Top Things to Do in Charlotte: May 16–23, 2026

Sistah Scene

Hi Sis! Welcome to the SISTAH Scene 💫

Sis, the city is vibrating on a whole different frequency this week. As we move through the latter half of May, Charlotte is finding its rhythm between high-energy celebration and the deep, restorative quiet we need to sustain ourselves.

We’re in a season of Legacy and Liberation. With the 250th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence upon us, the air is rich with history—but here, we’re choosing to move with intention.

From opulent brunches to somatic resets, intimate workshops to cultural moments—this week is about choosing where you pour your magic.

Hosting an event you’d like featured in an upcoming SISTAH Scene? DM @laviancawithsistah on Instagram for listing or feature opportunities.

Photo Curtesy of Matilda Jacob

✨ Featured Launch: The Motherland Issue

🌍 Available Now: May 2026 Collector’s Edition — "The Essence of the Motherland"

Order Your Printed Copy Here $13

The wait for the physical archive is over. Our May issue is a living, tactile journey back to Alkebulan, exploring traditional rituals and the restoration of lineage. This edition addresses the ontological shift toward ancestral wisdom and the profound concept of spiritual reparations. Secure this limited piece of history for your coffee table and your soul.

🔥 SISTAH’s Top 5: This Week’s Must-Experience Moments

The experiences we’re loving, recommending, and pulling up to…

✨ Rich Auntie Brunch Saturday, May 16 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary An opulent morning of networking, alignment, and soft luxury energy. |Details

🌸 Petals & Prosecco: Luxury Garden Party Saturday, May 16 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM 📍 Camellia Gardens Live harpist, curated florals, and elevated garden party vibes. | Details

🌀 RESET: Yoga & Sound Journey Wednesday, May 20 | 7:00 PM 📍 The Happy Camper A mid-week grounding experience designed to realign your energy. |Details

💫 Rooted: A Somatic Showdown Saturday, May 23 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 ZenChi Lounge An intimate wellness activation blending movement, sound, and release. | Details

🎨 The Story Edit Wednesday, May 20 | 6:30 PM 📍 DUPP&SWAT Where clothing, storytelling, and community intersect in a meaningful way. | Details

🌿 Holistic Care & Wellness

🌀 RESET: Yoga & Sound Journey Wednesday, May 20 | 7:00 PM 📍 The Happy Camper

🧘🏽‍♀️ Sound Bath with Heidi Thursday, May 21 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM 📍 Sanctuary Imports

💃🏾 Core-Chella: Rooftop Pilates Saturday, May 23 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 Novelty House

🌿 Rooted: A Somatic Showdown Saturday, May 23 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 ZenChi Lounge

🤝 Networking & Connection

💼 The Social Exchange Monday, May 18 | 7:00 PM 📍 The Royal Tot

🌱 Networking Night Tuesday, May 19 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 Alchemy CoWorking CLT

🖤 CreateHER Space (Free Coworking) Wednesday, May 20 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 Mecca of Digital Arts (MoDA)

🍷 Pour into the Community: Founder Panel Wednesday, May 20 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Napa on Providence

👨‍👩‍👧 Family & “Big Kid” Fun

🐉 Charlotte Asian & Dragon Boat Festival Saturday, May 16 | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM 📍 Ramsey Creek Park

📚 Queen City Book Fair Saturday, May 16 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 Venue at 8470

🏎 NC Education Lottery 200 Friday, May 22 | 7:30 PM 📍 Charlotte Motor Speedway

🏛 Meck Dec Day Celebration Saturday, May 23 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM 📍 Charlotte Museum of History

🖤 Community, Culture & Creative Energy

🎭 The Notebook (The Musical) Tuesday, May 19 | 7:30 PM 📍 Belk Theater

🎨 Charlotte Collects: Black Collectors Thursday, May 21 | 6:30 PM 📍 Harvey B. Gantt Center

🧵 The Story Edit Wednesday, May 20 | 6:30 PM 📍 DUPP&SWAT

📖 Within the Margins Book Club Thursday, May 21 | 7:00 PM

🎧 Hindsight: Guided Listening Experience Sunday, May 17 | 1:00 PM 📍 Sip City

🎉 Social Vibes & Nightlife

🎶 AfroPop! Charlotte Vol. 99 Saturday, May 16 | 9:30 PM 📍 Crown Station

💃🏾 Fem Fridays CLT! Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 PM 📍 832 Seigle Ave

✨ Haus of Bloom Sunday, May 17 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 The Peace Pipe

🤍 Sophisticated All White Affair Saturday, May 23 | 4:00 PM 📍 Legacy Lounge CLT

🍳 Workshops & Hands-On Experiences

🧵 Machine Refresh Sunday, May 17 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Funky Sweatshop

✂️ Sewing Skills Lab Sunday, May 17 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM 📍 Funky Sweatshop

🕯 Sip & Pour: Candle Making Friday, May 22 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 Archive CLT

🎨 Coffee & Canvas: Paint & Sip Friday, May 22 | 6:00 PM 📍 Sugar & Sip

🛍 Markets & Pop-Ups

👗 The Thrift Gala (Theme: Thrift Icon) Saturday, May 16 | 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM 📍 Common Market Southend

🌮 RXJO Pop-Up (Vol. 2) Saturday, May 23 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 Indy Media Studio

🤫 SISTAH Insider Tips

✨ Speakeasy Energy

• BackStage Lounge (South End): Check IG stories for the weekly password

• Dot Dot Dot (SouthPark): Membership required ($10/year)

🌿 Meck Dec Insider Move Skip the crowds and visit the NSDAR Patriot Marker Dedication at Independence Park for a quieter, more intentional experience.

💫 SISTAH Tip of the Week

Protect the Architecture of Your Peace. 🏛️

Sis, independence isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we practice.

You do not owe your presence to every room that calls your name. This week, be intentional about where your energy goes. If something feels like performance instead of pour-back, give yourself permission to choose differently.

Light the candle. Stay home if needed. Show up where you feel aligned.

Your peace is the legacy. You are the monument. 🌿

We hope you found something that excites you and aligns with what you need in this season. Wherever you go, may it nourish your mind, uplift your spirit, and remind you that Charlotte is full of spaces created for you to take up space.

Go explore, connect, and pour back into yourself. The Queen City is waiting, Sis