25 things for summer 2025 in the Charlotte area  

Looking for stuff to do in the Charlotte region this summer? There’s a lot! We made a list of 25 things you can do on campus and around town. Happy first day of summer, Niners! 

Looking for a ride? Reminder, enrolled students have a CATS All-Access Pass for unlimited rides on the CATS LYNX light rail, trolley, Special Transportation Service, local and express bus routes. Faculty and staff have the option to purchase the same pass at MyPark.

1. Go to a Charlotte Knights game at Truist Park and catch post-game fireworks.
2. Add to your wardrobe Saturday, June 28, at the Charlotte Vintage Market at Queen Park Social.
3. Sun tan and cool down at UREC’s outdoor pool.
4. Shop locally at the North End Farmers Market.
5. Check out your favorite artists on tour this summer at PNC Music Pavilion.
6. Cheer on Brandt Bronico ’17 and the boys in blue at a Charlotte FC game.
7. Take the light rail to Wednesday Night Live, which includes free admission to the Levine Center for the Arts’ three museums Wednesdays from 5 to 9 p.m.
8. Attend a musical at Blumenthal Arts. Students, take advantage of the discount!
9. Enjoy a warm Charlotte afternoon by exploring the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens.
10. Need plans for the 4th of July? Check out this list of locations with fireworks and light shows.
11. Looking for a thrill? Ride the roller coasters at Carowinds amusement park and visit the Carolina Harbor Waterpark.
12. Attend a free workout class at Be Well Birkdale in Birkdale Village every Tuesday night from April to October.
13. Bend your mind at the Museum of Illusions.
14. Stop by Camp North End and join Crossroads Cinemas for an outdoor movie every Thursday night.
15. Grab a bite and watch airplanes come and go at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook.
16. Spend your Saturday morning at the University City Farmers Market.
17. NASCAR lover? Check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
18. Jump into the Quarry at Carrigan Farms during open swim. 
19. Rock out to Americana, Roots and Soul/R&B music at the River Jam concert series at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. 
20. Head over to Crowders Mountain and enjoy a day of hiking, picnicking, fishing, bird watching and more.
21. Fill your summer with the sounds of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Park for its Summer Pops Series. 
22. Hike the High Shoals Falls Loop at South Mountain State Park for an amazing waterfall view and swim access. 
23. Grab your friends and play Life-Sized Monopoly at Blumenthal Arts through Sunday, July 27. 
24. Get your run on for the Summer Nights 5K, Saturday, July 26, at the Daniel Stowe Conservancy with after-hours access to the Butterfly Bungalow.
25. Put your walking shoes on and take a self-guided art walk tour and discover local artists and artworks.