May 20th Society

MecDec Express II
2025-06-22 14:30 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | 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.
