Charlotte, February 13, 2026
Charlotte, North Carolina, is gearing up for a weekend of diverse events for Valentine’s Day, featuring celebrations such as ‘Science on the Rocks,’ a cultural dance night, Galentine’s markets, and performances by the Charlotte Symphony. Residents can enjoy a range of activities from fitness runs to film screenings, all showcasing the community’s vibrant spirit and local initiative. This event-filled weekend illustrates the rich tapestry of experiences available in the Queen City.
Charlotte
Celebrate Connection: Charlotte’s Vibrant Valentine’s Weekend
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Charlotte, North Carolina, prepares for a weekend filled with diverse events that exemplify the spirit of local initiative and community engagement. From innovative cultural celebrations to opportunities for personal achievement and shared experiences, the Queen City showcases how local organizers, businesses, and volunteers create a vibrant landscape for residents and visitors alike. This February 13-15, 2026, Charlotte’s calendar reflects a thriving community, demonstrating the positive impact of individual effort and private sector dynamism in fostering local growth and collective enjoyment.
The array of activities available highlights Charlotte’s commitment to providing something for every interest, whether individuals seek romantic excursions, family-friendly outings, or unique social gatherings. This impressive coordination of events, often driven by entrepreneurial spirit and community partnerships, minimizes the need for extensive bureaucracy, allowing for more flexible and responsive event planning. This streamlined approach enables a rich tapestry of experiences that truly enrich local life, underscoring the benefits of a community empowered to organize and flourish.
Residents and visitors will find that many local venues, driven by a desire to serve the community, have curated special programs. These efforts contribute significantly to Charlotte’s reputation as a dynamic hub, where civic innovation meets personal choice to create memorable moments for all.
A Weekend of Diverse Engagements
The Valentine’s Day weekend in Charlotte, spanning February 13-15, 2026, offers an extensive selection of events. This varied programming caters to different preferences, from romantic dates to casual gatherings with friends and family outings.
Friday, February 13: Kicking Off the Celebrations
The weekend begins with several distinctive events across the city. For those seeking an adults-only experience, Discovery Place Science hosts “Science on the Rocks: UnValentine’s Day Edition” from 6 PM to 10 PM. This event transforms the museum into an after-hours party featuring themed cocktails, live music, and interactive exhibits, offering an unconventional way to start the weekend. The cost is $24.94.
Culturally, the Mint Museum presents a “Mint 2 Move Cultural Dance Night: Black History Month.” This evening celebrates Black and Latin culture with salsa, merengue, and bachata lessons, live Colombian carnival music from Eddy Kbrera, and DJ tributes to Aretha Franklin and Celia Cruz, along with live painting and a cash bar.
For those celebrating friendship, Mount Holly hosts a “Galentine’s Market” at Traust Brewing, providing local vendors, gifts, and treats. Another option for friends is a Galentine’s celebration at Town Brewing Company, which includes Valentine’s drink specials and a tattoo pop-up with High Vibes Tattoo. Resident Culture’s Plaza Midwood taproom also joins in the Galentine’s spirit with a celebration focused on friendship and self-love, featuring a live DJ, local vendors, specialty cocktails, and a symbolic burn pile for old love letters.
The Carolina Theatre features a screening of the 2006 musical film “Dreamgirls” at 7 PM, providing a cinematic option for a Galentine’s Day outing. Meanwhile, the Levine Museum of the New South offers a playful learning program for children aged 0-5, with hands-on activities inspired by African American culture and history, including storytime, sensory stations, and quilting. For a touch of the unusual, VisArt Video partners with SpookyCLT for a paranormal discussion and investigation of the video store, with proceeds contributing to the preservation of the Old Settlers Cemetery. In the evening, the Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center will host the Charlotte Symphony Valentine Pops Concert, offering a classic romantic experience.
Saturday, February 14: Valentine’s Day Highlights
Saturday, Valentine’s Day itself, offers a blend of active pursuits and refined experiences. The Skechers Hot Chocolate Run kicks off at First Ward Park, with options for a 5K, 10K, or 15K, promoting personal fitness and community health. For music enthusiasts, an R&B dance party begins at 9 AM at The Underground.
The Carolina Theatre presents the film “Love And Basketball” at 7 PM, making it a suitable Valentine’s Day date night. For a more traditional romantic evening, the Charlotte Symphony Valentine Pops Concert continues at the Belk Theater. The N.C. Transportation Museum provides a unique “wine and dine on the rails” experience, featuring a pre-boarding cocktail hour and a three-course meal during a train ride.
Those interested in jazz can visit Middle C Jazz to hear Noel Freidline and Maria Howell reimagine classic love songs. While Valentine’s Day tickets for this venue may be sold out, Sunday options are still available. For couples seeking a relaxed, creative activity, Cordelia Park Indoor Pavilion hosts a “Valentine’s Day Paint & Sip for Couples” from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM. This event focuses on shared creativity in a stress-free environment with music and light refreshments. Another intimate option is the “Valentine’s Day R&B Wine Night” at Blush CLT from 6 PM to 8 PM, combining R&B music with wine in a lounge setting.
For those looking for something distinct, The Pass near NoDa will feature a mini Valentine’s Day market, where attendees can shop for last-minute gifts from local vendors, including flowers and coffee. The Oddities & Curiosities Expo will also be in Charlotte this weekend, showcasing vendors, artists, and small businesses specializing in unique items such as taxidermy, preserved specimens, and horror-inspired pieces.
Throughout the weekend, The Ballantyne offers a “Valentine’s Afternoon Tea” with multiple seating times, providing an elegant experience from Friday to Sunday. In the Lake Norman area, Armour Street Theatre is presenting “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” with performances on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday, February 15: Concluding the Celebrations
The weekend concludes with several notable events. Ovens Auditorium continues to host “Riverdance 30 – The New Generation” throughout Sunday, offering a powerful blend of Irish and international dance and music. The Carolina Theatre screens “The Princess and the Frog” at 2 PM, an Oscar-nominated animated film suitable for families.
For a Sunday brunch experience, Norfolk Hall presents “Broadway Brunch: Serenades & Showtunes,” a cabaret brunch featuring stage performers singing iconic love songs. The Candlelight Concerts series also offers “Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons” on Sunday, February 15, 2026, and extending to April 10, at various locations.
Community Driven Vibrancy
The breadth of events available this Valentine’s Day weekend in Charlotte underscores the vibrancy of a community where local leadership and individual initiative are paramount. From the meticulous planning by arts organizations to the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses hosting markets and pop-up events, these efforts collectively contribute to the Queen City’s dynamic social and cultural landscape. The ability of diverse groups to organize and execute such a wide range of activities with limited bureaucratic hurdles empowers community members and enhances the city’s overall appeal. This focus on local choice and participation ensures that Charlotte remains a place where personal achievements, whether running a race or launching a small business, are celebrated and contribute to the collective good.
Engage and Experience Charlotte
As Charlotte revels in a weekend brimming with opportunities, we encourage everyone to explore these local events. Your participation directly supports the entrepreneurs, artists, and community organizers who pour their energy into making Charlotte a remarkable place to live, work, and connect. By choosing to attend local gatherings, you contribute to the economic vitality and cultural richness that define our city. We invite you to step out, engage with your community, and experience the unique charm that blossoms from personal initiative and collaborative spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some notable events happening on Friday, February 13, 2026, in Charlotte?
- Friday, February 13, 2026, offers a variety of events, including “Science on the Rocks: UnValentine’s Day Edition” at Discovery Place Science, a “Mint 2 Move Cultural Dance Night: Black History Month” at the Mint Museum, a “Galentine’s Market” in Mount Holly at Traust Brewing, and a “Charlotte Symphony Valentine Pops Concert” at the Belk Theater.
- Are there any family-friendly events planned for Valentine’s Day weekend?
- Yes, family-friendly options include a playful learning program for children aged 0-5 at the Levine Museum of the New South on Friday, February 13, 2026, and a screening of “The Princess and the Frog” at the Carolina Theatre on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
- Where can one experience live performances during the Valentine’s Day weekend?
- Live performances are plentiful, with “Riverdance 30 – The New Generation” at Ovens Auditorium from February 13-15, 2026, and the Charlotte Symphony Valentine Pops Concert at the Belk Theater on February 13 and 14, 2026. Middle C Jazz will feature Noel Freidline and Maria Howell on February 14 and 15, 2026.
- What unique cultural events are available this weekend?
- The “Mint 2 Move Cultural Dance Night: Black History Month” on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Mint Museum offers an evening celebrating Black and Latin culture. Also, the Stevens Creek Nature Center is hosting a Black History Month Nature Series on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
- Are there events catering to Galentine’s Day celebrations?
- Several events are ideal for Galentine’s Day, such as the “Galentine’s Market” at Traust Brewing in Mount Holly on Friday, February 13, 2026, and a Galentine’s celebration at Resident Culture’s Plaza Midwood taproom also on Friday, February 13, 2026. Town Brewing Company is also throwing a Galentine’s celebration on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Key Features of Charlotte’s Valentine’s Weekend Events
| Category | Description | Examples for Feb 13-15, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Performing Arts | Live music, dance, and theatrical performances by local and touring artists. | “Riverdance 30 – The New Generation” at Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte Symphony Valentine Pops Concert at Belk Theater, Noel Freidline and Maria Howell at Middle C Jazz. |
| Cultural & Educational | Events celebrating diverse cultures and offering learning opportunities. | “Mint 2 Move Cultural Dance Night: Black History Month” at Mint Museum, Black History Month Nature Series at Stevens Creek Nature Center, playful learning program at Levine Museum of the New South. |
| Social & Themed Gatherings | Parties, pop-ups, and markets focused on specific themes like Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day. | “Science on the Rocks: UnValentine’s Day Edition” at Discovery Place Science, “Galentine’s Market” at Traust Brewing, “La Serenata Valentine’s Pop-Up” at Hermanita, mini Valentine’s Day market at The Pass near NoDa. |
| Recreational & Active | Events promoting physical activity and outdoor engagement. | Skechers Hot Chocolate Run at First Ward Park. |
| Film Screenings | Special movie showings at local theaters. | “Dreamgirls”, “Love And Basketball”, and “The Princess and the Frog” at the Carolina Theatre. |
| Unique Experiences | Novel and distinctive activities catering to various interests. | Wine and dine on the rails at the N.C. Transportation Museum, The Oddities & Curiosities Expo, paranormal discussion and investigation at VisArt Video. |
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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.
