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Charlotte’s oldest LGBTQIA+ nightclub is temporarily closing its doors. What’s next?

The Scorpio, Charlotte’s oldest gay nightclub, has announced it is closing and looking for a new location. Shown here is a Google Street View image from 2022.
The Scorpio, Charlotte’s oldest gay nightclub, has announced it is closing and looking for a new location. Shown here is a Google Street View image from 2022. Google Street View

The Scorpio, a LGBTQIA+ nightclub that’s been open since 1968, is closing its Freedom Drive spot effective Nov. 1.

“For over five decades, The Scorpio has stood as a beacon in the Charlotte LGBTIA+ community, offering a safe haven, job opportunities and unforgettable entertainment,” the team announced in an Instagram post. “The outpouring of love and support we’ve received over the years has been immensely touching.”

The Scorpio, Charlotte’s oldest gay nightclub, has announced it is closing and looking for a new location. Shown here is a Google Street View image from 2019.
The Scorpio, Charlotte’s oldest gay nightclub, has announced it is closing and looking for a new location. Shown here is a Google Street View image from 2019. Google Street View

According to the announcement, the club is closing because of new development plans in the area. Now, the team is looking for a new location. A closing event starting at 9 p.m. was planned for Oct. 31, hosted by Vegas Van Dank and featuring Carolina Creepshow and DJ Ghost, along with Bloody Mary and Liam Laughin, Erica Chanel and Mania.

Since opening, The Scorpio has long been a popular spot for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities in Charlotte and the surrounding area with drag performances, DJs, live music and more.

“I have a lot of memories of The Scorpio,” said CharlotteFive reader Danny Hall. “One stand out is the Tuesday night in 1981 when REM played on stage at The Scorpio. That was a night to remember.”

The news have sparked dozens of comments online from many who are sad to see the end of this chapter for the club, but hopeful for what’s next.

“Scorpio feels like home, the one place in Charlotte where I felt like I belonged,” someone commented on The Scorpio’s Instagram post. “I’m saddened, but at the same time I’m happy for a new beginning for y’all.”

6/10/98 DJ Nicole Stallings spins her beats while DJing at Scorpio, a local club in Charlotte. Story on rising DJ culture and the new DJ “rock stars”. Nicole in one of just a handful of female DJs in Charlotte.
6/10/98 DJ Nicole Stallings spins her beats while DJing at Scorpio, a local club in Charlotte. Story on rising DJ culture and the new DJ “rock stars”. Nicole in one of just a handful of female DJs in Charlotte. STEPHANIE GRACE LIM Charlotte Observer archives

The team hopes to reopen in a new space soon.

“This is not the end of The Scorpio, but merely a temporary pause in operations with a transition period,” the post says. “As we bid adieu to 2301 Freedom Dr., we eagerly anticipate our next chapters of The Scorpio. We invite you all to stand with us as we embrace the future, perpetuate love and support for one another, and continue our fight for the community we hold dear.”

Have a favorite memory from The Scorpio? Let us know at charlottefive@charlottefive.com.

The Scorpio

Location: 2301 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208

Instagram: @thescorpiocharlotte

This story was originally published October 6, 2023 at 10:17 AM.

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Chyna Blackmon
The Charlotte Observer
Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription
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