Charlotte This Week: Music, Theater, Festivals & Community Events (Aug 11–17)

CHARLOTTE — This week, the Queen City is overflowing with energy. Whether you’re into stand-up, live music, festivals—or even cosplay competitions—there’s something happening every night. Here’s your full, day-by-day guide to make the most of what Charlotte has to offer.

Monday, August 11

Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session at Petra’s (7 p.m.)
Honor the legacy of Charlotte’s jazz “godfather” with this intimate tribute featuring local improvisers and old-school vibes. Tickets heldiously affordable at $10.

Tuesday, August 12

Dank Daze of Summer Tour: Cypress Hill + Atmosphere + Lupe Fiasco + The Pharcyde (6 p.m.)
Hip-hop heavyweights unite for a high-energy night spanning rap history—from West Coast icons to lyrical storytelling.
Beaches at Carolina Theatre (7 p.m.)
An intimate indie set in a classic venue—great for a chill midweek night.
The Struts w/ Dirty Honey at The Fillmore (8 p.m.)
Expect glam-rock swagger and guitar riffs from UK-grown Struts and alt-rock opener Dirty Honey.
Charlotte Music Community Hang at Neighborhood Theatre (6:30 p.m.)
A free gathering for local artists and fans—great for making music-loving connections.
Immediate Family at Booth Playhouse (thru Aug 31)
This timely play—part Modern Family, part emotional salon—tackles identity and tradition with warmth and humor.

Wednesday, August 13

HBCU Showcase at Dream Fields (9 a.m.)
A high-impact basketball event spotlighting current HBCU athletes, with community spirit front and center.
Lovell Bradford Trio at VisArt Video (7 p.m.)
Jazz pianist and educator Lovell Bradford leads this jam session featuring notable Charlotte players—perfect for jazz lovers.

Thursday, August 14

Chromatic Roots at Arts+ (all day)
A vibrant multisensory art experience blending narrative with performance, workshops, and immersive storytelling.
Oscar Maydon at The Fillmore (8 p.m.)
Rising indie-pop voice bringing soulful grooves to the stage.
Women in Sports Networking at Truist Field (4 p.m.)
A dynamic panel featuring Charlotte’s sports leaders, followed by a Knights game—great for networking and inspiration.
Big Daddy Love at Whitewater Center (7 p.m.)
Outdoor throwback soul jams in a scenic setting—$12 parking, free entry.

Friday, August 15

Desert Hearts ft. Mikey Lion at The Music Yard (6 p.m.)
Celebrate house and techno at this energetic open-air party.
StiXTalk Anime Arena & Tekken 8 Tourney (7 p.m.)
An encore of esports meets cosplay—anime fans, bring your game face.
VeryGently & Brother Elsey at Neighborhood Theatre (8 p.m.)
Atmospheric indie-folk soundscapes perfect for late-night listening.
Science on the Rocks at Discovery Place Science (6 p.m.)
After-hours cocktails, exhibits, and domed shows—for curious adults looking to unwind differently.
Charlotte Independence vs Westchester SC (7 p.m.)
Catch midfielder action and community cheers under the stadium lights.
Magician Eric Eaton at The Comedy Zone (Aug 15–16)
Sleight-of-hand meets standup in this must-see comedy special.
Old Mervs + The Gringos at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Australian alt-pop duo headline with viral indie rockers opening.
LOLGBTQ+ Comedy Variety @ Carolina Theatre (8 p.m.)
LGBTQ+ comedians and variety acts bring affirming laughs to the stage.
Cumbiatron at The Fillmore (9 p.m.)
Dance-crazy cumbia collective lights up the crowd with infectious energy.
Blaakhol & friends at Snug Harbor (10 p.m.)
Heavy electronic beats and underground vibes fuel late-night heat.

Saturday, August 16

Lego Printing Class at La Bodeguita (11 a.m.)
Creative with a twist—combine design and tech to print your custom bricks.
Golden Era Day Party feat. Doug E. Fresh (2:30 p.m.)
Old-school hip-hop legend mixes music and nostalgia for a daytime dance fest.
Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade (12–5 p.m.)
Celebrate diversity with performances, vendor markets, and a colorful parade through Uptown.
Charlotte Book Fair (12–5 p.m.)
Browsing and branding meet at this literary community block party.
Girls Room Pride Festival (4 p.m.)
Joyful queer event featuring DJs, vendors, and inclusive vibes through nightfall.
Charlotte FC vs Real Salt Lake (7:30 p.m.)
MLS action with goal-scoring momentum—stadium spirit guaranteed.
Nonpoint at The Underground (8 p.m.)
Heavy-hitting rock returns to take the stage with powerful riffs.
Legends, Divas & Stars Cabaret at Carolina Theatre (7 p.m.)
Drag royalty and illusionists star in this glitzy and glamorous fundraiser.
BK Jackson at Middle C Jazz (Early & Late Sets)
Smooth jazz from one of Charlotte’s finest pianists rounds out the weekend.
Harvey Cummings Experience @ Eighty Eights (8 p.m.)
Groove into indie soul with this heartfelt live performance.
Aurora’s Hope + Shock Tea + Peach Candy Nut Boys @ Petra’s (8 p.m.)
A diverse lineup of soulful, atmospheric, and indie grooves unfold live.

Sunday, August 17

Pride Parade Viewing Party @ Carolina Theatre (11 a.m.)
A comfy, air-conditioned way to enjoy the parade—good for families or fans who prefer a front-row view without the crowds.
Charlotte Knights vs Memphis Redbirds (5:05 p.m.)
Classic baseball closing out the weekend—bring peanuts, the nation’s pastime lives.
Greg Warren at The Comedy Zone (6 p.m.)
Darkly witty and well-timed standup to end the night with laughs.
d4vd + Bryant Barnes @ The Fillmore (8 p.m.)
Alt-pop starviral sensation headlines with a rising soul-opening act.
The Acacia Strain + Openers @ The Underground (6:30 p.m.)
Heavy metal night edition—perfect for fans craving intensity.
T.3 Broadway PopCappella @ The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Broadway flair meets a cappella wizardry—singalong guaranteed.

Why This Week Rocks

With Pride parades, esports tournaments, indie nights, and headline concerts—this week exemplifies Charlotte’s thriving event ecosystem. No matter your passion—sports, sound, community, or culture—there’s an experience waiting.

Which event are you most excited to attend? Share your picks with us at ChicagoMusicGuide.com—let’s swap ideas and plan our next weekend adventure!