This weekend's picks from

CHARLOTTE LOOP

Things to do in Charlotte this weekend, Nov. 12 to 15

Time Travelers' Weekend at the Renaissance Festival

By Lou P. and the Charlotte Loop editors. Thursday, November 12, 2026

The Carolina Renaissance Festival holds Time Travelers' Weekend in Huntersville, and child admission is free, with conditions. Huntersville also has its Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony Saturday morning. Elsewhere, Jack White plays the Fillmore and Don't Tell Comedy puts on a show at a secret spot in Camp North End.

IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING

Time Travelers’ Weekend! Free Child Admission! (conditions apply)

Time Travelers' Weekend at the Carolina Renaissance Festival runs Saturday and Sunday in Huntersville, and child admission is free, though conditions apply.

Come dressed as a favorite time traveler from movies, comics, sci-fi or fantasy. There's a costume contest, local author signings, replica Delorean and Tardis time machines, and free hero and villain training. Kids 5 to 12 get in free with donated school supplies.

Saturday at 9:30 am · Carolina Renaissance Festival, 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville, NC 28078, United States

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FREE THIS WEEKENDcosts nothing

Casual Chess Meetup

Friday at 1 pm

Fretwell 223

Drop in for open chess play on the UNC Charlotte campus. All ratings are welcome, so beginners and regulars can sit down for a casual game anytime during the three hours.

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WITH KIDSbring them

Movie Day: Chicken Run Rated G

Friday at 2:45 pm

North County Regional

The library shows Chicken Run, rated G, for a relaxed afternoon. Families are encouraged to bring blankets, pillows, snacks and stuffed animals to get comfortable.

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Miracle on the Hudson Experience

Friday at 10:45 am; also Sat 10:45 am

Sullenberger Aviation Museum, 4108 Minuteman Way, Charlotte, NC, 28208

A two-hour guided look at US Airways Flight 1549 and the landing on the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. It digs into the decisions, teamwork and human factors behind the safe outcome.

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OUTSIDEfresh air

Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony

Saturday at 9:30 am

Veterans Park - Downtown Huntersville - 201 Huntersville-Concord. Rd Huntersville NC 28078

Huntersville's 11th annual Veterans Day Parade starts at 9:30 a.m., with a ceremony at Veterans Park at 11. This year's parade also celebrates America's 250th anniversary.

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DATE NIGHTfor two

Don't Tell Comedy Charlotte Show

Saturday at 7:30 pm; also 9:30 pm

Secret location in Camp North End (revealed the morning of the show), Charlotte, NC, 28206

A pop-up standup show with a secret lineup, held at an indoor spot in Camp North End. The exact address arrives by email that morning. It's BYOB, outside snacks are fine, chairs are provided, and it's 21+. Tickets are $30.

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Candlelight: Vivaldi's Four Seasons & More

Saturday

The Barrel Room, 2832 Griffith Street, Charlotte, NC, 28203

A string quartet plays Vivaldi's Four Seasons by candlelight, plus works by Massenet, Saint-Saens, Richter and Piazzolla. The hour-long program is for ages 8 and up, and late entry isn't permitted.

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Bach 360, Charlotte Symphony (November 13, 2026)

Friday at 7:30 pm

Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202

The Charlotte Symphony performs Bach 360 at Booth Playhouse, a Friday evening of Bach in the heart of Uptown.

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BRING A TOTEmarkets and sales

Southern Christmas Show

Through Nov. 21

The Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205

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BIG SHOWSyou've heard of these

PLAN AHEAD

  • Nov. 27Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular, Ballantyne's Backyard Ballantyne's Backyard 11611 North Community House Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. Details
  • Dec. 4Charlotte Ballet - The Nutcracker, Belk Theatre. Details
  • Nov. 28Duke Ellingtons Nutcracker Suite, Carolina Theatre. Details

WHAT DID WE MISS?

We do our best to read every calendar in Charlotte, and we still miss good stuff. The church supper, the band at the corner bar, the block party your neighbor is throwing. If you know about something, tell us. Just write hello@loopcities.com. We read every note.

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