12 Fun Charlotte Summer Activities

The Memorial Day fireworks were spectacular, so it’s official — summer is here. If you’re in Charlotte, you’ll be looking for fun things to do with your family and friends. Try these 12 fun Charlotte summer activities to get out and enjoy the Queen City and all that it has to offer.

#1 Find Your Next Favorite Restaurant

There are always new places opening in Charlotte’s culinary scene. Some of the newest arrivals to visit include:

• Bar a Vins, a Wine Bar in NoDa
• Ever Andalo, an Italian Restaurant in NoDa
• Yunta, a combination of Japanese and Peruvian food in South End
• La Capital, for elevated Mexican fare in South End
• The Jimmy in Myers Park
• Prime Fish in Ballantyne
• Calle Sole in Plaza Midwood

#2 Get Out on the Lake

Charlotte has two nearby lakes where you can get out of the city and have fun on the water. Lake Norman and Lake Wylie are both great for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. Lake Norman State Park also has a 125-yard sand beach equipped with a concession stand, bathhouse, restrooms and lockers. $4-$6/per person.

#3 Cheer for the Home team vs. Chelsea FC

Any game of the Charlotte FC, in its inaugural MLS season, is fun to watch. But, there’s a little extra excitement around this international friendly against Chelsea FC. On July 20th, the home team will host the six-time English Champions and 2021 UEFA Champions League winners at the Bank of America Stadium.

#4 Pack a Picnic for Symphony in the Park

The Charlotte Symphony performs three open air concerts at SouthPark’s bandshell in June. The first promises to help you Swing into Summer on June 12th. There’s also a Hooray for Hollywood concert June 19^th and a show with Opera Carolina.

Or, join the Charlotte Symphony at some of its other performances out and about in Charlotte this summer:

• June 8th, Little Rock AME Zion Church
• June 14th, Cabarrus Brewing Co.
• June 22nd, Truist Field
• June 28th, The Barrel Room at Triple C Brewing

#5 See the Charlotte Knights Play

The Charlotte Knights play their home games in the heart of Uptown. Enjoy your pretzel and a beer while taking in this Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. They play other Minor League Baseball teams of the International League throughout the summer at Truist Field. Keep your eyes peeled for the dragon mascot, Homer.

#6 Visit the Whitewater Center

You don’t even need to get wet! You can go whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding at the Whitewater Center. But there are also ropes courses, rock climbing, hiking and biking trails. You might want to plan your trip around a River Jam concert, outdoors every Thursday through Saturday from 7 pm to 10 pm. You can enjoy a pint and grab a bite to eat while listening to music under the stars.

#7 Try a New Local Brew

Charlotte is home to nearly 50 breweries. You won’t have any trouble finding a patio where you can taste a new seasonal brew. Some of the more recent breweries to open include:

• Gilde 1546
• Hopfly Brewing Co
• Legion Brewing South Park
• Southern Strain Brewing
• Burial Beer Co
• Weathered Souls

#8 Sing-along at an Amphitheatre

Concerts are back at Charlotte’s two amphitheaters. The PNC Music Pavilion hosts the bigger acts such as Kid Rock, OneRepublic, Luke Bryan, The Black Keys, Chris Brown and Charlotte native Lil Baby, and Rod Stewart.

The Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheater hosts Barenaked Ladies, Ben Rector, 5 Seconds of Summer, David Gray, Jack White, Goo Goo Dolls and more this summer.

You can purchase seats or set up on the lawn at either venue. Keep in mind the venues are now cashless if you want to get a T-shirt or visit the concession stands.

#9 Jump in a Rock Quarry

The Carrigan Farms rock quarry outside of Charlotte boasts a natural spring-fed body of water. Once you pass a swim test at the quarry you can jump into the cool fresh waters. It’s cash only and there is a concession stand onsite.

#10 Show your Pride

There are several community celebrations throughout the summer, but the big Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade returns to Uptown this August. The actual Pride Parade kicks off at 9th Street on Sunday, August 21st at 1 pm. There are musical acts and other entertainment options throughout the weekend in the core of Uptown.

#11 Visit a Local Farmer’s Market

You can find fresh fruits, vegetables and other vittles as well as flowers and crafts at the various farmer’s markets around the city. In addition to the city’s largest Regional Farmers Market, you might check out:

• Kings Drive Farmers Market, 938 S. Kings Drive in Charlotte. Held on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• NoDa Farmers Market is open Saturday mornings on the patio of the NoDa Company Store.
• The Cotswold Farmers Market is at 309 S. Sharon Amity Rd on Saturdays
• Plaza Midwood‘s farmers market is open on Saturdays April through November at the Common Market on Commonwealth Avenue.
• The year-round South End market at the newly renovated Atherton on South Boulevard showcases small local farms and artisans on Saturdays from 9 am. – 1 pm.
• The Rosa Parks Farmers Market opens in June at Reeder Memorial Baptist Church, 3725 Beatties Ford Road

#12 Ride the Coasters at Carowinds

The Carolina’s biggest amusement park, Carowinds features almost 60 rides and family friendly special events. Kids can enjoy Camp Snoopy while taller riders can thrill on The Fury or Copperhead Strike. The waterpark, Carolina Harbor, has added the Boogie Board Racer, billed as the “longest mat racing water slide in the Southeast.”

There’s so much to do in the Queen City. These selected Charlotte summer actives are just the beginning. If you live in a Saussy Burbank home in the Charlotte area, you can easily find your favorites. Check out our offerings in Myers Park, Elizabeth, South Charlotte, as well as in the Village of Marvin and Fort Mill, SC.