Light Rail Weekender, May 2-4

April 30, 2025
Categories: CATS/LYNX, Transportation Tags: CATS LYNX, Light rail, transportation
LYNX light rail flies through space behind Star Wars characters and text reading "The Light Rail Weekender"

We’re geeking out over what’s happening in Charlotte this weekend! Check out our line-up of free to cheap events that are accessible via the LYNX light rail.

Don’t forget to set up your CATS Pass app with your student email before you head out. Show your All-Access Pass to fare inspectors on LYNX Light Rail and Streetcars, or scan the pass at CATS bus ticket readers when boarding.

May the 4th be with you at Carolina Theatre

  • When: 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 4
  • Where: Carolina Theatre
  • Cost: $15-$25

Fans of a galaxy far, far away can celebrate May 4th at a ticketed screening of Star Wars: A New Hope at Carolina Theatre in Uptown Charlotte. Get there early for photos in the lobby with the 501st Legion, or dress as your favorite characters for a chance to win best costume.

Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at 7th St station. Walk about 0.2 miles to 230 N Tryon St.

Dr. Octopus figure poses over shelves of comics in Heroes Aren't Hard to Find comic book shop
Dr. Octopus figurine is posed in the Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find comic book shop.

Free Comic Book Day at local shops

  • When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, May 3
  • Where: Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find Comic Shop
  • Cost: Free

On Free Comic Book Day, comic book distributors throughout North America give away free single-issue comics at local comic shops and libraries. This year’s lineup includes comic series like The Amazing Spider Man, Critical Role, Star Wars, Black Mirror and many more. You can grab your free comic books at Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find, a Charlotte comic shop that’s also accessible via the light rail.

Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC)/ Arena Station. From the CTC Station, take the Gold Line going east and get off at 8th Street station. Walk about 0.4 miles to 417 Pecan Ave.

A beautiful plate of refried beans, spiced rice, braised beef, red onions and charred chili pepper
Plated dishes from Azteca Mexican Family Restaurant.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Charlotte restaurants

May 5 isn’t until Monday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start the Cinco de Mayo celebrations early!

Looking for American favorites like queso and fish tacos? Craving traditional Mexican dishes like molé poblano or chilaquiles? Find flavors that get you in the Cinco de Mayo spirit at these fantastic local restaurants:

  • Azteca Family Mexican Restaurant
    • Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at Woodlawn station. Walk about 0.3 miles to 116 E Woodlawn Rd.
  • Cabo Fish Taco – NoDa
    • Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at 36th St station. Walk about 0.2 miles to 3201 N Davidson St.
  • Dos Caminos
    • Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at Brooklyn Village Station. Walk about 0.2 miles to 601 S Tryon St. 
  • Que Onda – Plaza Midwood
    • Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at CTC/Arena station. From the CTC/Arens station, take the Gold Line east and get off at Sunnyside station. Walk about 0.5 miles to 1518 Central Ave.
  • Sabor Latin Street Grill – NoDa
    • Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at 36th St station. Walk about 0.2 miles to 3205 N Davidson St.
  • Superica
    • Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at East/West Blvd station. Walk about 0.2 miles to 101 W Worthington 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.