Things To Do in Charlotte This Weekend: May 8-May 10
The weekend events in Charlotte are serving up laughs, live music, barbecue, and empowerment.

The weekend events in Charlotte are serving up laughs, live music, barbecue, and empowerment. Lavell Crawford brings his stand-up performance to The Comedy Zone, the Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival returns for its 18th year, and "When a Woman's Fed Up" takes the Ovens Auditorium stage. Toss in late-night beats, soulful sets, and more comedy, and this weekend offers a wide variety of activities.
Lavell Crawford
- What:Â Stand-up comedy with Lavell Crawford
- When:Â Friday, May 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.; Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; and Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 6 p.m.
- Where: The Comedy Zone — Charlotte, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., B3, Charlotte
- Cost:Â General admission $34.03 and Gold Circle $45.68
Lavell Crawford is a stand-up comedian best known for his recurring role on AMC's Emmy Award-winning "Breaking Bad" and his exposure on NBC's "Last Comic Standing," which led to a network holding deal. He has appeared on Comedy Central, E!'s "Chelsea Lately" and "Lopez Tonight," and filmed a one-hour special, "Can a Brother Get Some Love?" in his hometown of St. Louis. Comedy Central also gave him his own half-hour special, "Comedy Central Presents: Lavell Crawford."
Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival
- What:Â Charlotte's biggest BBQ fest is back for year 18
- When:Â Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (VIP entry at noon)
- Where:Â Ballantyne's Backyard, 11611 N. Community House Road, Charlotte
- Cost:Â Entry only $25, general admission $34, and VIP $85
The 18th annual Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival returns to Ballantyne's Backyard, offering more than 60 beers, 40 bourbons, and plenty of barbecue, including pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and whole hogs. Admission includes a souvenir tasting glass and unlimited beer and bourbon sampling. The festival also features live rock and blues music, seminars with master distillers and pit masters, and lawn games.
When a Woman's Fed Up
- What:Â A bold stage play celebrating women's strength and freedom
- When:Â Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 3 p.m.
- Where:Â Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte
- Cost:Â Tickets start at $81
"When a Woman's Fed Up" is an Unlimited Entertainment LLC stage production that examines the complexities of relationships and the issues women face in them. This show chronicles women during defining moments of self-discovery, from the beginning to their own point of no return. With an uplifting theme of empowerment and freedom for women, the play encourages audiences to embrace self-compassion, break free from societal expectations, reclaim their independence, and prioritize their own happiness.
Other Events
The Charlotte weekend events provide several reasons to get out and experience the city's vibrant live entertainment scene. From late-night beats and uplifting live music to Sunday afternoon laughs, there's something for every taste. Make the most of the days off with a lineup that runs from Friday night all the way through Sunday:
- Riot Ten — Charlotte: Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10 p.m. at The Rabbit Hole, 1801 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte
- Kings Kaleidoscope With Hollyn:Â Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 8 p.m. at Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St., Charlotte
- Gigi LeFlair: Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 3 p.m. at The Comedy Zone — Charlotte, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., B3, Charlotte
More To Explore Next Week
Weeknights just got a serious upgrade in Charlotte. From soulful sounds and high-energy concerts to laughs that hit close to home, the city's stages are packed with reasons to skip the couch. Whether you're in the mood for live music or a night of stand-up comedy, there are various activities worth getting dressed up for every night of the week:
- Elmiene — Sounds for Someone Tour: Monday, May 11, 2026, at 8 p.m. at The Fillmore Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St., Charlotte
- Chaos and Carnage 2026:Â Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 4:45 p.m. at The Fillmore Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St., Charlotte
- Kid Cudi Presents: The Rebel Ragers Tour 2026:Â Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Truliant Amphitheater, 707 Pavilion Blvd., Charlotte
- Akaash Singh: Generational Triumph Tour: Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. at The Comedy Zone — Charlotte, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., B3, Charlotte




