Charlotte NC, January 30, 2026

This weekend in Charlotte features a vibrant mix of events celebrating culinary excellence, cultural diversity, and community engagement. From the closing of Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week to the Chinese Lunar New Year Cultural Fair and various performances, residents have many opportunities to connect with each other and explore the dynamic nature of their city. Local partnerships and initiatives are instrumental in showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity that thrives in Charlotte. Engage in arts, culinary delights, and active pursuits that highlight the city’s commitment to innovation and community bonding.

Charlotte, NC

Charlotte’s Weekend: Innovation, Arts, and Community Spirit

As January transitions to February, Charlotte buzzes with a diverse array of events, showcasing the vibrant community spirit and local initiative that defines our city. From culinary delights to engaging performances, this weekend offers numerous opportunities for personal enrichment and civic engagement.

Local organizers and private partnerships are at the forefront of bringing these experiences to life, demonstrating how individual achievement and collaborative efforts can foster significant community growth. The streamlined coordination of these events reflects a commitment to minimizing bureaucracy, allowing creativity and participation to flourish across neighborhoods.

Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week Concludes

The highly anticipated Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week is drawing to a close this weekend, running through February 1st, 2026. This popular event highlights the culinary excellence across the metro Charlotte area, with over 100 participating restaurants offering specially curated prix fixe dinner menus at various price points. Due to recent winter weather, many restaurants have extended their participation beyond February 1st, some as late as February 8th, allowing more residents to experience the diverse gastronomic landscape of the region.

This initiative underscores the vitality of the local dining scene and the entrepreneurial spirit of restaurant owners. The flexibility shown by extending the event also reflects a practical approach to challenges, benefiting both businesses and patrons alike.

Cultural Immersion: Lunar New Year and Arts

On Saturday, January 31st, the Chinese Lunar New Year Cultural Fair offers a rich cultural experience at South Mecklenberg Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. Attendees can celebrate the Year of the Horse with activity stations and food from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This event provides a wonderful opportunity for the community to engage with and appreciate the diverse cultural traditions present in Charlotte.

Also on Saturday, January 31st, Puppet Palooza Puppetry Festival takes place at ImaginON: The Joe and Joan Martin Center from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This festival, featuring a variety of puppet performances, fosters creativity and offers engaging entertainment for families and children.

For those interested in the visual arts, the Saturday Night “Sip & See @ the Gallery” event is scheduled for January 31st at the Real African Art Gallery in Charlotte, starting at 7:00 PM. This provides an opportunity to support local artists and engage with the vibrant art community.

Performing Arts and Live Entertainment

The performing arts scene is particularly robust this weekend. The Charlotte Symphony presents “Prokofiev & Schumann” at the Knight Theater, with performances running from January 30th to February 1st, 2026. Theater enthusiasts can also catch “Wink by Jen Silverman” at the Booth Playhouse, with shows from January 30th to February 1st, 2026. On January 31st, the Stage Door Theater hosts “From the Studio to the Stage”, and the Belk Theater features “The Culture 2000 Tour”.

Comedy fans have multiple options at The Comedy Zone – Charlotte. On Saturday, January 31st, Zainab Johnson is scheduled to perform. On Sunday, February 1st, Zainab Johnson also has a performance. These acts exemplify the individual initiative of performers and the role of local venues in providing diverse entertainment options.

Active Pursuits and Community Gatherings

For those seeking active engagement, the Frigid Trail Race and Plunge takes place at the U.S. National Whitewater Center on Saturday, January 31st, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This event offers 5K and 10K options, followed by a plunge into the Deep Water Solo pool. Additionally, Ice Skating at the Whitewater Center remains open through mid-February, offering a seasonal recreational activity.

The Charlotte Punk Flea Market is set for Sunday, February 1st, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Snug Harbor in Plaza Midwood. This free admission event showcases vintage clothes, vinyl records, toys, original art, handmade jewelry, and retro video games, highlighting local entrepreneurship and unique community interests.

Weekend Music and Classical Performances

Music lovers can enjoy WinterFest 2026, which concludes this weekend. On Saturday, January 31st, “Vivaldi’s Gloria” will be performed at 7:30 PM. On Sunday, February 1st, an “Organ Recital with Lester Ackerman” is scheduled for 3:00 PM. These performances offer a chance to experience classical music in Charlotte, blending masterworks with fresh perspectives.

Sporting Events

Sports enthusiasts have opportunities to cheer on local teams. On Saturday, January 31st, the Spurs play the Hornets at Spectrum Center. On Sunday, February 1st, the Charlotte Checkers are scheduled to play the Providence Bruins at 1:00 PM. Also on February 1st, the Charlotte 49ers Women’s Basketball team will play East Carolina at 3:00 PM.

Charlotte’s vibrant calendar for this weekend demonstrates the robust civic innovation and individual achievement that drives our community. From engaging cultural festivals and captivating performances to culinary adventures and sporting events, the diverse offerings highlight the richness that emerges when local leadership and private partnerships thrive. We encourage all residents to explore these Charlotte NC events, support local initiatives, and actively participate in shaping our dynamic Charlotte community. Your involvement strengthens the bonds that make our city an exceptional place to live, work, and connect. Stay informed about local gatherings and contribute to the ongoing success of the Charlotte weekend scene.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charlotte’s Weekend Events

This section provides answers to common questions about the upcoming events in Charlotte.

• What are some of the top events happening in Charlotte on January 31st and February 1st, 2026?
  Top events include the conclusion of Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week, the Chinese Lunar New Year Cultural Fair, Puppet Palooza Puppetry Festival, ‘Saturday Night “Sip & See @ the Gallery”‘, performances by the Charlotte Symphony and “Wink by Jen Silverman”, comedy shows at The Comedy Zone, the Frigid Trail Race and Plunge, the Charlotte Punk Flea Market, WinterFest 2026 performances, and local sporting events like the Spurs at Hornets and Charlotte Checkers games.
• Is Charlotte Restaurant Week still happening this weekend?
  Yes, Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week concludes on February 1st, 2026. Many participating restaurants have extended their special prix fixe menus beyond this date, with some offerings available until February 8th.
• Are there any family-friendly events this weekend in Charlotte?
  Yes, family-friendly events include the Chinese Lunar New Year Cultural Fair on January 31st, and the Puppet Palooza Puppetry Festival at ImaginON on January 31st.
• Where can I find live performances or shows in Charlotte this weekend?
  Live performances include the Charlotte Symphony’s “Prokofiev & Schumann” and “Wink by Jen Silverman” at Blumenthal Arts venues. The Comedy Zone also features stand-up performances, including Zainab Johnson on January 31st and February 1st. WinterFest 2026 concludes with classical music performances.
• Are there any outdoor or active events scheduled?
  Yes, the Frigid Trail Race and Plunge takes place at the U.S. National Whitewater Center on January 31st, offering 5K and 10K races followed by a plunge. Ice skating is also available at the Whitewater Center.
• What kind of sporting events are happening?
  Sporting events include the Spurs at Hornets game on January 31st, the Charlotte Checkers vs. Providence Bruins on February 1st, and the Charlotte 49ers Women’s Basketball game against East Carolina on February 1st.

Key Features of Charlotte’s Weekend Events

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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.