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Charlotte's Old-School Eats, Fogo Fire, Soul Fest's Secret, & the Running Revolution!
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Charlotte's Old-School Eats, Fogo Fire, Soul Fest's Secret, & the Running Revolution!
Discover Charlotte's classic eats, new spots, community vibes, & a festival with a twist!
The Queen City Scoop Team

The Queen City Scoop Team

Sep 3, 2026

September 3, 2026|Charlotte, NC

Good morning, Charlotte šŸ‘‹

If you haven’t made Labor Day weekend plans yet, you’ve got options.


The Whitewater Center has two days of racing and live music.

Charlotte Soul Fest is bringing music, culture and community resources to First Ward Park.

Around the Crown is taking over I-277. And Matthews Alive is back for one of the region’s biggest Labor Day traditions.


Beyond the weekend calendar, we’re spotlighting Charlotte Running Company, a 26-year-old local business that has quietly become a home base for Charlotte’s growing running community, and checking out a major new restaurant arrival in Uptown.


Your long weekend starts here. šŸ‘‡

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šŸ’¬ 13 Comments

Charlotte’s rapid growth means many beloved restaurants have vanished, sparking nostalgia for local icons that still endure.

 

On Reddit, long-time residents recalled favorites like Price’s Chicken Coop and Zack’s Hamburgers—now gone—but celebrated Charlotte’s resilient classics.

 

Brooks Sandwich House stands as a symbol of survival, still serving burgers in NoDa despite a transformed neighborhood.

 

Other enduring institutions—like Beef 'N Bottle (since 1958), The Open Kitchen (operating since 1952), and South 21 Drive-In—anchor Charlotte’s culinary heritage.

 

Spots like Shuffletown Grill, Original Chicken & Ribs on Beatties Ford Road, and Sub One Hoagie House have served generations, their longevity quietly defying the city’s ever-changing skyline.

 

For locals, these places aren’t just where you eat—they’re part of Charlotte’s memory, proof that amidst constant change, the city’s flavor still endures if you know where to look.


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HG
Hal G.Reader
1 week ago

ā€œShuffletown Grill has my favorite hashbrowns. They're old school in the best way.ā€

Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão has debuted its first North Carolina location, opening at 200 S. Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte.

The renowned restaurant introduces its signature fire-roasted cuts and immersive churrasco dining experience, complete with an open grill and Market Table, to the Queen City.

To celebrate, Fogo is donating 10% of its first week’s sales to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.

Leading the local team is General Manager Camilo Lopera, and the new spot expects to create over 100 local jobs.

Guests can look forward to a variety of menu selections, including shareable Wagyu, seafood, vegan options, and all-day Bar Fogo features.

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The Charlotte Soul Fest returns to First Ward Park on Saturday, September 5, bringing a vibrant celebration of Black culture alongside essential community services.

 

Running from 10am to 9pm, the festival features live music, cultural dance workshops, an art walk spotlighting local Black artists, and a marketplace with 30 Black-owned vendors.

 

What sets this event apart is its expansive health and wellness zone, offering free mobile mammograms, sickle cell screenings, blood drives, blood pressure checks, A1C screenings, and on-site vaccinations—addressing real health needs in Charlotte.

 

Families can also access financial empowerment resources, housing support, and career advice from organizations like Bank of America and the Urban League of Central Carolinas.

 

Founded by KMarie Walters, this free, day-long festival expects up to 10,000 attendees as it merges celebration and real community support in Uptown Charlotte.


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ā˜… FEATURED PICK

Labor Day Celebration at Whitewater Center

Saturday–Sunday, Sept. 5–6

U.S. National Whitewater Center · 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. · Free admission

Make the Whitewater Center your Labor Day weekend base camp. The two-day celebration includes a 5K and 15K trail race, pass activities, yoga sessions and live music. Saturday’s headliner is Empire Strikes Brass at 7 p.m.; Sunday’s lineup includes Tand at 7 p.m. and Honey Island Swamp Band at 8:30 p.m. Admission to the Center is free, while activity passes, race entry and certain yoga sessions may require purchase or advance registration.

Labor Day Weekend Details →

Friday, Sept. 4

Asian Night Market

5–11 p.m. · Free
Urban District Market · 2315 N. Davidson St.

Start the long weekend in NoDa with Asian food, outdoor dining, local vendors, a Meet the Artist Room and karaoke. The monthly Asian Night Market is free and open to all ages.

Event Details →

Saturday, Sept. 5

Charlotte Soul Fest

10 a.m.–9 p.m. · Free
First Ward Park

Charlotte Soul Fest returns for a free full-day celebration of music, culture, community and opportunity. Expect live music, cultural dance, local Black art, food and family activities throughout the day.

Festival Details →

Front Porch Market

11 a.m.–4 p.m. · Free
FreeMoreWest / Thrift Road

Front Porch, formerly Front Porch Sundays, returns with more than 100 local small businesses, food and drinks, plus a Charlotte FC Summer Takeover activation. The market supports local retailers and makes for an easy Saturday shopping stop.

Market Details →

Charlotte FC vs. Houston Dynamo

7:30 p.m.
Bank of America Stadium · Uptown

Charlotte FC hosts Houston Dynamo under the lights in Uptown. The first fans entering the stadium will receive a limited-edition Kristijan Kahlina bobblehead, according to the club’s ticket page. Ticket prices vary based on current inventory.

Tickets & Match Info →

Sunday, Sept. 6

Around the Crown 10K

Sunday morning
Uptown Charlotte

Around the Crown 10K returns Sunday, with a race-weekend expo scheduled for Friday and Saturday before the main event. Sustain Charlotte is the race beneficiary. Check the organizer site for registration, start-time confirmation, course details and race-day instructions.

Race Details & Registration →

Whitewater Center — Day Two

Sunday · Free admission
U.S. National Whitewater Center

For a lower-key Sunday option, return to the Whitewater Center for pass activities, yoga and evening live music. Tand performs at 7 p.m., followed by Honey Island Swamp Band at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday Schedule →

Worth the Short Drive

Matthews Alive

Friday–Monday, Sept. 4–7 · Free festival admission
Downtown Matthews

Matthews Alive is back for its annual Labor Day festival in downtown Matthews. The four-day community tradition includes carnival attractions, food, vendors, live entertainment and its traditional parade.

Festival Details →

Last-Chance Pick

Titanic: The Exhibition

Through Monday, Sept. 7
Park Expo & Conference Center

Labor Day is the final chance to experience the immersive Titanic exhibition in Charlotte. The exhibit runs through Monday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. and features recreated ship interiors, artifacts and passenger stories. Adult tickets start at $29.50.

Exhibition Details & Tickets →

Event details can change—always confirm times, registration requirements, ticket availability and venue information before heading out.

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Charlotte Running Company has built a loyal following over its 26 years not simply by selling shoes, but through genuine care for Charlotte’s runners—from beginners to veterans.

 

Shoppers, from new runners to seasoned athletes, cite attentive fittings and welcoming conversations that help them feel understood, not rushed.

 

Many say staff take time to analyze stride and address concerns, treating every visitor, regardless of experience or fitness level, with respect.

 

The sense of belonging extends beyond the store.

 

CRC organizes group runs, offers training support, and is a strong presence at events like the Around the Crown 10K.

 

The business continues evolving, with plans for a new, community-focused space along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway—a hub for runners to connect, recover, and stay awhile.

 

For many, CRC isn’t just a shoe shop—it’s home base for Charlotte’s growing running community.


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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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