Whether you’re an art aficionado, #1 sports fan, date-night bound or a mom on the hunt for family fun, Uptown Charlotte is your destination for summer adventure. Read on how the best ways to spend the warm summer months under the city lights.
Date Nights Uptown
Charlotte Squawks 18: Barely Legal
June 7-30 | Booth Playhouse
Haven’t been to a comedy night with your SO? Consider this your sign. The 18th edition of Charlotte Squawks, a hyper-local comedy show poking (gentle) fun at Queen City happenings, will have you both laughing all night long.
Night at the Museum: The Bechtler
For a museum date night with a twist, check out The Bechtler’s culture-rich special events:
- June 2: Jazz at the Bechtler: Latin Jazz
- June 11: Music and Museum: Season Finale
- June 22: Modernism + Film | Barbicania
Art After Dark at The Gantt Center
In addition to permanent exhibits and the current exhibition, SEEING STARS: Works from the Fischer/Shull Collection of Contemporary Art, The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture will also host a fun night out when it celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with an adults-only event on Friday, June 16.
Art and worldly cuisine at Mariposa and The Mint Museum
If the art collections at The Mint Museum are calling your name, we’re got the perfect pairing idea. On Friday nights, enjoy Mariposa’s World-to-Table style of dining and secure two tickets to explore the Mint Museum, all under one roof! Stroll through the current Mint Museum exhibits before ending the night with a memorable meal at Mariposa. Or, start by dining first, then take a walk through the museum that is open later on Friday nights for you to cap off an evening of culture and cuisine.
Date night dining
While countless Uptown restaurants fit the bill for a romantic night out, these picks are top of our list to visit this summer:
Let’s Go Girls
Plan a girl’s pool day out
An outdoor pool oasis in Uptown? You bet. Beat the heat by planning a girls day out at Aura Rooftop or the Coin Bar. Both offer poolside loungers and private cabanas for rent, plus refreshing cocktails and poolside bites.
Fashion Chat with Fashion Consultant Jennifer Michelle and Designer Tara Davis
May 24 | Mint Museum Uptown
This free-to-attend fashion chat will feature Fashion Consultant Jennifer Michelle and Designer Tara Davis, both of Woven Fashion Incubator, a new non-profit that supports up-and-coming designers or those wanted formal training in making garments.
#IMOMSOHARD
June 16 | Knight Theater
#IMOMSOHARD began as a popular web-series by real-life best friends, comedians, and moms Kristin and Jen, sparking an online community of 2 million followers. Now you and your fellow mom friends can laugh along when they come to the Night Theater June 16.
Cheers to the city lights
Surrounded by the lights of Charlotte’s skyline, Cloud Bar by David Burke is located on the rooftop of Le Méridien. Sip on a signature cocktail while enjoying uptown Charlotte’s best sunset view and light bites from world-renowned celebrity chef David Burke.
At Búho Bar, cocktails reach new heights and adventures find their inspiration at this open-air bar and lounge on the 16th floor of the finestluxury hotel Charlotte, NC has to offer. When you’re this high above the city, every hand-crafted drink comes with a side of views and a touch of urban elegance.
Melissa Etheridge
July 14 | Knight Theater
Don’t miss your chance to see Grammy® Award winner Melissa Etheridge sing her hits “I’m the Only One,” “Come to My Window,” and more when she takes the stage this summer at Knight Theater.
Aerial CLT Open House
July 29
On July 29, join Aerial CLT for an evening of $5 mini classes where you and the girls can learn the basics of the Aerial Silks, Hammock, Lyra and Trapeze. Sign up for as many beginner-level classes as you’d like!
Chicago
September 12-17 | Belk Theater
Celebrate 25 years of the musical phenomenon that’s garnered 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Award and a Grammy® when it comes to the Belk Theater September 12-17.
Weekend Family Fun Uptown This Summer
Cool off in the fountains on The Green and Romare Bearden Park
Grab the kids’ swimsuits and let them cool off by running and splashing through the fish foundtains at The Green or the waterfalls at Romare Bearden Park.
Explore, learn and discover at Uptown’s museums and kid-friendly attractions
Another great way to start the day is at one of Uptown’s most popular kid-friendly attractions. ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center has been ranked as one of the top children’s libraries in the country. It’s also connected to the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, where you can catch a matinee show or even enroll in a one-day mini camp. Or head to Discovery Place Science, an interactive, hands-on science museum, and walk through the indoor rainforest, touch a starfish, lay on a bed of nails and more.
Don’t miss the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit through September 4. The new live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid will show at Discovery Place’s dome IMAX theatre May 25-29.
At the Gantt Center on June 3, their Family First program will let you create a unique individual or family stamp using foam, wood blocks and acrylic paint. It’s the perfect project for making art pieces or using the stamp on clothing and tote bags.
Cheer on the home team
Whether you’re enjoying America’s pastime watching the Knights play at Truist Park and the newly opened Paper Mill Pub inside the park, cheering for a goal as Charlotte FC takes the field at Bank of America Stadium or chanting for the Hornets at The Spectrum Center, Uptown Charlotte has no shortage of ways to get in the game this summer.
An afternoon at the theater with Annie
The sun is sure to come out when the whole family heads to the Belk Theater for a production of Annie May 30 – June 4. Grab your tickets now.
Monster Jam at the Spectrum Center
Rev up your engines for an adrenaline-filled weekend at Monster Jam, coming to the Spectrum Center July 22-23.
Foodie Paradise
Taste of Charlotte
June 9-11
Taste of Charlotte is a three-day food festival in the heart of Uptown. It features samples from area restaurants and various performances and activities that will surely delight the festival-goers. Aside from that, a large variety of local, regional, and national partners will provide information, coupons, and free giveaways! Admission to Taste of Charlotte is free. Purchase festival coins to use for restaurant samples, beverages and kid’s activities. Enjoy delicious food while strolling the festival experiencing 3 stages of entertainment, performances and interactive tours.
Feast on “The Treatment” at Fin & Fino
At Fin & Fino, find an eclectic menu of seafood featuring a minimum of twelve types of oysters on the raw bar menu at all times. With The Treatment, foodies will turn the menu over to your server and the kitchen. In their hands they will take you on a tour of our offerings both from the menu and off menu. Fun, social, and delicious. The Treatment also raises $5/guest for one of the two charities we are working with at the moment.
Level up your wine knowledge at The New School for Wine
If you’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a meal at the McNinch House, it’s likely you’ve benefitted from the wine pairing selections offers by wine director Anthony “Wes” Wesley. Wesley is a wine educator and lecturer with 35+ years of fine dining and wine experience, and is now bringing his knowledge to the public with approachable, fun and engaging wine tastings through the New School for Wine. Choose from a variety of classes at the 100 and 200-levels.
Take a tour of flavors at The Market at 7th St.
As a non-profit incubator, emerging chefs, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, artisans, and makers all have the chance to be part of this tradition and start their dreams in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. And as a market, anyone can be lucky and get to partake in all the beauty and deliciousness that these dreamers produce along the way. Vendors include:
- Jimmy Pearls, Oscar Johnson and Daryl Cooper originally hail from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and are the Chefs/Owners of Jimmy Pearls in Charlotte, NC. Collectively, the two chefs curate thoughtfully crafted southern fare centered around Coastal and Piedmont Virginia food ways, as told by the African diaspora. Jimmy Pearls is an ode to Virginia soul which is all about shining light on culturally dense cuisine that honors the ancestors, Virginia’s rich history of Black food and speaks to the chefs’ personal experiences.Their menu is led by the traditions of African American culinary history and their family traditions rooted in Virginia and other regions of the U.S. and the world.
- Mano Bella Artisan Foods: Conceived, owned, and operated by husband and wife team Raffaele and Madison Patrizi, Mano Bella Artisan Foods embraces and hones the craft of authentic, artisanal Italian foods.
- Mad Dash: chef-driven sandwiches, tacos, loaded fresh cut fries, house made chips, and more.
- Geno D’s Pizza: Geno D’s Pizza is a must try family owned and operated business specializing in “Jersey Shore” style pizza. Geno D has spent 35 years perfecting these “Old World” family recipes that will absolutely tantalize your taste buds making Geno D’s your go to pizzeria. Jersey shore style pizza is our version of a New York style dough.
- Orrman’s Cheese Shop: Orrman’s not only sells specialty cheese, but also provides on-site dining options including grilled cheese sandwiches, pairing classes, and private tastings.
- Momo Station: Dumplings, lo-mein, loaded rice bowls and quick bites like Fried Dumplings, Asian Tacos & Katti Rolls.
As a producer-only farmers market, visitors get to know the actual passionate and talented people behind the food they buy. Foodies will love shopping the delicious array of fresh produce, meats, fish, coffee, tea, baked goods, salsas, kombucha, hot sauces, spices, and so many other carefully crafted foods and beautiful plants.
Variety of offerings and vendors, including:
- Vegetables and fruits from local area farms
- Organic and local Meat, Poultry & Fish
- Baba and Pops Homemade Pierogi
- Bun Appetit!: small batch bakery rolling out their made-from-scratch cinnamon & sticky buns
- Angry Nani: Indian grandma making the freshest, spiciest chutney around, along with organic chai & wellness concentrates.
- Radiation Therapy: Craft hot sauces made in Charlotte, using all natural ingredients in small batches.
- Treats By Marisol: Gourmet Dog Bakery that specializes in making human looking dog treats and cakes using 100% organic, non-toxic ingredients.
Celebrate!
Charlotte Pride
August 19-20 | Uptown Charlotte
Charlotte Pride is a 2-day festival complete with entertainment, a vendor market and a parade through Uptown on August 20.
Blumenthal’s Juneteenth Jam
June 17 | Levine Avenue of the Arts | 10 am – 7 pm
Blumenthal’s Juneteenth Jam is back! Two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, freedom was finally realized for all enslaved people of the United States. Juneteenth is a joyous national holiday that celebrates that historic moment. Head Uptown for incredible live music, delicious food trucks, and a beautiful celebration of the history, joy, and significance of Juneteenth! Perfect for the entire family & all events are free!
