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Happy New Year from Hayes Meeks Financial. Here is to a thoughtful start to 2026 in Charlotte. 🎉

There is something special about January 1. Whether you welcomed the new year with fireworks with friends, slow coffee at sunrise, or a quiet moment of reflection at home, this day feels hopeful. It is a moment to pause, celebrate what you have accomplished, and think clearly about what is next.

For many neighbors, the start of a new year also brings a fresh look at personal and family finances. Did you meet your savings goals? Did your side hustle finally break through? Did year end income look different than you expected? All of that progress is worth acknowledging and worth organizing before tax time arrives.

That is where Hayes Meeks Financial can help. They work with people whose financial lives do not fit neatly into a box, people balancing income streams, business goals, family priorities, and planning for the year ahead. Hayes Meeks Financial helps you slow things down, sort out complexity, and clarify your options so your money works with purpose and not pressure.

They are proud to sponsor this edition of The Queen City Scoop.

Tax season appointments are now open for 2026 planning.
Schedule your year start financial appointment with Hayes Meeks Financial

Here is your guide to celebrating the day and planning the first week of 2026 in Charlotte.

Charlotte rings in 2026 with a vibrant lineup of New Year's Day events, offering something for every interest.

Free Range Brewing hosts Free Soup Day, serving complimentary soup and treats from local chefs at 2320 N Davidson Street, starting at 11 a.m.

Warm up next door at Birdsong Brewing Co. with their 10th Annual New Year's celebration. The event begins at 10 a.m., offering bagels, coffee, and a chance to support Second Harvest Food Bank through donations.

Vaulted Oak spices things up with its 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off at 3726 Monroe Road from 2–5 p.m.—free with a beverage purchase.

Experience Scottish tradition at Rural Hill’s First Footin’, a 2.5-mile historical walk and community luncheon, priced at $6.76.

For sports fans, watch the Barefoot Skiing Tournament at Lake Norman Marina at noon, or take part in the Charlotte New Year's Day 5K on Robert D. Snyder Road.

Community spirit shines through every Charlotte celebration.

Charlotte’s must-try restaurants for 2026 reflect a city at its culinary peak, buzzing with creativity and national recognition.

From Michelin-starred dining at Counter, where immersive tasting menus set a new bar, to Rada’s edgy Mediterranean flavors, the city’s acclaimed hotspots continue to earn seats for their innovation.

New favorites like Eso Artisanal Pasta and PopUp Bagels add excitement to the mix, while Sala shines with Mediterranean-inspired cocktails and shareable plates.

Classic spots such as Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen, Dos Caminos, and Lang Van remain crowd-pleasers, each upholding Charlotte’s reputation for soulful barbecue, vibrant global eats, and memorable hospitality.

For sweet stops, The Batchmaker and Reigning Doughnuts are beloved for their playful, fresh-baked treats.

2026 promises a golden age for Charlotte dining, inviting every palate to savor something extraordinary.

Looking for a fun way to be more social in the new year?

Check out Queen Park Social...

With options for bowling, shuffleboard, ping pong, and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Plus, the venue offers a full bar and restaurant to keep the good times rolling.

Gather your friends and head over to Queen Park Social for a night of entertainment and socializing.

You won't want to miss out on this vibrant and lively atmosphere as you kick off the new year with a bang.

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer

Charlotte’s generosity soared in 2025 as neighbors stepped up through both large and small acts—from supporting nonprofits to delivering food, furniture, and hope to families in transition.

Key organizations like Foundation For The Carolinas, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, and Crisis Assistance Ministry helped expand “impact infrastructure,” ensuring aid reached those facing hunger, housing instability, or financial crisis.

Projects like Easter’s Home and Forest Point Place converted collaboration into real homes for those in need, while grassroots efforts ensured families received not just shelter, but beds and essentials.

Unforgettable moments, such as Army Private Joshua Tillman reuniting with his mother, reminded the community that micro-acts spark life-changing outcomes.

Heading into 2026, Charlotte’s challenge—and opportunity—will be to fund stability, invest in nonprofit growth, and keep answering need with action and heart.

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