Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to CLTtoday.
Ok, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but if Ted Mosby had consulted us for date night ideas, we could’ve shaved the show down to two seasons (and saved his kids a lot of time). Regardless, whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 25+ local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.
For the ones who want a night out on the town
- Spark a thrilling date night by catching a game from one of Charlotte’s many pro sports teams, including the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, or Charlotte FC. Pro tip: Check out our pro sports guide to get caught up before game day.
- Head to one of the Queen City’s music venues for a live show. For an intimate evening of jazz performances, check out Middle C Jazz. Or if you’re hoping to catch one of the big names, opt for a show at the Spectrum Center. Never miss a show with our concert guide for 2025.
- Want to live, laugh, love? Plan a date at The Comedy Zone + spend an evening cackling with your partner. Bonus: Walk next door to VBGB Beer Hall and Garden/Restaurant for a night cap.
- Grab a show-themed, three-course dinner at The Asbury before catching the latest Broadway favorite at Blumenthal Arts. Bonus: Order a night cap at Sophia’s Lounge.
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
- Savor a delicious steak dinner seasoned with an elegant atmosphere from Queen City restaurants like Sullivan’s Steakhouse in South End, The Cellar at Duckworth’s in Uptown, or Steak 48 in SouthPark.
- Whoever said you can’t find good seafood if you’re not by the coast has obviously never visited Fin & Fino. The downtown restaurant + raw bar serves up an impressive dinner menu complete with tuna crudo, baby octopus, and fresh oysters.
- Switch up your dinner date routine or impress your new beau with a brunch outing. Spots like Haberdish and 300 East are popular choices.
- Make dining a more sensory experience, by trying places like L’Ostrica, Counter, or Mazi, that emphasize flavor and storytelling behind their multi-course servings.
- For the indecisive diner, order from one of many food stalls at Optimist Hall. You can’t go wrong with The Dumpling Lady or Felix Empanadas.
The US National Whitewater Center has ropes courses that incorporate traverses on suspension bridges.
Photo by @usnwc
If you love the great outdoors
- Opt for a day of adventure at the US National Whitewater Center. Get an all access pass to enjoy all of the center’s outdoor activities, including kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, and hiking on the 50-mile trail system. Bonus: Check out the center’s upcoming events.
- Go for a romantic stroll along on of the Queen City’s lush greenways. We love the Evergreen Nature Preserve in east Charlotte and the Clarks Creek and Mallard Creek Greenways that are complete with 5.7 miles of trails.
- Get lost in nature visiting one of the Charlotte’ areas many nature hikes not too far from the city or let your romantic hopes soar visiting the Carolina Raptor Center.
For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)
- Step into the high-stakes world of Monopoly during Monopoly Lifesized: Travel Edition. This unique experience is open for a limited time where the classic game meets escape room style challenges to buy property and secure victory.
- Add a little
dangerhealthy competition to your date night with axe throwing. The city center is home to Bad Axe Throwing while BATL Axe Throwing has locations in Plaza Midwood and South End. - If you’re feeling competitive, grab a ball and paddle to play pickleball at one of several courts across the Queen City.
- Enjoy some quali-tee time with one another on a date at Stroke, a hip indoor golf club with a full service restaurant + bar.
- Revel in a night of nostalgia with each other by booking a bowling lane at Piedmont Social House. Bonus: If bowling isn’t your thing, Piedmont Social also has billiards, foosball, and ping pong.
- Have a soft spot for classic arcade games? Aim for a game of skeeball, duckpin bowling, or Pac-Man at Pins Mechanical Co.
If you’re really hoping that it works out
- Take your relationship to new heights with a climbing session at Inner Peaks Climbing. Choose between the gym’s two locations — Mathews or South End — and fill out a waiver before you go if its your first time.
- Give “heart opener” a whole new meaning with a class at Okra; we especially love this studio’s candlelight deep stretch classes.
- Book a private salsa lesson at CLTDance for you and your SO, then head across the street for a delicious Greek meal at Mocco Bistro.
- Get crafty and make a piece of art at Hot Glass Alley during their romantic date night events. Pro tip: Book in advance as the 30-minute, candlelit classes tend to sell out.
If you want an “old fashioned”-style date
- Impress your date with a visit to this secret speakeasy. Backstage Lounge is self-described as a “modern take on a traditional concept with an intimate, romantically elevated vibe.” Pro tip: Check out the bar’s Instagram for the “password of the week” — the phrase you must say for entry.
- Have a romantic milkshake moment at Park Road Soda Shoppe by ordering your favorite flavor + grabbing two straws to share with your honey.
- Grab a blanket and head to a movie at the Belmont Drive-In Theatre. Pro tip: The drive-in is cash only and the first movie starts at sundown.
- Too cold or not the best weather to be outside? Get cozy with popcorn visiting one of Charlotte’s local cinemas, like The Independent Picture House.
- Take a stroll on the Rail Trail where you’ll feel the bustle of Charlotte with every step. (You may be able to catch the glowing Rail Trail Lights at sunset through the month of February, too).
If you wanna show off by knowing all the hottest events in town
- Shameless plug: Sign up for our daily newsletter, where we call out our top picks of things to do around town. Your date doesn’t have to know we’re behind it, you can take all the credit.
- Stay up-to-date on the coolest local events around Charlotte with our events page.