CLT Summer Activities

Summer Activities Guide

Check out these 75+ summer activities happening in the Charlotte area! There is a variety of fun things to enjoy this summer - outdoor movies, festivals, sports games, water activities, live music, and so much more!

🗓️ Summer Activities

May 6 - September 21: Step into the high stakes world of Monopoly in the unique Monopoly Lifesized experience at Blume Studios.

June 3 - August 7 (select dates): See your favorite kids movies at The Kids Summer Movie Series at Cinergy this summer for only $2 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.

June 5 - August 28 (select dates): Grab your friends, bring your chairs, and enjoy fun nights of movies under the stars plus free retro arcade games during Crossroads Cinema at Camp North End.

June 7 - 28 (select dates): Blakeney Town Center is hosting the Sounds of Summer Concert series in the Fountain Plaza.

June 8 - August 28 (select dates): The Lost Years Summer Blockbuster Series at Carolina Theatre is showing a blockbuster movie from each year that the theatre was closed.

June 10 - August 6 (select dates): The Regal Summer Movie Express is back for 2025 - catch $1 family movies to the first showing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at all Regal locations.

June 13 - June 27 (select dates): Uptown Movies in the Park at Fourth Ward invites residents, visitors, and families to Fourth Ward Park for free movies and activities.

June 13 - September 12 (select dates): Enjoy live music at the AMP Ballantyne during their Live at the Amp music series.

June 19 - July 5: The Queen Charlotte Fair is back with three weeks of fun-filled entertainment, food, and thrilling rides.

June 20 - October 31 (select dates): Friday Nights at Camp North End features live music, delicious food, shopping, local art, and a few surprises along the way - each Friday evening offers a different type of live performance.

June 24, 28, & 30: Watch the FIFA Club World Cup at Bank of America Stadium - featuring global powers Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

June 24 - July 29 (select dates): Watch racing’s future stars battle it out along the Charlotte Motor Speedway at the Cook Out Summer Shootout. 

June 25 - October 29 (select dates): Every Wednesday you can head over to the North End Farmers Market at Camp North End for an eclectic mix of food and other small businesses at the Ford Green.

June 26 - September 25 (select dates): Jam out to local and national bands highlighting Americana, Roots, and Soul/R&B sounds at the River Jam Concert Series happening at the Whitewater Center. 

June 28 - October 25 (select dates): SHOP THE YARD! at Victoria Yards is a monthly pop-up market that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month - shop local artists and businesses in a space where community and creativity are combined.

June 29 & July 27: Camden Commons is back this summer in South End - Camden Road will transform into a vibrant neighborhood block party where you can shop local businesses, enjoy giant games, and hang out with friends.

July 3: The WBT SkyShow returns to Truist Field in Uptown as the Charlotte Knights welcome the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

July 5 - 6: Watch the USA Women’s National Field Hockey team battle it out against New Zealand for two matches at UNC Charlotte.

July 5 & 12: Watch USA Men’s National Rugby compete against both Belgium and Spain at the American Legion Memorial Stadium

July 5 - November 1 (select dates): The Bowl Street Market presented by Shop Local QC happens on the green at the Bowl at Ballantyne for a vibrant showcase of rotating local vendors.

July 6 - December 1 (select dates): Front Porch Sundays is held every first Sunday of the month at Atherton Mill - shop from 100+ local vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry to dog toys to unique food.

July 9 (select dates): AMC Theaters is doing 50% off adult movie tickets for members of the AMC Stubs Program during the summer on Wednesdays.

July 11 - 13: Join My Outdoor Joy for their Cane Creek Camping Trip - take kayak lessons, participate in educational outdoor activities, or relax by the lake.

July 12: Join the Billy Graham Library for KidzFest 2025 - enjoy interactive games hosted by Kids Blitz along with outdoor inflatables, face painting, snacks, and more.

July 13 - October 12 (select dates): Shop until you drop at the Birkdale Village Commons Market - presented by Shop Local QC this market showcases a diverse mix of vendors including boutique fashion, jewelry, vintage treasures, home decor, baked goods, and more.

July 17 - 27: Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer is back for its 5th year and will be showcasing the best of the culinary arts throughout the Southeast.

July 18: Join The Crunkleton for A Spirited Luncheon featuring an Angel’s Envy tasting hosted by DiSean Burns.

July 18 - August 10 (select dates): Viva La Fiesta at Carowinds is a celebration of cultural richness and spirited traditions through live entertainment, authentic dishes, and special activities, all while experiencing your favorite rides and attractions.

July 18 - 27: Enjoy foodie thrills at Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week - experience 3-course menus at special prix fixe prices as 125+ restaurants in the metro area showcase their cuisine.

July 19: Festival Colombiano will celebrate the rich culture of Colombia through music, dance, gastronomy, art, and much more at First Ward Park in Uptown.

July 19 & September 20: Sip & shop at the Ballantyne Village Pop-Up Market with 30+ local vendors, live music, and an outdoor bar.

July 25: The Charlotte Knights are proud to present Big Time Wrestling at Truist Field - headlining the event is none other than WWE Hall of Famer, Sting.

July 26: The RnB Mimosa Festival will have food, drinks, music and great vibes - each bar will have multiple mimosa flavors throughout Romare Bearden Park.

July 26: My Outdoor Joy is hosting a Guided Hike at Latta Nature Preserve - this 3-mile guided hike offers gentle terrain, beautiful lake views, and plenty of shaded paths to keep you comfortable.

July 27: Come on out to the Charlotte Peruvian Festival at Symphony Park - enjoy live music, artisan crafts, Peruvian food, dances, and more.

August 1: Join the Humane Society of Charlotte for the Rescue Brew Launch Paw-ty at NoDa Brewing.

August 2: Mark your calendars for the LoSo Block Party - listen to live music and DJ’s, enter giveaways, enjoy food and drinks, and so much more all hosted by your favorite LoSo spots.

August 2: The Carolina Panthers Annual Fan Fest will take place at the Bank of America Stadium.

August 16 - 17: The 2025 Charlotte Pride Parade and Festival is a two-day cultural event filled with entertainers, live music, art exhibits, local nonprofits, retailers, a food court, and more.

August 23: Tacos N Taps will take you south of the border for some foodie fun - this All You Care To Taste beer and tequila festival will be offering up some of Charlotte’s best tacos and Mexican food, live music, margaritas, contests, and other surprises.

August 28: Get ready for College Night Out in Downtown Salisbury - students from local colleges are invited to come out and play games, enjoy fun activities, eat good food, network, and more.

August 28 - 31: Cirque du Soleil presents OVO - a show that will bring the energy-packed, visually stunning world of insects to life with vibrant costumes and mind-blowing acrobatics during Labor Day Weekend.

August 29: The Duke’s Mayo Classic will feature the Charlotte 49ers vs the Appalachian State Mountaineers taking over the Bank of America Stadium.

August 29 - September 1: The Matthews Alive Labor Day Festival is a four-day festival that supports local nonprofit organizations through music, arts, and community involvement.

September 1 - 30: The Charlotte International Arts Festival is back - this annual celebration of global arts will span the entire month throughout the city with over 200 events offering an abundance of things to do, taste, see, and experience.

September 12 - 14: Panda Fest is making its first ever debut in North Carolina this summer - get ready to feast, shop, and celebrate Asian food and culture in Ballantyne’s Backyard.

All Summer:

Spend the day supporting local at a Charlotte area farmers market. 

Embark on a boat excursion with Carolina Tiki.

Take your kids to one of the Charlotte area’s many playgrounds. 

Beat the heat and cool off at SouthTown Wake Park located in Rock Hill, SC - go wakeboarding or play on their inflatable Aqua Park.

The summer season will be full of Charlotte Knights Baseball games to attend with friends and family.

Splash around and cool off at one of the many splash pads in the Charlotte area.

Explore outdoor activities like rafting, zip lining, or check out the new Wildwoods Playground at the US National Whitewater Center.

Enjoy the outdoors and spend the day at a Charlotte park. 

Go swim in a natural quarry at Carrigan Farms during their Open Swim times! 

Explore the Sullenberger Aviation Museum on the Charlotte Douglas International Airport campus.

Gather your crew and play in a real-life game show at The Gameshow Challenge or Game Show Battle Room. 

When it gets too hot or it’s raining outside, check out one of the many indoor playgrounds in Charlotte and surrounding areas.

Chase the thrill at Carowinds this summer and then cool off at the Carolina Harbor Waterpark.

Stop by Paul Metto’s Boatside Bar at Carolina Shore Club and enjoy a full-service swim up pool bar with refreshing cocktails and drinks without ever having to leave the water.

Cheer on the Charlotte FC during the summer season

Spend the day at Ramsey Creek Beach, Ebenezer Park, or one of the many local swimming spots in the Charlotte area.

Play a game of pickle ball or padel. 

Get outdoors and explore the Anne Springs Close Greenway - visit the children’s farm, go biking, play disc golf, hike, and more.

Learn while having fun at Discovery Place Science Museum. 

Visit and interact with live animals at Darby Acres Farm, Good Karma Ranch, Zootastic Park and Lazy Five Ranch. 

Pick flowers at one of the U-Pick flower farms in and around Charlotte.

Gather your crew and take a ride through the city with Pedal Pub Charlotte. 

Attend a summer concert.

Visit a local ice cream shop and cool off with a delicious and refreshing treat.

Let your imagination take flight at the Carolina Raptor Center this summer.

Take a stroll around the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens.

Go berry picking at one of the many farms in Charlotte and surrounding areas.

Go on a guided mural tour throughout the city with ArtWalks.

Explore Camp North End - go shopping, eat at one of their restaurants, play with giant Legos, and more.

Take a ride on an open air golf cart with Southern Charm Rides - you can do a historical, haunted, or true crime ride through the city.

Enjoy the sunny weather and dine at a lakeside restaurant. 

Take a walk or go on a bike ride on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.

Splash the day away at Ray’s Splash Planet.