Charlotte, NC, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Charlotte, NC, is set for an action-packed weekend featuring the Carolina Panthers’ home opener, the Charlotte Knights’ Fan Appreciation Weekend, and the beloved Festival in the Park. Sports fans can enjoy a thrilling football matchup while families can explore cultural festivals and culinary delights. With activities spanning art, baseball, and live performances, there’s something for every visitor and resident to engage with and enjoy during this vibrant weekend.
Charlotte
The weekend of September 19-21, 2025, promises an array of exciting events in Charlotte, NC, including the Carolina Panthers’ home opener, the Charlotte Knights’ Fan Appreciation Weekend, and the long-standing Festival in the Park. This vibrant lineup provides residents and visitors numerous opportunities to enjoy sports, food, culture, and entertainment.
Carolina Panthers Home Opener
The Carolina Panthers will kick off their season at Bank of America Stadium this Sunday at 1 p.m. against rival team, the Atlanta Falcons. Fans can purchase tickets starting at $58.10 to witness the start of what is anticipated to be an exciting football season.
Charlotte Knights Fan Appreciation Weekend
Baseball fans can head to Truist Field for the Charlotte Knights as they wrap up their baseball season against the Durham Bulls. This Fan Appreciation Weekend will feature fun activities like fireworks and team giveaways, alongside the opportunity to secure player autographs. Tickets are available starting from $22.
Festival in the Park
A highlight for art and music enthusiasts, the Festival in the Park takes place at Freedom Park from Friday to Sunday. This cherished 60-year tradition showcases over 200 vendors and provides more than 60 hours of live performances with free admission. It is a great way for families to enjoy a variety of artistic expressions and community spirit.
Film Screenings
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Carolina Theatre will screen the films In The Heights and Encanto on Friday and Sunday, with tickets starting at $16. This provides a cultural experience for those who appreciate diverse cinema.
Diner En Blanc Charlotte
On Saturday evening, the Diner En Blanc Charlotte is a unique, secretive dining event where guests don all white attire and bring their own tables and picnic baskets. Tickets for this exclusive event start at $58.
Latin American Festival CLT
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Latin American Festival CLT will take place at Ballantyne’s Backyard on Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. Admission to this vibrant festival, which emphasizes Latin culture, is priced at $10.
Ciao Italia Matthews
Food lovers won’t want to miss the Ciao Italia Matthews festival at Stumptown Park on Saturday and Sunday, where Italian culinary delights will be featured. Admission to this event is free, allowing everyone to enjoy delicious food and cultural experiences.
Festival of India
The Festival of India will take place at both the Belk Theater and Ballantyne’s Backyard on Saturday and Sunday, offering performances, food, and crafts. While admission to the festival is free, tickets for the Belk Theater show are priced at $5.
13th Acre Haunt
For thrill-seekers, the 13th Acre Haunt in nearby Monroe opens this Friday, offering an unforgettable haunted experience featuring attractions like Coffin Creek and The Forbidden Acre. Tickets for the haunt start at $35, perfect for those looking to get into the Halloween spirit early.
Charlotte International Arts Festival
This weekend also marks the ongoing Charlotte International Arts Festival, which runs throughout the month of September featuring over 200 events, both free and ticketed, celebrating diverse forms of art.
Background Context
Charlotte is known for its rich culture and vibrant community events. This weekend’s series of activities continues to promote local artists, enhance community engagement, and celebrate the diverse population within the city. With activities appealing to various interests—from sports to food to cultural festivals—there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Charlotte this weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Carolina Panthers Home Opener?
The Carolina Panthers will face the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m., with tickets starting at $58.10.
When is the Festival in the Park?
The Festival in the Park runs from Friday to Sunday at Freedom Park, featuring 200 vendors and over 60 hours of live performances. Admission is free.
Is there an admission fee for the Charlotte Knights Fan Appreciation Weekend?
Yes, tickets for the Charlotte Knights Fan Appreciation Weekend start at $22.
What is the Latin American Festival CLT?
The Latin American Festival CLT is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year and will be held at Ballantyne’s Backyard on Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. Admission is $10.
Key Features of Events This Weekend
| Event | Location | Date | Admission Fee | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers Home Opener | Bank of America Stadium | September 21 | Starting at $58.10 | Game vs. Atlanta Falcons |
| Charlotte Knights Fan Appreciation Weekend | Truist Field | September 19-21 | Starting at $22 | Fireworks, giveaways, autographs |
| Festival in the Park | Freedom Park | September 19-21 | Free | 200+ vendors, 60+ hours of performances |
| Diner En Blanc Charlotte | Various secret locations | September 20 | Starting at $58 | Dress in white, bring own picnic |
| Latin American Festival CLT | Ballantyne’s Backyard | September 20 | $10 | 35th anniversary celebration |
| Ciao Italia Matthews | Stumptown Park | September 19-21 | Free | Italian food festival |
| Festival of India | Belk Theater and Ballantyne’s Backyard | September 19-21 | Free (Belk Theater show $5) | Cultural performances and crafts |
| 13th Acre Haunt | Monroe | September 19 | Starting at $35 | Haunted attractions |
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Additional Resources
- WCCB Charlotte: Top Events
- Wikipedia: Charlotte
- WBTV: 9 Things to Do
- Google Search: Charlotte events September 2025
- Axios: Weekender Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte North Carolina
- QC News: Festivals & Events
- Google News: Charlotte September 2025 events
- WCNC: Weekend Events
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.
