Past events

Celebrate Asante Day 2026 in Charlotte

Saturday, September 5, 2026 · 7:30 PM–11:00 PM ET

Celebrate Asante Day 2026 in Charlotte! Charlotte Sister Cities invites the community to join the Asanteman Association of the Carolinas and the Asanteman Council of North America (ACONA) for a vibrant celebration of Ashanti culture, heritage, and tradition on September 5-6, 2026, at the Sonesta Charlotte Lower South End (5700 Westpark Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217). This family-friendly cultural event will feature traditional music, dance, royal protocol, and special appearances by distinguished chiefs, dignitaries, and cultural leaders from across the United States and Canada. The weekend's theme, "Honoring Our Heritage, Celebrating Our Future," highlights the rich history and enduring legacy of the Ashanti people. Community festivities begin on Saturday, September 5, at 7:30 p.m., followed by the formal celebration on Sunday, September 6, at 8:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear traditional attire and enjoy activities for all ages. Donations are welcome ($60 recommended). For more information, visit www.acona.org or contact event organizer and Charlotte Sister Cities Board Member Solomon Agyemang at (704) 421-3859 or sagyeman46@gmail.com.

Sonesta Charlotte Lower South End, 5700 Westpark Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217

3rd Annual AfroCareCLT Cultural Gala

Friday, September 19, 2025 · 6:00 PM–10:00 PM ET

AfrocareCLT is proud to host its 3rd annual AfroCareCLT Gala, a vibrant celebration of education featuring an authentic African dance troupe, exquisite cuisine by fine-dining Ghanaian Chef Awo, and an art auction. This year’s event highlights a major milestone: the completion and commissioning of a new middle school in Akyeremade, a community just south of Charlotte’s Ghanaian Sister City, Kumasi, funded through Charlotte-based efforts and officially handed over on July 1, 2025. With the school now open, AfrocareCLT is shifting focus to its next goal, raising $30,000 to build a technology lab that will provide students with essential access to digital learning tools and help prepare them for a brighter future.

Project 658, 3646 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC, 28205

The 2025 Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival Race and Charlotte Asian Festival

Saturday, May 17, 2025 · 7:00 AM–4:30 PM ET

Charlotte Sister Cities is proud to once again participate in the Charlotte Asian Festival Dragon Boat Race and Land Program. Last year, our dragon boat team proudly finished in second place in our category. We welcome you to come out and cheer for our team, volunteer at our information tent, or simply join in the festivities. The Charlotte Sister Cities Baoding Committee will host a tent with information about our sister cities and trivia about Baoding as we celebrate our 37th anniversary year since the signing of the Boating-Charlotte sister city partnership.

Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius, NC, 28031

The Poors (Limoges) in Charlotte

Sunday, March 30, 2025 · 4:00 PM–5:00 PM ET

Twin City, Cultural Exchange, Rock'n'roll The Doors / Les Poors, Let it Roll ! It’s time for Les Poors, a Doors tribute band, to take a trip to the U.S. after 12 years of performing all over France. Jim Morrison said: “The West is the best”—well, they definitely want to see that for themselves! But that’s not all; they want to experience and bring to life the twinning exchange program established between the cities of Charlotte and Limoges. they’re French musicians playing Californian music—what better way to celebrate this cultural bridge? Come and enjoy the music! Family event, come with friends, all ages.... and let it roll!

Myers Park Baptist Church (Heaton Hall), 1900 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207

International Women's Day Celebration

Saturday, March 8, 2025 · 12:00 PM–3:00 PM ET

Save the date! Charlotte Sister Cities is proud to partner with the Charlotte International Women's Day Planning Committee in welcoming our community to the 10th Annual Charlotte International Women's Day Celebration Event. More information: CLICK HERE

UNC-Charlotte’s Great Decisions Lecture Series

Wednesday, January 29, 2025 · 6:30 PM–8:00 PM ET

The Great Decisions Lecture Series, hosted by UNC Charlotte’s Office of International Programs, offers a chance to explore critical global issues through expert-led discussions. The 2025 series includes topics like climate change cooperation, NATO’s future, and AI’s impact on security. The first lecture, "International Cooperation on Climate Change," will be held on Wednesday, January 29, featuring Dr. Caitlin Schroering. Join us for this insightful, nonpartisan event! Register now for in-person or virtual participation.

WACC Lunch: Trends and Trajectories: China and the World

Thursday, October 3, 2024 · 11:30 AM–1:30 PM ET

Trends and Trajectories: China and the World Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for two exclusive events focused on the evolving dynamics of U.S.-China relations. This is a rare opportunity to engage directly with two of the most respected voices in global affairs: Dean Shelley Rigger, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty, and Brown Professor of Asian Politics at Davidson College, and Tate Nurkin, expert on defense and national security issues, U.S.-China military-technological competition, and Indo-Pacific security. Key Discussion Topics: Domestic trends shaping China’s future Domestic trends shaping China’s future Regional and global perceptions of China's internal development, military build-up, and external actions Regional and global perceptions of China's internal development, military build-up, and external actions Implications for U.S.-China competition and cooperation Implications for U.S.-China competition and cooperation

WACC Dinner: Trends and Trajectories: China and the World

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 · 6:30 PM–8:00 PM ET

Trends and Trajectories: China and the World Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for two exclusive events focused on the evolving dynamics of U.S.-China relations. This is a rare opportunity to engage directly with two of the most respected voices in global affairs: Dean Shelley Rigger, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty, and Brown Professor of Asian Politics at Davidson College, and Tate Nurkin, expert on defense and national security issues, U.S.-China military-technological competition, and Indo-Pacific security. Key Discussion Topics: Domestic trends shaping China’s future Domestic trends shaping China’s future Regional and global perceptions of China's internal development, military build-up, and external actions Regional and global perceptions of China's internal development, military build-up, and external actions Implications for U.S.-China competition and cooperation Implications for U.S.-China competition and cooperation

AfroCareCLT

Thursday, September 19, 2024 · 5:30 PM–9:00 PM ET

Join Charlotte Sister Cities than five other international-focused organizations in Charlotte to celebrate the 2nd annual AfroCareCLT Gala. The evening is a celebration of education with a West-African-inspired upcycled fashion show by Springclean, fine dining Ghanaian cuisine by Chef Awo, live Ghanaian art auction, and entertainment. We are 80% and $20,000 away from completing a middle school outside of Charlotte's Sister City Kumasi, Ghana. The first level of the school is already in use and several members of AfroCareCLT visited July 30, 2024 to celebrate the progress. Funds from this evening will complete the school.

Charlotte International Arts Festival

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 · 9:00 AM–10:00 PM ET

The Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF), a Blumenthal Arts Original, uniquely brings together Charlotte's local and international communities with global artists in a cultural celebration filled with live performances, art installations, food from around the world and more.

Application Deadline: Charlotte Sister Cities Matching Grant

Friday, August 23, 2024 · 11:55 PM–12:55 AM ET

$2000 Charlotte Sister Cities Matching Grants Program Details - Offering matching grants of up to $2,000 to a maximum of four organizations - Providing funding for citizen diplomacy initiatives that promote community engagement with Charlotte's Sister Cities and other official city relationships abroad - Offered in partnership with the Charlotte International Cabinet Eligibility Criteria - Open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), and 501(c)(4) organizations based in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Application Process - Applications must be submitted by Friday, August 23, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Please use the link below to learn more and apply: www.charlottesisterci.es.org/matching-grant

Independence of Peru

Saturday, July 27, 2024 · 4:00 PM–5:10 PM ET

The Peruvian Charlotte Cultural Association is hosting a celebration of Peruvian Independence on Saturday, July 27, at 4:00. p.m.Charlotte Museum of History3500 Shamrock DriveCharlotte, NC 28215For more information: CLICK HEREThis is a Free Event

Community Impact Film Series: Immigration

Saturday, July 20, 2024 · 11:00 AM–3:00 PM ET

Featuring: Live Music by Corazón Latino from 11 – 11:30amFilm Screenings & Panel Discussion from 11:30 – 1:30pmSalsa Performance with Rumbao Latin Dance from 1:30 – 2pmResource Fair from 1:30 – 3pmhttps://independentpicturehouse.org/programs/community-impact-film-series-immigration/This event is free and open to the public

The 2024 Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival Race and Charlotte Asian Festival

Saturday, May 11, 2024 · 6:30 AM–8:40 AM ET

Charlotte Sister Cities is proud to once again participate in the Charlotte Asian Festival Dragon Boat Race and Land Program. We welcome you to come out and cheer for our team, volunteer at our information tent, or simply join in the festivities. The Charlotte Sister Cities Baoding Committee will host a tent with information about our sister cities and trivia about Baoding as we celebrate our 37th anniversary year since the signing of the Boating-Charlotte sister city partnership.

Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius, NC, 28031

Blind Guardian (Krefeld, Germany) Concert

Saturday, April 20, 2024 · 8:00 PM–9:50 PM ET

THE FILLMORE - 4205 MONROE RD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28205The German power-metal band Blind Guardian, based out of Charlotte’s German Sister City, Krefeld, is returning to the North American shores for their first tour since 2016! In support of the recently released album The God Machine' in 2022, this new outing will be supported by heavy metals' Night Demon.

International Women's Day Celebration

Friday, March 8, 2024 · 5:30 PM–8:00 PM ET

Charlotte Sister Cities is proud to partner with the Charlotte International Women's Day Planning Committee in welcoming our community to the 9th Annual Charlotte International Women's Day Celebration Event. This year’s celebration, focused on the theme “Inspire Inclusion will take place at the Johnston YMCA (3025 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205). To learn more and register: CLICK HERE

Kumasi Mayor Samuel Pyne Welcome

Monday, September 19, 2022 · 7:00 PM–8:30 PM ET

Charlotte Sister Cities is honored to welcome Mayor Samuel Pyne, of Kumasi, Ghana, to Charlotte on Monday, September 19. There will be a celebration gathering from 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM in the Grimes Lounge at Johnson C. Smith University. Come join us as we celebrate 27 years of sister cities partnership with Ghanaian and American hors d'oeuvre, non-alcoholic beverages, special speakers, and entertainment. To Register: CLICK HERE ($27 per person)Sponsorship: $270 (includes 6 tickets, logo on publicity, and mention at the event)

Johnson C. Smith University - Grimes Lounge, 100 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC, 28216

Limoges Day Celebration with Gueules Sèches - at International House

Thursday, July 14, 2022 · 6:00 PM–8:00 PM ET

Come celebrate “Limoges Day” in Charlotte with a free performance by the marching band Gueules Sèches. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Gueules Sèches and the 30th anniversary of the sister city partnership between Limoges, France and Charlotte. This event is organized by Alliance Française de Charlotte with support from Charlotte Sister Cities and Kindness Matters. A free presentation and performance will take place in the MICC Auditorium at International House (1817 Central Ave Suite 215, Charlotte). Doors open at 6:00 PM, Presentation at 6:30 PM; Performance at 7:00 PM. If you are interested in joining for dinner at 8:00 PM, please register (space is limited): CLICK HERE

Celebration with Gueules Sèches (Limoges, France) at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 · 4:00 PM–5:00 PM ET

Gueules Sèches is a 100-year-old marching band from Charlotte’s sister city in France, Limoges. To celebrate its centennial, 49 members of Gueules Sèches are traveling to perform in Charlotte. Their July 13 performance at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery comes on the eve of Bastille Day, which Mayor Vi Lyles has declared to be “Limoges Day” in Charlotte. This year will mark 30 years since the sister cities’ relationship between Limoges and Charlotte. Come have a drink at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte) and enjoy the free performance on July 13, at 4:00 PM while celebrating with Gueules Sèches!

Virtual Presentation: Sister Cities Over the Centuries.

Monday, May 23, 2022 · 6:00 PM–7:00 PM ET

Reinhard von Hennigs Honorary Consul of Germany to Charlotte, North CarolinaPresents: A brief history of the concept of international sister cities over the centuries.Did you know that Sister Cities as a concept pre-dates Sister Cities International which was created at President Eisenhower's 1956 White House conference on citizen diplomacy? The presentation will show the motivations and themes of sister cities over history and non-US relationships. This Virtual Presentation is hosted in partnership with the Charlotte International Rotary ClubZoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84186740362?pwd=RkNMb2Y0S3hWSlQ1Nkh3eHN2VCs0Zz09Meeting ID: 841 8674 0362 Passcode: J4WP56

1716 Winthrop Ave, Charlotte, NC, 28203

Great Decisions Lecture - “Russia and the U.S.”

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 · 6:30 PM–8:00 PM ET

Charlotte Sister Cities is proud to sponsor and support UNC-Charlotte’s Great Decisions Lecture Series. Starting on Wednesday, January 26, and continuing every Wednesday through February 23, lectures will be virtually presented, live from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. Charlotte Sister Cities is proud to sponsor the Wednesday, February 16 lecture: “Russia and the U.S.," led by Steve Sabol, Ph.D., Professor, Department of History, UNC Charlotte. Please register using the link below: Website: https://global.charlotte.edu/signature-programs/great-decisions

University of North Carolina at Charlotte , 320 East 9th Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202

Wrocław Curriculum Planning Meeting with Polish Honorary Consul Dr. Mark Fountain

Thursday, February 10, 2022 · 7:30 PM–8:30 PM ET

The Charlotte Sister Cities Youth Leadership Committee invites you to contribute to a virtual discussion regarding building a third-grade curriculum focusing on Wrocław, Poland. Featured Guest: Honorary Consul of Poland to North Carolina Dr. Mark Fountain Registration Link: https://forms.gle/wjJuYxDrfSoniC7S8

CAAC Lunar New Year & Baoding 35th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, February 5, 2022 · 6:30 PM–7:30 PM ET

Join the Chinese American Association of Charlotte as they welcome in the Year of the Tiger and celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Charlotte’s sister city relationship with Baoding, China.For more information: http://www.charlottechinese.com/ Zoom ID: 88255695471 (no password)

Charlotte Sister Cities 60th Anniversary - Virtual Celebration

Saturday, February 5, 2022 · 11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET

Join Charlotte Sister Cities for a celebration of 60 years since its founding in 1962. This virtual celebration will start at 11:00 AM EST and is open to all who register. Special guests from our seven sister cities will join with live and recorded messages. After celebrating all seven sister cities, we will have a special hour-long dedication to our first sister city: Arequipa, Peru. This part of the celebration will include a video history of Arequipa, slides showing many exchanges over the years and time for storytelling and socializing. We hope you will us for both virtual festivities!Webinar Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81302240191

Charlotte City Council Meeting - Celebrating Charlotte Sister Cities 60th Anniversary

Monday, January 24, 2022 · 6:30 PM–7:30 PM ET

Join us live in Council Chambers at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center or virtually for a reading of Mayor’s Lyle’s proclamation declaring February 5 “Charlotte Sister Cities Day”. This will be followed by public remarks celebrating Charlotte Sister Cities.Charlotte City Council Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CLTgov Charlotte City Council Webpage: https://charlottenc.gov/CityCouncil/Pages/default.aspx

The 2021 Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival Race and Charlotte Asian Festival

Saturday, October 23, 2021 · 9:00 AM–4:00 PM ET

Charlotte Sister Cities is proud to participate in the Charlotte Asian Festival Dragon Boat Race and Land Program. Our dragon boat team will be led by Honorary Captain Councilman Greg Phipps and joined by diverse Charlotte Sister Cities members from all over Charlotte. In addition, the Charlotte Sister Cities Baoding Committee will have a tent with information about the sister cities and trivia about Baoding. You are all cordially invited to cheer for the dragon boat team and learn more about Charlotte’s 35 year sister city partnership with Baoding, China.

Ramsey Creek Park, 8900 North Pointe Executive Park, Huntersville, NC 28078

CSC Marketing and Communications Meeting

Tuesday, October 5, 2021 · 7:30 PM–8:30 PM ET

Charlotte Sister Cities is pursuing its strategic goal of strengthening marketing and communication for our organization. If this is an area where you would like to contribute your talent and insight, you are welcome to join us. We are specifically seeking support related to website, newsletter, and/or social media design. Charlotte Sister Cities is 100% volunteer-led and organized. If you are interested in joining us, please send an email to: admin@cltsistercities.org

Zoom

Nearing 60 Years - CHARLOTTE SISTER CITIES - A Presentation to the Charlotte International Rotary Club

Monday, October 4, 2021 · 6:00 PM–7:00 PM ET

Summary: Please join Charlotte International Rotary Club for a presentation celebrating nearly 60 years of Charlotte Sister Cities. We will also discuss our organization's re-establishment efforts over the past two years and explore our vision for the future. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84186740362?pwd=RkNMb2Y0S3hWSlQ1Nkh3eHN2VCs0Zz09Meeting ID: 841 8674 0362Passcode: J4WP56 Presenters: Alexis Gordon: City of Charlotte International Business Manager and Chief of ProtocolSam Farnham, Jr.: 2021 Recipient of the Sister Cities International Youth Service Award (first-ever recipient from North Carolina); High School Senior; Charlotte Sister Cities Board of DirectorsDavid Lynn: President of Charlotte Sister Cities and Director of International Studies at Charlotte Country Day SchoolThis presentation will include a special live greeting from the Sister Cities Committee in Arequipa Peru!

Virtual on Zoom

Voronezh & Charlotte: 30th Anniversary

Saturday, June 26, 2021 · 1:00 PM–3:00 PM ET

Voronezh and Charlotte became Sister Cities in 1991, and on June 26th we will be celebrating 30 years of this partnership. We will hold an informal get-together to celebrate this anniversary at Royal Cafe & Creperie in Matthews, NC. If you are not able to attend in person, a Zoom link will be open during the time of the event for you to drop in and say hello. Zoom link: https://novanthealth.zoom.us/j/95094974933

Royal Cafe & Creperie, 131 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC, 28105