A 2024 Uptown Summer Bucket List for Charlotteans

There’s a certain magic in the air when summer arrives in Uptown Charlotte. Embrace that vibrancy by putting its many delicious and exciting adventures on your to-do list—whether you have kids in tow or looking for a more adult-oriented time. From the culinary and visual arts to shopping and nightlife, dive into our Uptown summer bucket list below:

Exploring the Culinary Scene
Two markets in uptown can each serve as its own food crawl: The Market at 7th Street or Monarch Market have tons of tasty options from several small businesses, including pizza, birria tacos, sushi, dumplings, seafood, Italian street fare, and much, much more. For beer-lovers, enjoy a beverage outside with open-air dining on patios at Resident Culture or Hippin’ Hops Brewery. And don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at Uptown’s artisanal chocolatier, Potts Chocolate or with local ice cream from Golden Cow Creamery!

Get Artsy
Explore the past and present of visual art scene at Levine Center for the Arts on South Tryon Street, which includes Mint Museum Uptown, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Free admission is available at all three on Wednesday evening (5 p.m.-9 p.m.), as part of the Wednesday Night Live program presented by Bank of America.  Otherwise, get outside with self-guided ArtWalks, which are interactive mural tours to see the dozens of massive murals in Uptown, and live performances at Middle C Jazz. Adventuring with little ones? ImaginOn and Discovery Place each offer a magical world of fun learning. Uptown is a vibrant community full of culture and creativity, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Fitness & Outdoor Adventures
Try something new or just relax outdoors this summer in Charlotte. From drop-in adult ballet classes at Charlotte Ballet to high-flying adventures in aerial silks at Aerial CLT, stay active with recreation alongside the city’s top practitioners. You can also leave the athleticism to the pros and cheer on Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium or see the Charlotte Knights baseball team at Truist Field. For a breezy stroll, head to the scenic Romare Bearden or First Ward parks, packed with gorgeous sculptures and interactive features.

COURTESY PHOTO

Charlotte Nightlife
As the sun sets, experience Uptown as it transforms into a playground of nightlife and live music. Dance the night away at Uptown’s hottest nightclubs or go bar hopping at nightlife spots in the 5th Street District. Looking for a touch of mystery or a good date night spot? Venture into one of Uptown’s speakeasy-style bars. (We’ll let you in on one of those secrets: Head above Belfast Mill in Brevard Court to find the gorgeous and intimate spot known as The Cotton Room.)

Shopping & Self-Care in the City
Treat yourself this summer with a shopping spree at Paper Skyscraper inside Overstreet Mall or CLT Find inside The Market at 7th Street, among many other shops. Elsewhere, pamper yourself at one of Uptown’s premier salons and spas, like the JW Marriot or The Ritz-Carlton spa and get the perfect summer cut at Sage Salon Studio, New Creative Salon, Versa Salon, or Volume Salon. For men’s cuts, be sure to make an appointment this summer with Emerson Joseph, City Barbers, No Grease, or the recently opened Scissors & Scotch, which has its own bar and lounge area. Also: Nothing says self-care like getting your nails done at The Daily Details, Artisan Nail Studio, J’Adore Nail Boutique, The Nail Lounge, or Dry Nail Bar.

Start Your Uptown Adventure!
Whether you’re a foodie, culture enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, nightlife aficionado, or just looking for family fun — there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Uptown. So start marking these experiences off your summer bucket list and make this summer one to remember.

Stay up-to-date with special events by following Uptown on social media at @uptown.CLT or head to the Uptown Charlotte website.