We’ve made it, Charlotte, to the fifth month in the year. We survived the winter, were blessed with a quiet spring, and can now relax and soak in those amazing pre-summer vibes. Cultural events, restaurants, and outdoor fun is ramping up this year more than ever, and we’ve got a list of cool events–from concerts to fun restaurants we think you should try, to bars to spend your weekends. Here are 29 magnificent things to do in Charlotte this May.
1. Enjoy an enchanting Candlelit Concert at a beautiful Charlotte venue
If you’re in the mood for a little culture, then get tickets for this wildly popular series, Candlelight. Enjoy a stunning evening at a popular Charlotte venue made more gorgeous by the flickering of a sea of candles. Listen to classic renditions of Ed Sheeran or Coldplay pop songs, or concerts dedicated to classic composers like Vivaldi.
2. Explore this mind-bending Banksy museum before it departs at the end of the month
This incredible exhibit has charmed Charlotte. So much so, it’s been extended to May 29. Unfortunately, it’s soon time to say goodbye: Art of Banksy: Without Limits will pack its bags at the end of the month. But fear not! You’ll still be able to indulge in Bansky’s great works until then. A collection of 155+ sculptures, photos, videos, limited edition prints (and even original works) will plunge you into the mind of the elusive street artist.
3. Try new spring cocktails at one of Charlotte’s newest restaurants
If you haven’t tried Para yet, it’s got an elegant and globally-inspired menu full of perfectly crafted and styled small bites. The food’s amazing but in this article, we specifically highlighted their new spring cocktail menu filled with sakura bitters, lychee, and vanilla vodka in an espresso martini.
4. Go to a beautiful Rosé Garden Party at Supperland
Fan favorite, Supperland, will be hosting a gorgeous Rosé Garden Party at the end of the month in the lovely Supperland gardens on the patio. Alongside the wine, they’ll be passing around small bites of food perfect to pair along pink bubbling champagne and classics from Provence, France. The party takes place on May 22nd and tickets cost $59 a person for bottomless rosé, small bites, and good vibes on the patio. You can purchase tickets here.
5-11. Visit one of the best cocktail bars in Charlotte
If you’re looking for a place where expert mixologists are crafting elegant drinks and tailored drinks, then one of these 7 cocktail bars in Charlotte has got you covered. From cellar speakeasies to tropical tiki bars, there’s a bit of something for everyone.
12. Visit the Biltmore Estate for beautiful spring blooms
Biltmore Estate is a historic house museum near Asheville, a Châteauesque-mansion built between 1889 and 1895 and remains one of the longest standing examples of Gilded Age mansions. Right now, you can head over with the entire family to check out Biltmore Blooms, where hundreds of flowers are in peak bloom.
13-18. Take a trip down to these amazing swimming holes and ponds
It’s nearly peak season for swimming holes and lakes and with North Carolina being such a gorgeous state, there’s no shortage of spots to take a dip.
- Midnight Hole
- Sliding Rock
- Bust Your Butt Falls
19-29. Head to one of these beautiful waterfront restaurants in Lake Norman
Cornelius is definitely the place to go for lakefront eating, bars and breweries here in North Carolina. Here, you can enjoy some amazing waterside restaurants along the “coast” of Lake Norman after a fun-fueled day on the lake. What’s even better is that some of these bars have dock parking, so you can pull your boat right up to the docks, hop out, and enjoy a quick bite of some upscale American cuisine and cocktails.
- Hello, Sailor
- Alton’s Kitchen and Cocktails
- Choplin’s Steak and Seafood
- The Harp & Crown