10 Things to Do in Charlotte at Night

Charlotte, North Carolina's major city, is a financial and cultural hub, but in addition to its daytime attractions, it offers vibrant nightlife. 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 a busy daytime scene, with some of the most outstanding museums in the Southeast region of the United States and also as one of the financial epicentres of the east coast of the country, but it also shows one of its best faces at night, when the sun sets and entertainment makes its way to this destination. Here are some of the best ways 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 on a ghost tour, participating in a golf cart tour of bars, attending an NBA Hornets game, discovering the decorative lights of Romare Bearden Park and experiencing the locals 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 top Charlotte tours is the renowned Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, famous for its traditional German beers and outdoor tables. Another must-visit stop is NoDa Brewing Company, known for its disruptive craft beers and eclectic atmosphere. 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 brewing, from malt to fermenter, while enjoying tastings and the accompaniment of an expert local guide.

Join us on a brewery tour

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

carolina theatre|©Dan Machold
carolina theatre|©Dan Machold

For an alternative profile of Charlotte or a different take on the local past, embark on a supernatural adventure to explore 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 unconventional experiences. Another site on the itinerary will be the historic Carolina Theatre, where legends of apparitions and unexplained occurrences are told in the corridors and on the stages.

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

Book a ghost tour

3. Join a golf cart pub crawl tour

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 of the limousine tours of Los Angeles, Miami and other American 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 transport.

Among the sites you can explore are the Epicentre area, known for its nightlife and variety of bars and restaurants. Another highlight is Midwood Square, where local bars offer an eclectic mix of drinks and entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere. While on your golf cart tour, you can also stop off 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 the music and DJs set 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 league franchise. The NBA season generally runs from October to June, giving fans the opportunity to enjoy the sporting experience for much of the year, as you can also find pre- and post-season games.

The epicentre of 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. On the football front, Charlotte FC in MLS play their games at Bank of America Stadium. For football fans, the NFL's Carolina Panthers represent the city in the same stadium, offering a unique experience during the NFL season, which runs from September to January on the regular schedule.

Book tickets to see 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 welcoming 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'll also have the opportunity to admire the skyline of the city's buildings lit up at night. The skyscrapers stand out with their twinkling lights, creating a backdrop that combines modern architecture and decorative lights. During your visit here you can take some of the best photographs of your trip.

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

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

A traditional, but no less effective way to get 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 a starry sky as you tour the city's iconic sites.

During the tour, you can admire the city skyline as the bus travels past iconic landmarks 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 of 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-goer, you can experience the thrill of live music in Charlotte at The Fillmore, an entertainment venue that has made a lasting mark on the city's music scene. Known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, the venue has become the venue of choice 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 meeting 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 calibre artists and local comedians has contributed to its renown, cementing it as a must-visit 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 home-grown experience and to immerse yourself in the roar of speed, you can attend a NASCAR night race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, one of the most iconic and popular tracks on the circuit. Charlotte plays a pivotal role in the NASCAR world, as it is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and is considered the capital of the sport in the United States.

The city is also the epicentre of NASCAR, with numerous racing teams based there and a large fan community. The Charlotte Motor Speedway is noted for its challenging layout and night racing, which has become a tradition on the annual calendar. This unique experience captures the essence of American auto racing.

Charlotte also hosts the Coca-Cola 600, which is considered one of NASCAR's premier endurance races of the year. 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 enthusiasts.

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

9. Take part in a pub crawl in Charlotte.

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

One of the best ways to discover Charlotte's lively nightlife is to join a pub crawl, which is often listed as one of the city's best excursions. These experiences focus mainly on the city's historic district, which is home to some of the city's best drinking spots.

One of the pubs you can't miss on your tour is The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, an iconic venue known for its craft beers and relaxed atmosphere. Here 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 gangster- and speakeasy-dominated past.

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 take on the challenge of escaping a thematically designed room in a limited amount of time.

One of Charlotte's most popular rooms is Escape Tactic, known for its inventive 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 leading site offering immersive experiences in its escape rooms. From intriguing plots to detailed sets, this centre has earned a reputation for offering challenges that keep players on their toes until the very last moment.

Escape rooms, then, have become a popular activity in the city, which you can do at any time of the day, but which at night will test your mettle and spirit in places that, in many cases, will only be illuminated by the organiser's torch or the faint flicker of a candle.