Events

Life is an event. Make it memorable.

Whether you’re into live music, food and wine, sports or family-friendly entertainment, University City events offer nonstop fun for everyone.

UCity Lights Winter Celebration

Join us for a festive holiday celebration at The Shoppes at University Place! Presented by Truliant Credit Union, this inaugural event is perfect for all ages. Enjoy a magical tree lighting ceremony with Mayor Lyles and the convenience of free parking, just a few blocks from the JW Clay light rail station. Don’t miss out!

People smiling taking a selfie
People smiling after New Years Day Run

Charlotte New Year’s Day 5k

Kickstart your New Year with a bang at our Charlotte New Year’s Day 5k! Run through scenic Barton Creek, Mallard Creek, and Toby Creek Greenways, with a spectacular finish on the picturesque UNC Charlotte Campus. It’s the perfect way to begin the year with a healthy workout and earn your right to celebrate.

University City Wine Fest

University City’s scenic lake and boardwalk at the Shoppes at University Place is the location for the annual multi-day University City Wine Fest. More than 100 wines from over 25 wineries will be available to sample while guests stroll the boardwalk and enjoy live music and interactive entertainment.

Charlotte Kids Fest

The annual Charlotte Kids Fest at UNC Charlotte provides high-quality educational and fun entertainment in a family friendly atmosphere. It is a festival that inspires and motivates young minds with professional artistic, creative, educational and playful experiences that transform a child’s understanding of the world around them and what is possible.

Community Events

UNC Charlotte Events

Celebrating Nature

Concerts

University City Farmers Market

University City Farmers Market is the only farmers market in University City serving up local produce and interactive programs for individuals and families. It is where the community comes together most every weekend to enjoy some of Charlotte’s best local food talent, farmers, artisanal food makers, live music, and pop-up chefs. Catch the market every Saturday from May to October.

Active Living

University City provides opportunities to get moving. Runners will find many road races throughout University City like the Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K. Each race is designed to encourage health and wellness for all ages and fitness levels. Events range from festive fun runs to marathons and provide plenty of opportunities to participate. Visit our Sports page to learn more about physical activities and events.

News

Healthy Choices in University City

From choosing healthy foods to taking time to enjoy nature and connect with community, here are a few ways to make healthy choices in University City. Choose healthy food. Learn more about University City's newest prepared health food store, Project LeanNation. Help a...

UNC Charlotte’s International Festival Is Back

After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, UNC Charlotte’s International Festival returns. Started in 1975, the event was one of Charlotte’s first intended to celebrate the area’s rich multicultural community. Today the International Festival is one of the largest...

Meet Brittany Anderson, a Teacher on a Mission 

Brittany Anderson is on a mission to change systemic educational challenges, particularly for young Black girls. At 37, the UNC Charlotte professor and University City resident has already won a National Science Foundation grant for over $1 million and was included on...

UNC Charlotte art students display work at Real African Art gallery

A group of University City community partners recently came together to support 13 UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture students to offer them tools and resources on how to run a small business in the creative industry. The Creative Entrepreneurship program is...

University City students paint Hornets mural at Spectrum Center

On November 25, three talented University City art students had a very special afternoon. In late October, Spectrum Center had invited Julius L. Chambers High School art students to paint a mural inside the home of the Hornets uptown.  They were invited back for the...
Bonnie E. Cone

Women’s History Month: Honoring Bonnie E. Cone, pioneering educator and leader

UNC Charlotte is the only university in the North Carolina System of Colleges and Universities founded by a woman.  Bonnie E. Cone, or “Miss Bonnie,” as she was often called, was a dedicated educator and community leader who played an instrumental role in the vision...
Historic Newell School still stands in University City

Black History Month: Remembering Newell School

As our name suggests, University City is rich in educational history. While we’re anchored by a major urban research institution, we’re also home to significant historic landmarks of Black education. During the Jim Crow era, segregation meant that many Black children...

UNC Charlotte’s New Tailgating Space

An anonymous donor gifted UNC Charlotte with $10 million to fund the construction of a three-acre outdoor complex that can accommodate 2,500 students for student gatherings and tailgating. In addition to the open space and landscaping, there will also be an 8,000...

Charlotte New Year’s Day 5k Recap

University City hosted the second annual Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K. Thank you to all of our sponsors, including Atrium Health, who made this wonderful event possible. A special shoutout is due to the nearly 300 participants who ran and walked the race! The event was...