Are you new to Charlotte and unfamiliar with the city, unsure of what to do on weekends? Maybe you were born and raised here in the Queen City, but your social routine seems like old hat. Or perhaps, you've been here for a few years and just want to shake things up a bit.
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina. Not only are there plenty of things to do here within the city limits, but you can also travel out to the surrounding areas and find something adventurous to engage you.
Anyone who says, "There's nothing to do here," is wrong! Send them this and help them get to know Charlotte a little better while you do the same yourself.
Coffee houses
Coffee houses have been a thing for longer than most people reading this article have been alive. However, they seemed to come into our zeitgeist in the 1990s with the help of the popular sitcom "Friends." A place where friends - no pun - would gather in a comfortable, laid-back environment to talk about anything or maybe to run into other regulars.
Thirty-plus years later, they're still a great hangout. Check out a few of the Charlotte coffee shops with the same vibes:
Backyard Brew
Location: 1218 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Family-owned Backyard Brew feels like home, and maybe that's partly because it's literally inside an old home. Located on East Boulevard, you can't miss it. There are chairs inside, on the porch and even on the front lawn. If you stop by, you're sure to see TK. He makes you feel at home, and if you're lucky, he'll hand out different colored baby ducks that match your aura. Try the banana bread latte for a real treat.
Mugs Coffee
Location: 5126 Park Rd #1d, Charlotte, NC 28209
Talk about a neighborhood haven! We mentioned " Friends" up above, and Mugs Coffee is the closest thing to a Charlotte Central Perk. With lots of open space, you can choose from living room furniture or tables and chairs to make yourself comfortable. Tea options are available, too.
Not Just Coffee
Location: Multiple
Not Just Coffee was created in 2011 by Miracle and James Yoder, "pledging intentionality and passion for every cup and every customer." With locations throughout the city at 7th Street Public Market, Atherton Mill, Providence Road, Dilworth and Jay Street, each are great for casual meet-ups or getting some work done in a comfortable environment. Not Just Coffee's sister company, Night Swim Coffee , roasts the beans. You'll wake up fast!
Summit Coffee
Location: Multiple
Summit Coffee has locations in The Plaza, NoDa, South Park, Ballantyne, Eastover, Highland Creek and Wilmore - it is literally brewing all over Charlotte, and Lake Norman. Each location is comfortable and a great workplace if you're remote and want to switch up your environment. If, ironically, you aren't into coffee, try the matcha latte, iced.
Come on by a brewery
Brewery culture in Charlotte (and maybe for most of the country) has taken off in the last 15 years. Become an official Charlottean by going to one with co-workers, friends or even a blind date. There are dozens to choose from, but here are a few to start things out.
Birdsong Brewing Company
Location: 1016 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Birdsong Brewing Company, located in NoDa, was founded by husband and wife Chris and Tara Goulet with co-founder Michelle LeBeau. Talk about sourcing local - at Birdsong, some of the the ingredients even come from a local cattle farm.
Throughout the week, a variety of local food trucks come through. Lots of great beers to choose from, as well as non-alcoholic options. Check out the official Birdsong Brewing Company website for upcoming specials.
Legion Brewing Company
Location: 2013 W Morehead St Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28208
Location: 5610 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209
Location: 1906 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: 2104 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203
Legion Brewing Company has several locations throughout Charlotte: South Park, Plaza Midwood, Trolley Barn and West Morehead. Their motto? Campfire hospitality. Each location has an optional gluten-free menu, and if alcohol is not your thing, there are other options.
Sycamore Brewing
Location: 2151 Hawkins St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Sycamore Brewing , created in 2013, has become the biggest Charlotte-born brewery. The main location is in the South End neighborhood.
However, if you happen to be flying out of the Queen City, you can also grab a Sycamore beer from its hub at the Charlotte Douglas Airport. Take a sip and fly on out of here!
Community art
Art is everywhere in Charlotte, but sometimes you have to go and find it !
Throughout the year, you can catch art happenings such as the famous King's Drive Art Walk , full of all types of art and music. Take on an adventure exploring an exciting recurring museum night (more on that below) and hundreds of other art-focused events.
To help you keep track of it all, you can sign up for The Charlotte Observer's weekly Inside Charlotte Arts newsletter .
Other events to check out include:
Asian Night Market
Location: Urban District Market, 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205
The first Friday of every month, it's time for Asian Night Market . It's located in the Urban District Market - in the NoDa neighborhood - from 5-11 p.m. The celebration gives local vendors an opportunity to share their cuisines with the Charlotte community, along with karaoke. The event is free and open to all ages.
Free outdoor movies
Location : Multiple locations
Free outdoor movies aren't a thing of the past. Check this list out from Charlotte on The Cheap , along with Camp North End's free movie series, Crossroads Cinema.
Wednesday Night Live!
Location : Multiple locations
Wednesday Night Live ! Presented by Bank of America, is held every Wednesday from 5-9 p.m, with free admission. Each week features artistic programming - the only thing that will change is the event space.
Check in with the four museums that participate: Bechtler Museum of Modern Art , The Mint Museum , The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Art + Culture and Blumenthal Arts , to see up-to-date information.
Go to a festival
Love music? Love a celebration? Love art? Imagine an entire day (or a few days) full of it all? You will feel as though you've leaped into a party inside a boombox. Whether you're a loyal festivalgoer or you have never been to one before, do yourself a favor and give these local festivals a go. And make sure to check out our full festival guide , where you can fill your calendar up!
Lovin' Life Festival
Location: First Ward Park, 301 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
The city's biggest festival is the annual Lovin' Life Festival, held the first weekend of May in uptown . But just because you might have missed this past year, that doesn't mean you've missed out on all the fun. Plans are already in the works for the 2026 festival.
Durag Fest
Location: Blackbox Theater, 421 E Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213
Durag Fest just passed us on June 21 at the Blackbox Theater - but it's an annual event. It's a day full of celebrations, honoring art, fashion and food. Come for the fun, but you'll leave with the community.
Fourth of July Celebration
Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
For the outdoorsy types, the Whitewater Center is holding a two-day Fourth of July party July 3-4. Expect live music, races, yoga and more.
Festival in the Park
Location: Freedom Park, 1900 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203
The 61st annual Festival in the Park at Freedom Park will be held Sept.19-21, offering nearly 1,000 entertainers. Other attractions include more than 150 artists and vendors, including local and regional artists.
Grab some grub
Charlotte is practically a food and drink board game where you can make all kinds of moves and still win. The casual restaurants in town are the most comfortable and convenient places to check out with little planning. Below are a few places where you pull up, wearing whatever, with whoever - or solo - and choose between so many yummy choices.
Camp North End
Location: 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
Camp North End is a 76-acre industrial playground located in North Charlotte. At Camp North End, you have direct access to each place you're going. Whether you just want to grab a variety of beverages or you are ready to fuel up with pizza, Camp North End has got it!
While you're eating, check out the Camp North End events listings to see what's on its packed calendar.
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Milkbread
Location: 624 Jetton St. #110, Davidson, NC 28036
Location: 1431 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28027
Location: 525 S Tryon St. #100, Charlotte, NC 28202
Milkbread has two locations in Charlotte - one uptown and one off Central Avenue - and one in Davidson. (Fun fact: The same owners of Milkbread also own Lake Norman restaurants Hello, Sailor and Kindred, which has gotten national recognition.)
Milkbread has got counter-service vibes - you just walk up and place your order, or you can order online. It has great doughnuts, coffee and some other favorites, including the Kale Caesar, the Hot Dip sandwich and the fries.
Optimist Hall
Location: 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Food hall, Optimist Hall, was originally the Highland Park Gingham Mill, built in 1892 as Charlotte's largest textile mill. Over the years, things evolved and changed a bit until in 2019, it became what we now know.
This is the place to go when you're with people craving different things. With 20+ tenants, each person can choose what they prefer. Think of the food court at the mall but blown up! Parking is free for the first hour and a half.
Museums
We talked about community art above, which kind of oozes into our museum section. Museums are art, and art is what makes museums. Visiting a museum with friends or family is a cool experience, especially if you've never been able to explore one before.
Charlotte's got more than a handful of wonderful museums, and below are some of them.
Discovery Place
Location: 168 W 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Discovery Place, located Uptown, is a science museum, where you can learn something at every turn, no matter your age. This is the ideal family outing, especially with families with small children. For movie fans, there's an IMAX theater inside, too.
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
Location: 551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
The importance of students giving back to the community is at the core of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. The museum is named after Harvey B. Gantt, an architect who was the first Black mayor of Charlotte.
The museum named after him is a true place to learn and connect with others in the Charlotte community. There are always new programs and events, so check out the website for details on things like Sunday yoga on the rooftop and more.
The Mint Museum
Location: 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28207
Location: Levine Center for the Arts, 500 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
The Mint Museum is North Carolina's first art museum. The original museum opened in Eastover on Randolph in 1936 and the uptown location followed,, but both locations are worth a visit.
The Randolph location has a library , and the uptown location has a great store. The parking is free at the Randolph location, however, you do have to pay for parking uptown - a garage is located at 130 W. Brooklyn Village Ave .
Outdoor activities
Going outside is a childhood memory, unlocked. The best part about it, besides the health benefits, is that it won't cost you a thing.
For the most part, Charlotte has great weather - we have a little bit of everything. And, yes, we tend to overreact when there's any chance of snow, but we own it. Below are just a few places you can explore outdoors.
Carowinds
Location: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
Carowinds has been a staple in Charlotte since 1973. It's unique in that the park borders both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Full of rides, a waterpark and the famous Scarowinds that occur during the fall, it's got something for everyone. Check out the website for tickets, season pass information and options for places to stay for out-of-towners. (Fun fact: Love Is Blind was filmed here, among many other places , during the Charlotte season.)
Freedom Park
Location: 1908 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Freedom Park is 98 acres, so you can imagine all the activities one can get into there. There are multiple tennis courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields and volleyball courts. Not to mention, there is a great walking path that connects to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
Kings Drive Farmers Market
Location: 939 S Kings Dr, Charlotte, NC 28204
Get some fresh air and some amazing food at the Kings Drive Farmers Market. Given that it's part of the name, not surprising you can find them located on South Kings Drive. Everything is fresh and local, from tomatoes to strawberries to flowers. (Fun fact: the same family, The Simpsons , sells Christmas trees and related items at this location during the holiday season.) Parking is free, but make sure you get there early.
Symphony Park
Location: 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Symphony Park is located right next to SouthPark Mall (at the intersection of Barclay Downs Drive and Carnegie Boulevard). Each spring, Symphony In The Park hosts the South Park After Five Series, and in summer, comes the Charlotte Symphony's Summer Pops series. Feel free to bring a folding chair and or blanket.
Sporting events
One main component of the Queen City is that it's filled with sports. Whether you're into the nostalgia of the Charlotte Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets or the relatively new Charlotte FC, there's something for every sports fan. Nothing brings the people of Charlotte together like our home teams.
Carolina Ascent FC
Location: 1218-1238 Armory Dr, Charlotte, NC 28204
Founded in 2022, Carolina Ascent FC, is the first women's professional sports team to establish its headquarters in Charlotte since the Charlotte Sting in 1997. The team's home is located in the historic Elizabeth neighborhood at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Shaped into a ‘U,' the stadium engages the whole place into a special Charlotte experience showing off girl power!
Carolina Panthers
Location: 800 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Are you ready for some football?! We are! The Carolina Panthers were born in 1993 and make their home base at Bank of America Stadium uptown. Make sure you welcome Tetairoa McMillan (better known as T-Mac), along with all the other 2025 draft picks, to our city when you go to a game. Single tickets are on sale now.
Charlotte Checkers
Location: 2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205
The Charlotte Checkers' history is a story ! After moving among different homes throughout the city, in 2015, the team settled into Bojangles' Coliseum for good.
Attending a Charlotte Checkers game is fun for the entire family. You can't go to a game and not see the mascot, Chubby, a popular figure throughout town. This year, the team made it all the way to the Calder Cup finals against the Abbotsford Canucks. (Next year will be a win, right?)
Charlotte FC
Location: 800 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Have you ever been to a party at a soccer game? Charlotte FC is exactly that! Founded in 2019, Charlotte's soccer family shares the same home as the Panthers: Bank of America Stadium.. Charlotte FC has a whole summer of matchups planned to keep the vibes going.
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Charlotte Knights
Location: 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202
The Charlotte Knights, a minor league team for the Chicago White Sox, was founded in 1976. The original ballpark in Dilworth burned in 1985, then in 1990, Fort Mill became their new home base. Now, Truist Field in uptown is the Charlotte Knights' home, where you can check out a game this summer and look out for Homer, the mascot.
The Charlotte Hornets
Location: 333 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
The Charlotte Hornets were founded in 1988 and originally played at the old Coliseum, a.k.a The Hive, located on Tyvola. Now, the Hornets play at the Spectrum Center in uptown, which is undergoing extensive renovations. The new schedule will start back up in the fall.
Therapeutic activities
Everyone deserves a break for a little self-care. You can find therapeutic activities that feed your spirit throughout Charlotte. Get off the grid, even if it's for a few hours, and explore these places:
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Location: Multiple
Getting lost in a book is a pretty magical thing - if you allow it. Or maybe jumping into a book can be about educating yourself on a new topic or concept. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is the perfect place to do just that. Think Reading Rainbow, but unfortunately, there will be no Lamar Burton. Don't have a library card yet? It's free if you are a Mecklenburg resident and or property owner.
Lunchbox Records
Location: 825 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Lunchbox Records is a Charlotte gem that opened the day after Thanksgiving in 2005. Read the cool history , where everything started in Atlanta. This nostalgic record store is a flashback to the past, but also knocks you back to reality with recent releases. Get lost exploring its library. The store also buys your old stuff, but make sure the buyer is there before making the trip.
Paddywax Candle Bar
Location: 1930 Camden Rd #130, Charlotte, NC 28203
Making candles might sound like an intense concept, but it's just the opposite at Paddywax. Take this casual 45-minute workshop with friends and or family. Staff will take you step by step on how to make the candle of your choice. And the turnaround for pickup is not that long at all.
Since you'll be in the heart of the South End, you can explore everything surrounding while you wait for your candle to cool. There are also multiple parking options, including free street parking and the Doggett Street Garage.
SouthPark Mall
Location: 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
SouthPark Mall opened in February 1970, and was said at the time to be the only upscale mall of its kind between Atlanta and Washington, D.C. The mall was so successful that the areas surrounding it sprouted new neighborhoods and became the home of many businesses. Dynamic growth continues to this day. SouthPark features over 150 stores with clothing, luxury goods and multiple restaurants. Even if you aren't looking to buy anything, there's plenty to explore.
Visit a nearby town
Now, we already know Charlotte is an amazing city, but the Queen City also has some pretty cool neighbors. The highways will take you where you want to land! Below are several towns and cities where you can take a mini road trip and explore on a weekend or during special events around the holidays.
Belmont
Belmont, "just across the river," as some say, is located in Gaston County. The name Belmont translates to "Beautiful Mountain,"and it's home to Belmont Abbey, one of the top Catholic colleges in the country.
Popular events and things to do:
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Red, White & Belmont: July 4
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Daniel Stowe Conservancy is open seven days a week to the public, year-round. But an exciting time at the Conservancy is during the holidays. You can explore the outdoor community and embrace the holiday spirit at the same time.
Concord
Concord is sandwiched between Harrisburg and Kannapolis in Cabarrus County. Charlotte Motor Speedway, where NASCAR races round and round, calls Concord home. And the very talented Avett Brothers, Scott and Seth, were raised in Concord, too - you can see a mural of them downtown.
Popular events and things to do:
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Speedway Christmas takes place at Charlotte Motor Speedway each holiday season, when everyone gets to drive their vehicle on the same famous racetrack that thousands of real racers have raced on. As you go around (slowly), you'll witness all the Christmas lights you can imagine!
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Concord Mills is the largest outlet stop in North Carolina. Once inside, there is literally something for everybody, along with the mesmerizing Sea Life Aquarium .
Matthews
The secret is out about Matthews , a neighboring town in Mecklenburg County. It's a growing little town with a big personality.
Popular events and things to do:
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Independence Day Celebration, Fireworks Spectacular: July 3
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Matthews Alive: Labor Day Festival
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Matthews' Sardis Park: Playground Equipment + Walking Trail
McAdenville
McAdenville, a suburb of Gastonia, is located 16 miles from Charlotte Center City. In 1939, Pharr Yarns was founded right in McAdenville by W.J. Pharr. Today, the company still holds strong ties to McAdvenville, known as Christmas Town USA.
Popular:
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McAdenville transforms into another town during the holidays - Christmas Town USA . If you've been before, you know you need to fill up on gas before heading to this destination. Just know if you see cars start to back up, you're in the right place. Drivers and passengers will observe all the lights of the beautiful town from their vehicles. So pack up on snacks and drinks, and get ready for a beautiful night.
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Have a sweet tooth? Life is Sweet , Candy lovers unite! This store is full of nostalgic candy from every era.
Pineville
Pineville , a more commercial town than residential, holds the birthplace of America's own President James K. Polk. The town is nestled between Charlotte and Fort Mill, SC, and is a part of the six towns of Mecklenburg County.
Popular events and things to do:
- Concert In The Park: Aug 8
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First Fridays 2025: Downtown Pineville
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Pineville First Community Mural Project
