Light Rail Weekender – May 15-17
Finals are officially over and the semester is wrapped, so this is your sign to get outside and breathe again. Check out these free‑to‑cheap things to do around Charlotte this weekend, all easily accessible from the CATS light rail. It’s the perfect way to shake off exam stress and enjoy your first school‑free weekend.
Charlotte Japan Fest 🇯🇵
When: Saturday, May 17: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, May 18: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Urban District Market
Cost: Free
CLT Japan Fest runs all day both Saturday and Sunday with food vendors, martial arts demos and anime‑inspired shopping. The festival ends each night with a Studio Ghibli movie screening.
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.
LGBTQ+ Film Festival Kickoff 🎬
When: Friday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Independent Picture House
Cost: Free
The Queen City’s annual LGBTQ+ film festival kicks off Friday night at Independent Picture House with a showcase of indie films from queer storytellers. It’s a thoughtful, community‑centered screening that highlights voices you don’t always see on the big screen.
Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, Take the Blue Line to Sugar Creek Station, Walk about 0.3 miles from Sugar Creek Station to 4237 Raleigh St.
University City Food Truck Friday’s 🍔
University City Food Truck Friday’s
When: Friday, May 16 at 5 p.m.
Where: Armored Cow Brewing
Cost: Free
University City Food Truck Fridays brings a rotating mix of local food trucks, live music and a relaxed outdoor crowd to Armored Cow Brewing. It’s the perfect early‑evening stop if you want good food and an easy vibe.
Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line one stop to JW Clay Station, then walk about 0.7 miles to 8821 JW Clay Blvd.
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 NinerNet@charlotte.edu email address to get started.