(QUEEN CITY NEWS) — It’s an action-packed weekend across the region. From outdoor events, to concerts, to festivals, and activities geared for the whole family. There’s no shortage of entertainment to get you out and about in and around the Queen City.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
24 Foundation: Dam to Dam
24 Foundation is holding its 24-mile standup paddleboard endurance challenge from Mount Holly to Tega Cay, S.C. The Dam to Dam event is an 11-hour community-driven endurance journey along the Catawba River to support cancer services and survivor programs.
The event starts at 6:30 a.m. at the Mt. Holly Boat Landing on Elm Avenue and ends at Tega Cay Beach Club. There is no registration fee, but each paddler must raise at least $1,500 to participate. Visit here to donate to the cause.
Belmont Friday Night Live – Country Night
Come out to downtown Belmont for Friday Night Live, a themed night filled with live music, “best dressed” contests, and more. This Friday’s event is Country Night, so grab your boots and cowboy hats! The events are free to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m.
Gastonia PD vs FD: “Battle of the Badges”
The annual Battle of the Badges in Gastonia is back! The friendly rivalry softball game between Gastonia’s Police and Fire Departments will take place at the Sims Legion Park. Proceeds for the event benefit the Special Olympics of Gaston County. There will be food trucks, entertainment for kids, and more.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but there will be a raffle for a PlayStation 5 for $5.
Charlotte Knights Host Oklahoma City Comets
The Charlotte Knights host the Oklahoma City Comets this weekend at Truist Field. Friday night’s game, aside from its usual post-game fireworks, will have special appearances from current and former Charlotte athletes, including the Hornets, current Charlotte FC player Brandt Bronico, and former Charlotte Bobcat Gerald Wallace. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a basketball jersey. The game starts at 7:04 p.m.
Saturday’s game starts at 6:05 p.m., and Sunday’s begins at 5:05 p.m. Tickets for the games can be found here.
Fredericksburg Nationals at Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
Can’t get enough of baseball? Well, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers will also be home, hosting the Fredericksburg Nationals. Enjoy post-game fireworks and more at Atrium Health Ballpark in downtown Kannapolis this weekend. The games start at 7 p.m., except for Sunday, which starts at 1:30 p.m. Tickets can be found here.
A$AP Rocky at the Spectrum Center
Multi-Grammy nominated Rapper and fashion icon A$AP Rocky (and his alter egos) will be in Charlotte for a stop on his “Don’t Be Dumb” World Tour. The tour, named after his latest album, kicked off on June 7 in Flushing, New York.
The concert starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Spectrum Center in Uptown Charlotte. Tickets are still available here.
FIFA World Cup Watch Parties – USA v. Paraguay
Bars and brewers across Charlotte will be showing the USMNT’s first match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The US team will face off against Paraguay on Friday, June 12. But if you don’t feel like venturing out and getting stuck in the crowds, starting at 8:45 p.m, you can also tune in to Queen City News to watch the match.
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
Spencer Fire Truck Festival
Come out for Rowan County’s “hottest” event of the year. Meet real firefighters, explore antique and modern fire trucks, and spend a fun-filled morning at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer. There will be activities for all ages, with special appearances from local fire departments, the NC Forestry Service, Norfolk Southern, and more.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Following the festival, there will be a parade. Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for military and seniors, and $8 for children (3-12). Tickets can be purchased here.
DaBaby “Be More Grateful” Festival
Charlotte native and rapper DaBaby is bringing a major hip-hop festival to the area. The “Be More Grateful” concert will take over the Route 29 Pavilion in Concord and feature hip-hop icons, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes and Waka Flocka, as well as artists like Yung Miami, Trick Daddy, BigXthaPlug, and Moneybagg Yo.
The event starts at 1 p.m. Tickets can be found here.
Havana Night at Camp North End
Havana Night at Camp North End in Charlotte is back! Come out for a night of live performances by Orquestra Mayor, salsa dancing with Rumbao Latin Dance Company, and vibrant rhythms of Luis Hernández y Calle Cuba.
Admission is free! The event runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
Huntersville Pride in the Park
Huntersville Pride Weekend is underway! Whether you’re joining the Drag Brunch at Eleven Lakes Brewing on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or spending your afternoon at Veterans Park for the festival, you are fulfilling the goal of creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone!
A portion of the proceeds from Huntersville Pride Weekend will benefit Umbrella LLC, which supports LGBTQ+ community resources and advocacy efforts. Tickets can be found here.
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra – Best of Broadway
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will bring its sounds to Symphony Park Sunday night to perform the best hits of Broadway, from the works of Oklahoma! to Chicago to The Greatest Showman, and more. The performance begins at 8:15 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Tickets can be found here.
Charlotte Crown v. Savannah Steel
Join the Crown as they once again host the Savannah Steel. The Crown earned its first win against the Steel last Saturday, snapping a six-game losing streak with an 86-67 final score. Not only will the team be seeking another victory, but they will also be ‘hooping’ for a cure! The game is specially dedicated to honoring cancer survivors, those currently battling cancer, and remembering loved ones affected.
The game starts at 2 p.m. at Bojangles Coliseum. Tickets can be found here.
ONGOING EVENTS
8th Annual Gastonia EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival
The 8th Annual Gastonia EbonyFest Festival is Gaston County’s largest Juneteenth celebration, taking place from June 13-19. Experience the richness of Black history and culture through music, special performances, and supporting local businesses and creatives.
The festivities start at 5 p.m. with a parade in Ranlo, ending at the Ranlo Ball Field. At the ball field is where the kickoff begins, with vendors, food, and family fun. The night ends with a Juneteenth firework show.
The festival ends on June 19 at the Rotary Pavilion in Gastonia.
Whitewater Center River Jam
The Whitewater Center’s River Jam runs Thursday through Saturday from May through September, and features over 80 live outdoor concerts. The series features local and national touring bands highlighting Americana, Roots, and Soul/R&B sounds.
Check out the Whitewater Center website for the full list of events and live acts.
Titanic: Echoes from the Past
Immerse yourself in the past and take yourself back to 1912. For two months, you can rediscover the tales of the Titanic as you’ve never seen before. This 30-minute free-roam VR experience tours the massive vessel, its grand staircase, the deck, and the passengers who were really here.
This one-of-a-kind blend of technology and history shows an authentic reconstruction of the world’s most legendary ocean liner before and after the wreck. Attendees will set sail on the maiden voyage and explore the wreckage from 3,800 meters below the surface of the Atlantic.
Tickets start at $32.50 for adults and $27.50 for minors. Sessions are limited and filling fast. Book your experience here.
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