Light Rail Weekender, May 30-June 1

May 28, 2025
Categories: CATS/LYNX, Transportation Tags: CATS LYNX, Light rail, transportation
colorful Mario Kart characters race around a track behind bold white text "The Light Rail Weekender"

With the last week of May bringing surprisingly cooler temperatures to Charlotte, it doesn’t feel like summer has really started. But these upcoming events might be just what you need to get into a summer state of mind.

Check out our lineup of free to cheap events and activities happening this weekend, all accessible via the CATS light rail.

Itsa’ Mario Kart Tournament!

  • When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, May 30
  • Where: The Chamber by Wooden Robot, NoDa
  • Cost: Free

Get your best blue-shell buds to compete in the Doubles Mario Kart Tournament taking place this Friday at the Chamber by Wooden Robot. Sign up with a team of two to reserve your spot. The highest scoring team wins $25, plus a $15 prize for the runners up.

Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at 36th Street station. Walk about 13 feet to 416 E 36th St.

Customers walk down the halls of Optimist Hall, large windows letting in natural light on one side and rows of built-in restaurant and retail kiosks on the other.
Families browse eateries and shops in Optimist Hall.

Kick Off Summer at Optimist Hall

  • When: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, May 31
  • Where: Optimist Hall Courtyard
  • Cost: Free

Optimist Hall is kicking off the summer season with a family-friendly celebration. Enjoy live music in the courtyard, while you grab an authentic Neapolitan pizza from Ava or a ramen bowl from Bao and Broth. With more than twenty eateries and shops, you’re bound to find something you love!

Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at Parkwood station. Walk about 0.3 miles to 115 N Brevard St.

A photo collage of drag performers in front of text "brat Summer Drag Brunch" with smaller text "RC Cola, Lolita Chanel, Indica Gemini, Vegas Van Dank, Druzilla La Fae" and logos for Charlotte Gaymers Network, Divine Barrel Brewing, and LOC Productions

Serving Brat Summer at Drag Brunch

  • When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, June 1
  • Where: Divine Barrel Brewing
  • Cost: $15 online, $20 at the door

We’re going brat-green this Sunday at CGN’s Brat Summer Drag Brunch. Enjoy food and drinks while local drag divas RC Cola, Lolita Chanel, Indica Gemini, Vegas Van Dank and Druzilla La Fae serve up outrageous performances. 

Directions: From UNC Charlotte Main Station, take the Blue Line southbound and get off at 36th Street station. Walk about 1.1 miles to 3701 N Davidson St.

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.