Blvd.

June 24: The Masked Singer National Tour
Hosted by singer Natasha Bedingfield, this one-of-a-kind live experience features characters from the TV show plus a surprise celebrity guest.
More: $39.75 and up; 8 p.m.

June 25: Jurassic Park in Concert
Experience Jurassic Park as you’ve never seen it before — projected on a giant screen while the Charlotte Symphony performs the score live in-sync with the film.
More: $74 and up; 7:30 p.m.

July 7: Celeste Barber
Hailed as the “Australian Queen of Comedy,” Celeste Barber originally rose to fame for comedically recreating photos and videos of celebrities on social media.
More: $44.50 and up, 7 p.m.

July 23: Eddie B
What started as a series of videos titled “What Teachers Really Want to Say” has since turned into a full-blown stand-up comedy gig for Eddie B, who gives an uncensored and hysterically realistic portrayal of a teacher’s hectic life from the point of view of an actual teacher.
More: $35 and up; 8 p.m.

August 19: Kurtis Conner
A night of stand-up comedy from Canadian YouTuber, podcaster and country music artist Kurtis Conner.
More: $40 and up; 7 p.m.

August 26: George Lopez
Grammy-nominated comedian, actor and TV host Geroge Lopez’s latest stand-up comedy tour OMG Hi! is a nod to his podcast of the same name.
More: $39 and up; 7 p.m.

September 9: Jim Jefferies
Australian comedian Jim Jefferies entertains audiences across the globe with his provocative, belief-challenging and thought-provoking comedy.
More: $39.75 and up; 7 p.m.

September 19: Wheel of Fortune Live!
Take a spin to solve the puzzles in person, just like you see on TV. Audience members can try out to go on stage and play to win big at every show, and some will be randomly selected to win cash and prizes.
More: $45 and up; 8 p.m.

Booth Playhouse

130 N. Tryon St.

Now-June 26: Charlotte Squawks: NC-17
The SNL-meets-Broadway cast of Charlotte performers is back and ready to tackle politics, sports and pop culture in the Queen City.
More: $24.50 and up; dates and times vary

July 2-3: La Bestia: A Circus Journey
A brand new work of innovation, acrobatics, music and spoken word that’s an homage to the Latinx community, while also aiming to open conversation about the reality of immigration in the United States and around the world.
More: $10 and up; times vary

July 22: Tigran Asatryan
A popular Armenian singer, Tigran Asatryan carries on his father Aram Asatryan’s legacy in Armenian pop and “rabiz” music.
More: $65 and up; 6:30 p.m.

July 23-24: Random Acts of Kindness
A show featuring athletic, dance and circus arts brings to life a few ways that we can show appreciation for ourselves, others and the Earth.
More: $20 and up; times vary

August 7: An Evening With The Petersens
An Americana roots band featuring tight family harmonies and an uplifting and authentic music experience, The Petersens are known worldwide for their YouTube videos that have more than 150 million views.
More: Price TBA; 7:30 p.m.

August 19: The Second City Remix
For over 60 years, The Second City has been the world’s first name in laughter. Now the next generation in improv comedy is mashing up the troupe’s greatest hits with brand-new material for this show.
More: $34.50 and up; 7:30 p.m.

August 28: House Full of Secrets
A stage play about a family who has Earth-shattering secrets.
More: $15; 7 p.m.

Stage Door Theater

155 N. College St.

July 8-9: Jeff Tain Watts Quartet
The Grammy-winning master drummer and composer performs his recent works, joined by his all-star quartet.
More: $20; times vary

July 22: Guilherme Arantes
Guilherme Arantes is one of the most famous and recognized composers and performers of modern Brazilian music.
More: $25 and up; 7:30 p.m.

August 12-13: Tenor Madness
A cast of the top tenor saxophonists from around the region and beyond take to the stage.
More: $20; times vary

September 2-3: Pedrito Martinez
Havana-born Latin jazz superstar, percussionist Pedrito Martinez deliver vibrant Afro-Cuban sounds along with his powerhouse ensemble.
More: $25; times vary

Spectrum Center

333 E. Trade St.

June 26: Dude Perfect
YouTube sensations Tyler Toney, Cody Jones, Garrett Hilbert and twins Coby and Cory Cotton compete in battles, tell their laugh-out-loud stories and get a little messy in the process during this family-friendly show.
More: $32.50 and up; 6 p.m.

September 11: Kevin Hart
Comedian and blockbuster actor Kevin Hart may be little, but he’ll be bringing big laughs to an almost sold-out show at the Spectrum Center.
More: $39.50 and up; 7 p.m.

Mint Museum Randolph

2730 Randolph Road

June 26, July 31 & August 28: Party in the Park
Enjoy free admission to the museum, food trucks, live music, special programming and a cash bar on the front terrace.
More: Free; 1-5 p.m.

July 16: Diedrick Brackens: ark of bulrushes
An opening celebration of an exhibit featuring works by Los Angeles-based artist Diedrick Brackens, who is known for making colorful textiles about African American and queer histories. The event includes a dance and drum performance of African Diaspora arts and an artist talk with Brackens and curator Lauren R. O’Connell.
More: Free; 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Bechtler Museum

420 S. Tryon St.

June 23: Sonya Pfeiffer on Art, Justice & The Law
Participants will hear from Sonya Pfeiffer, a civil rights and criminal defense attorney, award-winning journalist, documentary filmmaker, podcaster, and owner and creative director of Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art.
More: $20; 7 p.m.

Wednesday Night Live

Every Wednesday | 5-9 p.m. | Locations vary | Free

Presented by Bank of America, Wednesday Night Live includes free admission to the Mint Museum, Bechtler Museum and Gantt Center every Wednesday, as well as live entertainment or programming at one of the four Levine Center for the Arts institutions each week. Special programming ranges from Brazilian dance performances to spoken-word artists to film screenings.

Crayola IDEAworks

Now-September 5 | Times vary | Camp North End | $25 and up

Upon being transported to the Colorverse, guests are assigned Craymojis, characters that represent the creative aspects of their personalities, which then guide them through a personalized family-friendly journey in which they encounter problem-solving activities.

Unseen Oceans

Now-September 18 | Times vary | Discovery Place Science | $18 and up

Discovery Place Science harnesses technology to share subterranean sights ranging from zooplankton to blue whales and giant squid. Climb into a scale model of a deep sea submersible to marvel at the 37-mile-long Hudson Canyon undersea trench.

Crossroads Cinema

Thursdays through September 8 | 8 p.m. | Camp North End | Free

Every Thursday this summer, catch iconic 80s and 90s movies like Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, E.T. and The Goonies on a jumbo screen with surround sound and retro arcade games against the backdrop of the historic Ford building.

12th Annual Charlotte Black Film Festival

June 23-26 | Times vary | University Hilton | Prices vary

Four days of educational and empowering film screenings, panel discussions, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities. The Charlotte Black Film Festival’s Red Carpet “Vision Awards” will recognize the achievements of emerging actors, composers, screenwriters and directors.

Bringing Worlds Together

June 24 | 6 p.m. | Studio 229 on Brevard | $20-50

A fusion of art, live music, cultural cuisine and a fashion show featuring local designers, hosted at the Brooklyn Collective. Proceeds benefit the Grooming Greatness Foundation’s mission to educate, enrich and empower youth from underserved communities through exposure to visual and performing arts.

Cirque & Dance Up-Close

June 25 | 3 & 7 p.m. | Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center | $12-17

Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center faculty members perform in an intimate atmosphere.

Camden Commons

June 26 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Camden Road | Free

Part of Camden Road in South End will be closed to vehicular traffic as the street transforms into an “outdoor living room,” where visitors can hang out, shop pop-up vendors, discover new food, play games, listen to music and get creative.

Queen’s Feast: Summer Edition

July 22-31 | Locations vary | $30-45

Also known as Charlotte Restaurant Week, Queen’s Feast is a prime opportunity to experience the region’s culinary variety with three-course, prix fixe dining deals at dozens of restaurants around the metro area.

FabFest

July 22-23 | Times vary | Knight Theater & Central Piedmont Community College | Free-$68.50

A weekend celebration of Beatles music that includes two concerts at the Knight Theater — The Fab Four at 8 p.m. on July 22 and Tosco Music Beatles Tribute at 7:30 p.m. on July 23 — and FabFest Daytime, a full day of live music, memorabilia, speakers and activities from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on July 23 at The Parr Center at Central Piedmont Community College.

Homegrown Tomato Festival 

July 23 | Noon-4 p.m. | Central Piedmont Community College | $25-45

A festival featuring a Home Growers Competition, tomato sandwiches, local farmers, live music, veggie based cocktail sampling and chef cooking demos and tastings. Proceeds benefit 100 Gardens, a nonprofit that creates learning opportunities by implementing aquaponics gardening programs in schools, institutions and communities of need.

WAR on the Catwalk

August 17 | 8 p.m. | The Fillmore Charlotte | $52.50 and up

Drag queens from all over the world converge on one stage. Hosted by Miz Cracker and Brooke Lynn Hytes.

Tacos ‘N Taps Festival

August 20 | Noon-5 p.m. | Ballantyne’s Backyard | $30 and up

An all-you-care-to-taste beer and tequila festival featuring over 15 taco trucks, taquerias and Mexican restaurants, dueling margarita bars, mariachi bands, shopping, a hot pepper eating contest and lawn games.

Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade

August 20-21 | Times vary | Uptown Charlotte | Free

Charlotte Pride returns for a full-scale, in-person LGBTQ celebration to mark its 20th anniversary and 40 years of Pride legacy in the Queen City.

Yiasou Greek Festival

September 8-11 | Times vary | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral | $5, free for 12 and under

Since 1978, the Yiasou Greek Festival has become one of Charlotte’s largest cultural events. It features Hellenic cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine and homemade pastries, entertainment, live music and dancing, wine tastings, art, shopping and more.

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Sports

Charlotte Knights

Truist Field, 324 S. Mint St.

Be sure to check out the website for promotional nights ranging from Bark in the Park to playing catch on the game before the game. Per usual, Friday nights at home are always wrapped up with a firework display.

June 28-July 3 vs. Durham
July 12-17 vs. Lehigh Valley
Aug. 2-7 vs. Gwinnett
Aug. 16-21 vs. Syracuse
Aug: 30-Sept. 4 vs. Durham
Sept. 6-11 vs. Nashville

Carolina Panthers 

Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St.

Preseason
August 26 vs. Buffalo Bills
Regular season
September 11 vs. Cleveland Browns

Charlotte FC

Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St.

June 30 vs. Austin FC
July 9 vs. Nashville FC
July 30 vs. Columbus Crew
Aug. 3 vs. D.C. United
Aug. 6 vs. Chicago Fire FC
Aug. 21 vs. Orlando City SC
Aug. 27 vs. Toronto FC
Sept. 10 vs. New York City FC

Charlotte Independence

American Legion Memorial Stadium, 310 N. Kings Drive

June 26 vs. Forward Madison FC
July 8 vs. Richmond Kickers
July 29 vs. Central Valley Fuego FC
Aug. 5 vs. Forward Madison FC
Aug. 27 vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Aug. 31 vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC
Sept. 9 vs. Greenville Triumph SC

Charlotte Motor Speedway

5555 Concord Pkwy. S

June 21-Aug. 2: Summer Shootout
Aug. 20: Circle K Monster Truck Bash

President’s Cup

September 20-25 | Times vary | Quail Hollow Club | $60 and up

The world’s best male golfers will converge on Quail Hollow Club for the Presidents Cup, a biennial global team competition between the United States and an international team. Instead of prize money, competitors allocate equal portions of the funds generated to charities of their choice.