10 Things to Do in Charlotte at Night

Charlotte, North Carolina's major city, stands out as a financial and cultural hub, but in addition to its daytime attractions, it offers vibrant nighttime activities. Discover the city after dark.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Charlotte at Night

Charlotte Night Skyline |©Chrissine Cairns

Charlotte has an intense daytime activity, with some of the most outstanding museums in the Southeast region of the United States and also as one of the financial epicenters of the east coast of the country, but it also shows one of its best faces at night, when the sunset ends and entertainment makes its way in this destination. Here I will tell you about the best alternatives you will have within your reach to enjoy this place.

Some of the best things to do in Charlotte at night include taking a tour of the local breweries, learning about the city's history through a ghost tour, participating in a golf cart tour of bars, attending a Hornets NBA game, discovering the decorative lights of Romare Bearden Park and having a local experience at a NASCAR night race.

1. Take a brewery tour of Charlotte's breweries

Beer on the table|©Eiki Martinson
Beer on the table|©Eiki Martinson

One of the best ways to get to know Charlotte is through its vibrant beer scene, which you can discover on an evening tour of local breweries, an experience that combines the unique taste of craft beverages with the city's lively atmosphere after dark. Charlotte is also home to a variety of breweries that stand out for their creations.

Among the breweries you can visit on these excursions, which are part of the best Charlotte tours, is the well-known Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, famous for its traditional German beers and outdoor tables. Another unmissable stop will be at NoDa Brewing Company, known for its disruptive craft beers and eclectic atmosphere. Likewise, a tour of Wooden Robot Brewery will allow you to discover experimental beers.

During these tours, you can also learn about the brewing process at all stages of production, from malt to fermenter, while enjoying tastings and the accompaniment of an expert local guide.

Join us for a brewery tour

2. Get to know the city through its ghost stories.

carolina theater|©Dan Machold
carolina theater|©Dan Machold

If you want to get to know an alternative profile of Charlotte or prefer a different approach to the local past, you can embark on a supernatural adventure to get to know the city through its ghost stories, a tour that will reveal the mysterious and fascinating side of this destination. These tours will allow you to learn about spooky stories and urban legends, exploring iconic sites that have witnessed mysterious events over the years.

One of the sites included in this tour could be the Charlotte Police Headquarters, known for its paranormal stories that began in the 1960s. Tales of shadow sightings and strange occurrences have made this site a point of interest for those seeking out-of-the-ordinary experiences. Another site on the itinerary will be the historic Carolina Theatre, where legends of apparitions and unexplained occurrences are told in the halls and on the stages.

The tour will also take you through dark alleys and historic squares, as the guide shares with you tales of specters and events that have left a mark on the city.

Book a ghost tour

3. Take part in a golf cart tour of bars

THE EPICENTRE|©VAN JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY
THE EPICENTRE|©VAN JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

For a Charlotte-style experience, you can tour the bars in a golf cart, a popular local parody that pokes fun at limousine tours in Los Angeles, Miami and other U.S. cities. During these tours you can visit some of the city's most vibrant bars and popular nightclubs while exploring the lively nightlife scene in this fun mode of transportation.

Among the sites you can explore are the Epicentre area, known for its nightlife and variety of bars and restaurants. Another highlight will be Midwood Plaza, where local bars offer an eclectic mix of drinks and entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere. While on the golf cart, you can also stop at The Cotton Room, a place famous for its innovative drinks.

The tour will also include visits to popular nightclubs in the city, such as Ink N Ivy and Rooftop 210, where music and DJs create the perfect atmosphere for a night of dancing and fun based on local codes.

Book a golf cart tour

4. Attend a Hornets NBA game

NBA Game|©RSH3339
NBA Game|©RSH3339

Charlotte is the home of the Hornets in the NBA and if you want to enjoy a night of basketball you can attend a game of the world's premier franchise league. The NBA season generally runs from October through June, giving fans the opportunity to enjoy the sports experience for much of the year, as you can also find pre- and post-season games.

The epicenter for the game will be the Spectrum Center, where the Hornets play their home games as they play their NBA Eastern Conference games, competing against top teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics and Orlando Magics. The opportunity to witness the warmth of the stands and the intensity of each game is a must-see experience for sports fans in general.

In addition to basketball, Charlotte offers a variety of sports options for fans. In soccer, the Charlotte FC in MLS play their games at Bank of America Stadium. For soccer fans, the Carolina Panthers in the NFL represent the city in the same stadium, offering a unique experience during the NFL season, which runs from September through January on the regular schedule.

Reserve tickets to watch a Hornets game

5. Discover the decorative lights at Romare Bearden Park

Romare Bearden Park|©Joseph
Romare Bearden Park|©Joseph

One of Charlotte's best nighttime spectacles is discovering the decorative lights of Romare Bearden Park. This park, located in the heart of the city, transforms into a luminous oasis once night falls, offering a unique experience for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the city from a different perspective.

The park's decorative lights create a cozy atmosphere perfect for strolling or relaxing in a tranquil setting. Romare Bearden Park, which is one of the most famous starting points for the city's best guided tours, offers visitors a picturesque view of this destination, especially if you plan to visit Charlotte during Christmas, when the lights combine with the tree and garlands of the eve.

From the park, you will also have the opportunity to admire the skyline of the city's buildings illuminated at night. The skyscrapers stand out with their twinkling lights, creating a backdrop that combines modern architecture and decorative lights. During your visit to this site you will be able to take some of the best pictures of your trip.

6. See the main sites of the city on a night tour bus tour

Bus on the street|©PBS NewsHour
Bus on the street|©PBS NewsHour

A traditional, but no less effective alternative for getting to know the city is to opt for a night tour bus tour of Charlotte's main sites. These experiences allow you to discover the beauty of the city illuminated under the starry sky on a tour of the destination's iconic sites.

During the tour, you can admire the city's skyline as the bus travels past iconic sites such as Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers. In addition, bright lights highlight the towering architecture of the skyscrapers, creating a must-see scene of this city.

The tour will also take you through Romare Bearden Park, where you can enjoy the decorative lights and experience the serenity of the park under the nighttime atmosphere. Informative commentary on board the bus will provide you with details about the city's history and culture, giving you a complete perspective as you explore its highlights.

Buy tickets for the sightseeing minibus

7. Enjoy a music concert at The Fillmore Charlotte

Charlotte - The Fillmore|©FONSECA NET
Charlotte - The Fillmore|©FONSECA NET

If you're a concert lover, you can experience the thrill of live music in Charlotte at The Fillmore, an entertainment venue that has made a lasting impression on the city's music scene. This venue, known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, has become the preferred stage for a variety of artists and musical genres, ranging from rock to experimental sounds.

One of The Fillmore 's most notable attractions is its ability to bring together a variety of shows. From concerts by big-name bands to performances by emerging local artists, the diversity of events ensures that there is something for everyone. In addition, its central location makes it a popular gathering place for music lovers.

The Fillmore has seen unforgettable performances by such notable artists as The Killers, Imagine Dragons and The Black Keys. Its reputation as a venue that attracts both high-caliber artists and local comedians has contributed to its renown, cementing it as a must-see destination for those seeking authentic and memorable music experiences in the city.

8. Enjoy a NASCAR race at night

NASCAR|©lch1144
NASCAR|©lch1144

For a homegrown experience and to immerse yourself in the roar of speed, you can attend a NASCAR night race as a spectator at Charlotte Motor Speedway, one of the most iconic and popular tracks on the circuit. Charlotte plays a crucial role in the NASCAR world, as it is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and is considered the capital of NASCAR in the United States.

The city is also the epicenter of NASCAR, with numerous racing teams based there and a large fan community. The Charlotte Motor Speedway stands out for its challenging design and nighttime racing, which has become a tradition on the annual calendar. This unique experience captures the essence of auto racing in the United States.

Charlotte also hosts the Coca-Cola 600 event, which is considered one of the most important endurance races of the year in NASCAR. This is why the connection between the city and this competition is reflected in the passion of the fans and the importance of this circuit for car racing lovers.

Keep in mind that this traditional activity is one of the most requested in the city, so if you want to attend the grandstands during a night race, I advise you to book your tickets in advance.

9. Join a pub crawl in Charlotte

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery|©Roger A Davis
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery|©Roger A Davis

One of the best alternatives to discover Charlotte's lively nightlife is to participate in a pub crawl, which is usually part of the list of the best excursions in the city. In these experiences you will be able to take a tour focused mainly on the historic district of the city, which is home to some of the best drinking spots in this destination.

One of the pubs you can't miss during your tour is The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, an iconic place known for its craft beers and relaxed atmosphere. There you can sample some of the best local brews while soaking up the authentic Southern atmosphere in a place frequented by locals. In addition, you can also check out Ink N Ivy, a modern space that combines a stylish bar with creative signature drinks and a beautiful outdoor terrace.

If you're looking for a more comfortable alternative, you'll find it at Prohibition Bar, a secret hideaway with a discreet speakeasy-style entrance that pays homage to the Prohibition years. With elaborate cocktails, a themed atmosphere and live music performances, this place evokes the city's past that was dominated by gangsters and speakeasy booze.

Join a pub crawl

10. Have fun in an escape room

Escape Charlotte|©Immune Deficiency Foundation
Escape Charlotte|©Immune Deficiency Foundation

One of the most popular attractions in Charlotte are escape rooms, so if you want to take part in one of the traditional activities the city has to offer, you can be part of this experience that combines puzzle solving, teamwork and adrenaline as you face the challenge of escaping a thematically designed room in a limited amount of time.

One of Charlotte's most prominent rooms is Escape Tactic, known for its ingenious scenarios and challenges. Whether it's cracking codes in a futuristic setting or solving mysteries in a historical setting, each room offers a unique adventure to satisfy participants' tastes and keep them on edge.

Exit Strategy Games is another outstanding site that offers immersive experiences in its escape rooms. From intriguing plots to detailed sets, this center has earned a reputation for offering challenges that keep players on edge until the very last moment.

Escape rooms have become a popular activity in the city, which you can practice during any time of the day, but at night will test your mettle and spirit in places that, in many cases, will only be illuminated by the flashlight provided by the organizer or by the faint wick of a candle.