End-of-summer bucket list: top things to do in Charlotte before fall arrives

Although the first day of fall isn’t until September 22, everyone knows that Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. As soon as we turn our calendars’ pages from August to September, you can expect to see people breaking out the flannels and ordering pumpkin spice flavored everything, despite the fact that temperatures will still be in the upper 80s.

Want to soak up as much of the Carolina sunshine as you can before the season comes to a close? Here’s an end-of-summer bucket list to help you do precisely that:

See ‘The Lion King’ at the Belk Theater.

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Now through September 9. Tickets start at $30. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St.

This is not the same as the animated movie you may remember from your childhood. More than 90 million people worldwide have experienced the unforgettable music and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of The Lion King on Broadway. Now, this beloved production will make its way to the stage at the Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Get tickets to experience this Tony Award-winning spectacular for yourself here.

Sip & Stroll at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

Thursday, August 30. 5 – 9 p.m. $12.95. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Rd. Belmont, NC.

This Thursday is your last chance to check out Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s “Sip & Stroll” series. Walk through the maze of gorgeous flowers in the garden while the sunlight fades away on the horizon, all with a cool drink in your hand. At this grand finale event, you can look forward to free tethered ReMax Legacy balloon rides, beer from featured brewery Legion Brewing and live music by Caleb Davis from 6 – 8 p.m. More details here.

Hang out by the pool at Craft City Social Club.

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Open Saturdays and Sundays, 12 – 6 p.m. Craft City Social Club, 555 S. McDowell St. 

Craft City Social Club is the only poolside social club in Charlotte, so you know you have to get there before summer ends. Every Saturday until the temperatures start to drop, you can show up for the weekly Splash Bash Pool Party. Admission is free, so you can either swim and float the day away or play some complimentary games like darts, foosball, giant Jenga, shuffleboard, pool and more. You can also purchase poolside libations or food — or if you really want to splurge, you can rent a private cabana. Find out more here.

Float down the Catawba River to The Pump House.

Fort Mill Dam, 2541 New Gray Rock Rd. Fort Mill, SC. 

There’s nothing like a good river float in the Carolina sunshine to help you say ‘so long’ to summer. You can bring your own tubes — or you can rent from a business at the starting point, like Rockin’ River. Either way, if you start at the Fort Mill Dam, there’s a parking area and a launching point to get you started on your journey.

Once you get to The Pump House in Rock Hill, you can grab a bite to eat before making your way back to the starting point. We recommend either having someone meet you with a car (and some towels!) at The Pump House, then driving you back to where you parked — or you can request a Lyft/Uber for your return trip.

Splurge on a picnic for two at The Duke Mansion.

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By reservation only. Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Rd.  

In a date rut? Here’s your answer. Walk through the 12 beautifully appointed gardens at The Duke Mansion until you and your boo find the perfect spot to set up your picnic basket — your chef-prepared picnic basket, that is.

For $85, you’ll get to enjoy a picnic for two including: your choice from one of four chef-driven menus, a bottle of wine or bubbly, two wine glasses, a corkscrew, and a blanket. Picnic reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. More information here.

Watch the sunset over the city skyline at Alive After Five.

Thursdays through September 13. 5 – 10 p.m. Free to attend. Epicentre, 210 E. Trade St.

Spend your Thursday evenings on a rooftop Uptown, listening to live music from talented artists and groups while you unwind with friends and coworkers. The skyline view and event atmosphere alone are pretty intoxicating, but if you’d like something to sip on, you can choose from a lineup of local and regional craft beers including Sugar Creek Brewing, Southern Tier Brewing and more. Details here.

Go for a swim off the shore at Charlotte’s nearest beach at Ramsey Creek Park.

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Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Rd. Cornelius, NC.   

Just 30 minutes from Uptown, you can walk barefoot on a sandy beach on Lake Norman at Ramsey Creek Park. The 46-acre waterfront park is open to the public and offers a swimming area, docks and boat launching, a fishing pier, a playground, a fenced-in off-leash dog park with separate areas for big dogs and small dogs, picnic shelters and more. Find out more here.

Celebrate the Belk College Kickoff with a tailgate concert, FanFest, and more.

Friday, August 31 through Saturday, September 1.

The opening weekend of college football is almost here, and it’s coming to the heart of Charlotte with the Belk College Kickoff. West Virginia University will take on the University of Tennessee at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, September 1 at 3:30 p.m. But if you’re looking to get into the college football spirit before the big game, you can hit up the Tailgate Concert the night before from 6 – 11 p.m. (featuring Brad Paisley & Kane Brown) or make your way to FanFest before the game on Saturday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Find out all the details you need to know here.

Soak up what’s left of the warm weather at Friday Nights at Camp North End.

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Fridays through October 26, 5 – 9 p.m. Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave. 

Head to the Boileryard at Camp North End to enjoy the last remnants of the hot, humid Carolina summer every Friday from now until October 26. This weekly event is totally free and goes on rain or shine. Kids are welcome, as are pets on leashes, so bring the whole crew along to catch up, watch the sunset, listen to music, eat some food truck fare, and more. Details here.

Featured Image: CharlotteFive Archives.

This story was originally published August 29, 2018 at 2:15 AM.