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SMBC Surges, Manufacturing Shifts, Dental Clinic Sparks Debate—Charlotte’s Big Shake-Up!
SMBC grows, manufacturing booms, debate over dental care, new Bae’s Burgers in Concord!
The Queen City Scoop Team

The Queen City Scoop Team

Aug 20, 2026

August 20, 2026|Charlotte, NC

Good morning, Charlotte 👋

There’s a lot moving around the Queen City this week.

A global banking giant is building out a major Charlotte workforce. A new East Charlotte dental clinic is tackling a need that already has nearly 300 people waiting for care. And a local burger business that started as a food truck is opening its second location, with free burgers for the first 200 people through the door.


Then there’s the weekend.

Charlotte Pride, Luke Bryan, Charlotte FC, the BIG3 Championship, markets, magic shows and plenty more are happening around town.


So yeah, you’ve got options.


Here’s what’s worth knowing around Charlotte this week. 👇

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Charlotte’s reputation as a financial powerhouse continues to rise, with local job seekers noticing unprecedented opportunities at SMBC.

 

The arrival of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. has brought a surge in finance and banking jobs, as the global firm aims to create 2,000 new positions in the city over the next six years.

 

SMBC’s new downtown headquarters and commitment to diverse hires are drawing both seasoned bankers and newcomers, with over 70 roles already filled across technology, operations, data analysis, and HR.

 

Unlike some traditional banks, SMBC stands out for its collaborative culture and flexible hybrid work schedules, making it increasingly attractive amid Charlotte’s expanding financial sector.

 

Most hires are local, supporting Charlotte’s economy by revitalizing downtown and boosting real estate demand.


Read More...

Charlotte, NC is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in advanced manufacturing, driven by major investments and city leadership focused on energy innovation.

 

The recent opening of a state-of-the-art facility on Westinghouse Boulevard marks a key milestone, becoming the nation’s first producer of advanced high-voltage components vital for modernizing America’s electric grid.

 

This surge in manufacturing is creating hundreds of new jobs in engineering, operations, and quality assurance, offering exciting opportunities for local residents.

 

Community leaders highlight the region’s growing status as an epicenter for sustainable infrastructure and next-generation technologies.

 

Local schools are collaborating with companies to provide hands-on training and apprenticeships, energizing students and jobseekers alike.

 

Charlotte’s strong transportation network and skilled workforce are attracting global firms and multinational investment, positioning the city at the heart of America’s energy transformation.


Read More...
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Project 658 has opened a new community dental clinic in East Charlotte, expanding its Hope Community Clinic to offer vital oral care for immigrant and refugee families.

 

The clinic focuses on uninsured residents or those facing barriers to dental services, with nearly 300 people already on the waiting list for care.

 

Located at 6900 Farmingdale Drive, it joins existing services like primary care and mental health support in one integrated site.

 

Through a partnership with High Point University’s Workman School of Dental Medicine, dental students will provide supervised treatment while gaining hands-on experience.

 

Treatments go beyond urgent fixes, emphasizing patient education and anxiety reduction, and connecting families to further community resources.

 

This addition marks a significant step in meeting the urgent oral health needs of East Charlotte’s underserved populations and broadening access to affordable care.


Read More...
FEATURED EVENT
Collect-A-Con Charlotte – Trading Card & Pop Culture Convention
The nation’s largest trading card, anime, and pop culture convention returns to the Charlotte Convention Center.

Collect-A-Con Charlotte banner
When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.  |  Sunday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Charlotte Convention Center (Uptown)


Browse 900+ vendor tables of trading cards, comics, anime merch, video games, Funko POPs, and more, plus celebrity guests, live performances, box breaks, and family-friendly cosplay all weekend.

• 900+ vendor tables of cards, comics, and collectibles
• Anime voice actors, celebrity guests, and live performances
• Free admission for kids 7 and under

Get Tickets →    View Full Tour Schedule →

SPORTS • UPTOWN
BIG3 Championship – Spectrum Center
Ice Cube’s BIG3 league closes out the season in Charlotte with a 3‑on‑3 championship matchup featuring former NBA stars and a halftime performance by Soulja Boy.

When: Sunday, Aug. 23, 12:30 p.m.
Where: Spectrum Center (Uptown)


Get Tickets →

CONCERT • UNIVERSITY CITY
Luke Bryan – “Word on the Street” Tour
Country star Luke Bryan brings his “Word on the Street” tour to Truliant Amphitheater with support from Drew Baldridge, Randall King, Zach John King, and DJ Rock.

When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Truliant Amphitheater


Get Tickets →

SOCCER • UPTOWN
Charlotte FC vs. DC United – Summer of Soccer
Charlotte FC hosts DC United in a “Kids Rule Night” matchup, with a limited-edition Sir Minty pillow plush giveaway at the gate while supplies last.

When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bank of America Stadium


Get Tickets →

DATE NIGHT • UPTOWN
Parlor of Wonder: Dinner & a Magic Show
Enjoy a three-course dinner from The Asbury plus an intimate, up-close magic show with Lyndy Phillips at the historic Dunhill Hotel.

When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Dunhill Hotel / The Asbury (Uptown)


Learn More →

COMMUNITY • WELLNESS
Black Men’s Wellness Day – Park Expo & Conference Center
A free community wellness day with health screenings, a 5K walk/run, senior pavilion, kids’ zone, and entertainment focused on Black men’s health.

When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Where: The Park Expo & Conference Center


Register →

OUTDOORS • MARKET
Pacific Breeze Market Festival – Romare Bearden Park
A “fun in the sun” weekend market with local vendors, food, and laid-back vibes in the heart of Uptown at Romare Bearden Park.

When: Friday–Sunday, Aug. 21–23 (times vary)
Where: Romare Bearden Park (Uptown)


Event Details →

FAMILY • NODA
RECESS: Back to School Benefit – Urban District Market
A nostalgic back-to-school benefit with a vendor market, adult field-day games, and roller-disco vibes supporting local teachers at Urban District Market.

When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 12:00–5:00 p.m.
Where: Urban District Market (NoDa)


Learn More →

ARTS • WEST CHARLOTTE
Rhizome Arts Market – Marian House
QC Family Tree’s Rhizome Arts Market brings together local artists, handmade goods, and community in a neighborhood setting.

When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 3:00–7:00 p.m.
Where: Marian House, 2916 Parkway Ave


Learn More →

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Bae’s Burgers, a popular local smashburger spot, is opening its second permanent location at The District Exchange in downtown Concord on Saturday, August 22.

 

Festivities start at 11 a.m. at 22 Union St. N., with the first 200 guests scoring a free Double Bae Burger meal.

 

The grand opening runs until 8 p.m., but locals are encouraged to come early for freebies and festivities.

 

Owners Fabian Elmes and Claire Connelly launched Bae’s as a food truck in 2018 before opening their first restaurant in Mooresville — now, Concord joins the story.

 

Bae’s menu keeps it simple with burgers crafted from a custom blend of chuck, short rib, and brisket, nestled on Martin’s potato buns, plus chicken sandwiches and sides.

 

This opening completes The District Exchange’s business lineup, turning the day into a building-wide celebration with live music, specials, and local pride.


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The Queen City Scoop is your daily source for everything happening in Charlotte, North Carolina. From the latest local news and community stories to must-attend events and small business spotlights, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’ve called Charlotte home for years or you’re new to town, The Queen City Scoop keeps you connected with the pulse of this vibrant city.

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