Support Us Button Widget

Social district opens this week in downtown Concord

Business owners hope new social district will ignite revenue and foot traffic to downtown Concord.

Cars line the streets next to shops in Downtown Concord.

Historic downtown Concord boasts a collection of local restaurants, bars, shops, and artwork.

Photo via City of Concord

Concord is joining the party. Starting Thursday, Aug. 1, downtown Concord’s social district will officially open. Concord City Council unanimously approved the decision back in February.

A social district comprises of neighboring areas where people can walk with open, to-go containers of alcoholic drinks. Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood + neighboring cities like Gastonia and Kannapolis already have active social districts in place.

Drinks must be purchased from ABC-permitted restaurants and bars and consumed on sidewalks and public areas within the social district zone.

CLTtoday_Concord social district_July 2024

The Downtown Concord social district will go into effect Thursday, Aug. 1.

Map via City of Concord

The zone includes stretches of City Place, Spring Street, Market Street, Union Street, Church Street, and McCachern Boulevard.

Pro tip: Social district guests must use an approved cup provided by participating locations available for purchase.

Business owners hope the social district will have positive results on revenue and give visitors further incentive to stop and stay awhile.

Andrew Angel, owner of Cellar Door Wine Shop in downtown Concord, told WCNC he knew what he was signing up for when he picked the location earlier this year.

“We’ve been walking town and saying ‘You know what this town really needs,” Angel said. “Pedestrian-friendly restaurants out on the sidewalk. It made sense to ask will there be a social district?”

Get ready to cheers. Drinks will be allowed in the district from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

More from CLTtoday
The concept from a professional skateboarder and Michelin-starred chef brings burgers and fries to Uptown’s The Alley at Latta Arcade.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
Blumenthal Arts has unveiled its new private lounge, ready for guests to upgrade their night at the theater.
The 4.5-acre urban park will feature walking trails, covered picnic space, a playground, sprayground, and dog park.
On the rocks, neat, dirty, frozen, or zero proof — we’re spilling the Long Island iced tea on the best spots to grab a drink after work in Charlotte.
If approved, the transportation tax could generate $19.4 billion for road improvement and public transportation projects across Mecklenburg County.
The exhibitions will be included with general admission at Discovery Place Science in Uptown Charlotte.
Whether you’re looking for a quirky hobby to try, hoping to meet new people, or just looking to let off some steam, axe throwing may be a good way to do just that.
Show some love to your fave businesses in Charlotte.
Concertgoers and Hornets fans alike will see new seats, new grab-and-go shops, and two new “districts,” that will merge hospitality and game-day action.