CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — This weekend features football, in both meanings of the word, from the Panthers preseason finale against the Texans to Carolina Ascent’s home opener after going 2-0 to start the regular season. If that’s not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other events happening this weekend.
Here’s a list of some of the major Queen City Happenings 👇
Charlotte Knights Host Memphis Redbirds
This week, the Charlotte Knights host the Memphis Redbirds. Each night at Truist Field features a new theme. Friday night features the usual post-game fireworks and Margaritaville-themed activities and concessions. Enjoy pre-game entertainment from the Party Parrot Duo and visit the Free Spirit Parrot Sanctuary on the concourse. The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a Margaritaville Hawaiian T-shirt.
Saturday night is Hits for Hope Night, presented by Riverstone Logistics. On Sunday, after the game, everyone will run the bases on the field.
Tickets for the games can be found here.
The Cher Show at Booth Playhouse
For one weekend only, the hit, Tony Award-winning musical The Cher Show takes the Booth Playhouse stage to tell the unforgettable legacy of superstar icon, Cher. The musical features 35 of her biggest hits and showcases recreations of her famous outfits, rock-star husbands, and a live orchestra.
Tickets start at $25.76. Get your tickets now.
Titanic: The Exhibition
Immerse yourself in the past and take yourself back to 1912. For two months, you can rediscover the tales of the Titanic as you’ve never seen before. Visit the dock where the Titanic first sailed, the galleries and boiler rooms, and the Grand Staircase.
This limited-time exhibition is being held at The Park Expo & Conference Center in Charlotte. Tickets vary depending on the day. Visit the website for tickets.
Whitewater Center River Jam
The Whitewater Center’s River Jam runs Thursday through Saturday from May through September and features over 80 live outdoor concerts. The series features local and national touring bands highlighting Americana, Roots, and Soul/R&B sounds.
Check out the Whitewater Center website for the full list of events and live acts.
FRIDAY, AUG. 28
Panthers Host Texans in Preseason Finale
The Panthers are 2-1 this preseason, and the finale has come to Bank of America Stadium, where the guys face the Houston Texans. The two teams had a joint practice Wednesday, where the teams got a little preview of Friday’s game.
The game starts at 7 p.m. Tickets can be found here.
SATURDAY, AUG. 29
Mid-Autumn Festival Cultural Fair
Charlotte Chinese Story Time invites families to join them for the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival Cultural Fair. This festival, typically celebrated on Oct. 6, is one of the most significant events in Chinese culture, celebrating the full moon, family reunion, gratitude, and togetherness. Also known as the Moon Festival, this event offers residents traditional games, performances, and family experiences, from mooncake making to lamp making and crafts.
This year’s cultural fair will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Marion Diehl Recreation Center, using both the Full Gym and Multipurpose Room.
Carolina Panthers Keep Pounding High School Classic
Indian Land, Northwestern, Cardinal Gibbons, and Hough celebrating their invites to the 2026 Keep Pounding Classic at Bank of America Stadium; Credit: Carolina Panthers
The annual Keep Pounding High School Classic is back at Bank of America Stadium. This year’s doubleheader features Indian Land vs. Northwestern at 4:00 p.m., followed by Cardinal Gibbons vs. Hough at 8:00 p.m.
The Northwestern Trojans, 13-1 in 2025, are aiming for their third straight 5A state title. Indian Land went 11-2 in 2025 and made it to the 5A state semifinals. Hough, who was also invited to the Keep Pounding Classic in 2025, finished their season 14-0 and won their first-ever 8A state title.Â
Tickets are $10. You can purchase yours here.
Carolina Ascent FC Home Opener
Charlotte’s own professional women’s soccer team returns home after starting the 2026 Fall season on the road. Carolina opened the season on the road against DC Power FC, earning its first win of the season 1-0. Ascent made history after beating Dallas Trinity FC 3-1 last Saturday, becoming the first club in Gainbridge Super League history to reach 30 regular-season wins.
Carolina hosts the Tampa Bay Sun at American Legion Memorial Stadium, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available here.
Rick Ross: Port of Miami 20th Anniversary Tour
Hip-hop icon Rick Ross is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album Port of Miami with a live orchestral performance at Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Ross will be joined by the Renaissance Orchestra and the Sainted Trap Choir. Guests are encouraged to dress in formal black-tie attire.
Tickets start at $92.49. Purchase your tickets here.
SUNDAY, AUG. 30
Grief Sucks: A One Man Show by Comedian KevOnStage
Comedian, actor, and New York Times bestselling author KevOnStage is taking his grief on the road. Kev, whose real name is Kevin Fredericks, will be stopping at the Fillmore on his Grief Sucks: A One Man Show stand-up tour. Fredericks works through the grief and sadness of losing his big brother, creative partner, manager, and best friend in 2022 through comedy.
The completely sold-out show starts at 7:30 p.m.
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