After celebrating the New Year and enjoying the excitement it brings, we crash into the cold month of January, and are left to wonder, “What’s next?” Although the holidays aren’t for another year, other things to get excited about are much closer. From art and music to spring and nature, Charlotte has a lot to offer in the next few months. Below, I have made a list of five things to keep you excited throughout 2025.
- New Albums from Top Artists
Even before 2025 arrived, many of our favorite artists and musicians teased and built up angst in their fan bases by announcing new albums to come this year. Artists like The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Tate McCrae, Japanese Breakfast, and Lana Del Rey have teased or announced new album releases coming the next few months.
- Live Music and Concerts
More albums mean more live music! Many artists have included Charlotte in their U.S. tours, and there’s truly no experience that matches seeing your favorite artist live. Coming up this month, Kelsey Ballerini performing at the Spectrum Center and Wallows at the Fillmore, with tickets starting at about 70 USD. Later this year, Charlotte will also be expecting artists like Tyler, the Creator for his CHROMAKOPIA World Tour, Deftones, Shakira, Kendrick Lamar with SZA, Billy Joel, and Tyler Childers. The Fillmore, Spectrum Center, Bank of America Stadium, and PNC Music Pavilion will be filled with singing voices and unforgettable memories throughout all of 2025.
- Games, Jerseys, and Food
Charlotte’s own Spectrum Center is packed and booked throughout the rest of the year not only with concerts but also with its very own, the Charlotte Hornets. From now through April, the Hornets will be hosting a total of 19 home games. For those who prefer soccer, Charlotte FC is kicking off the season at the end of February. Last, but certainly not least, every football fan’s favorite event, the Super Bowl 59, will take place February 9th at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana this year with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Super Bowl’s halftime show will feature a performance by Kendrick Lamar and SZA along with the classic and long-awaited commercials.
- Popcorn and New Movies
2025 is going to be a great year for scary movie lovers and Marvel fans. On the last day of January, The Notebook director Drew Hancock’s new thriller, Companion, featuring The Boys actor Jack Quaid was released. The thriller has a mystery in the middle of the plot and was highly anticipated. If you’re looking for a movie to watch on Valentine’s Day, what’s more romantic than watching Captain America: Brave New World with someone whose presence you enjoy? If you’re not much of a Marvel fan, you can still get excited about the new Minecraft movie, Wicked Part 2, or the live animations of Lilo and Stitch and Snow White.
- Seasonal activities
One of the most advantageous things about living in North Carolina is that the state experiences all four seasons throughout the year. Planning an activity to do with friends, family, or on your own can be a great way to keep you looking forward to something and try new things. Whether it’s going ice skating at the Whitewater Center or skiing in Boone, there are many winter activities to book up your calendar with. As spring rolls around and the weather warms up, North Carolina’s parks and trails become perfect for hiking. For just under an hour, hikers can drive to Crowders Mountain, or take a road trip to North Carolina’s most iconic hiking spot: Grandfather Mountain. In the spring, Carrigan farms just outside Charlotte opens its quarry for public swimming all throughout the summer, making it a great destination for a road trip with friends.