MLS All-Star events begin in Charlotte this weekend. How you can join the fun
The MLS All-Star Game is right around the corner.
But there’s a lot going on in Charlotte ahead of the Wednesday night match in Bank of America Stadium.
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Here’s a look at the schedule this week, including private and public events.
Major League Soccer is coining it “Soccer Celebration” — and it’s exactly what it sounds like. The event is a free, two-night fan festival featuring interactive fan zones, live music, games, player appearances, giveaways and an MLS watch party.
The night will be punctuated by a free concert by Natasha Bedingfield at 9 p.m.
Public/private: Public
When: 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: Romare Bearden Park (300 S. Church St.) in uptown
Same as above, sans the concert, with slight time variance.
Public/private: Public
When: 3 to 8 p.m.
Where: Romare Bearden Park (300 S Church St.) in uptown
As part of MLS All-Star week, the league is honoring the 2026 MLS “Hometown Heroes” — four nonprofit leaders that are making substantive change in the Carolinas.
Those four: Alesia Fleming of Anderson Outreach; Janae Aiken of Two-Six Project; Ashley Allen of Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe; and Maureen Krueger of Charlotte ToolBank.
Charlotte FC midfielder Brandt Bronico was named the 2026 MLS Hometown Heroes Program ambassador in June.
Each of the representatives will receive a $15,000 grant from MLS to support their organization. The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation is matching each $15,000 grant, so that’s $120,000 being funneled into the community.
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Public/private: Private
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Carolina Theatre (Belk Place, 230 N. Tryon St.)
MLS NEXT All-Star Game showcases the top 44 prospects across MLS NEXT Pro — the developmental league of MLS, if you will — and academies.
Charlotte FC Academy players Daniel Brown and Jeremiah Alexander-Munoz will be playing. Charlotte FC U18 head coach Jordan Melia will also serve as head coach for the East All-Stars.
Public/private: Public
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mecklenburg County Sportsplex (2425 Sports Parkway, Matthews)
The 2026 MLS All-Star Community Day will highlight the continued growth of local youth development initiatives. That includes: soccer clinics, a 5v5 tournament, community resource booths and giveaways for participating youth, per a release.
Public/private: Private
When: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Mecklenburg County Regional Sportsplex (2425 Sports Parkway, Matthews)
MLS All-Star Skills Challenge pits players from MLS and LIGA MX players in passing, shooting and dribbling drills, among other physical feats.
Public/private: Public
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Truist Field (324 S. Mint St.)
MLS and Special Olympics are proud to host the 11th annual Special Olympics ahead of the MLS All-Star Game.
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Public/private: Public
When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Mecklenburg County Regional Sportsplex
Public/private: Public
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Bank of America Stadium
