Last Sunday (4/24) South End’s main street, Camden Road, was closed to traffic and transformed into an outdoor living room & street fair, with hang out spots complete with sofas, swing chairs, chess tables and more. Folks and families wandered through the new Camden Commons area, set up just for the day, to shop, relax, discover new food, play games, listen to music, and generally just hang and enjoy the day, as if in their own home.
The next Camden Commons is SATURDAY, MAY 14 from 11 am to 5 pm
Camden Commons, presented by Lowe’s, aims to be your outdoor living room in Charlotte, only with lots more friends coming by, lots more to do, and no chores. You can curl up on a couch with a good book, play a game at one of the bistro tables, or dance to the DJ. Or all three and much more.
It’s a great spot to spend some weekend time with the kids ~ here are some of the activities that you might discover when you’re there:
- Giant (and we mean GIANT) puzzle made from a billboard
- Games like chess and Uno
- Lots of chalk to draw on the street
- Paint by numbers and self-portrait stations
- DIY Flower Bouquet Station
- Cool photo opportunities
- Dog adoptions
Camden Commons is also a great spot for shopping, with lots of local artisans popping up on May 14:
Home & Lifestyle : Joe Garrick’s Children’s Books, Verde Tribe, Slik Art and Design, Luhrs Wicked Wicks, Vivian Coleman Art, SALT + LIGHT Creative Co., Ma Garden Flowers, No Label Candle Co., Zero Pop Art
Fashion & Beauty: Norii Boutique, Sapphire Hill Designs, Bigfoot Kick, Shani Amara, Toushea Skincare, Worthy + Badass, Shop Alora Eden, In The Ivy Boutique, Luminous Boutique, Johnny Fly Co., Quad Espresso Jewelry, Blonde & Burl Wood Co., Glory Days Apparel
Food: Bitty & Beau’s, City Farm Foods, Honeybear Bake Shop, It’s Poppin’ Gourmet Kettle Korn, Bennie’s Bees, Aycho Melange, Raw Bites by Risa
Pet Power: PetWants CLT, The Peaceful Paw, Roxy & Co.
The Scoop on the May Camden Commons
WHERE: Camden Road from Tremont Ave. to East/West Blvd
WHEN: Saturday May 14, 11 am to 5 pm
MORE INFO: Website HERE
How to Get to Camden Commons?
- Take the light rail and stop at East/West Blvd. Station, or ride the bus into South End.
- Ride a scooter, bike, or walk on the Rail Trail. You can also rent a JoyRides e-bike.
- Drive to South End and find parking using the parking map. 100 West Worthington is the closest paid garage.
Camden Road will be closed to vehicular traffic from Tremont Ave. to East/West Blvd from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. during each Camden Commons event.
Where Did the Idea for Camden Commons Come From?
In 2019, a coalition of South End, Wilmore, and Dilworth neighbors approached the City of Charlotte and Charlotte Center City Partners (CCCP) with a few requests to enhance walkability and pedestrian safety. Through a series of conversations in 2020 and 2021, the City made changes to improve pedestrian crossings throughout the neighborhood.
CCCP also heard broad interest in Saturday and Sunday street closures to allow for community space and special events.
This season of Camden Commons, presented by Lowe’s, is a pilot run of what could become a regular weekend happening, where an outdoor living room pops up on a few blocks of Camden Road.
For 2022, it’s being tested as a 3-part Saturday series, on April 24, May 14 and June 26.
Did you like Camden Commons? Are there ways to make it better? Complete the Camden Commons survey and let the organizers know!
Charlotte Center City Partners boldly envisions and activates strategies and actions that will assure Charlotte Center City is a welcoming and equitable, economically vibrant, culturally rich, and beloved place for all. For complete information about Charlotte Center City Partners, visit www.charlottecentercity.org.
