Fighting your way to the bar, shouting over friends, standing on your tip-toes just to catch a glimpse of the singer. Now that we think about it, we don’t miss much about being a part of the concert-loving, barely legal crowd.
Now that we know better, we’ve got the scoop on the best outdoor concerts to fill your calendar this spring and summer, sorted by neighborhood. Grab your friends and plant to hit some of our top picks for Music For Grown Ups This Summer:
South Charlotte
Anne Springs Close Greenway Summer Concert Series
The scoop: The Summer Concert Series at the greenway is back for its fifth year with 14 concerts throughout the summer. Don’t forget your picnic blankets and chairs to make the most of the lawn-style seating. View the line-up here.
Mark your calendars for: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Runs June 1 -August 31.
See you there: Comporium Amphitheater, 291 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill SC.
What else to know:Â Beer, wine and food will be available on-site for purchase. Free for greenway members, $5 per person for non-members. Parking is $5 per car.
Stonecrest Summer Concert Series
The scoop: After dinner plans or post happy hour drinks, grab a seat in the courtyard around the fountain plaza for live music each weekend. View the line-up here.
Mark your calendars for:Â Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. Runs April 7 through September 30.
See you there:Â 7900 Rea Road.
What else to know:Â Some seating will be available, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to pack extra blankets and chairs.
The scoop:Â All summer long, Blakeney’s got the perfect way to end a day of shopping and dining. The music series kicked off May 5 and we’ve got every reason to believe it will keep getting better as the summer gets started.
Mark your calendars for:Â Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. through August 26.
See you there:Â 9870 Rea Road
What else to know:Â The line-ups for May and June are live on the Blakeney website. Start planning your night out here.
SouthPark
Charlotte Symphony Summer Pops
The scoop: Be excited, inspired and thrilled by the sounds of the Charlotte Symphony with the Summer Pops series. At Symphony Park, the sound of familiar Broadway tunes, Hollywood hits and jazz favorites flow through the air and are enjoyed by all ages.
Mark your calendars for:Â Sundays through June 25, with an additional performance scheduled for July 1.
See you there: Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Rd.
What else to know: Opt for the premium seating option for hassle-free parking, reserved seats in the shade and a picnic basket curated by Reid’s Fine Foods. View all ticket options here. For all packages, prices increase by $2 day of show.
The scoop: Sip and sway to the sounds of live music from the space patio at Reid’s in South Park. Past performers include Boy Named Banjo and The Holdouts.
Mark your calendars for:Â The next performance is Saturday, May 20. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for the latest date announcements.
See you there: Reid’s Fine Foods, 4331 Barclay Downs Drive.
What else to know:Â Ticket prices vary for each show and are available for purchase at the South Park location before the weekend of the concert.
University
Concerts at PNC Music Pavilion
The scoop:Â Catch your favorite acts on the big stage at PNC Music Pavilion. Whether you and the hubby sit up close or cheers from the lawn with friends, there’s not a bad view!
Mark your calendars for:Â
Train with OAR and Natasha Bedingfield – June 3
Chicago and the Doobie Brothers – June 24
John Mayer – August 15
Matchbox Twenty and Counting Crows – August 20
See you there: 707 Pavilion Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262
What else to know:Â Lawn chairs are allowed. Food and beverages available for purchase on-site.
West Charlotte
The scoop: Feeling outdoorsy? Enjoy live music from national acts as the rapids roar around the stage at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. View the full line-up here.
Mark your calendars for:Â Thursday and Saturday nights, May through September.
See you there:Â 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway
What else to know: Bring your appetite. Dinner options abound from a rapids-side grill to a full service restaurant. While you’re at it, grab a craft beer to wash it down. The concerts are free to attend. Parking at the USNWC is $5 per car.
Uptown
Concerts at Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
The scoop: Somewhere in between small concert series and the crowds at arenas is the intimate feel you get at Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre. Head to the music factory to jam along under the stars.
Mark your calendars for:
Paul Simon– June 6
Third Eye Blind– June 16
Queen City Jazz Festival– June 17
Elvis Costello &Â the Imposters with Imelda May – June 21
Goo Goo Dolls – August 27
See you there:Â 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28206
What else to know:Â If you’re not snagging seats in the amphitheatre, pack a blanket to make the most of the lawn. All concerts are performed rain or shine and no seats are covered, so check the weather and plan ahead!
The scoop: Break out of your weekday rut for an evening of music under the bright city lights. Party in the Park features local and national acts including Too Much Sylvia, Chairman of the Board and Band of Oz. Start planning your night out here.
Mark your calendars for: Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m., through September.
See you there: Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church Street
What else to know:Â Concerts are free to attend. Stop by after work or pack a picnic for a break to the mundane weeknight meal. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs.
The scoop: Bring your lawn chair each Friday evening for music from local musicians. Concessions and beverages will be available for purchase.
Mark your calendars for:Â Every Friday evening at 7 p.m. through August 25.
See you there: Spirit Square, 345 N College St.
What else to know:Â There’s something in the line-up for everyone, from show tunes to bluegrass. Check out all upcoming performances here.
Midtown
The scoop: Catch the sunset and the skyline from your seat on the patio at Metropolitan. Whether you’re catching up with the girls over wine and apps at Hickory Tavern or toasting to date night at Dressler’s, you can’t go wrong with Sunset at the Met. View the line-up here.
Mark your calendars for:Â Every Thursday in May, 5:30 p.m.
See you there:Â 1111 Metropolitan Avenue
What else to know: We all know music is best enjoyed with a cold drink in hand. Concert-goers can also enjoy specials featured throughout the Metropolitans’ restaurants and retailers.
Pineville
Rockin’ and Reelin’ in Pineville
The scoop: From beach music to a performance from the Charlotte Symphony, this music meets film festival has something for everyone. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and your appetites for a picnic courtesy of Pineville area food trucks.
Mark your calendars for:Â Kicks off June 2 and runs through September 15. Concerts begin at 7 p.m.
See you there:Â Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnson Drive Pineville, NC
What else to know:Â The full schedule is now live. Check it out and start planning here.
Matthews
Matthews Food Truck Fridays & Concert Series
The scoop:Â From March through September, food truck Fridays in Matthews have everything you need for a night out. Kick off the weekend with endless food and dessert options from the best kitchens on wheels. Jam along as bands play from the Lee Myers stage and challenge your posse to a game of jingo or corn hole.
Mark your calendars for:Â Second and fourth Friday, 5 p.m.
See you there: Stumptown Park, 200 S Trade St. Matthews, North Carolina
What else to know:Â Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed at food truck Friday. Save this event for date night or a casual spin on GNO.
Belmont
Downtown Belmont Music in the Park
The scoop: Head to beautiful and historic Stowe Park for a line-up of country, beach music and even a Beatles tribute band during May and June. The whole family can enjoy the night with a beverage garden, food trucks and kid’s zones planned for each concert. View more on the bands here.
Mark your calendars for: Every other Friday, May 19 through June 30
See you there:Â Stowe Park. 24 S. Main Street, Belmont, NC
What else to know: The June 30 concert, featuring a performance by The Extraordinaires, will be held on Main Street and will be a part of the Independence Celebration, concluding with fireworks.
Davidson
The scoop: Round out the weekend with music on the green in Davidson. Pack a picnic for a Sunday dinner al fresco and fun for the whole family. View the line-up.
Mark your calendars for:Â Sundays at 6 p.m. Runs through September.
See you there: Davidson Village Green, 216 S Main St, Davidson, NC
What else to know:Â All concerts are free and rain or shine. Vendors will also be on-site.