CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Big shows coming to the Queen City: Lil Wayne, Alton Brown and Dancing with the Stars: Live.

9 things to do in Charlotte this weekend is part of our new newsletter The Go Guide! Every week, get the scoop on the latest events and happenings around Charlotte right in your inbox. To subscribe, make sure to check “The Go Guide” in our newsletter page.

Here’s a list of things to do the weekend of Feb. 21-23, 2025:

Alvin Ailey (Belk Theater), Friday to Saturday: The celebrated dance troupe will showcase their precision and athletic movements on stage for three performances only. From New York to around the world, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s dynamism and art shares the African American cultural experience through beautiful choreography with works by the most sought-after choreographers. Catch the show on Friday at 8 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $34.50.

Anthem Rugby Carolina vs. San Diego Legion (American Legion Memorial Stadium), Friday 7 p.m.: It’s the home opener for the second season of the newly formed Major League Rugby team. Check out the new roster and catch all the rugby action. Tickets start at $24.

Oddities and Curiosities Expo (Charlotte Convention Center), Saturday & Sunday: From taxidermy to creepy clothing and even funeral collectibles, the Oddities and Curiosities Expo is your one-stop-shop for all things unique and macabre. Find dozens of vendors selling oddities you won’t find anywhere else. Are you brave enough to take a hands-on taxidermy class? Admission is $15 at the door, free for children 12 and under with workshops separately ticketed.

Dancing with the Stars: Live (Ovens Auditorium), Saturday 3 & 8 p.m.: Feel the fire of the hit TV show live on stage. Featuring all of your favorite pro dancers performing new and beloved numbers featured on the show. This year’s special guest stars are Stephen Nedoroscik and Chandler Kinney. Two shows only.

African American Heritage Festival (Charlotte Museum of History), Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The African American Heritage Festival is back where you can experience the richness of African American heritage and culture in the Charlotte region. This year’s event is titled “Black Country” and features a special keynote speech from John Boyd, the president of the National Black Farmers Association. You’ll also find plenty of community programs, a farmer and vendor market, food trucks and discussions. Admission and parking are free.

Manifest Market (Resident Culture Plaza Midwood), Saturday 1 to 6 p.m.: Shake off those winter blues with a pop-up market featuring local artisans and thrifters. Find the newest addition to your vintage collection or find a one-of-a-kind handmade gift for you or a loved one. Admission is free.

Alton Brown Live: Last Bite (Belk Theater), Sunday 7 p.m.: Food Network superstar and best-selling author Alton Brown is bringing his culinary know-how live on the stage. The “Good Eats” host will look back at his decades-long career in food media while sharing his kitchen secrets, singing songs and food science. Tickets start at $37.50.

Lil Wayne (Spectrum Center), Sunday 8 p.m.: Fresh off his SNL50 performance, Lil Wayne is hitting the stage with special guests Hot Boys: B.G., Juvenile and Turk. The exclusive tour is making only three stops, with one of them right here in the Queen City. Don’t miss the reunion that started it all with hits like “I Need a Hot Girl” and “Neighborhood Superstar,” along with Lil Wayne’s catalog of classics. Tickets start at $69.

Rail Trail Lights (South End), closing Sunday: All aboard the Rail Trail! The illuminating art installation is back with never-before-seen lights along the rail. Featuring the work of award-winning artist Meredith Connelly, discover the wonder and magic of light with several pieces up and down the trail highlighting the theme of “Golden Threads.” This year’s installations include “Weavers,” “Fairy Ring,” “Water,” and more. Admission is free and will be open to the public through Feb. 23.

Have an event you want to submit? I’m always looking for things to do around Charlotte. Send me your event to [email protected].

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