Charlotte Entertainment

Charlotte’s pulsating character can be felt throughout the city. Boasting a diverse selection of nightlife and dining, Charlotte's unique entertainment and feasting options create a real sense of character. Named one of the ‘Top 50 Cities that Sizzle’ by Nation's Restaurant News Magazine, Charlotte features a wide range of dining options including local flavour, international cuisine and upmarket dining. Step out on the town to enjoy a relaxing meal or into music venues and dance clubs, wine and martini bars, coffeehouses and more.

Nightlife

It wasn’t long ago that Charlotte used to be a ghost city after 17:00. That has changed, with the city now offering a wide choice of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. Some of the bars get pretty wild when things hot up, with table-top dancing and the crowds cheering on those who want to perform an impromptu show.

Take a stroll along Tryon Street or a trolley tour through the South End district and you will get a taste of all the restaurants and bars that are on offer. If you are looking for one-liners, stand-up or sketch comedy, legend to all local funny bones, The Comedy Zone, located in Centre City, consistently pulls in celebrity comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chappelle. A number of fringe comedy theatres stage improvisational sketch comedy including The Perch.

Theatre and music

The Children's Theatre of Charlotte is a nationally-recognised organisation providing children aged three to 18 years and their families with a variety of theatrical and educational programmes. For over half a century, the Children's Theatre of Charlotte has been opening young minds to the wonders of live theatre, creating what one local critic called ‘the most technically imaginative and resourceful theatre productions in the region’.

BareBones Theatre Group, a minimalist performing arts organisation, strives to promote drama as a living art form through thought-provoking productions, whose interpretation is reliant upon a dialogue between the playwright, actors and the audience. Other theatres include the Actor’s Theatre and Stage One.

Charlotte features a good choice of live music venues, attracting bands from all over the US. There are several jazz venues, grunge joints and of course, country and western music is played in many pubs and bars, inviting guests to take part in a spot of line dancing.

If it's blues you want, look no further than the Double Door Inn. The warm, smoky 33-year-old bar hosts local and national songwriters, blues players and rockers. Once a folk/Americana venue, the Neighbourhood Theatre in NoDa has blossomed by adding hip-hop, indie rock and Latin acts to its bluegrass, country and folk schedule.

Festivals

There are a number of annual summer festivals that are unique to the city, with highlights including:

• Springfest is held in uptown Charlotte over three days and features live music, street vendors, food stalls and other live entertainment (late April).
• Loch Norman Highland Games celebrate Scottish culture and customs at Huntersville and boasts plenty of food and live entertainment (April).
• During Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway comes alive for this popular NASCAR race that features parades, concerts and lots of other entertainment (May).
• Fastgrass Bluegrass Festival is a popular bluegrass festival held over three days and featuring many acts (August).
• Liquid Steel Big 50 Bike Show is a huge national event, attracting the country's best custom bike builders and featuring live music and more than 130 vendors (August).
• YIASOU Greek Festival is one of the city's main cultural events, featuring Hellenic cultural displays, genuine Greek food, live entertainment, art and plenty of shopping (September).
• Carolina Renaissance Festival is held at weekends throughout October and the first half of November. This popular family event features a medieval amusement park, theatre, circus, arts and crafts fair and a jousting tournament.