Pre-parties, free appetizers and more: Restaurants to visit before Concert for Carolina
If you’re planning to attend Charlotte’s Concert for Carolina on Saturday, Oct. 26, you’re already helping to contribute to ongoing relief efforts in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.
Some Charlotte restaurants are offering a way to do more, too.
ABOUT THE SHOW: The benefit concert at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte will raise money to help victims of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.
North Carolina natives Luke Combs and Eric Church will be the headlining artists for the show.
Joining them will be full lineup of artists, including: James Taylor, Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Bailey Zimmerman, The Avett Brothers, Scotty McCreery, Chase Rice and Parmalee.
Check out our full guide for parking, entry times and live stream info for the concert, and plan to stop by one of these local spots before you head in to the show.
Community Matters Cafe
Location: 821 W 1st St, Charlotte, NC 28202
If you park at Community Matters Cafe for the concert, proceeds from your parking fees will be donated to rescue missions in Western North Carolina. No alcohol or tailgating allowed. The coffee shop is closed on Saturdays, however, so make sure to fuel up before you get there.
Haymaker
Location: 225 S Poplar St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Haymaker will be open all day on Saturday (10 a.m.-10 p.m.) for the concert. Bring a nonperishable food item for Manna FoodBank to the restaurant on Saturday and you will get a free appetizer. The restaurant’s ownership group, Built on Hospitality, has also launched a Go Fund Me to raise funds for Crossroads Church in West Asheville’s cleanup and recovery efforts.
Nuvole
Location: 220 E Trade St Suite 2200, Charlotte, NC 28202
Rooftop restaurant Nuvole is serving a special cocktail on Saturday where all proceeds for the drink will go to BeLoved Asheville. The Beloved has Jack Daniel’s, Ancho Reyes, apple cider, cherry and club soda ($17).
WFNZ Dog House
Location: 401 W Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28202
WFNZ Dog House is hosting a pre-party beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday ahead of Concert for Carolina. Expect live music, food and drinks — and the chance to make a donation on site or purchase concert merch for a cause. Donations will go to Eric Church’s Chief Cares Fund, which is helping communities impacted by the storm. Field & Stream merchandise and Music Fest merch will also be available for purchase, with all sales contributing directly to the cause.
Other Charlotte restaurants helping with Helene relief
In addition to the events and specials ahead of Concert for Carolina on Saturday, several other Charlotte restaurants are supporting hurricane relief efforts. Here are some ways you can participate before the show:
Botiwalla by Chai Pani
Guests can add a donation directly to their check when they dine at Botiwalla by Chai Pani in Optimist Hall. All donations go towards supporting Chai Pani Restaurant Group team members who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Built On Hospitality
Location: The Goodyear House, 3032 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: Haymaker, 225 S Poplar St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Location: Old Town Kitchen and Cocktails, 300 Technology Center Way Suite #203, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Built On Hospitality is asking guests of its restaurants — The Goodyear House, Haymaker and Old Town Kitchen and Cocktails — if they’d like to round up their bills to donate to Manna FoodBank in Asheville. Guests can also donate a custom amount.
Showmars
Location: Multiple
Showmars has partnered with the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to raise money for disaster recovery efforts. Restaurant diners can contribute through online or mobile app methods, or in person at the restaurants.
This story was originally published October 25, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
