Oddities Expo and Romantic Symphonies: What’s On in Charlotte Today
A Saturday of Romance and Curiosities in the Queen City
It is Saturday, February 14, 2026, and Charlotte is buzzing with energy. While many are focusing on Valentine’s Day traditions, the city’s schedule today offers a fascinating mix of the classical and the unconventional. Whether you are looking for a high-brow evening at the symphony or a morning spent browsing taxidermy and strange artifacts, there is something for everyone in the metro area today.
The Bizarre and the Beautiful: Oddities & Curiosities Expo
For those who prefer the strange over the sentimental, the Charlotte Convention Center is hosting the Oddities & Curiosities Expo today from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This traveling exhibition is a haven for lovers of the unusual, featuring hand-selected vendors and artists. Visitors can browse a variety of unique items, including preserved specimens, taxidermy, horror-inspired artwork, and antique medical devices. The event also features sideshow performers on stage throughout the day, providing a truly one-of-a-kind alternative to traditional Saturday plans.
Morning Markets and Refined Traditions
Start your day at the South End Farmers Market at Atherton Mill, which runs from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This rain-or-shine market is a staple of the Saturday morning routine in Charlotte. You can enjoy live music while shopping for local produce, handmade pasta, and artisanal crafts. It is a perfect spot for a casual morning date or a community meetup.
If you are seeking a more upscale experience, The Ballantyne Hotel is offering its celebrated Valentine’s Afternoon Tea. With multiple seating times throughout the afternoon, guests can enjoy a refined selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries in a luxurious setting. This is a popular choice for groups of friends or couples looking for a sophisticated start to their Valentine's celebration.
High Notes and Grand Stages: Performing Arts
Charlotte’s theater scene is particularly vibrant this evening. At the Knight Theater, Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster takes the stage at 8:00 PM for a night of world-class vocal performance. Meanwhile, the Belk Theater offers a choice of powerful productions. The Charlotte Symphony continues its weekend run with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, providing a sweeping, romantic backdrop for the evening. Additionally, the 30th-anniversary tour of Riverdance brings its high-energy Irish dance choreography to the stage with both a matinee at 2:00 PM and an evening performance at 7:30 PM.
Creative Connections
For a hands-on evening, Cordelia Park Indoor Pavilion is hosting a Valentine’s Day Paint & Sip for couples starting at 6:30 PM. For those looking for a social lounge atmosphere, the R&B Wine Night at Blush CLT begins at 6:00 PM, featuring smooth music and local wine selections. Whether you are leaning into the romance or just enjoying the Saturday vibe, Charlotte’s diverse offerings ensure a memorable day.