If your summer plans aren’t locked in yet—don’t stress. We’ve curated the ultimate list of warm-weather activities happening in and around Charlotte. From natural swimming holes and rooftop hangs to glowing light shows and backyard hibachi, this guide is your go-to for making the most of the Queen City this season.

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The Quarry at Carrigan Farms

Location: 1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC
Website: carriganfarms.com
Phone: 704-664-1450

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Just 30 minutes from Charlotte, Carrigan Farms offers open swim sessions in a natural, spring-fed quarry surrounded by towering granite walls. Life jackets are required unless you pass a swim test, and spots fill fast, so plan ahead. It’s easily one of the most unique and Instagram-worthy places to swim this summer.

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Hours: Seasonal; check site for swim times
CLTBucketlist Recommends: Quarry swim + farm-fresh burger

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Why You Should Go:

• Scenic quarry swimming with cliff jumps
• Peaceful atmosphere just outside the city
• Great for groups, dates, and solo resets

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Tianyū Lights Festival

Location: 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC
Website: tianyuculture.us
Phone: 888-484-2698

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Running through June 22, Tianyū Lights is a glowing art walk featuring larger-than-life lanterns inspired by traditional Chinese design. It’s an immersive nighttime experience filled with vibrant photo ops, glowing tunnels, and light-up gardens.

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Hours: Open through June 22
CLTBucketlist Recommends: Visit right after sunset for the full glow

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Why You Should Go:

• Limited-time festival with stunning visuals
• Family-friendly but magical for date nights
• Perfect golden-hour photo moments

Ebenezer Park

Location: 4490 Boatshore Rd, Rock Hill, SC
Website: yorkcountygov.com
Phone: 803-366-6620

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Nestled along Lake Wylie, Ebenezer Park has a laid-back vibe and lakefront access for swimming, lounging, or floating. With shady swings, picnic spots, and a peaceful shoreline - it’s an ideal mini escape close to the city.

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Hours: Year-round; swimming seasonal
CLTBucketlist Recommends: Bring some floats and your favorite snacks

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Why You Should Go:

• Relaxing lakefront with scenic views
• Great for quiet mornings or lazy afternoons
• Hammocks and swings for the ultimate chill

South End Food Truck Fridays

‍Location: 330-340 W Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC
Website: cltbucketlist.com

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Every Friday Night, the parking the lot of Hi-Wire Brewing comes alive with rotating food trucks, frosé from Co-op, and all of Charlotte’s best vibes. Whether you're going with friends or meeting new ones, this is a must-hit weekly event!

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Hours: Fridays, 6 PM–10 PM
CLTBucketlist Recommends: Trying as many local food trucks as you can stomach!

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Why You Should Go:

• Free to attend with rotating food options
• Pet-friendly and perfect for groups
• Music, drinks, and fun energy

Sauna House

Location: 1500 W Morehead St, Charlotte, NC
Website: saunahouse.com
Phone: 704-248-6072

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Reset your body and mind with contrast therapy in a beautiful, minimalist spa. Sauna House combines hot and cold cycles to boost recovery and relaxation, making it the perfect way to cool down after a summer day or pregame your weekend feeling fresh.

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Hours: Mon-Tues & Thurs-Sun
CLTBucketlist Recommends: Booking a 90-minute circuit

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Why You Should Go:

• Invigorating hot/cold therapy in a sleek space
• Great for post-hike or post-party resets
• Chill, quiet, and beautifully designed

Backyard Hibachi with Hibachi2U

Location: Wherever you are
Website: hibachi2u.com
Phone: 321-360-4308

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Bring the party home with your own private chef, full hibachi setup, and a fire show that’ll WOW your guests. Whether it’s a birthday, bachelor party, or just Tuesday night, this backyard experience levels up any summer evening in Charlotte!

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Hours: By appointment
CLTBucketlist Recommends: Booking earlier on weekends for medium sized parties

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Why You Should Go:

• Full hibachi experience without leaving home
• Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, and cookouts
• High energy, tons of food, unforgettable vibes

Whitewater Center

Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC
Website: usnwc.org
Phone: 704-391-3900

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Whether you’re kayaking the Catawba, paddle boarding, trail hiking, or just chilling by the river with a beer, the Whitewater Center is a choose-your-own-adventure dream. Summer concerts and outdoor movies seal the deal.

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Hours: Daily; activities vary
CLTBucketlist Recommends: Evening ziplining and sunset meals with a craft beer

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Why You Should Go:

• Do-it-all adventure zone just outside the city
• Summer River Jam concerts + outdoor movies
• Food, drinks, and riverside hangs

Outdoor Movies at Camp North End

Location: 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC
Website: camp.nc
Phone: 980-337-4600

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Catch cult classics and new releases under the stars at Camp North End’s outdoor movie series. With food trucks, local vendors, and string lights overhead, it’s one of the most atmospheric summer nights you can find.

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Hours: Select dates throughout summer
CLTBucketlist Recommends: Bring a blanket or fold up chair and grab food at the event

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Why You Should Go:

• Free outdoor movie nights with killer ambiance
• Local eats + drinks available
• Cozy, community-centered vibes

Daniel Stowe Conservancy

Location: 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC
Website: dsbg.org
Phone: 704-825-4490

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Wander through vibrant flower gardens, cool off by the fountains, and take in the natural beauty of Daniel Stowe. It’s one of the most peaceful places near Charlotte and a great daytime escape when you want to slow it all down.

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Hours: Open daily except on Tuesdays
CLTBucketlist Recommends: Afternoon walk with a date before the heat sets in

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Why You Should Go:

• Massive botanical gardens with shaded paths
• Seasonal blooms and fountains to explore
• Ideal for peaceful solo strolls or dates

Carolina Harbor (Carowinds)

Location: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Website: carowinds.com
Phone: 704-588-2600

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From high-speed rollercoasters at Carowinds to Carolina Harbor’s water rides and the new 21+ Shore Club, Carolina Harbor at Carowinds is a full-throttle way to beat the heat and bring out your inner kid.

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Hours: Daily during summer
CLTBucketlist Recommends: Getting the Fast Lane pass for peak hours & weekends

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Why You Should Go:

• Thrill rides + water park = all-day adventure
• New adults-only pool bar and lounge
• Iconic Queen City summer tradition

Lifesized Monopoly

Location: 912 Post St, Charlotte, NC
Website: blumenthalarts.org
Phone: 704-372-1000

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Now through July 27, step into a real-world version of Monopoly where you can buy properties, earn money, and dodge jail—IRL. This interactive, larger-than-life experience turns the classic board game into a team challenge with themed rooms, live hosts, and full-on competition.

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Hours: Various time slots daily; check Ewebsite
CLTBucketlist Recommends: Book early—this one is only for a limited time and sells out fast!

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Why You Should Go:

• Life-sized version of the beloved board game
• Great for friend groups and team outings
• Only here through July 27—limited time

Airport Lookout

Location: 5130 Airport Overlook Dr, Charlotte, NC
Website: cltairport.com
Phone: 704-359-4013

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There’s something unexpectedly calming (and romantic) about watching planes take off against the sunset. Head to CLT’s Airport Overlook for an underrated but beloved local hangout. Bring snacks, a blanket, and your inner aviation nerd.

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Hours: Daily, 8 AM–10PM
CLTBucketlist Recommends: Visiting during golden hour

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Why You Should Go:

• Peaceful, open-air views of takeoffs and landings
• Great photo ops and a serene vibe
• Local hidden gem with nostalgic charm

UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

Location: 9090 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC
Website: gardens.charlotte.eduPhone: 704-687-0721

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Tucked away on the UNC Charlotte campus, these botanical gardens feature walking trails, native plant collections, and shady spots perfect for a midday mental reset. It’s free, quiet, and one of the city’s best-kept green spaces.

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Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
CLTBucketlist Recommends: Making sure you take time to visit the greenhouse as well

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Why You Should Go:

• Free and peaceful garden escape
• Beautiful native plants and trails
• Ideal solo recharge or slow stroll with a friend

Your Summer Bucket List Starts Here

From backyard hibachi and botanical gardens to adrenaline-fueled adventures and rooftop frosé, Charlotte has everything you need to build your best summer yet. Whether you're planning a staycation or just looking to switch up your weekends, this list covers the can't-miss highlights for summer fun in the Queen City.

Follow @CLTBucketlist for even more things to do, eat, and explore this season!

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