2023 ultimate summer bucket list: 23 fun things to do in and around Charlotte

Chyna Blackmon
·2 min read

Summer is finally here, and the warmer weather has most people — especially myself — eager to get out and have a good time while soaking up the sun.

Lucky for us, there’s plenty to do around Charlotte to make the most of this season.

From adventurous activities, outdoor concerts and food festivals, the city has a lot to offer to make this summer one to remember.

Here’s our ultimate bucket list of 23 things to do in the Charlotte area during summer 2023:

1. Take a dip and cool off in the Quarry at Carrigan Farms or pools and water parks around Charlotte.

Carrigan Farms offers open swim, strawberry picking, fishing and farm-to-table dining.
Carrigan Farms offers open swim, strawberry picking, fishing and farm-to-table dining.

2. Cheer on the Charlotte Knights and Charlotte FC at a home game.

3. Ride as many roller coasters as possible at Carowinds, including Fury 325, one of the tallest, fastest, longest rides in North America.

Riders make a turn on Fury 325 at Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, April 8, 2022. Fury 325 was unveiled in 2015 and currently remains one of the tallest, fastest and longest roller coasters in the world.
Riders make a turn on Fury 325 at Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, April 8, 2022. Fury 325 was unveiled in 2015 and currently remains one of the tallest, fastest and longest roller coasters in the world.

4. Check out an outdoor concert or local artists at one of Charlotte’s music venues.

5. Spend a day at the Whitewater Center doing an adventurous activity, like zip lining, or rafting, then relax with live music at River Jam.

The U.S. National Whitewater Center is home to outdoor activities including whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and more.
The U.S. National Whitewater Center is home to outdoor activities including whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and more.

6. Go (indoor) skydiving at iFly skydiving center.

7. See skyline views of the city and sip a summer cocktail at a rooftop bar or restaurant such as Fahrenheit, Charlotte Beer Garden and Hestia Rooftop.

The view from Fahrenheit in Uptown Charlotte.
The view from Fahrenheit in Uptown Charlotte.

[Restaurant guide: Find Charlotte's best restaurant patios with our interactive guide.]

8. Eat your way through all of Charlotte’s food halls, including the newest one, Urban District Market.

9. Attend one of the 20+ remaining summer festivals and events around the city.

10. Take an art tour of museums and murals around town, like the iconic confetti hearts wall in South End.

The Confetti Hearts Wall is at 930 Camden Road.
The Confetti Hearts Wall is at 930 Camden Road.

11. Plan a picnic at a popular park or stroll through local gardens. One of our favorites: Freedom Park.

12. Enjoy a free movie night under the stars at Camp North End.

Camp North End’s free movie series, Crossroads Cinema, is held on Thursday nights from June 1-August 31, 2023.
Camp North End’s free movie series, Crossroads Cinema, is held on Thursday nights from June 1-August 31, 2023.

13. Shop small at a local farmers market or pop-up event.

14. Get outdoors and take a hike at Crowders Mountain or Lake Norman State Park.

Crowders Mountain State Park is located in Gaston County about 30 miles outside of Charlotte.
Crowders Mountain State Park is located in Gaston County about 30 miles outside of Charlotte.

15. Build your own terrarium in a Succulent and Sangria workshop at PlantHouse.

16. Cool off with a new ice cream flavor at the best ice cream shops around Charlotte.

Ninety’s Dessert Bar has a Magical Unicorn Specialty Milkshake.
Ninety’s Dessert Bar has a Magical Unicorn Specialty Milkshake.

17. Bowl, mini-golf and play your favorite classic games at one of Charlotte’s popular arcades and bars.

18. Take a drive through safari and see hundreds of animals that you can feed from your car at Lazy 5 Ranch.

Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville is the home to over 750 animals.
Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville is the home to over 750 animals.

19. Go to a free outdoor workout class in the Plaza at Birkdale Village.

20. Check out the world-famous Marvel Universe exhibit at Discovery Place Science.

The Spiderman area of the “Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes” exhibit at Discovery Place in Charlotte, N.C.
The Spiderman area of the “Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes” exhibit at Discovery Place in Charlotte, N.C.

21. Grab a group of friends for the weekly SouthPark After 5 concert series.

22. Plan your own brewery crawl and bounce around breweries in different neighborhoods.

23. Spend a boat day on the water at Lake Norman.

Families enjoy Ramsey Creek beach on Lake Norman near Cornelius.
Families enjoy Ramsey Creek beach on Lake Norman near Cornelius.