Empire State Review Contributor 
On Saturday, August 2, 2025, Charlotte’s energetic summer season officially launched with two major events. In downtown Charlotte, the Carolina Panthers Fan Fest brought together fans at Bank of America Stadium, while over in Concord, the Cook Out Monster Truck Bash delighted motorsport enthusiasts at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
At the Panthers Fan Fest, fans enjoyed an open team practice starting at approximately 6:30 p.m. Gates opened at 5:00 p.m., followed by pre-practice entertainment at 5:30 p.m. Attendees could watch player warm-ups, participate in autograph opportunities as players circled the field, and mingle in zones including a coloring wall and bubble stations in the Atrium Health Kids Zone. PSL owners and select children also took part in a helmet walk onto the field. The evening was capped by a fireworks and laser show for all to enjoy. The event returned to Charlotte in 2025 after a one-year hold in Clemson, South Carolina, and tickets were priced at just $5 each, with proceeds supporting Carolina Panthers Charities.
Meanwhile, at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Dirt Track in Concord, the Cook Out Monster Truck Bash roared into town with high-flying, adrenaline-fueled action. Gates opened at 5:00 p.m., but fans holding Cook Out cups gained access as early as 4:30 p.m. for the Pit Party, which featured ride-alongs in monster trucks, bounce houses, autographs, food, and merchandise booths. Eleven mega-trucks competed, including crowd favorites Terminal Velocity, Bad Company, Jurassic Attack, Tailgator, and others challenging each other across massive jumps and obstacles on a custom course built for dramatic stunts.
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The full slate of evening events included opening ceremonies at 7:00 p.m., followed by qualifying rounds, head-to-head eliminations, a Best Trick contest, and a freestyle finale kicked off with backflips and flame-throwing by the infamous rat rod Tow Truck. Ticket prices started at $30 for adults, while children 12 and under entered for $10 or $11 depending on the venue.
These twin events heralded a packed August calendar in Charlotte. Following the high-energy kickoff, the city will host Carolina Panthers preseason games against the Browns on August 8 and Steelers on August 21, Broadway’s “The Book of Mormon” at Ovens Auditorium from August 12 to 17, and Cirque du Soleil’s “OVO” at Bojangles Coliseum from August 28 to 31. Other highlights include the Charlotte Pride Festival on August 16 and 17, Charlotte FC soccer matches, live music performances, a 10K race Around the Crown, and various community celebrations.
By blending family fun, sports, motorsport excitement, and entertainment, Charlotte’s August opening weekend set the tone for a lively summer month. Both the Fan Fest and Monster Truck Bash delivered memorable experiences for fans and families ready to savor what the Queen City has to offer.
