| September 10, 2026|Charlotte, NC |
Good morning, Charlotte 👋 There’s a lot happening in the Queen City this week, and some of it could shape Charlotte for years to come.
|
Sponsored by Great Work Research
🏗️ Looking for a Concrete Contractor? Start Here.A new driveway, stamped patio or concrete repair can be a major investment. Carolinas Concrete Guide makes the search easier by researching and comparing concrete contractors across the Carolinas using public data, customer reviews and other trust signals. Explore the Carolinas Concrete Guide → |
 |
Charlotte may extend its pause on new data-center approvals by up to nine months, as the City Council weighs whether more time is needed to study the facilities’ impact on neighborhoods, infrastructure, and the environment.
The original 150-day moratorium, adopted in June, is currently set to expire November 5.
Officials say they need additional months to address concerns about noise, infrastructure capacity, and environmental effects before setting permanent rules for where data centers can be built.
While the pause restricts new applications, existing permitted projects can continue construction.
The City Council must approve any extension, and a public hearing is required.
Residents can offer feedback at a meeting on September 10 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the One Water Facility, 4100 W. Tyvola Road.
This extension could push the moratorium into late 2027 as permanent regulations take shape. Read More... |
Charlotte faces a high-stakes crossroads over the future of the I-77 South express lane project, after the N.C. Department of Transportation revealed nearly $70 million has already been spent on planning, legal work, and development.
The project’s fate became uncertain when Charlotte City Council and the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization withdrew support for the $3.2 billion overhaul, halting all further work.
Recent state legislation raises the possibility that Charlotte and nearby communities could be forced to repay those funds if they don’t restore their support.
Key meetings on September 14 and September 23 will determine whether the region backs the project or risks financial consequences with millions in state transportation dollars also on the line.
Charlotte leaders now confront a pivotal decision — revive express lane plans or walk away after years of investment. Read More... |
One of Uptown Charlotte’s iconic office towers will soon be reborn as the city’s first W Hotel, signaling a dramatic change for 400 S. Tryon St.
New York’s Spandrel Development Partners is set to transform the former Wachovia Center into a luxury mixed-use hub featuring a W Hotel, 399 apartments, new retail and dining spots, and a showstopping 34th-floor rooftop bar—likely to be Charlotte’s highest.
The redevelopment focuses on more than just hospitality.
It’s part of a larger trend: turning struggling office buildings into vibrant neighborhoods for residents and visitors.
Plans also include over 24,000 square feet of retail, impressive residential amenities, and a completely revamped public plaza.
Scheduled for completion by late 2029, the project aims to invigorate Uptown, making it a destination well after business hours.
Charlotte’s skyline—and social scene—are about to get a major upgrade. Read More... |
 |
On September 11, Charlotte transforms remembrance into action as volunteers gather at The Revelry North End to pack 210,000 meals for Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
This meal-packing drive is part of 9/11 Day, a national movement turning the anniversary of the attacks into a day of service, honoring the 25th year since nearly 3,000 lives were lost.
Through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, the event aims to fight hunger across the Charlotte region — directly aiding local families.
The timing also supports Hunger Action Month, heightening awareness of food insecurity right here at home.
Volunteers handle everything from packing to logistics, with no experience required—just a willingness to help.
As Charlotte joins communities nationwide, each packed box is a step toward a stronger, more caring city—proof that remembrance can spark real impact. Read More... |
Sponsored by Great Work Research
🌱 Planning a Backyard Transformation?From complete backyard makeovers and hardscaping to outdoor lighting and planting, finding the right landscape professional takes research. Carolinas Landscape Guide helps homeowners discover and compare landscape professionals across the Carolinas using public data, customer feedback and other trust signals. Explore the Carolinas Landscape Guide → |
 |
★ FEATURED PICK Yiasou Greek FestivalFriday–Sunday, Sept. 11–13 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral · 600 East Blvd. · $5 admission One of Charlotte's signature cultural festivals takes over Dilworth for the weekend with Greek food, pastries, live music, traditional dancing, Greek coffee, cathedral tours and a kids playland. The festival runs 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5, and children under 12 get in free. Greek Festival Details →Friday, Sept. 11Mozart's Requiem: A 9/11 Memorial Concert7:30–9 p.m. On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Charlotte Symphony, Opera Carolina and Charlotte Master Chorale come together for a special performance of Mozart's Requiem and Ave verum corpus. A portion of ticket sales will support Charlotte Rotary's 9/11 Scholarship Fund for children of Charlotte-Mecklenburg first responders. Concert Details & Tickets →Charlotte Knights: Fireworks & First Responders Night7:04 p.m. The Knights begin their final weekend at home with First Responders Night against the Buffalo Bisons. The night includes Touch-a-Truck in the Kids Zone, Military Appreciation jerseys and the final Friday Night Fireworks show of the season. Tickets & Game Info →Saturday, Sept. 12Charlotte 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb8 a.m. Charlotte firefighters, first responders and members of the public will climb in remembrance of the lives lost and sacrifices made on Sept. 11, 2001. This year's climb carries extra significance as Charlotte joins the country in marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Stair Climb Details →Charlotte Knights Final Home Games + Supersized FireworksDoubleheader · Final game at 5:35 p.m. Say goodbye to the Knights' 2026 home season with a Saturday doubleheader against Buffalo. The finale includes a full-team autograph session, pregame catch on the field, live entertainment, end-of-season merchandise deals and a supersized fireworks show after the final out. Final Weekend Details →Mecktoberfest at OMBSaturday–Sunday · Free admission OMB kicks off its annual Mecktoberfest celebration in LoSo this weekend with German food, beer, live music and Biergarten festivities. Look for pretzels with beer cheese, sausage, schnitzel and OMB's popular one-liter Das Boot glasses, which return for the start of the festival. Mecktoberfest Details →Sunday, Sept. 13Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears1 p.m. Football is back in Uptown. The Carolina Panthers open the 2026 regular season at home against the Chicago Bears, giving Charlotte its first full NFL Sunday of the fall. Expect Uptown to be busy well before the 1 p.m. kickoff. Game Details & Tickets →Sazón Latin Food FestivalNoon–5 p.m. · Free Come hungry. Sazón brings together food vendors serving flavors from the Caribbean, Central America and South America for an outdoor celebration in NoDa. Expect Latin food, live music, drinks and desserts. The festival is family-friendly, and organizers recommend arriving early because space is limited. Festival Details →Worth the Short DriveCabarrus County FairFriday–Sunday · Sept. 11–13 The Cabarrus County Fair opens Friday with midway rides, fair food, agricultural exhibits, competitions and family entertainment. The Southern Rodeo Company also takes over the arena Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Fair admission is $8 for ages 12+, $6 for ages 6–11 and 55+, free for children 5 and under and free with military ID. Parking is free. Fair Details →Weekend Game PlanFor food: Yiasou or Sazón. For families: Yiasou or the Cabarrus County Fair. For sports: Knights on Saturday or Panthers on Sunday. For something meaningful: the 9/11 Memorial Concert or Stair Climb. Event details can change—always confirm times, registration requirements, ticket availability and venue information before heading out. |
Sponsored by Great Work Research
🔨 Dream Deck? Start With the Right Builder.Whether you're planning a composite deck, screened porch or pergola, the builder you choose matters. Carolinas Deck Guide helps homeowners research and compare deck builders across the Carolinas using public data, customer reviews and other trust signals. Explore the Carolinas Deck Guide → |
 |
Many workers know the frustration of a boss promoted for technical skills but lacking in people management.
Joyntly, a Charlotte-based startup, developed software to tackle this common workplace issue by focusing on repeated, practical behavior change instead of traditional long-form training.
Founded by Kate Frear and Sam Paustian-Underdahl—both PhDs from UNC Charlotte—Joyntly encourages managers to practice specific leadership actions for just five to ten minutes a week.
The real transformation happens as managers apply these small, targeted behaviors in their normal work routines.
Recognition has followed, including an NC IDEA SEED grant and partnerships with industries ranging from public service to retail.
Joyntly’s approach challenges the belief that leadership can only develop through lengthy seminars; instead, it bets small, focused efforts in Charlotte’s workplaces can spark lasting change.
Whether this method will truly reshape local management is a question being answered now in the Queen City. Read More... |
🤝 Partner with The Queen City Scoop |