What Charlotte Families Need to Know About Rail Trail Lights

Next month, South End is once again illuminated with the installations of Rail Trail Lights, presented by U.S. Bank. Each year, the art walk brings vibrant, never-before-seen interactive light displays to the Rail Trail. The event is part of the I Heart Rail Trail initiative, a partnership between the Charlotte Rail Trail, Charlotte Center City Partners, and U.S. Bank. While there’s the permanent installation in Atherton’s whimsical “Fairy Ring Light” by Meredith Connelly, you can also expect an all-new set of creations around the trail, arriving February 2-18. Below, we’ve gathered the essential information for Charlotte families to know about this year’s festival:

STARTING POINT: Starting at Atherton (2102 South Blvd.), see Oliver Lewis’ “Up-Next” first. As an added bonus, see the “Fairy Ring Light” at the Atherton Lawn. Next, walk the Rail Trail towards the Rail Trail Chalkboard, where you’ll find HNin Nie’s “Oyster Corner” at Kingston Connection. Keep walking to discover Anna G. Dean’s “Fractal Energy” at Flower Child. Lastly, walk to The Pavilion to find J. Stacy Utley’s “Leave the Light On.” Start at the Pavilion (222 E. Bland St.), where you’ll find “Leave the Light On” first. Then, walk the Rail Trail towards Flower Child, where you will find “Fractal Energy.” Continue walking the Rail Trail towards the Rail Trail Chalkboard, where you’ll discover “Oyster Corner” at Kingston Connection. Lastly, head to Up-Next at Atherton, finding the “Fairy Ring Light” at the Atherton Lawn along the way.

GETTING THERE: Depending on where you want to start, the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail is a wonderful way to arrive. Stop at Bland St. Station to be closest to the Pavilion starting point, or at East/West Blvd. Station to be closest to Atherton. If you’re coming by car, keep in mind that Atherton has limited free parking, with limited street parking also available nearby on Camden Road. Pay-to-park options included the Design Center, the Square, 1616 Camden, and 100 W Worthington. As always, renting a Joyrides e-assist bike is an easy and fun way to get around the Rail Trail, too.

Featured art installation: “The Lighted Cube” by Sir Will, featured at Rail Trail Lights 2023. Photo taken by Collin Mairena.

FOOD: Make an evening of it with a meal in one of Charlotte’s most bustling neighborhoods. There’s plenty of kid-approved food near the Rail Trail, whether it’s Shack Shack, Blaze Pizza, Sabor, or other joints with menus friendly toward younger visitors. Afterward, stop by Jeni’s Ice Cream or Pepperbox Doughnuts for some desserts before snapping a pic at the Confetti Hearts Mural.

KICKING OFF THE FESTIVAL: There’s a “Flip the Switch” event happening on the evening of Feb. 2. There, you can meet the Rail Trail Lights 2024 artists and enjoy additional programming.

Want to learn more? Head to the South End, Charlotte website here.