| August 13, 2026|Charlotte, NC |
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Good morning, Charlotte 👋
If stepping outside this week felt a little like opening an air fryer mid-cycle, you weren’t imagining it.
But the Queen City is still doing Queen City things.
This week, we’ve got a Charlotte café where your lunch actually helps change lives, a South End coffee shop serving Yemeni coffee next to exotic cars, a local debate over who makes the biggest pizza around, and enough happening this weekend to give you an excuse to leave the AC.
Plus, Charlotte Pride takes over Uptown, a longtime Montford favorite is getting a second life, and apparently we need to have a serious conversation about the size of our pizza.
Grab something cold.
Here’s what’s happening around Charlotte. 👇 |
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Charlotte residents can expect another blast of intense heat and humidity this weekend, with temperatures sticking in the 90s and the occasional thunderstorm only making things stickier.
If you’re looking for relief, Mecklenburg County’s free spraygrounds like those at Veterans Park or Latta Park offer an easy escape for kids and parents alike.
Public pools, including Cordelia and Double Oaks, are open—no apartment key required.
For sun-free water fun, try Ray’s Splash Planet or Eastway Regional Recreation Center’s indoor pools.
Families can cool off and learn something new at Discovery Place Science or simply relax at an air-conditioned library or rec center.
Remember to check on neighbors and stay hydrated—extreme heat is no laughing matter for vulnerable groups.
Stay safe and keep cool, Charlotte. Read More... |
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The no swim advisory for the cove on Lake Wylie near Due West Drive has been lifted, following water tests that confirmed bacteria levels are back to normal. The advisory was first issued after a sewer overflow, prompting Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services to caution residents and pets to avoid the area while repairs and water sampling took place. With conditions now safe, swimming and recreational activities can resume in this part of the lake. |
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Good Food on Montford Closes After 17 Years, Reborn as Bittersweet Under Familiar Leadership |
After an impressive 17 years on Montford Drive, Good Food on Montford will soon close its doors, marking the end of an era for Charlotte’s dining scene. Known for its shareable small plates and casual sophistication, the spot had become a fixture in a city known for constant restaurant churn. This isn’t just another goodbye, chef Bruce Moffett is handing the reins to Lee Ann Dolcetto, a long-time member of the team. The space will reopen as Bittersweet, signaling not a loss, but a fresh beginning tied closely to the spirit that made Good Food meaningful in the first place. As Charlotte’s culinary landscape dramatically evolved around it, Good Food’s stability made it a local landmark. With Bittersweet’s arrival, the Montford strip’s story continues, past relationships and expertise helping to shape what comes next. |
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Charlotte’s appetite for oversized pizza was put to the test after a Reddit user wondered if any local shop could compete with Birmingham’s colossal 36-inch pie.
The discussion highlighted Benny Pennello’s and Zämbies Pizza in NoDa, both renowned for massive 28-inch slices, along with PIE.ZAA in South End and Big Guy’s Pizza in Mint Hill.
In Cornelius, Corner Crust Pizza & Brew boasts a 28-inch “giant party pizza,” while Pepperoni’s Pizza in Monroe claims the regional crown with a 30-inch pie.
But size isn’t everything—debate quickly turned to taste, with favorites fiercely defended and challenged.
Though Charlotte’s largest still falls six inches short of Birmingham’s record, the city’s competitive pizza scene leaves open the challenge for an even bigger pie to recapture local pride.
Read More... |
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Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16
Friday, Aug. 14
Queen City Anime Con
Aug. 14–16 · Embassy Suites by Hilton, Concord
Charlotte's anime convention returns with cosplay, panels, vendors, contests and a full gaming and tournament lineup running all three days.
& Juliet
Aug. 14–16 · Blumenthal Performing Arts Center · Uptown
The Tony-nominated jukebox musical reimagining Shakespeare's Juliet plays throughout the weekend, including Friday night and Saturday and Sunday performances.
Live Friday Nights at Camp North End
Fri., Aug. 14 · Camp North End
Free live music continues its summer run at Camp North End. Grab dinner from one of the on-site spots and catch the outdoor set.
River Jam: Smilo & the Ghost
Fri., Aug. 14 · 7 p.m. · U.S. National Whitewater Center
Free outdoor music returns to Whitewater's River Jam series. Admission is free, with parking charged per vehicle.
The Return: Beatles Tribute
Fri., Aug. 14 · 7–10 p.m. · Pineville Lake Park
Pineville's Rockin' & Reelin' concert series brings a Beatles tribute band to the park for a free evening under the stars.
Food Truck Friday at Resident Culture
Fri., Aug. 14 · 5–9 p.m. · Resident Culture Brewing · Plaza Midwood
A rotating lineup of Charlotte food trucks sets up outside the taproom for an evening of drinks, music and bites.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Charlotte Pride Festival
Sat., Aug. 15 · Noon–10 p.m. · Uptown Charlotte
Day one of Charlotte Pride brings live entertainment, vendors and community programming to Uptown ahead of Sunday's parade.
41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards
Sat., Aug. 15 · Doors 3 p.m. · Show 4:30 p.m. · Spectrum Center
Gospel music's biggest night comes to Charlotte, honoring top artists in the genre with a live awards show.
Cars & Coffee Concord
Sat., Aug. 15 · 8–11 a.m. · Charlotte Motor Speedway
Bring your ride or just come look. This free monthly gathering at Charlotte Motor Speedway brings together everything from classics to exotics.
Sunday, Aug. 16
Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade
Sun., Aug. 16 · Festival noon–6 p.m. · Parade 1–4 p.m. · Uptown
Charlotte Pride weekend culminates with the signature parade down North Tryon Street followed by more festival programming.
& Juliet
Sun., Aug. 16 · 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. · Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Catch one of the final two Charlotte performances of the touring musical before it leaves town.
Sweet Tea Twirl Tea Dance
Sun., Aug. 16 · 4–8 p.m. · Bar Argon · South Boulevard
Twirl to the World's post-parade Sunday dance party features DJ Little Betty, with proceeds benefiting TAP.
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Luxury Cars Meet Specialty Coffee at Caffeena’s South End Debut |
A new arrival in Charlotte’s South End is turning heads by blending premium Yemeni coffee with luxury cars. Caffeena Coffeehouse, a Michigan-based brand, has opened its first North Carolina location, pairing an inviting café with an adjoining Auto Lab that showcases a rotating selection of exotic vehicles, meaning every visit could reveal something new on the showroom floor. Beyond the eye-catching cars, Caffeena serves up Yemeni-style coffee, specialty drinks, and pastries, aiming to offer more than your typical grab-and-go stop. It's a bold twist on the coffee shop experience, perfectly tailored for a neighborhood known for its creative, competitive spirit. |
Hidden on Monroe Road, the Community Culinary School of Charlotte blends exceptional food with a mission that’s changing lives.
Since 1997, this unique eatery has offered a café, bakery, and catering — all run by students gaining culinary skills while overcoming barriers to employment.
Locals consistently rave about the generous portions, standout dishes like coq au vin, and a warm, welcoming staff.
Customers aren’t just supporting a cause — they’re choosing one of Charlotte’s “hidden gems” for its outstanding food and affordable prices.
What happens behind the counter matters, too: each meal supports real-world training, giving students the experience and stability to launch new careers.
Open weekdays, CCSC proves that doing good can taste great.
Enjoy lunch, grab a pastry, or book catering — and help create local opportunities one delicious meal at a time. Read More... |
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