The school year is ending, the sun is blaring, and we all want to do something fun-filled and daring. Summer vacation has arrived and it’s time to start brainstorming where to have a fantastic time with your family and friends. Here are some great activities to start off your summer if you live in or around the Charlotte, North Carolina bubble.
NC Music Factory
Appeal: Ages 18+
Cost: $5+
If you love music, dancing, or hanging out at a bar with your family or friends, this is definitely the place for you! The NC Music Factory is a miniature theme park of venues, bars, and restaurants. The Fountain Plaza of the Factory hosts a different band about every weekend and The Comedy Zone brings in hilarious comedians every week as well. Additionally, you could possibly dine where the current Bachelorette and Charlotte native, Emily Maynard, and Ryan had their first date at Osso Restaurant and Lounge! Here are potential events in the upcoming months:
June 6th: Rich Guzzi Psycho Hypnosis Show
June 8th: Los Lonely Boys with Chris Cook Band
June 11th: MondayFunday Trivia Night at The Saloon
June 14th: Gavin DeGraw and Colbie Caillat with special guest Andy Grammer
June 15th: Vertical Horizon
June 22nd-23rd: The Uptown Charlotte Jazz Festival at the Uptown Amphitheatre
July 27th: Childish Gambino
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Appeal: All Ages
Cost: $15-$90 dependent on which passes and activities you choose
The U.S. National Whitewater Center is a family-friendly attraction that has both land and water sports available in its facility. The main attraction, whitewater rafting, is a great option for a family because you get to work together with a safety guide to experience the rapids. You also have the option of kayaking in whitewater or flatwater. The land sports include zip-lining, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Furthermore, you can dine at the River’s Edge Bar and Grill which overlooks the whitewater river. Be sure to visit the U.S. National White Water Center website for a virtual tour!
June 23rd-24th: Great American Backyard Campout
July 3rd-4th: Coca-Cola 4th of July Festival
July 15th: XTERRA Whitewater (Triathlon)
Taste of Charlotte
Appeal: All ages
Cost: Free admission; Bring money for shopping and festival coins to purchase food
The Taste of Charlotte is a grand food festival in uptown Charlotte. The Charlotte restaurants gather in one area to bring you samples of their food as well as live music, street performances, and kid’s activities. It will take place from June 8th to June 10th. On June 8th and 9th, the festival will begin at 11 a.m. and end at 11 p.m. On June 10th, the festival will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 6 p.m. Be sure to check out the Taste of Charlotte, you might even find your new favorite restaurant in Charlotte!
Resources:
Personal Experience
NC Music Factory Website: ncmusicfactory.com
U.S. National Whitewater Center Website: usnwc.org
Taste of Charlotte Website: tasteofcharlotte.com
