CHARLOTTE — It’s the unofficial start to summer and a long weekend for some this Memorial Day weekend. We’ve highlighted some of the events happening in Charlotte.
Please use the links provided to confirm hours and to check for last-minute weather updates before you go.
Get your fill of food truck goodness and live music at the Beats ‘n Bites concert series at Stumptown Park in Matthews on Friday.
Grab a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a free showing of “Minions: The Rise of Gru” at the Kannapolis summer movie series on Friday at Village Park.
[ ALSO READ: Camp North End to host free outdoor movies series ]
Indulge in the flavors and traditions of the Tar Heel State at the Food and Culture Festival, which is taking place at the Lake Norman YMCA in Cornelius from Friday through Sunday.
It’s race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway where you’ll find high-octane happenings on and off the track leading up to Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600. Circle K Speed Street kicks off Friday and runs through Sunday. Catch headliners Tim Dugger and Jake Owen on Saturday night. For more information on race weekend events, check out our fan guide here.
Most pools and spraygrounds open for the season on Memorial Day weekend, including Mecklenburg County facilities. Find a list of the country’s pools, spraygrounds and public beaches here.
Follow the yellow brick road as faculty and students from the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center perform “The Wizard of Oz” at Booth Playhouse on Friday and Saturday.
Dover Vineyards in Concord will host the Green Garlic Fest on Saturday where you’ll find music, games, activities for the kids, and plenty of farm-fresh garlic.
[ ALSO READ: Fun places to check out on a rainy day ]
Cheer on the home team when the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team hosts a doubleheader on Saturday at the American Legion Memorial Stadium. It’s Military Appreciation Night and the club will recognize and honor all active, retired and fallen military servicemen and women, and wear custom red, white and blue jerseys.
Play old school arcade games and enjoy a free showing of “Wayne’s World” at the Retro Party on Saturday at Primal Brewery in Huntersville.
Find your inner yogi during a morning yoga class at Town Brewing on Saturday.
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Month at the CLT Asian Eats Food Truck Rally at Divine Barrel Brewing on Saturday.
The Whitewater Center will host a Memorial Day Celebration featuring live music and fireworks on Saturday and Sunday.
This event has been canceled: Grab a bite from a food truck and listen to live music at the Mint Museum Randolph’s monthly Party in the Park on Sunday. Admission to the museum is free during the event.
Honor the servicemen and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom at one of these Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday:
Patriots Park in Kings Mountain
Community Corner in downtown Waxhaw
The 2nd annual Empanada Fest that’s mentioned in the video at the top of this page has been rescheduled to June 3.
(VIDEO: Food truck brings Japanese comfort food to Charlotte)
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