The Charlotte Insider Vol. 14

Gabrielle's Weekly Itinerary

Welcome to The Charlotte Insider, your ultimate guide to discovering the best things to do in Charlotte each week. Every issue brings you a carefully curated itinerary featuring top events, local attractions, and hidden gems in the Queen City. Plus, enjoy exclusive discounts on select events and activities, so you can experience more for less. Stay in the know with the latest restaurant openings, upcoming events, and insider tips to make the most of your time in Charlotte. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, The Charlotte Insider is your go-to source for everything happening in town!

In today’s email:

  • A curated itinerary of the best things to do in Charlotte this week

  • Exclusive discounts and offers for select events and activities

  • Insider tips on new restaurant openings and must-try spots

  • Hidden gems and local attractions to explore

Gabrielle’s Beautifully Crafted Itinerary

By clicking on the highlighted sections within the itinerary, you'll either be directed to a link for purchasing tickets to that specific event or to a menu with additional details.

Friday May 16th 2025

Thrift Pony: After Dark

“THRIFT PONY AFTER DARK!!! we’re super excited to announce a new Friday night market series at @campnorthend ! Join us the third Friday of every month in the Boileryard for a vibey vintage night market + live music + drinks”

📍Camp North End I 300 Camp Rd

⏰5:00pm - 9:00pm

South End Food Truck Friday

“South End Food Truck Friday is happening THIS FRIDAY—if there’s ever been a night to pull up, this is it. Incredible food. Cold drinks. Patio vibes.”

📍Hi-Wire Brewing I 330-340 W Tremont Ave

⏰6:00pm - 10:00pm

Saturday May 17th 2025

Club Caffeine

“Join us for good vibes, great music, and of course, delicious coffee/cocktails. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out, this event is perfect for everyone. Come hang out with friends, meet new people, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of our favorite coffee spot. Don't miss out on the chance to dance, chat, and sip on some of the best brews in town. See you there!”

📍Not Just Coffee I 1026 Jay Street

⏰11:00am - 2:00pm

Cinnamon Toasted Charlotte

“For the first time ever, Atlanta’s iconic 9AM party series, Cinnamon Toasted, is hitting Charlotte — and they're teaming up with Better Luck TMRW to curate the biggest morning dance focused party the Queen City has ever seen!”

📍Tattooz & Booz I 505 E 6th St

⏰9:00am - 1:00pm

Therapy 2.0: The Ratchet R&B Rooftop Day Party

“Join us for THERAPY 2.0 — the return of Charlotte’s favorite Ratchet R&B rooftop day party! Expect the same unforgettable energy, drink and bottle specials all day, and your favorite R&B anthems with a ratchet twist. Everybody FREE with RSVP until 5PM. Secure your spot and come vibe with us!”

📍Imperial Rooftop I 300 N College St #102

⏰3:00pm - 9:00pm

Souled Out Dates

“This is Souled Out Dates, the live energy experience. Join us at Camp Northend for one huge day party. What to Expect: An outdoor experience full of beautiful faces, energetic vibes, and blended sets of music across genres. SOD, From city to city, handing the fun back to the people one stage at a time.”

📍Camp North End I 300 Camp Rd

⏰3:00pm - Until

TruVibez X Dope Brunch

“Cinco weekend is heating up! Dope De Mayo is going UP THIS Sunday 5/4 at Pinhouse starting at 4 PM! One ticket = access to BOTH Saturday + Sunday events — two days of straight Vibez.”

📍Pinhouse I 2306 Central Avenue

⏰4:00pm - 9:00pm

Poetic Pour

“Enjoy an exclusive tasting experience featuring Simple Brew’s signature blends, followed by a cozy, curated showcase of spoken word and acoustic sounds from local artists.”

📍The Frame I 4732 Monroe Rd

⏰11:00am - 1:00pm

Sunday May 18th 2025

For The People

“For the People, by the People (FTPBTP) is a party series created by Not Just A Smile as a space to to vibe, dance, and find a community of like minded individuals interested in cultivating strong connections with the people around them.”

📍Queen City Grounds I 644 N Church St

⏰3:00pm - 8:00pm

Sundays in The Alley

“Meet us in the Alley of the French Quarters Sunday, May 18 2025. Music, vibes, food, wine & beer specials at 800 DEGREES WOODFIRED KITCHEN.”

📍Latta Arcade I 320 S Tryon St

⏰3:00pm - Until

Dope Brunch

“Join us at the all-new @pergolaclt (@statsclt patio)! Full brunch menu (yes, shrimp & grits + chicken & waffles!), Mimosas flowing, Come for brunch, stay for the party — no need to go anywhere else!”

📍Stats I 3425 David Cox Rd

⏰12:00pm - 9:00pm

Busted Speakers

“It's on! May 18th Busted Speakers is back at @edenofplaza featuring 4 amazing DJs under one roof.”

📍Eden of Plaza I 1212 Pecan Ave

⏰8:00pm - Until

Tuesday May 20th 2025

A Night of Story and Sound - Community Screening and Creative Mixer

“Join us for a free special screening of "The Rise of Charlotte's Underground King: FijiBoi DLO" - a mini documentary that captures a powerful journey of culture, identity, and artistry. Following the screening, stay for a night of live music and a space to connect with fellow creatives.”

📍Hopfly Brewing I 1327 S Mint

⏰7:30pm - 9:30pm

Auxtells: The Aux Battle & Msuic Experience

“Auxtells is where where competitive playlist curators go head-to-head for aux supremacy and room control. DJs and the crowd battle it out by dropping the best songs for nostalgic, chaotic, and crowd-approved prompts.
You vote. The best aux wins.”

📍Dream CLT I 320 W Carson Blvd

⏰7:00pm - 11:00pm

Exclusive discounts and offers

Water Lantern Festival

Water Lantern Festival is an incredible experience where you, your friends, and your family will create a magical memory together. It can be a very emotional experience, writing down some of your hope and dreams, or a letter to a loved one, and then sending it out into the water. At Water Lantern Festival, we cherish these moments and will do our best to help you have an memorable experience that you'll never forget.

  • Get 10% off your ticket purchase! Use promo code GABBY when you buy your ticket(s).

Eden MedSpa – Where Science Meets Beauty

At Eden MedSpa, we use science-backed skin analysis to design a customized skincare plan tailored just for you. From rejuvenating facials and targeted treatments for hyperpigmentation, melasma, rosacea, and acne to advanced procedures like HydroFacials, microneedling, chemical peels, Botox, fillers, PRP, IV hydration, and physician-guided weight management—we offer a full range of services to help you glow from the inside out.

  • Get 10% off your first booking! Use promo code GAB10 when you schedule your appointment. Experience the difference at Eden MedSpa. Your journey to radiant, healthy skin starts here! Book now and start your journey to radiant, healthy skin!

New Pizza Spots of the Month 🍕

Gravity Sourdough Pizza Co.

📍1824 Statesville Ave Ste. 101, Charlotte, NC 28206

Finale Pizza

📍15025 Lancaster Hwy D3, Charlotte, NC 28277

King Off Pizza - Uptown Charlotte

📍435 S Tryon St #140, Charlotte, NC 28202

Spin the Night

“Looking for the perfect night out? Let Spin the Night do the planning for you! Download the app now and discover the best restaurants, activities, and experiences in your city! Your night, your adventure, 1 spin away”

Hidden gems and local attractions to explore

Below is a curated list of some of the best skiing resorts near Charlotte, offering thrilling winter escapes and stunning mountain views for outdoor enthusiasts and snow sports lovers alike. These resorts provide the perfect destinations for skiing, snowboarding, and cozy mountain retreats, all within a reasonable distance from the city….

  • Appalachian Ski Mountain, 1 hours and 50 minutes from Charlotte

  • Sugar Mountain Resort, 2 hours and 15 minutes from Charlotte

  • Beech Mountain Resort, 2 hours and 35 minutes from Charlotte

  • Sapphire Valley, 2 hours and 50 minutes from Charlotte