Things To Do in Charlotte This Weekend: January 2-4
Charlotte rings in the new year with a dynamic mix of sports, culture, and live music.
Head coach P.J. Fleck of the Minnesota Golden Gophers gets a mayo bath after winning the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in January of 2025 in Charlotte.
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty ImagesCharlotte rings in the new year with a dynamic mix of sports, culture, and live music. From the high energy of the Duke's Mayo Bowl to the family traditions at the Epiphany Celebration (Día de los Reyes Magos) and the beauty of the Candlelight: Mozart vs. Beethoven performance, Charlotte offers a weekend full of fun, festivity, and unforgettable entertainment.
Duke's Mayo Bowl
- What: Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State
- When: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 8 p.m.
- Where: Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St., Charlotte
- Cost: Tickets start at $41
The Duke's Mayo Bowl is an annual college football postseason game played in Charlotte that has grown into a beloved tradition since its start in 2002. Each winter, the Bowl takes place at Bank of America Stadium, featuring teams from major NCAA conferences and offering exciting game-day experiences and an exhilarating atmosphere. The Bowl is sponsored by Duke's Mayonnaise, and at the end of the match, the coach of the winning team is doused in mayo.
Epiphany Celebration (Día de los Reyes Magos)
- What: Celebrating Three Kings Day traditions
- When: Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte
- Cost: Free
Día de los Reyes Magos, also known as Three Kings Day or Twelfth Night, commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus and is celebrated throughout many cultures. The Mint Museum Randolph will honor the longstanding tradition with an exhibition titled "Art of Devotion: The Santos de Palo Tradition in Puerto Rico." The festivities will include exhibition tours, music, dance, storytelling, arts and crafts, a Pastorela, and the tasting of a Rosca de Reyes. The Mint Museum Randolph has designed this event to please both young and old, blending history, culture, and family fun.
Candlelight: Mozart vs. Beethoven
- What: Mozart and Beethoven by candlelight
- When: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 8:45 p.m.
- Where: The Barrel Room at Triple C Brewing, 2832 Griffith St., Charlotte
- Cost: Tickets start at $44.50
Candlelight: Mozart vs. Beethoven is a multisensory musical journey that turns classical orchestrations into a beautiful live performance illuminated by the soft shine of candlelight. This tribute to the popular worldwide Candlelight Concerts by Fever will feature performances of works by Mozart and Beethoven by gifted musicians in a cozy setting.
Other Events
The start of the year brings a mix of outdoor adventure and live entertainment to Charlotte. From cozy nature experiences to an evening of stand-up comedy, these events offer easy ways to get out, explore, and enjoy something a little different:
- Winter Wonderland Hike: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road, Charlotte
- Friday Fire and S'mores: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Stevens Creek Nature Center, 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill
More To Explore Next Week
The way the city of Charlotte comes alive on weeknights is a very different kind of energy from what you might find at a weekend event. There's no rush to attend these after-hours events; they encourage you to relax and get together with others in a fun, creative environment:
- Martinis & Mezze Mondays: Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. (recurring event) at DTR Dilworth, 300 E. Tremont Ave., Charlotte
- Tosco Music Open Mic: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. (recurring event) at The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., Charlotte
- MakerSpace Charlotte Open House: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at 7 p.m. (recurring event) at MakerSpace Charlotte, 1003 Louise Ave., Charlotte
- Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at The Barrel Room at Triple C Brewing, 2832 Griffith St., Charlotte
