Trail of History Festival
2025-05-10 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Captain Jack Statue, 4th Street and King Drive, Charlotte, NC, United States
In partnership with Mecklenburg County, the Trail of History Festival is a one-day, annual event celebrating the history, growth, & development of Mecklenburg County, featuring local history, art, music, and food!

Meck Mile
2025-05-10 14:00 - 18:00 | Memorial Stadium, https://www.google.com/maps/place/3513'08.6N+8049'45.2W/@35.219053,-80.8292151,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d35.219053!4d-80.8292151?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDMyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw, Chalrotte
The Meck Mile presented by Albemarle brings people together from all across Charlotte to run, walk, skip, or dance their way through Memorial Stadium on May 10, 2025. This race gives participants and spectators alike the chance to hit the streets and see the city we call home from an entirely new perspective.
Whether you’re aiming to hit a new personal best, or are just looking for a unique active outing for the whole family, the Meck Mile presented by Albemarle is bringing Charlotte together to show who really runs (or walks) this city. Join us and enjoy:
+ Kids run free
+ Pick your pace from pro to recreational.
+ Beer garden, games and more at the finish line!
+ Free to attend
To register:
https://raceroster.com/events/2025/92064/meck-mile

MecDec Express: Brew-infused Stories and Sites from 1775
2025-05-10 15:00 - 17:00 | NC
Meet us at Lost Worlds Brewing Charlotte and hop on board the first-ever MecDec Express for an expertly-guided, brew-infused bus tour of the historical sites directly linked to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and the jaw-dropping, 250-year-old true story behind the brave, feisty local patriots who turned the tide of the Revolutionary War and transformed Charlotte into the Cradle of American Independence. Travel throughout the city of Charlotte, guided by national author David Fleming, accompanied by May 20th Society co-founder, Scott Syfert, as we weave together the local significant connections to the MecDec, including a quick stop at the Charlotte Museum of History. Tickets are on sale now: https://www.lostworldsbeer.com/store/mecdec-bus-tour-with-dave-fleming-may-10th-from-230-530-pm

Final Draught: History, Hops and the Meck Dec
2025-05-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Town Brewing Co, 800 Grandin Road, Charlotte, NC, 28208, United States
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s beloved author series Final Draught is back— kicking things off with a revolutionary evening at Town Brewing Co.

Enjoy a special beer brewed exclusively for the occasion, refreshments, and a fascinating panel discussion featuring:
-Scott Syfert, attorney, historian, and co-founder of the May 20th Society
-Chas Fagan, renowned artist and sculptor
-David Fleming, award-winning author and journalist
-Moderated by Keri Petersen, senior director at Levine Museum of the New South
Join us for an evening of spirited conversation and storytelling as Final Draught returns with a toast to local lore and national history.

250th Bash & Benefit featuring THE CONNELLS with Boy Named Banjo
2025-05-16 20:00 - 23:00 | Neighborhood Theater, 511 E. 36th St., Charlotte, NC, 28205, United States
THE CONNELLS:
The Connells, one of North Carolina’s most successful indie rock bands, have new music on the way for the first time since 2001. They’ll break their recording hiatus with “Steadman’s Wake,” a new 11-song album that will be released September 24th, 2021.
Beyond the fact that “Steadman’s Wake” is the group’s first new release in over 20 years, it is the first Connells’ album to feature their two newest members, guitarist Mike Ayers and drummer Rob Ladd (who have been in the lineup since 2002 and 2012, respectively), and the band’s first record made up of songs contributed solely by Mike Connell, who happens to take on a more prominent role as vocalist.
Three Connells albums made the Billboard 200 charts in America, but their biggest commercial success came overseas. “’74- ’75,” a pensive and moody ballad from 1993’s Giordano-produced LP “Ring,” reached the top-10 in 11 different European countries in the mid-1990s (including No. 1 in Sweden and Norway).
BOY NAMED BANJO:
In a time when the popular choice is to chase the double yellow line down the road to country radio, Boy Named Banjo thrives on its fringes. The Nashville-raised five-piece is a fusion of contemporary country, Americana and folk-rock stacked on a foundation of bluegrass.
“We’re trying to find our own niche within popular country music today,” says Sam McCullough (drums). “But not straight down the middle.”
The band is currently out on the road playing some of country music’s largest festivals including Dierks Bentley’s Seven Peaks, Country Jam, and they recently made their CMA Fest debut playing at the Ascend Amphitheatre Nighttime Concert. They head out on the road this fall as direct support to multi- PLATINUM singer/songwriter, Kip Moore on his Fire on Wheels Tour.

SCAVENGER HUNT AT OMB!
2025-05-17 11:00 - 13:00 | Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC, 28217, United States
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is so excited for the 250th Anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence that they have created a scavenger hunt for guests to learn some Charlotte history while competing for a grand prize! We hear there’s complimentary beer involved too!
*Participants can start at any of the 5 locations and do not need to come to OMB before beginning.
Scavenger Hunt details:

Before getting started- you will need to scan a QR code containing all info and clues for the hunt

The QR code will be for people who begin at the OMB taproom (this is not necessary)

The link will be posted on OMB’s website and via social media for those who do not begin at the taproom

Please note this link is being created and will be sent out by May 1st by OMB

On May 17th, located at 5 historical sites around the Queen City, you’ll find an OMB tin sign. Participants will need to find all 5 before heading back to LoSo taproom. These locations do not need to be found in any specific order.

At each location, take a photo of you and your group with the OMB sign. Once you complete the 5 photos of the scavenger hunt, head back to the LoSo taproom for a complimentary beer and live music from 1-4.

250th Anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Tea
2025-05-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Charlotte Museum of History, 2500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28215
May 18th – 2 pm to 4 pm – 250th Anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Tea sponsored by District III Chapters North Carolina Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Held at the Charlotte Museum of History. The event will feature a teacup auction, and tickets are required.
Open the flyer to scan the QR code with your phone to purchase tickets via Venmo or Zelle.
Meck Dec Tea Invitation Flyer
Proceeds go to the “Rock House” at the Charlotte Museum of History.
Registration is Required. Tickets are $50.00. Use the link below to purchase tickets.

Annual Captain James Jack Historical Bike Ride
2025-05-18 15:00 - 18:00 | Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC, 28217, United States
In the Summer of 1775, Captain James Jack rode 450 miles to deliver the Mecklenburg
Declaration of Independence to Congress. In honor of his historic ride and in partnership
with Queen City Bicycles, we invite you to participate in a historic bike ride from the Olde
Mecklenburg Brewery to various historical locations around Charlotte relevant to Captain
Jack. The ride will be leaving from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and finishing there with a
social hour. Riders of all age and experience welcome, we will take the CLT Rail Trail to
uptown, then down past the Captain Jack Statue then back to OMB.

Moot Court Debate
2025-05-19 09:00 - 16:00 | Charles Jonas Federal Court House, 401 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202., 401 West Trade Street, charlotte, NC, 28202, United States
Four appellate teams comprised of high school students from North Carolina will compete in a Moot Court competition to debate the authenticity of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. The two teams who win the semi-final will then debate in a final round. The competition will be held at the Charles Jonas Federal Court House on Trade Street. N.C. Chief Justice Paul Newby, Hon. Frank Whitney and other State and Federal judges will hear the arguments and award a winner. This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited.
Schedule of Events
9:15 AM: Competition Welcoming
9:30 AM: Semi-Final Hearing #1 (commentary & awards)
11:00 AM: Semi-Final Hearing #2 (commentary & awards)
2:00 PM: Final Hearing
3:30 PM: Award Ceremony for Finals

Charlotte Museum of History Exhibit Opening
2025-05-20 11:00 - 17:00 | Charlotte Museum of History, 2500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28215
The Charlotte Museum of History is set to unveil a compelling new exhibit on May 20, 2025, titled “Meck Dec 250.” This exhibit will delve into the evolving concepts of freedom and liberty, beginning with an exploration of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (Meck Dec) and its significance as a legacy-defining moment. Visitors will engage with discussions presenting both supporting and opposing perspectives on the Meck Dec, fostering a comprehensive understanding of its historical context. The exhibit will also trace the journey of freedom from 1775 to the present, highlighting pivotal periods such as the Civil Rights era. Through this immersive experience, attendees will gain insight into how the ideals of freedom and liberty have been interpreted and redefined over the past 250 years.
Entrance to this exhibit is included with your admission: $10 plus tax. LINK to CMH tickets.

250th Anniversary of Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence: Commemoration Ceremony
2025-05-20 12:00 - 14:00 | NC
Each year on May 20th, Charlotte commemorates the anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence with a ceremony at the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets, known as Independence Square. This event, sponsored by Charlotte Center City Partners, celebrates the historic 1775 declaration, in which local leaders proclaimed their freedom from British rule.
This year celebrates the 250th anniversary of the MecDec! These annual celebrations have been a tradition in Charlotte since the first public commemoration in 1825. The annual ceremony at Trade and Tryon Streets serves as a vibrant reminder of Charlotte’s role in the pursuit of American independence and offers residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate America’s true cradle of independence.

5th Annual Captain Jack Dinner
2025-05-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC, 28217, United States
Join us for our 5th Annual Captain Jack Dinner on the evening of May 20th at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. This year we are joined by writer Andrew Waters, author of Backcountry War: The Rise of Francis Marion, Banastre Tarleton, and Thomas Sumter, speaking on the topic of “The Revolution in Mecklenburg.”
This event is sold out.

MecDec Express II
2025-06-22 14:30 - 18:00 | 1100 Metropolitan Avenue Suite 165, 1100 Metropolitan Ave, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28204
Meet us at Lost Worlds Brewing Charlotte (1100 Metropolitan Avenue, Suite 165) and hop on board the MecDec Express for an expertly-guided, brew-infused bus tour of the historical sites directly linked to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and the jaw-dropping, 250-year-old true story behind the brave, feisty local patriots who turned the tide of the Revolutionary War and transformed Charlotte into the Cradle of American Independence. This charter bus tour, guided by David Fleming, author of Who’s Your Founding Father, will travel throughout the city of Charlotte highlighting significant connections to the MecDec, including a stop at the Charlotte Museum of History. Fleming is known for his storytelling and historical detective skills, which makes the MecDec Express appealing for all ages.
The event begins in the Lost Worlds taproom at 2:30 for a pint and a primer about the significance of the semiquincentennial and its importance to Charlotte and its rightful place in history as the cradle of American Independence.
Additional details:

Option to purchase the paperback version of Who’s Your Founding Father

A pint of MecDec Honey Ale is provided upon check-in + we’ll give you a can to take with you on the tour

There is a bathroom on the bus

David Fleming will be signing books upon request

BUY Tickets on Lost Worlds website: https://www.lostworldsbeer.com/store/mecdec-bus-tour-with-dave-fleming-may-10th-from-230-530-pm

Annual Captain James Jack Dinner
2026-05-19 18:00 - 21:00 | Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC, 28217, United States
Join us for our Annual Captain Jack Dinner on the evening of May 19th at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
This year we are joined by James C. Howell. Dr. Howell is the senior pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC, and the author of more than 20 books, including Weak Enough to Lead, Conversations with St. Francis, The Life We Claim, and The Beautiful Work of Learning to Pray. His podcast, “Maybe I’m Amazed,” blogs, and retreats are popular, as are his work on leadership and community activism. Dr. Howell lives in Charlotte with his wife Lisa, a photographer and community activist. Together they have three grown children.

Doors open at 6pm.

Tickets are $100.00 each and can be purchased here.
MENU
Course One: Pork Belly with Mustard
Pressed pork belly, whole grain mustard velouté, smoked walnuts, lemon pearls, fennel pollen
Beer Pairing: Bock Party
Course Two: Mussels with ‘Nduja Caramelle
Green lipped mussels, parmesan tuile, pickled golden tomatoes, basil oil
Beer Pairing: Captain Jack
Course Three: NY Strip with Black Garlic
Dry Aged NY strip, shishito chimichurri, black garlic and potato espuma, cured yolk egg
Beer Pairing: Copper
Course Four: Brioche French Toast with Figs
Mascarpone mousse, caramelized figs, toasted pistachio
Beer Pairing: Fat Boy

251st Anniversary of Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence: Commemoration Ceremony
2026-05-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Intersection of Trade and Tryon Street, Uptown Charlotte, 101 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202, United States
Each year on May 20th, Charlotte commemorates the anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence with a ceremony at the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets, known as Independence Square. This event, sponsored by Charlotte Center City Partners, celebrates the historic 1775 declaration, in which local leaders proclaimed their freedom from British rule.
This year celebrates the 251st anniversary of the MecDec. These annual celebrations have been a tradition in Charlotte since the first public commemoration in 1825. The annual ceremony at Trade and Tryon Streets serves as a vibrant reminder of Charlotte’s role in the pursuit of American independence and offers residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate America’s true cradle of independence.
