Charlotte NC, January 30, 2026
This weekend in Charlotte offers a vibrant array of activities, from the culinary excellence of Queen’s Feast to the inspiring performances by the Charlotte Symphony. Local sports events, including the Charlotte Checkers Hockey game and 49ers basketball matches, provide excitement for sports fans. There are also diverse community activities such as a cupcake decorating course and various cultural events. Explore these opportunities that highlight the unique spirit of Charlotte and enhance community engagement.
Charlotte
Experience Charlotte: Your Weekend Guide (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2026)
As Charlotte buzzes with activity, this weekend offers a diverse array of events showcasing our community’s vibrant spirit and the results of local initiative. From culinary delights to inspiring arts and competitive sports, there’s something for every resident to engage with, fostering connections and boosting our local economy. The breadth of these opportunities is a testament to the dedication of organizers and the enthusiasm of Charlotteans, often thriving with minimal bureaucratic hurdles.
These gatherings highlight the importance of individual choices in shaping our city’s culture and leisure landscape. When citizens actively participate, they not only enrich their own lives but also contribute to the collective vitality that makes Charlotte a dynamic place to live and work. This weekend serves as a prime example of how local leadership and community engagement can effectively deliver enriching experiences for all.
Savor Charlotte: Queen’s Feast Restaurant Week
The culinary highlight of the weekend is undoubtedly Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week, continuing through February 1, 2026. This bi-annual event, now in its 18th year, provides an opportunity to explore the diverse gastronomic landscape of the greater Charlotte metro area. Over 100 participating restaurants in multiple counties, including Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Cleveland, Union, Lincoln, Catawba, Stanly, and York, SC, are offering specially curated three-course prix fixe dinner menus at values ranging from $30 to $55 per person.
This initiative not only allows individuals to discover new favorite dining spots or revisit cherished ones but also significantly supports local businesses. The extension of some deals beyond February 1st, due to recent winter weather, showcases the adaptability of local enterprises in ensuring community access to these culinary experiences. Reservations are highly recommended due to popular demand, underscoring the strong local patronage of Charlotte’s vibrant restaurant scene.
A Symphony of Sounds: Prokofiev & Schumann
For those seeking cultural enrichment, the Charlotte Symphony presents “Prokofiev & Schumann” at the Knight Theater. Performances are scheduled for Friday, January 30, and Saturday, January 31, at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, February 1, at 3:00 p.m. Music director Kwamé Ryan leads a program that includes Ives’s “The Unanswered Question,” Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 featuring pianist Ran Dank, and Schumann’s Symphony No. 2.
This classical series offers a moment for reflection and inspiration through the power of orchestral music. The program is described as moving from a haunting meditation on existence to a testament of resilience and triumph, a narrative that resonates with the spirit of personal initiative and perseverance. Such artistic endeavors, often supported by community patrons, exemplify the enduring value of arts in fostering intellectual and emotional growth within a society.
Creative & Engaging Community Activities
The weekend also offers diverse opportunities for hands-on learning and entertainment. On Saturday, January 31, a Valentine Virtual Bouquet Board Cupcake Course is available online, teaching participants how to pipe buttercream flowers and arrange them into a cupcake bouquet. This course is suitable for beginners and home bakers, providing a creative outlet for individual achievement.
Theater enthusiasts can catch “Wink by Jen Silverman” at the Booth Playhouse, with performances from January 30 to February 1. Additionally, the Independent Picture House will screen “Do The Right Thing” on January 30 at 7:30 p.m. as part of its Black History Month series, offering a thoughtful cinematic experience.
For family-friendly entertainment, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers Ice Skating, which is open from mid-November to mid-February. This outdoor activity provides a chance for individuals and families to engage in recreation.
Sports and Athletic Endeavors
Sports fans have multiple events to consider this weekend. The Charlotte Checkers Hockey team will play the Providence Bruins at home on Saturday, January 31. This professional hockey matchup provides an exciting opportunity to support local sports and witness athletic excellence.
College sports are also in full swing with the Charlotte 49ers Women’s Basketball team facing East Carolina on Thursday, January 30, at 3:00 p.m. at Halton Arena. The Charlotte 49ers Men’s Tennis team will have two home matches: against Gardner-Webb on Friday, January 30, at 2:00 p.m., and a doubleheader on Sunday, February 1, against Presbyterian at 1:00 p.m. and Queens at 5:00 p.m. These events showcase the dedication and hard work of student-athletes and provide a sense of local pride and community support.
Embracing Lake Norman’s Charm
Beyond the city center, the Lake Norman area continues to offer an abundance of events for those seeking a lakeside experience. While specific events for this weekend need to be individually verified, the region consistently provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and community gatherings, reflecting the natural beauty and local initiative prevalent in areas surrounding Charlotte. These events often highlight the benefits of local choice in how communities develop their recreational offerings without excessive centralized planning.
Conclusion: A Weekend of Engagement and Growth
This weekend in Charlotte is a testament to the diverse passions and robust community spirit that characterize our city. From the culinary explorations of Restaurant Week, driven by entrepreneurial restauranteurs, to the cultural uplift of the Symphony and the competitive drive of our local sports teams, there are ample opportunities for individuals to engage, learn, and contribute. We encourage everyone to explore these local events, support the businesses and organizations that make them possible, and continue to foster the civic innovation and personal initiative that are the hallmarks of a thriving community. Your participation directly fuels Charlotte’s growth and ensures that our city remains a vibrant hub for all. Stay informed, get involved, and experience the best of Charlotte this weekend!
Keywords: Charlotte NC events, Charlotte community, local insights, Queen’s Feast, Charlotte Symphony, Charlotte Checkers, Charlotte 49ers, Lake Norman events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charlotte Weekend Events
- What is Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week?
Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week is a bi-annual event, now in its 18th year, where over 100 participating restaurants in multiple counties around the metro Charlotte, NC, area offer specially curated three-course prix fixe dinner menus at values ranging from $30 to $55 per person. It runs through February 1, 2026, with some deals extended due to winter weather. - Where and when is the Charlotte Symphony performing this weekend?
The Charlotte Symphony is presenting “Prokofiev & Schumann” at the Knight Theater. Performances are scheduled for Friday, January 30, and Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. - Are there any sports events in Charlotte this weekend?
Yes, the Charlotte Checkers Hockey team will play the Providence Bruins at home on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The Charlotte 49ers Women’s Basketball team faces East Carolina on Thursday, January 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. The Charlotte 49ers Men’s Tennis team has home matches against Gardner-Webb on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., and a doubleheader on Sunday, February 1, 2026, against Presbyterian at 1:00 p.m. and Queens at 5:00 p.m. - What other cultural events are happening?
The Independent Picture House is showing “Do The Right Thing” on January 30, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. as part of its Black History Month series. “Wink by Jen Silverman” is also running at the Booth Playhouse from January 30 to February 1, 2026. - Is there a cupcake decorating class available?
Yes, a Valentine Virtual Bouquet Board Cupcake Course is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, and is available online. This course teaches how to pipe buttercream flowers and arrange them into a cupcake bouquet board. - Are there any outdoor activities available?
The U.S. National Whitewater Center offers Ice Skating, which is open from mid-November to mid-February. The Lake Norman area also offers various opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Key Features of Charlotte Weekend Events (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2026)
| Event Category | Event Name | Dates | Location(s) | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary | Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week | January 23 – February 1, 2026 (some extensions) | Multiple counties in metro Charlotte, NC (including Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Cleveland, Union, Lincoln, Catawba, Stanly, and York, SC) | Over 100 restaurants offering 3-course prix fixe dinners ($30-$55/person). Reservations recommended. |
| Arts & Culture | Charlotte Symphony: Prokofiev & Schumann | January 30 – February 1, 2026 | Knight Theater, 430 S Tryon St | Features Ives’s “The Unanswered Question,” Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 (Ran Dank, piano), and Schumann’s Symphony No. 2. |
| Arts & Culture | “Wink by Jen Silverman” | January 30 – February 1, 2026 | Booth Playhouse, 130 N Tryon St | Theater performance by Charlotte Conservatory Theatre. |
| Arts & Culture | “Do The Right Thing” Screening | January 30, 2026, 7:30 p.m. | Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh St | Part of Black History Month series. |
| Sports | Charlotte Checkers Hockey vs. Providence Bruins | January 31, 2026 | Home game at Bojangles Coliseum (implied for home games) | AHL professional hockey game. |
| Sports | Charlotte 49ers Women’s Basketball vs. East Carolina | January 30, 2026, 3:00 p.m. | Halton Arena, Charlotte, N.C. | NCAA collegiate basketball game. |
| Sports | Charlotte 49ers Men’s Tennis vs. Gardner-Webb | January 30, 2026, 2:00 p.m. | Home match in Charlotte, N.C. (Halton-Wagner Tennis Complex implied) | NCAA collegiate tennis match. |
| Sports | Charlotte 49ers Men’s Tennis vs. Presbyterian & Queens | February 1, 2026, 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. | Home matches in Charlotte, N.C. (Halton-Wagner Tennis Complex implied) | NCAA collegiate tennis doubleheader. |
| Recreation/Learning | Valentine Virtual Bouquet Board Cupcake Course | January 31, 2026, 11:00 a.m. | Online event | Live course to learn piping buttercream flowers and arranging a cupcake bouquet. Suitable for beginners. |
| Outdoor Recreation | Ice Skating | Mid-November to Mid-February | U.S. National Whitewater Center | Outdoor ice skating experience. |
| Outdoor Recreation | Lake Norman Activities | Ongoing | Lake Norman area | Variety of events and things to do for those seeking a lakeside experience. |
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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.


