13 Things to Do in Charlotte this Week

Charlotte offers a vibrant mix of urban adventure and Southern charm. Highlights for this week’s Go See Do, include relaxing at a local nail spa, shopping at an outdoor mall, exploring an exciting neighborhood, tasty meals and more.

Relax and unwind at Modish Nail Spa.

Interior of Modish Nails in Plaza Midwood on Central Ave. in Charlotte, NC

Indulge in some self-care with a manicure, foot massage and pedicure at Modish Nail Spa in Plaza Midwood. Afterwards, make your way up Central Avenue for some retail therapy. Browse the cluster of boutique shops along the corner of Central and Thomas Avenue. Then, have dinner and drinks at Midwood Smokehouse.

Shop at Charlotte Premium Outlets.

Charlotte Premium Outlets, an outdoor mall in South Charlotte, features dozens of stores including Nike Factory Store, Steve Madden Outlet, White House Black Market Outlet, Torrid, Bath and Body Works, Ann Taylor Factory, Aldo Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Store, Cole Haan Outlet, Express Factory Outlet, Famous Footwear Outlet, LOFT Outlet, Marc Jacobs, and more. Afterwards, there are a few dining options in the area including Longhorn Steakhouse, Tacos 4 Life, and Shake Shack.

Explore Camp North End.

At Camp North End you’ll find a unique blend of restaurants, shops, art galleries, and creative businesses. Sip smoothies at Sage and Citrus or have coffee at Hex. Browse art galleries like BLKMRKT, fashion boutiques like VOYAGE, and unique shops for home goods, records, and stationery. You can also find custom hats, vintage clothing, and more. Plus, there is plenty of outdoor space for lounging and socializing or snapping awesome photos with a vibrant background.

Have dinner at Sol’Delish.

This popular soul food restaurant is known for dishes like Green Dip, Chicken and Waffles, Fried Flounder, and other traditional southern comfort foods with modern twists. Now open in a newer, larger location, Sol’Delish offers dine-in and live music alongside the original takeout spot.

Face-off at Game Show Battle Rooms.

Challenge your family, friends, coworkers, teammates or schoolmates to go toe to toe playing immersive game show experiences at Game Show Battle Rooms, located at Ballantyne Village. Games are designed for groups of six to eight.

Sip cocktails at the All Purpose Bar.

Enjoy a date night in NoDa. Kick it off with cocktails and conversation at All Purpose Bar. Well-known mixologist Larry Suggs recently opened this neighborhood bar in NoDa offering a curated list of craft cocktails, a short wine list and a beer specially crafted for the brand. No food is served here, but quite a few dining options are just a few steps away. There are also a handful of bars to hop, live music venues, unique boutiques, smoke shops, and art galleries to browse.

Volunteer at Carolina Raptor Center.

Located within Latta Nature Preserve, the Carolina Raptor Center features a raptor trail with over 30 birds of prey and a Raptor Hospital that treats hundreds of sick, injured, and orphaned raptors annually, aiming to release them back into the wild. The center offers educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and events to foster a connection between the public and the natural world.

Move your body with Pilates at JETSET Pilates

JETSET Pilates offers both challenging and beginner classes in a modern studio with topnotch equipment and a wide variety of instructors providing excellent guidance for all fitness levels. Afterwards, grab a smoothie or acai bowl.

Shop at Atherton Mill.

Exterior of Atherton Mill in Charlotte's South End neighborhood

Once a textile mill, Atherton Mill is now a popular destination featuring a mix of local boutiques, national retailers, restaurants and services all connected by the Charlotte Rail Trail. Here, you’ll find unique boutiques, upscale shops, chef-driven restaurants, coffee roasters, and a farmers market. Retailers include a blend of national brands like Lululemon, Madewell and Free People and local shops like Boem and Tecovas. Dining options range from craft breweries and coffee shops to sushi, pizza, and Southern food.

View the latest exhibit at The Gantt Center.

Attend the opening celebration for “Beyond Boundaries: Black Abstraction in the Elliot and Kimberly Perry Art Collection” at The Harvey B. Gantt Center on Friday, May 8, 6-9pm. Beyond Boundaries underscores the importance of Black non-representational art, situating it within a broader lineage of artistic innovation and self-definition. For nearly three decades, Elliot and Kimberly Perry’s collecting vision has evolved from an early emphasis on figuration to a sustained engagement with contemporary abstraction, reflecting a deeper recognition of abstract art as a vital space for experimentation, expression, and cultural memory.

Enjoy a night at the ballet.

Have a romantic date night seeing Charlotte Ballet: One Thousand Pieces (May 7-10) at Knight Theater. Like light refracted through stained glass, Alejandro Cerrudo’s One Thousand Pieces shimmers between clarity and mystery, reforming in a mesmerizing dance of unity. To the music of Philip Glass, inspired by the visions of Marc Chagall’s American Windows, tis dreamscape unfolds – fluid and ever-shifting, a reflection on art and love. Afterwards, have dinner at Dean’s Italian Steakhouse, Casa Azteca Mexican Grill, or The Waterman Fish Bar.

Get blasted at Beat the Bomb.

Step into a real-life video game, and get blasted if you lose. At Beat the Bomb, you choose your mission, suit up in hazmat gear, and then get busy dodging lasers and cracking codes to disarm a giant Paint, Foam, and Slime Bomb or else… This game is designed for teams of four to six.

Plan a staycation at The Ballantyne Hotel.

Relax and unwind with a romantic night in a luxury suite at The Ballantyne Hotel and Spa. Order room service from The Gallery. Wake up to breakfast in bed. Book a spa service or play some golf. If you decide to venture off from the resort, don’t worry about driving. Get on the shuttle and venture off to nearby fine dining, rooftop cocktails and upscale shopping.

Stroll through the Bowl at Ballantyne.

The Bowl at Ballantyne is a 20-acre mixed-use development featuring a walkable, modern “main street” atmosphere with diverse dining, retail, and entertainment options, centered around a large amphitheater (The Amp) and a stream park with green space. Here, you’ll find a curated selection of restaurants including Bossy Beulah’s, Flower Child, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, and others. You’ll also find shops like Drybar and Solidcore.