CLT Summer Activities '26

2026 Summer Activities Guide

Check out these 100+ 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

June 1-July 5: Explore the depths of the Titanic during Titanic: The Exhibition happening at The Park Expo & Conference Center.

June 1-August 8: This summer, join the Independent Picture House for Summer of ‘86 - a celebration of the films, filmmakers, soundtracks, and unforgettable characters that defined an era!

June 1-August 23: Cheer on the Charlotte Crown Upshot as they play their first season with their home games at Bojangles’ Coliseum!

June 1-14: LuminoCity Festival, renowned for its breathtaking immersive light sculpture experiences, will make its North Carolina debut at Concord Mills with LuminoCity Dino Safari Festival, the largest immersive dinosaur walk-through lights festival in the United States.

June 1-September 30: Every Wednesday in the Boileryard at Camp North End from 7-9pm, head to The Canteen for Midweek Mixtape.

June 4-August 27: Join Camp North End every Thursday at 8:30pm for outdoor movies during Crossroads Cinema!

June 4 - September 24: River Jam runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from May through September and at many of Whitewater’s festivals. The series features local and national touring bands highlighting Americana, Roots, Soul and R&B sounds.

June 5: Kick off your month the right way at the First Fridays Market in Downtown Pineville presented by HandCraftedMarket Charlotte!

June 5-6: Head to American Legion Memorial Stadium for two Premier League Lacrosse games.

June 5-6: Witness T'Challa become king and battle Killmonger in the profound and action-packed 2018 Marvel film that introduced the world to Wakanda during the Charlotte Symphony performance: Black Panther In Concert!

June 5-7: Head to Collectors Jam for one of the largest collectible show in the Carolinas with 600+ tables featuring sports cards, Pokémon, TCG, comics, memorabilia, Funko, retro games and more.

June 5-7: North Carolina’s largest food festival is back during Taste of Charlotte happening in Uptown!

June 5-July 11: Join Jigsaw Dating Charlotte for their Singles Events happening all around the Charlotte area this summer!

June 5-September 7: Unleash your inner artist during the Brick Masters Studio LEGO Exhibition happening at Discovery Place.

June 6: Celebrate the Grand Opening of Canal Coffee Company’s second Gastonia location!

June 6: Join Sports Link for their 2026 Field Day! Get ready for a day of belly bumpers, relays, tug of war, and all kinds of chaotic Field Day games with music, drinks, and good vibes all day long with SportsLink.

June 6: Shop at the Bowl Street Market presented by Shop Local QC!

June 6: Step into a world of thrill, chills, and fun at Invasion of the Bloodsuckers Family Day at Museum of York County! Explore bats and other fanged flying creatures that inhabit our world.

June 6: Head over to Good Karma Ranch for Alpaca Yoga on the farm!

June 6: Feel the rhythm and live the culture at the RnB Mimosa Festival - party it up with TWO sessions, daytime and nighttime!

June 6-27: Chill out with the family at Blakeney Town Center’s Sounds of Summer concert series at the Fountain Plaza on Saturdays in June from 7 to 9 PM for live music!

June 6-August 22: Save the dates for an evening under the stars at Fourth Ward Park, FREE and open to the public, with a movie night every Saturday during Uptown Movies in the Park.

June 6-September 5: Join Shop Local QC every first Saturday at The Bowl at Ballantyne for the Bowl Street Market, a curated open‑air shopping experience showcasing 20 rotating vendors offering boutiques, jewelry, candles, décor, baked goods, and more.

June 6-September 5: Shop at FreeMore West during Front Porch - come ready to make a big day out of shopping small.

June 7-28: Summer Pops by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is back for another year of amazing music, incredible performances, and great energy at Symphony Park!

June 7, July 5, August 2, & September 6: Puerta is hosting your new favorite Sunday patio party happening the FIRST Sunday of every month from June through Labor Day during Sips & Sol.

June 8-July 28: Watch racing's future stars battle in Legend Cars and Bandoleros on the frontstretch quarter-mile during the Cookout Summer Shootout Series!

June 9: Post Malone + Jelly Roll are BACK with The BIG ASS Stadium Tour Part 2 at Bank of America Stadium Charlotte with Carter Faith! 

June 10: Head to Carolina Beer temple for Wine Tasting with Ken! Five pours for just $15, waived if you decide to take a bottle home with you.

June 11: Kenyon is back for another Temple Flip Fest Pinball Tournament at Carolina Beer Temple.

June 11-July 9: Formerly known as Fifth Street Live, Uptown Live returns to Truist Center Plaza! Enjoy Uptown's energy with live music, DJs, food and drinks for purchase, and all the summer vibes every Thursday.

June 11 - July 19: For the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Rí Rá Irish Pub in Uptown, which has been home to the ‘beautiful game’ for local soccer fans for almost 30 years, will be transformed into the city’s ultimate match-day headquarters.

June 11-August 28: The Lost Years 2.0 returns to the Carolina Theatre this summer with a lineup of blockbuster films from the years the theatre was dark - bringing Titanic, The Matrix, Clueless, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mean Girls, + more to the big screen!

June 12 - 14: Boasting an incredible guest list built mainly on reputation and goodwill, HeroesCon is known nationwide as a "must" on the summer schedule, drawing fans, exhibitors, and creators from every region of the country to the Charlotte Convention Center.

June 13: The Be More Grateful Festival hosted by DaBaby is bringing a celebration of food, music, and culture to the Queen City!

June 13: Havana Night 2026 is back and hotter than ever at Camp North End - get ready for an unforgettable night featuring live performances by Orquesta Mayor, salsa dancing with Rumbao Latin Dance Company, and the vibrant rhythms of Luis Hernández y Calle Cuba.

June 13: Get ready for a full weekend of smooth R&B vibes, fine wine, & good eats at the R&B Wine Festival happening at Romare Bearden Park!

June 13, July 18 & August 22: Shop from 100+ vendors offering food, jewelry, clothing, pet accessories, and so much more during Market on Camden presented by HandCraftedMarket.

June 13-August 9: Experience Bands in Residence, a brand‑new Carowinds summer series showcasing the region’s best homegrown talent live on the state line.

June 13-September 12: Presented by Shop Local QC, the Second Saturdays Market brings 20+ local shops & makers to the green beside Legion Brewing each second Saturday of the month. Explore a curated mix of boutiques, jewelry, candles, home décor, baked goods, and seasonal finds—featuring both returning favorites and new vendors each month.

June 14: Join Dover Vineyards on the farm for a miraculous mushroom brunch! Enjoy a thoughtfully crafted multi-course vegan brunch with Julia Simon, celebrating fresh, local mushrooms. Each dish is expertly paired with a Dover Vineyards wine.

June 14: Thrift Pony Vintage Market On The Green is back! Come hang out from 11am-5pm on the Ford Green with 10+ vendors.

June 14-September 13: Join Shop Local QC every second Sunday at Birkdale Village for the Birkdale Village Commons Market, a curated open‑air shopping experience showcasing 20 rotating vendors offering boutiques, jewelry, décor, baked goods, and more.

June 15: Piedmont Town Center’s next Social Media Scavenger Hunt will feature a prize package valued at more than $1,000.

June 15 & 29: Join Carolina Beer Temple for Open Mic Comedy Night with Craig Colin -  with a rotation of featured comics, local comics, and Craig's quick wit, there's sure to be some hilarity!

June 18: Join Ascend Charlotte for their 2026 AI Summit happening at Central Piedmont Community College.

June 18: Join RP1 Amusements at The Ames St. Marketplace for a night of FREE play pinball. From 6-9pm, you can hone your skills, beat your high scores, or just learn to play, all at no cost to you!

June 18-21: Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas returns for another year of speakers, performers, and celebrating culture!

June 18, July 16 & August 20: Grab your family and friends, a blanket and lawn chairs, and get ready for a night of music, food and fun under the stars during The Meck Sounds Concert Series.

June 19: Join The Crunkleton for A Whiskey Tasting Featuring Balcones Distilling and Blade & Bow.

June 19: A Friday Night Thing at McLawland Farms will feature a food truck, live music, and beer/wine from Birdsong Brewing. Activities will include a campfire, flower picking, walking the farm, photography, & plenty of fun!

June 19 - 21: Black Boat Weekend 2026 is officially set at Lake Norman. Last year’s event brought out close to 500 Boats on the water and thousands of attendees overall.

June 19-August 22: Cheer on Charlotte FC during Summer of Soccer in the Queen City!

June 20: IT'S TIME! Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show 2026 at Bank of America Stadium Charlotte on June 20th with special guests Lainey Wilson & Allen Stone!

June 20: Celebrate the start of grilling season at Dover Vineyards! Enjoy a tasting of handcrafted pork and beef sausages paired with classic condiments from North Carolina producers, all served alongside a glass of Dover Vineyards wine.

June 20: Join MyOutdoorJoy for their Learn To Fly Fish - a Once A Year Signature Experience with Jesse Brown’s Outdoors on the scenic Wilson’s Creek!

June 20: Carolina Beer Temple is hosting their Father’s Day Mash-Up Market. Swing by and find the perfect gift with tons of handmade, locally-crafted goods, treats, and more!

June 20: Join Cornelius Parks and Recreation for an evening with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at the Bailey Road Park Bandshell. Patriotic, classical and pops performances are followed by a thrilling fireworks display (weather permitting).

June 20: Celebrate the Grand Opening of Nestmark from 9am-6pm inside Atherton Mill - discover a thoughtfully curated collection of clean beauty, self-care essentials, cozy home décor, meaningful gifts and more.

June 20, July 18, September 19: Join Ballantyne Village every third Saturday of the month from 11AM–3PM for their Pop-Up Market at Ballantyne Village!

June 21: Dad deserves the best, which is why you should take him to OMB's Brunch Buffet for great food and great beer.

June 21, July 19, August 29, & September 19: Watch NASCAR Cup drivers battle for victory at the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s 64-foot-wide curved projection screen and listen to the engines roar through our state of art surround sound with direct-from-track in-car video feeds throughout the race!

June 25-28: The Queen City Caribbean Festival is turning the city into the islands during the Queen City Caribbean Carnival 2026 happening at Victoria Yards!

June 26: High Vibe Tattoos are back for another pop-up at Carolina Beer Temple!

June 26-September 18: Get ready for Friday Nights at Camp North End: Season 10! Get ready for live music, food, shopping, local art, and more.

June 27: Take a woodland hike on the Nature Trail with a llama or alpaca companion during Llama Trek at the Schiele Museum!

June 27: Join Daydreamer Events for a sun-soaked, starlit party where good vibes flow as freely as their signature martinis at Bikinis & Martinis! Enjoy handcrafted martinis, vibrant cocktails, immersive lighting, and a crowd ready to celebrate.

June 27: MyOutdoorJoy is hosting a guided kayak adventure on the peaceful waters of Lake Wylie. This Gentle Start kayaking experience is designed for both beginners and returning paddlers who want to enjoy a morning of movement, connection, and nature.

June 27: Join Blackstone Shooting Sports for a FREE live-fire event with BUL Armory! Meet Bul Armory brand ambassadors, pick up free swag, + meet Nightwood Guns.

June 27: The Summer Soul Festival is taking over Tryon Street and bringing the culture, the food, and the energy all day long - no tickets needed, just show up.

June 27: Get ready for the Lemon Drop Festival at Pearl Street Park for the Ultimate Daytime Cocktail Experience!

June 28-August 23: Party at Boileryard Brunch! Bring your friends + appetite for an music experience under the water tower at Camp North End.

June 28-September 27: Join Shop Local QC every fourth Sunday at Birkdale Village for the Birkdale Village Farmers Market, a curated open‑air shopping experience showcasing some of the Lake Norman and Charlotte area's best farmers, bakers, and more!

June 28-September 27: Head to South End for the Sundays at Atherton Market - shop 60+ local makers!

July 3-4: All-American thrills are waiting for you at Carowinds as we celebrate Star-Spangled Nights presented by M&M’S®, the Carolinas’ most breathtaking 4th of July event of the year!

July 4: Join Truist Field for Charlotte's Stars and Stripes Spectacular. Truist Field will be hosting the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra for a performance followed by the WBT SkyShow Fireworks.

July 5-September 22: Head to McLawland Farms for U-Pick Flowers!

July 11: Cheer on USA Rugby as they play Zimbabwe at American Legion Memorial Stadium!

July 11: Party at NINACHELLA hosted by Nina’s Boutique in Lake Norman.

July 11: AC/DC's Power Up Tour is coming to Bank of America Stadium.

July 11 & 12: Step back in time to the sights and sounds of the American Revolution as Historic Brattonsville focuses on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution!

July 17-18: The R&B Tour with Usher Raymond + Chris Brown has two shows at Bank of America Stadium.

July 18: Furrst Class Cars is back with another exciting car show event. Come hang out, meet fellow car lovers, and kick off your morning with awesome cars and great company at Marvin Efird Park!

July 21: Join That’s Novel Books for Silent Book Club, where you get the opportunity to quietly read with other Charlotte book worms.

July 24-25: 24 Hours of Booty is more than just a race - it’s a very special 24 hours as participants, sponsors, volunteers, and beneficiaries all join together to make an impact on the lives of those who have been diagnosed with cancer.

July 24-August 2: Explore new dining destinations and rediscover your favorite spots for 10 days as 125+ top restaurants around the metro Charlotte area showcase their best with 3-course, prix fixe menu deals during Queens Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week.

July 25: Dueling Pianos is back at Carolina Beer Temple - watch two live piano players with one winner walking away during this FREE event!

July 25: Celebrate at the Charlotte Peruvian Festival - enjoy a day full of music, dance, and unforgettable memories.

July 25: Summer Reset: Pilates, Coffee & Colonics with Inspire Lifestyle & Wellness is a free community wellness event.

July 28: The 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T will offer fans an exciting display of skill and competition as top MLS stars face off against top LIGA MX stars in a thrilling showdown at Truist Field in Charlotte.

July 29: The best players in North America will compete at Charlotte FC's Bank of America Stadium this summer when the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime features the MLS All-Stars against the LIGA MX All-Stars.

August 1: The NoDa Bizarre All Arts Festival returns for another year of celebrating art, creativity, & community!

August 11-16: “& Juliet” is a hilarious new musical that flips the script on the greatest love story ever told, being performed at the Belk Theater at Blumenthal Arts Center.

August 15-16: The Charlotte Pride Parade & Festival is back in the Queen City!

August 20-21: Stand-up comedy powerhouse Nikki Glaser is bringing The Stunning Tour to Charlotte at the Ovens Auditorium!

August 21: Thrift Pony After Dark Party is back - pop over to the Boileryard for late-night shopping, drinks, and more.

August 22-23: The Carolina Bloom Music Festival is headed to Charlotte for a weekend of good tunes and good vibes!

August 22: The BIG3 Basketball League is coming to town to play at The Spectrum Center.

August 28: Cheer on the Carolina Panthers as they play their first home game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium.

August 29: The Carolina Panthers Keep Pounding High School Classic presented by Belk is back at Bank of America Stadium.

August 31: WWE Monday Night Raw returns to the Spectrum Center featuring your favorite Superstars.

September 4-5: Cosmic Baseball is flipping America’s favorite pastime on its head with an electrifying, glow-in-the-dark twist. Fans can watch two professional Cosmic teams: The Cosmic Chili Peppers and The Glow Mojis take the field under black light in a jaw-dropping spectacle. The show is part baseball, part neon-fueled party, and 100% unforgettable.

September 5: The Charlotte Soul Festival returns Labor Day Weekend — bringing together live music, cultural dance, art, food, wellness, community resources, family fun, and culture in the heart of Uptown Charlotte.

September 11-13: Experience the lively culture of The Yiasou Greek Festival happening at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

September 12: The Charlotte Coffee Festival returns for a celebration of craft coffee, community, and creativity!

September 18-20: America’s largest food festival is headed to Charlotte during FoodieLand, happening at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

September 19-20: The Festival of India features captivating performances that blend Bollywood glamour and classical Indian dance. Explore vibrant showcases of art, crafts, clothing, and cuisine from across India!

All summer:

Attend a Festival this summer in the Queen City.

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

Grab your friends and catch an Outdoor Movie.

Embark on a boat excursion with Carolina Tiki.

Swim at a local swimming spot.

Take a SkillPop class.

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.

Dine on a Charlotte area rooftop.

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! 

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.

Set sail this summer with Carefree Boat Club Of Charlotte! Experience the water your way with unlimited access to a professionally maintained fleet of premium vessels.

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

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 pickleball 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. 

Experience your best Lake Norman boat day with Carolina Cruising Charters! An all-inclusive private luxury experience is waiting for you!

Do a workshop at Board & Brush Charlotte.

Attend a summer concert.

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.

Enjoy the sunny weather and dine at a lakeside restaurant.

Splash the day away at Ray’s Splash Planet.