Top 10 Things To Do At Night In Charlotte, North Carolina

1. Check out the thrilling rides and roller-coasters at Carowinds

No matter your age, Carowinds is the best place for an evening of fun! This massive amusement park is open until 10pm daily and is filled with thrilling rides, live performances and entertainment, as well as delectable dining options. For spine-tingling excitement, ride thrilling roller-coasters like Fury 325 or Copperhead Strike, or cool off in the water park as you slip down the massive slides in Blackbeard’s Revenge. For a more laid-back option, cruise up Carolina SkyTower to a panorama deck that showcases views of both North and South Carolina. When you need a break from the rides, check out one of the live performances.

Carowinds

Address: 300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, United States

Website: Carowinds

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

2. Catch a performance at Romare Bearden Park

This family-friendly park is filled with great amenities and live entertainment. Romare Bearden Park is located in Uptown Charlotte across from BB&T Ballpark, and is an expansive public area with landscaped gardens, sports fields, and unique art installations. There is also a child-friendly splash park and an interactive play area filled with digital chimes. The park also hosts live performances and concert series throughout the year, including some free recitals.

Romare Bearden Park

Address: 300 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States

Website: Romare Bearden Park

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5am - 12am; Sun: 6am - 8pm

Price: Free

3. Discover the art of design at Mint Museum – Uptown

The Mint Museum – Uptown is a brilliant institution that features remarkable collections of American, contemporary, and European art. This extraordinary establishment is part of Charlotte’s Levine Center for the Arts, and boasts a staggering assortment of exhibits spanning textiles and fashion, decorative arts, international paintings, and modern art. One of the highlights of the museum is the renowned Craft + Design collection, which includes an outstanding selection of studio glass, fiber, jewelry, furniture, wood, and clay art pieces. There are also on-site art studios, a restaurant, and museum store for guests to peruse. This art museum is open until 9pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Mint Museum - Uptown

Address: 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States

Website: Mint Museum - Uptown

Opening hours: Tue, Thu, & Sat: 11am - 6pm; Wed & Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 15 USD

4. Get out and get active at U.S. National Whitewater Center

Embark on an exciting and one-of-a-kind adventure at U.S. National Whitewater Center! This exciting outdoor facility is open 24 hours daily, and offers a diverse selection of more than 30 unique recreational activities, with over 50 miles of trail available and access to the Catawba River and Long Creek. From adrenaline-pumping adventures like white-water rafting and zip-lining, to peaceful activities like flat-water kayaking and mountain biking, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of North Carolina’s lush landscape. The outdoor center also hosts special nighttime activities like guided hikes and viewings of immersive light installations, as well as events like film series, popular festivals, and a river jam.

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Address: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, United States

Website: U.S. National Whitewater Center

Opening hours: Open 24 hours (daily)

Price: 59 USD

5. Watch a production at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

The three-building space of Blumenthal Performing Arts Center creates a multi-purpose venue for performing arts, dance, theater, live music, and comedy productions. The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is comprised of three different performance spaces (Belk Theater, Booth Playhouse, and Stage Door Theater), and each offers a calendar filled with live productions from family-friendly entertainment to big-name celebrities and internationally reviewed shows. From Tony award-winning musicals to comedy specials, there’s always something exciting on show at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Address: 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States

Website: Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm (closed Sat - Sun)

6. Try the cocktail of the month at Dot Dot Dot

Dot Dot Dot is an elegant speakeasy-style restaurant serving shareable small plates and delicious craft cocktails. The dining menu is inspired by the seasons and freshest local ingredients, and includes mouthwatering cheese and charcuterie platters, house-made pasta, and small plates that pack a big flavor. Dot Dot Dot also has a fine selection of wines and a stellar collection of rare bourbons and whiskies, but the cocktails are not to be missed. With options like the Richardson, millionaires, and castaway daiquiris on the menu, plus a specially crafted cocktail of the month to try, you may just want to settle in at the bar.

Dot Dot Dot

Address: 4237 Park Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28209, United States

Website: Dot Dot Dot

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 5pm - 11pm (closed Sun - Wed)

7. Sip on craft beers and cocktails at Heist Brewery

If you’re a fan of craft beer, you have to head to Heist Brewery. This local brewery opened its doors in 2012, and has since created a staggering selection of hazy IPAs, pilsners, fruited sours, stouts, and more. If craft beer isn’t your thing, Heist Brewery also has a delectable cocktail menu, filled with twists on classic recipes and seasonal creations. As you sip, enjoy upscale pub fare like their wood-fired specialties, sandwiches, wraps, and burgers that feature local ingredients.

Heist Brewery

Address: 2909 N Davidson St STE 200, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States

Website: Heist Brewery

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm

8. Dance the night away at White House

White House Ultra Lounge is a lively and dynamic venue for dancing and drinking. This outstanding club is open on Fridays and Saturdays, and always has a lineup of fantastic live events. The club has a large dance floor and offers hookahs, as well as a variety of drink specials. There are also VIP cabanas on the elegant outdoor patio.

White House

Address: 4809 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208, United States

Website: White House

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10pm - 2:30am (closed Sun - Thu)

9. Revel in a fine-dining experience at The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille is a fancy restaurant that crafts superb meals and provides excellent service. Each meal reflects the highest quality of ingredients, from dry-aged steaks to fresh seafood. If you haven’t filled up on their sumptuous main courses, they also offer a plethora of decadent desserts you can try. The dining menu is also complemented by their collection of over 325 new-world and old-world wines, as well as their classic cocktails - all curated by the restaurant’s sommelier.

The Capital Grille

Address: 201 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States

Website: The Capital Grille

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 10pm; Sat: 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 5pm - 9pm

10. Challenge yourself at Codescape

For a night of challenging entertainment, head to Codescape. This indoor amusement center has four immersive escape room challenges that feature unique sets and multi-sensory puzzles and special effects. With only 60 minutes on the clock, do you have what it takes to rescue an ancient artifact from a shipwreck or escape from an asylum? Head to Codescape to see if you can reach the objective and beat the clock!

Codescape

Address: 933 Louise Ave UNIT 201, Charlotte, NC 28204, United States

Website: Codescape

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 10:45am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10:45am - 11:30pm; Sun: 10:45am - 10pm

Charlotte after sunset

With its stunning recreational options, lively downtown area brimming with great restaurants, and family-friendly attractions, Charlotte is a delightful destination. Even after the sun sets, you can still find plenty of entertainment. Whether you’re in the mood for a guided nighttime hike or want to sit back with a craft beer or cocktail, the Queen City has something for everyone. Start planning your getaway today and add these things to do in your nighttime itinerary!