Light Rail Weekender, May 17-18

May 14, 2025
Categories: CATS/LYNX, Transportation Tags: Light rail, transportation
People wearing kimonos dance around structure with lanterns, bold text reads "The Light Rail Weekender"

Whether you’re done with classes for the whole season or are enjoying your two-week break before summer semester kicks off, now is the perfect time to explore what Charlotte has to offer. 

Check out these free to cheap events happening this weekend, all at locations you can easily reach by taking the light rail!

Immerse Yourself at Japan Fest

  • When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18
  • Where: Urban District Market
  • Cost: Free

Experience the diverse traditions, arts and cuisines of Japan at Charlotte’s Japan Fest. Watch  martial arts performances, shop Japanese market vendors or compete in a karaoke contest.

There will also be free movie screenings both nights: Spirited Away at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and Howl’s Moving Castle at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at 25th Street station. Walk about 0.3 miles to 2315 N Davidson St. 

Artists pose in front of mural of cartoon panther riding a skateboard and making a peace sign at TOAH Outdoor Gallery
Artists pose in front of mural at TOAH Outdoor Gallery.

Celebrate Art and Community at TAOH

  • When: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 17
  • Where: TAOH Outdoor Gallery
  • Cost: Free

Join the Piece for Peace Celebration with live painting, free art workshops, food trucks, music and more. Twenty local artists will spray paint murals in the TAOH Outdoor Gallery, Charlotte’s first graffiti park, which you can watch while you enjoy creating your own peace-themed art.

Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at 25th Street station. Walk about 0.3 miles to 2200 N Brevard St.

Smiling man kicks a giant billiards cue ball into a set of giant billiards balls, while many patrons sit talking and drinking from glasses inside the Hi-Wire Brewing building
Patrons play giant pool at Hi-Wire Brewing in South End Charlotte.

Party Sober at Drinkless Spring Fest

  • When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 18
  • Where: Hi-Wire Brewing Charlotte
  • Cost: $15

Get tickets now for the Drinkless Spring Fest at Hi-Wire Brewing. This all-ages, alcohol-free event will have live music, stand-up comedy, local artists and vendors and – of course – delicious mocktails. 

Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at LYNX East/West Blvd station. Walk about 0.5 miles to 340 W Tremont Ave.

How to Ride

Students at UNC Charlotte have the CATS All-Access Pass included in their student fees, which means they can ride city light rail, streetcar and buses fare free. Download the CATS Pass App and login with your @charlotte.edu email address to get started.