Weekends bring outdoor dining, entertainment to uptown

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thanks to a new program, you can get down in uptown like never before. Each weekend through the end of the year, select streets will close to allow for live entertainment, pop-up shops and outdoor dining.

Outdoor seating areas will be set up for folks to enjoy dinner from their favorite uptown restaurant or food truck, plus there will live music and other entertainment scheduled throughout the weekend.

In addition, parking at the Truist (formerly Hearst) parking deck will be reduced to $1 per vehicle and free parking will be available at Seventh Street Station.

Take a break from election news, anxieties and #ShowUpForUptown

The initiative is part of Charlotte Center City Partners plan to bring people back uptown while businesses there try to rebound from COVID-19 closures and restrictions.

“We know this has been a difficult time for our community. Employers, workers, families all face different challenges. From the corner office to the corner coffee shop, the pain is real,” CCCP CEO and president Michael Smith said at a news conference.

“We continue to believe that our central business district offers Charlotte the recipe for restoration and economic recovery,” Smith added.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said the city is cautiously beginning to turn a corner.

“So many months of quiet streets, empty restaurants and staying at home, it’s time for us. We are ready to show up for uptown,” Mayor Lyles said.

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Know before you go

From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, North Tryon Street between 5th and 6th streets will be closed for “Uptown Street Eats.”

204 North, Sea Level, SIP and The Asbury are participating in the Street Eats program with extended patios.

The entertainment lineup changes each weekend and includes from free movies, fitness classes, street performers and other activities.

>> Click here to see the latest schedule of events.

7th Street Public Market will host a special pop-up Sidewalk Market on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. where vendors will be set up along the Rail Trail side of the market. Free parking is available at 7th Street Station.

Parking is available for $1 at the Fifth Third Center and Truist parking deck. Cars must enter decks after 5 p.m. on Friday and vacate by Sunday at 9 p.m. to qualify for this special flat-rate pricing.

Public transit is a great option as well. Check RideTransit.org for schedules.

As part of the program, a new and improved bike share experience called Charlotte Joy Rides has launched. It includes a fleet of 343 e-assist bicycles and 33 docking stations. As part of this re-launch, Charlotte Joy Rides is providing simplified, introductory pricing. Click here for more information.

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In University City, Armored Cow Brewery is hosting Street Eats on Fridays.

Outdoor seating is available and food trucks will be onsite each week.

>> Check out the video at the top of this page to find out more about University City’s program.

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