25 things to do in the Charlotte area for summer 2026

Looking for things to do in the Charlotte region this summer? There’s plenty Here are 25 ways to explore campus and the city.

Enrolled students can use their 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 may purchase the same pass through MyPark.

• Go for a walk and enjoy the natural scenery at the greenways near campus.
• Go explore the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens.
• Soak up the sun and take a dip at the UREC outdoor pool.
• Check out the restaurants and shops (some of which offer student discounts) at the Boardwalk at University City.
• Checkout equipment and challenge your friends to open recreation at UREC.
• Spend the day at Carowinds — ride the roller coasters and visit the Carolina Harbor Waterpark.
• Eat with a view at The Rooftop Restaurant in Uptown.
• Take a shelter dog on a walk and get a pup cup at the Humane Society of Charlotte.
• Find Alan Kulwicki’s iconic championship car at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
• Shop the pop-up markets at Atherton Mill and Market on Saturday mornings in South End.
• Try one of the 21 dining options at Optimist Hall.
• Dine at Niner-owned raw bar Boardwalk Billy’s, and after you eat rent a paddle boat.
• Grab some fresh produce from the University City Farmers Market on Saturdays.
• Go to the U.S. National Whitewater Center and enjoy activities from whitewater rafting to yoga.
• The Mint Museum and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Uptown are free admission from 5 to 9 p.m., on Wednesdays.
• Find a hidden gem at the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall on South Boulevard.
• Catch a movie at the newly reopened Carolina Theatre.
• Cool off in a refreshing natural quarry during open swim at Carrigan Farms.
• Go to a concert at Truliant Amphitheater.
• Swing in a shady hammock on campus
• Go to Camp North End for free outdoor movies on Thursday nights and live music on Fridays .
• Play Pickleball at the Tipsy Pickle, all ages are welcome until 9 p.m.
• Cheer on Brandt Bronico ’17 and the boys in blue at a Charlotte FC game.
• Do a group fitness class at UREC.
• Celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 1st at the Semiquincentennial Ice Cream Bash on campus!