News Summary
Charlotte, North Carolina, is gearing up for an action-packed Memorial Day weekend, featuring a variety of events including the Charlotte Water Lantern Festival, Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race, and family-friendly cookouts. Attendees can enjoy music, sports, community wellness activities, and a tribute to military personnel across the city. With events tailored for all ages, this weekend promises to be a memorable experience for residents and visitors alike.
Charlotte, N.C. Prepares for a Fun-Filled Memorial Day Weekend
Charlotte, North Carolina, is set to host a dynamic lineup of events over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, starting Saturday, May 25, 2025, and continuing through Monday, May 27, 2025. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a rich mix of entertainment options, including festivals, sports, concerts, and family-friendly activities.
The Charlotte Water Lantern Festival on Saturday is a highlight, taking place at Symphony Park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Gates will open at 6 p.m., offering attendees a chance to enjoy a variety of food trucks, live music, and activities suitable for families. Tickets, which include a lantern kit and drawstring bag, are priced between $30.99 and $57.99. Admission is free for children under eight years old.
On Sunday, the excitement continues with the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, kicking off at 6 p.m. This prestigious event will feature a pre-race concert by the popular band Old Dominion. Fans can look forward to a thrilling day filled with high-speed racing and music.
Sporting events remain a key focus this weekend, with Charlotte FC hosting a match against Columbus Crew on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Additionally, the Charlotte Knights will be competing against the Round Rock Express at Truist Field over the weekend.
Families can attend a Reggae Memorial Day Family Cookout on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.. This free event will feature live music, a range of food vendors, and engaging games for children and adults alike. For those looking for a relaxed atmosphere, Camp North End will host its inaugural Brunch at the Boileryard on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., providing live music and an array of drink options.
Community health and wellness will also be highlighted with the Mad Miles Run Club, which invites participants for a group run starting from Social Status on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. For yoga enthusiasts, Habitual Yoga sessions will be held at Freedom Park Amphitheater every Monday at 6:30 p.m., fostering community connections alongside yoga practice.
This Memorial Day weekend also sees several events honoring military personnel, with free admission for active-duty, retired, and veteran members of the U.S. military at select festivities with valid identification.
Saturday’s activities include a community block party at Camden Commons from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring local vendors and live music. This is complemented by the ongoing performances of “Les Misérables” at Belk Theater, running through Sunday, with ticket prices starting at $47.
On Monday, May 27, a Memorial Day Ceremony will take place at Veterans Park in Huntersville starting at 11 a.m., providing an opportunity for the community to honor and remember those who have served in the military. Additionally, the Carolina Harbor Waterpark will officially open its doors on Saturday at 11 a.m., featuring a new adults-only swim-up bar for visitors looking to cool off.
The Whitewater Center will celebrate the holiday weekend with yoga classes and live music, ensuring that visitors can enjoy both physical activity and entertainment. Other unique events include a speed dating opportunity at the Urban District Market and an open mic night at Triple C Brewing Company.
Community markets will also thrive over the weekend with a pop-up market at Victoria Yards and a vendor market at The Chamber by Wooden Robot. Participants can kickstart their Sunday with the Charlotte Honor Ride, which begins at Thompson Park at 9 a.m., honoring those who have served while promoting health and community spirit.
Overall, the Memorial Day weekend in Charlotte promises a blend of festive celebrations, meaningful tributes, and opportunities for fun and engagement across the community.
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.


