Where to hear live music this summer
May 7, 2024
Make this your go-to guide to find live music this summer around Charlotte — just grab a blanket or a chair and go! Many of these summer concert series are free, kid- and dog-friendly and offer food for purchase. Want more to do? Here’s our events calendar.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Thursdays through July
This nature preserve in nearby Fort Mill, S.C., hosts live music every Thursday night through July 25. Food and drink are available for purchase; bring a lawn chair or blanket. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. Cost is $7 per adult, $5 ages 5-12, members and children 4 and younger are free. $5 parking. ascgreenway.org
Beats ’N Bites
This concert series in downtown Matthews offers live tunes and food-truck fare on the last Friday of each month, March through June. It picks back up during the fall on Sept. 20, Oct. 4 and 18. Park and food trucks open at 5 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m. No pets or outside alcoholic beverages allowed. matthewsnc.gov
Charlotte Symphony Summer Pops
June 9, 16, 23 and 30
Pack your picnic and join friends and neighbors on Sundays at Symphony Park for live music and fireworks. Adult ticket prices are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate for the first three concerts; $18 in advance, $25 at the gate for Celebrate America! on June 30. A subscription package is available to reserve a space. charlottesymphony.org
Fridays at Camp North End
Now in its eighth year, this Friday night tradition centers around live music at multiple sites in CNE, food, public art and local goods. General festivities start at 5 p.m., with music from 6 – 9 p.m. each Friday through November. camp.nc/events
Jammin’ by the Tracks
June – Aug.
Head to downtown Waxhaw and relax under the Water Tower or in the Downtown Park Amphitheater. Don’t forget to bring a chair or a blanket. Concerts take place on the first and third Fridays of the month, 7 – 9 p.m. waxhaw.com
Pickin’ on the Porch Music Series at DSBG
Saturdays through Oct.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont and unwind to the music from local musicians. Outside food and drink are not permitted, however provisions are available at the Trailhead Store. Free, but there is a parking fee; 2 – 4 p.m. dsbg.org/event
Music at the Met
Head to the breezeway each Thursday for live tunes from local musicians. Buy food and drink from nearby restaurants. Free parking and free admission. metropolitanclt.com/events
MoRA’s Fridays Live
Every 3rd Friday, hear some great bands at Edge City Brewery with food truck fare, local vendors and kids’ activities. moraclt.org/fridays-live/
Fountain Plaza Music Series at StoneCrest at Piper Glen
Friday and Saturdays
There’s a full lineup through September 21. Concerts take place by the fountain stage, 7 – 10 p.m. Outside food and drink are not permitted. shopstonecrest.com/events-2
Whitewater Center River Jam
Sit back and relax with live music, from funk to bluegrass, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, May through September. Leashed dogs allowed, no outside food or drink permitted, parking is $12. whitewater.org/things-to-do
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Featured image from Anne Springs Close Greenway.
This article was originally published May 2, 2023.
