
One more month of some outdoor fun in the sun!
Welcome to August! It’s a bit hot out there, isn’t it? That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some summer sun or take a break from it for some cooler indoor vibes before the hottest and funnest season of the year is over. We’ve rounded up a few ways you can soak up the sun, beat the heat, enjoy some culture, and even explore some of the state’s best outdoor excursions. Here’s our guide to 70 amazing things to do in Charlotte this August.
1. Experience one of Charlotte’s most haunted venues while sipping on tasty spirits
There’s a new cocktail experience in Charlotte, and this one is sure to grab your attention. In this 4-part immersive experience run by descendants of Ichabod Crane, you’ll get to taste some delicious and spirited cocktails while listening to the spooky stories and tales that haunt Charlotte. Haunted Tavern is likely to be a cocktail bar unlike any you’ve experienced before, and the chilling evening is taking place August 25th.
2. Enchanting Candlelight Concerts are dazzling some of Charlotte’s prettiest venues for a few nights this month
The classical music series, Candlelight, has been charming the nation, and we’re happy to say that Charlotte has got its very own set of candlelit concerts illuminating the city. In August, you can enjoy a few very special concerts, from stunning tributes of two of the most iconic women in contemporary pop, Adele and Taylor Swift, to beautifully done renditions of classic composer, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, for a night that sweeps you up in the heat of Summer, the chill of Winter, the splendors of Spring, and the colors of Fall.
3-18. Eat at one of Charlotte’s most stunning restaurants
Enjoy an afternoon or evening bathed in ambiance, delicious food, and boozy beverages. We’d highly recommend checking out some of these stunning restaurants with unique and elegant decor that serves as the perfect spot to bring your friends. From restaurants with waterfront views to secret gardens and remodeled churches, you’ll find no shortage of places to go this month.
19-24. Spend an afternoon lounging at the lake
We rounded up a list of 5 lakes that are under a four hour drive from Charlotte in case you need a bit of a water-fueled weekend. From the nearby Lake Norman (pictured above) to Lake Jocassee, there’s plenty to do and lots of adventures to experience from kayaking to rafting to fishing.
25-31. Beat the heat with a day at one of these fantastic museums
Museums are like their own little worlds full of facts, ideas, and history, and it’d be a shame to ignore all of what Charlotte’s got to offer. You can explore your sense of wonder as a family or take yourself out on a little solo creative day, all while managing to beat the heat.
32. Enjoy delicious sushi at this beautiful new restaurant
Charlotte has seen an influx of new restaurants the past few months which has been incredibly exciting to see. Saku Yakitori and Sushi is a stunning two-story restaurant that encapsulates what it would be like to dine underneath real cherry blossoms in Japan. Fresh sushi, grilled meats, and themed cocktails await you, as well as beautiful art designed by local Charlotte artists.
33. Check out this cat cafe and consider bringing home a new friend
At Mac Tabby Cate Cafe, not only do you get to enjoy a cup of expertly brewed coffee, but you also can hang out with some cute cats while doing so. (Note: the cat cafe and regular cafe are separate, but in the same building). Come and hang out with some of Charlotte’s most eligible cats and if you fall in love then good news, because these cuties are adoptable and looking for a forever home.
34. Get your pride on at Charlotte’s Pride Festival returning this month
Although June is officially pride month, it made more sense for Charlotte to run their Pride Festival in August for logistical reasons, but we aren’t complaining. The more months we can celebrate Pride, the better. Their 20th annual festival will hit the streets from August 20th to the 21st for the first time in 2 years. where you can participate in the parade or dance the night away at their festival. We’ll see you there.
35-45. Dine out at a restaurant with a waterfront view
Head over to Lake Norman and enjoy one of their best restaurants where they’re cooking up plates of Southern-style seafood. What’s even better is the awesome lakeside views some of these restaurants offer, and one of them even has a parking dock for your boat, which makes it a convenient and delicious spot to grab a bite during those lakeside afternoons.
46-51. Cool off in one of these even cooler speakeasies hidden around Charlotte
An American tradition, speakeasies are some of the coolest places to catch up with friends and try unique, interesting spirits. Charlotte has got its own range of interesting speakeasies to check out, but some of them are for members only. We wrote a whole guide about where to find these spots and how to get membership, if you’re interested, at the link above.
52-60. Explore South End’s unique breweries with a self-guided tour
South End is one of the best neighborhoods for a brewery tour with 8 distinct and unique breweries to choose from, all with their own vibe and beers to explore.
61. Try out this delicious biscuit joint all the way from South Carolina
Vicious Biscuit has made its way north, so if you’re in the mood for mouthwatering, homemade biscuits topped with delicious gravies, battered chicken, and more, then make your way here this month. They’ve also got a delicious round up of Southern sides like Fried Green Tomatoes and Shrimp and Grits.
62-70. Take a BBQ tour around the state and become an expert on NC’s favorite food
BBQ has its own lore here in the Carolinas and there are a few locations around the state that mean a lot to the history. We did our best to round up the most delicious and beloved BBQ spots in NC that will turn you into a bonafide BBQ expert. Local approved.
[featured image by hellosailornc via Instagram]