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 26, 2026
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 free outdoor movies starting in June, along with live music, local markets and special weekend events. While you’re there, be sure to eat, drink and shop across Camp's more than 40 locally owned small businesses!
Make a Splash at Carolina Harbor Waterpark
Carolina Harbor Waterpark is officially open for the 2026 season. This waterpark boasts giant water slides like the Boogie Board Racer, along with wave pools, a children’s play area and 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.
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.
Watch Fireworks After a Charlotte Knights Game
The Charlotte Knights, a Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, continue the 2026 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.
Catch the Crown on the Hardwood
The Queen City’s new women’s basketball team, Charlotte Crown, continues their inaugural season with home games at Bojangles Coliseum through the end of August. Save the date for one of the themed game nights, including Family Funday on Sunday, June 14.
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.
Attend a Summer Concert
The summer season means a full slate of outdoor concerts at venues like Truliant Amphitheater and Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre. The summer concert lineup includes Luke Bryan, Ari Lennox, Yungblud and Hillary Duff. Read about more live music coming to Charlotte in the summer concert guide.
Enjoy Summer Sounds by the Rapids
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.
Listen to Live Music at Carowinds
From June 13–Aug. 9, local and national musicians provide a soundtrack for your day of thrills at Carowinds. Hear these acts on stages at the Harmony Hall event pad, Crossroads Gazebo and Paul Metto’s swim-up bar.
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.
Rewatch 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. On Thursdays and Saturdays, from June through August, The Lost Years summer blockbuster series presents early-2000s favorites.
Build Something Amazing at Discovery Place Science
Discovery Place Science’s newest exhibit, Brick Masters Studio, invites all ages to mix artistic creativity with engineering and build with LEGO® bricks. Through Monday, Sept. 7, view spectacular LEGO® sculptures and take on building challenges for yourself.
Watch a NASCAR Race on the Big Screen
As the NASCAR Cup Series continues, catch every thrilling lap on the big screen at the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s High Octane Theater. Mark your calendar for Race Viewing Parties on Sunday, June 21 for the Anduril 250, Sunday, July 19 for the Window World 450 and Saturday, Aug. 29 for the Coke Zero Sugar 400.
Spend a Day at The Mint Museums
When the weather gets too warm, take a trip to one or both Mint Museum locations. Check out Charlotte-based artist Kirk Fanelly’s “What do we have here?” exhibit of 21st century surrealism at Mint Museum Uptown or “Designing Dynamism,” featuring Kuba textiles, at Mint Museum Randolph. Both are on display through Sunday, Aug. 23.
See the Gantt Center’s Newest Exhibit
The Gantt Center’s newest exhibit, “Beyond Boundaries” highlights the importance of Black abstraction within Elliot and Kimberly Perry’s art collection that spans three decades. This exhibit is on display through Sunday, Aug. 30.
Experience Egypt in the Queen City
Travel to the Great Pyramid of Giza without leaving Charlotte. Horizon of Khufu, the latest attraction at Blume Studios, allows you to travel to ancient Egypt through a 45-minute, virtual reality experience. This expedition ends Sunday, Aug. 30.
Enjoy a Meal and Cocktail Outside
The Queen City’s rooftop bars and restaurants offer panoramic views of the skyline and are perfect for if you want to feel the sun’s rays. You can also enjoy a meal outside without being under the hot summer sun at a restaurant with porches, patios and decks in Charlotte.
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, Uptown Farmers Market and Ballantyne Farmers Market are just a few of the local markets in Charlotte
June Events & Activities
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.
Go Bananas in Uptown
Banana Ball returns to Charlotte, June 4-6, for three unconventional baseball games that pair America’s favorite pastime with choreographed dances. Don’t miss the Firefighters against the Texas Tailgaters at Truist Field.
Catch a Professional Lacrosse Game
Some of the world’s best professional lacrosse players come to Charlotte, June 5-6, 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 on Tryon Street in Uptown. Stop by for one day or all three, June 5-7.
Explore Charlotte’s Trails
June 6 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 with the Charlotte Symphony
Charlotte Symphony’s Summer Pops series returns to Symphony Park with outdoor concerts on Sundays in June. Mark your calendar for American Classics on June 7, Best of Broadway on June 14, Hollywood Hits on June 21 and Celebrate America on June 28.
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 12-14.
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.
Traveling to the Magical Land of Oz
“The Wizard of Oz” soars to new heights when the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center performs this classic production. The cast, made up of performers as young as age 6, bring Dorothy’s adventure to life with dancing on the ground and in the air at Knight Theater.
Enjoy a Concert at Anne Springs Close Greenway
Every Thursday, Anne Springs Close Greenway hosts a summer concert series featuring a different genre. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab food from the Gateway Canteen’s food truck and enjoy an evening of live music.
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. While the Charlotte Knights are on the road, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra takes over Truist Field for an evening concert followed by the WBT SkyShow, one of the largest fireworks shows in the Southeast.
Cheer on USA Rugby in Charlotte
The U.S. Men’s National Rugby Team make their way to the Queen City for a match at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Cheer on the Eagles as they battle Zimbabwe on Saturday, July 11 in the inaugural Nations Cup.
Celebrate Charlotte Black Pride
Charlotte Black Pride is a week-long event, July 12-18, with a schedule that includes a townhall, a festival with more than 40 vendors, a ball and pageant. The theme for this year’s 21st anniversary is “Blaqtivism.”
Dine on a Discount during Queen’s Feast
Don’t miss the summer edition of Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week, July 24-Aug. 2, 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.
Experience Peruvian Culture
Charlotte Peruvian Festival brings the sights, sounds and tastes of Peru to Victoria Yards in Uptown on Saturday, July 25. This cultural festival features live music and performances, Peruvian food and an inviting, family-friendly atmosphere.
Get a Front Row Seat to Soccer’s Biggest Stars
Soccer fans can experience a week-long celebration of soccer and culture, including MLS All-Star Skills Challenge on Tuesday, July 28 and the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 29, during the MLS All-Star Week at Bank of America Stadium.
Have a Hot Tomato Summer
This July, Duke’s Mayo is teaming up with local restaurants for the annual Hot Tomato Summer. Participating restaurants offer specialty dishes, and even cocktails, made with Duke’s mayo and juicy tomatoes — two staples of summer.
August Events & Activities
Watch a Broadway Musical
Blumenthal Arts’ lineup of touring Broadway shows continues through the summer, featuring “& Juliet,” Aug. 11-16 at Belk Theater. This jukebox musical is a creative retelling of Shakespeare’s classic set to pop anthems.
Celebrate Charlotte Pride
Want more pride-themed events and activities? The Queen City honors the LGBTQ community in August. The 2026 Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade returns, Aug. 15-16, to First Ward Park. Use the free Charlotte Pride Passport to check into events and win prizes.
Have a Night of Laughs with Nikki Glaser
The queen of roasts, Nikki Glaser, brings her The Stunning Tour to Ovens Auditorium for two nights of laughs, Aug. 20-21. Don’t miss your chance to see this stand-up comedy powerhouse live on stage.
Take a Trip to Neverland
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents a production of “Peter Pan’s Neverland Adventure,” Aug. 20-30 at Wells Fargo Playhouse. This immersive show encourages audience participation.
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. 22-23. This is your chance to buy, sell or trade trading cards and shop for Funko Pop!, anime merch and more.
Rock Out to Indie Music
Charlotte’s newest music festival, Carolina Bloom Music Fest, is bringing rock, indie and alternative performers to The Iron District on the border of Uptown and South End. This multi-day festival, from Aug. 22-23, features a mix of local, regional and national acts on an outdoor stage, plus an indoor DJ, food trucks and local vendors.
Get Ready for Football Season
The Carolina Panthers kick off the 2026 season with Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium. Fans can also get tickets for a home preseason game against the Houston Texans on Friday, Aug. 28.
