45 of the Hottest Things to Do This Summer
Charlotte has plenty to do to fill those long summer days and warm nights.
by Arielle Patterson May 22, 2025
Camp North End
Discover Camp North End, where the mix of activity is what makes it amazing.
The temperature isn’t the only reason why Charlotte heats up during the summer months. From activities in the Queen City’s buzzing neighborhoods, afternoons on nearby lakes and annual events throughout the region, start planning your summer getaway to Charlotte around these can’t-miss happenings.
Season-Long Activities
Experience Camp North End in Summer
Soak up the sun and summer vibes at Camp North End! Check out North End Farmers Market every Wednesday from 4-8 p.m., free outdoor movies starting in June, and live music and special activations every Friday night from 6-9 p.m. While you’re there, be sure to eat, drink and shop across Camp's more than 30 locally owned small businesses!
Make a Splash at Carolina Harbor Waterpark
Carolina Harbor Waterpark officially opens for the 2025 season on Saturday, May 24. This waterpark boasts giant water slides like the Boogie Board Racer, along with wave pools, a children’s play area and a new adults-only area with a swim-up bar.
Go for a Swim at Carrigan Farms
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms is a natural spring and the perfect place to go on a hot summer day. Register in advance to swim, jump from the rocky cliffs or make a splash from the rope swing. Check out this and more water activities in Charlotte.
Beat the Heat at the Lake
When you need a break from the city, head just outside of Charlotte to nearby Lake Norman or Lake Wylie for some fun on the water, including boating, tubing, kayaking or simply lounging on the sandy shoreline.
Attend a Summer Concert
The summer season means a full slate of outdoor concerts at venues like PNC Music Pavilion and Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre. Music legend Rick Springfield kicks things off in June, with Goo Goo Dolls, Rod Stewart and Kesha making their way to the Queen City in later months. Read about more live music coming to Charlotte in the summer concert guide.
Watch Fireworks After a Charlotte Knights Game
The Charlotte Knights, a Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, continue the 2025 season this summer at Truist Field. Check the promotions calendar for themed game days and post-game fireworks. Visiting the Queen City for a Knights game? Read the baseball fan’s guide to Charlotte.
Cheer on Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC continues another exciting MLS season at Bank of America Stadium. Can’t decide which game to go to? Check the team schedule to find giveaway nights and themed games. To learn more about matches in the Queen City, including the USL W team Carolina Ascent FC, check out the soccer fan’s guide to Charlotte.
Sip Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar
The Queen City’s rooftop bars and restaurants offer panoramic views of the skyline. These spots are perfect for if you want to feel the sun’s rays or enjoy an alfresco evening of drinks with an unbeatable view.
Dine On an Outdoor Patio
Enjoy a meal outside without being under the hot summer sun. The porches, patios and decks in Charlotte offer a shaded, open-air reprieve from the heat with delicious bites and drinks.
Join in the Fiesta at Carowinds
From July 19-Aug. 10, Carowinds celebrates the cultural richness and spirited traditions of Latin culture during Viva La Fiesta. This new event is a spectacle for the senses, complete with captivating sights, lively entertainment and mouthwatering authentic dishes.
Watch a Movie Under the Stars
Grab your blankets and chairs and settle in for an outdoor movie night in Charlotte. Crossroads Cinema returns to Camp North End with free movies on Thursday evenings. Just outside of Charlotte, downtown Belmont hosts Movies in the Park throughout the summer, while Birkdale Village’s Lights, Camera, Birkdale projects movies monthly in The Plaza.
Rediscover a Blockbuster Movie
Nostalgia is on the big screen at the historic Carolina Theatre, perfect for if you need to cool down from the summer heat. From June 8 through Aug. 28, The Lost Years Summer Blockbuster Series presents classic films from 1979-1990.
Watch Young Racers at the Summer Shootout
The Cook Out Summer Shootout showcases young racers at Charlotte Motor Speedway. These future stars battle it out in Legend Cars and Bandoleros on the frontstretch quarter mile. Races run on select dates from June through the end of July.
Rock Out at River Jam
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout the summer, the Whitewater Center features Americana, bluegrass, folk and funk performers for River Jam. Pick a spot on the grassy lawn, across from the world’s largest man-made whitewater river, and enjoy the scenery.
Enjoy a Concert at Anne Springs Close Greenway
Every Thursday from now through July, Anne Springs Close Greenway hosts a summer concert series. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab food from the Gateway Canteen’s food truck and enjoy an evening of live music.
Go Big or Go Home at Monopoly Lifesized
Through July 27, Blume Studios is transformed into a life-sized Monopoly board as this traveling attraction makes its way to the Queen City. Grab your friends and family to solve clever puzzles, collect properties and outsmart the competition before time runs out.
Discover the Legacy of Black Bikers
Uncover the untold legacy of Black biker culture, captured by Charlotte-based photographer Alvin C. Jacobs Jr. His exhibit “Black Behind Bars: The Untold Story of Black Biker Culture” is currently on display at the Gantt Center.
Take a Trip to Aviation City
Looking for an indoor activity this summer? Check out the Sullenberger Aviation Museum’s newest exhibit, Aviation City. This thematic area takes a look at the economic and cultural development of aviation in Charlotte and the Carolinas, from past, present and future.
Shop for Seasonal Produce at a Farmers Market
Savor the flavors of fresh summer produce, along with meat, cheese, dairy and more, when shopping at an area farmers market. The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, North End Farmers Market and Ballantyne Farmers Market are just a few of the local markets in Charlotte.
Lounge at a Rooftop Pool
Take advantage of all the amenities Charlotte’s rooftops offer with a day pass from ResortPass. A hotel day pass gives non-hotel guests access to the outdoor rooftop pools at JW Marriott Charlotte and Sheraton Charlotte Hotel.
June Events & Activities
Go Bananas in Charlotte
The Queen City welcomes the Savannah Bananas to Bank of America Stadium, June 6-7. This unconventional baseball team pairs America’s favorite pastime with choreographed dances during this family-friendly show.
Celebrate National Pride Month in Charlotte
Support Charlotte’s LGBTQ community by visiting a LGBTQ-owned business, such as 300 East, NoDa Canteen and Rally. You can also pull out your dollar bills to tip the queens at one of the local drag shows in Charlotte.
Catch a Professional Lacrosse Game
Some of the world’s best professional lacrosse players come to Charlotte, June 6-7, for four Premier Lacrosse League games at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The first game of the series will also be the homecoming game for Charlotte’s-own Carolina Chaos.
Get a Taste of the City
Taste of Charlotte is the Queen City’s largest food festival, featuring samples from area restaurants, along with live performances and other family-friendly activities in Uptown. Stop by for one day or all three, June 6-8.
Explore Charlotte’s Trails
June 7 is National Trails Day. Celebrate by exploring the great outdoors in and around the Queen City. Hike or bike the Little Sugar Creek Greenway from NoDa or use the Charlotte Trail Guide to find an adventure that fits your interest.
Enjoy an Outdoor Concert
Charlotte Symphony’s Summer Pops series returns to Symphony Park with outdoor concerts on Sundays in June. Mark your calendar for Classical’s Greatest Hits on June 8, Best of Broadway on June 15, Latin Sounds on June 22 and Celebrate America on June 29.
Honor Juneteenth in Charlotte
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, commemorates the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, found out they were free on June 19. The Charlotte community honors Juneteenth with educational speakers, special programming, family-friendly festivals and live entertainment.
Meet Superheroes and Villains at HeroesCon
Comic lovers from around the country fill the exhibit halls of the Charlotte Convention Center for HeroesCon. HeroesCon features panel discussions, cosplayers, an art auction and more, from June 20-22.
Attend the Met Gala of Durags
One of Charlotte’s most popular Juneteenth events is Durag Fest, known as the “Met Gala of durags.” Get your tickets for this event on June 21, showcasing live music, an art exhibition, street fashion show and Black-owned vendor market at Blackbox Theater.
Don’t Miss International Soccer in Charlotte
Charlotte hosts four matches of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, featuring global powerhouses like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, as well as two Round of 16 matches, June 22, 24, 28, 30 at Bank of America Stadium.
July Events & Activities
Celebrate National Ice Cream Month
July is National Ice Cream Month. Cool down from the summer heat with an ice cream cone, scoop of sorbet or refreshing milkshake at one of Charlotte’s must-try ice cream shops.
Watch Fireworks on the Fourth of July
Celebrate Independence Day in Charlotte with dazzling fireworks displays throughout the region. Following the Charlotte Knights game on Thursday, July 3, stick around for the sensational SkyShow Fireworks Spectacular, one of the largest fireworks shows in the Southeast.
Root for the U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team
The U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team is coming to Charlotte for two games against No. 10 New Zealand. Admission is free for both games, July 5-6 at UNC Charlotte, but you’ll need to get a ticket in advance to enter.
Cheer on USA Rugby in Charlotte
The U.S. Men’s National Rugby Team make their way to the Queen City for two matches at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Cheer on the Eagles as they battle Belgium on July 5 and Spain on July 12.
Bring the Kids to Billy Graham Library
Billy Graham Library has plenty of activities just for children during Kidzfest, Saturday, July 12. Let little ones spend the day jumping on bounce houses, racing in obstacle courses, getting face paintings and more.
Celebrate Charlotte Black Pride
Charlotte Black Pride is a week-long event, July 12-19, with a schedule that includes a townhall, an expo with more than 40 vendors, a ball and pageant. The theme for this year’s 20th anniversary is “20 Years: Black & Bold.”
Have a Hot Tomato Summer
From July 17-27, Duke’s Mayo is teaming up with local restaurants during Hot Tomato Summer. Participating restaurants offer specialty dishes, and even cocktails, made with Duke’s mayo and juicy tomatoes.
Watch a Broadway Musical
Blumenthal Arts’ lineup of touring Broadway shows continues through the summer, featuring Tony Award winner “Ain’t Too Proud,” July 18-20 at Belk Theater. This musical tells the story of The Temptations, from the group’s start in Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Dine on a Discount during Queen’s Feast
Don’t miss the summer edition of Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week, July 18-27, when nearly 100 restaurants in the Charlotte region offer three-course, prix-fixe menus. This is your chance to enjoy your favorite restaurant at a discounted price or discover something new from Charlotte’s dining scene.
August Events & Activities
Celebrate Charlotte Pride
Want more pride-themed events and activities? The Queen City honors the LGBTQ community in August. The 2025 Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade returns, Aug. 16-17, to a new, larger location at First Ward Park.
Get Ready for Football Season
The Carolina Panthers kick off the 2025 season with Fan Fest, Saturday, Aug. 2 at Bank of America Stadium. Fans can also get tickets for home preseason games against the Cleveland Browns on Friday, Aug. 8 and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, Aug. 21.
Browse Collectables at Collect-A-Con
Collect-A-Con, the nation’s largest trading card, anime and pop culture convention, comes to the Charlotte Convention Center, Aug. 9-10. This is your chance to buy, sell or trade trading cards and shop for Funko Pop!, anime merch and more.
Have High-Flying Fun with Cirque du Soleil
Prepare to be amazed as Cirque du Soleil: "OVO” comes to Bojangles Coliseum, Aug. 28-31. An eye-catching insect colony comes to life through dazzling acrobatics that will delight both adults and children.
Watch College Football
Two North Carolina teams battle it out during this year’s Duke’s Mayo Classic on Friday, Aug. 29. Watch as the Queen City’s own Charlotte 49ers take on the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Bank of America Stadium.
Race Around Uptown
Lace up your running shoes and walk, run or jog along I-277 in Uptown during the Around the Crown 10K on Aug. 31. After the race, toast with a pint of Jogger Lager at NoDa Brewing.
