Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Charlotte’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.
ICYMI, this week we learned Jason Aldean, Billy Idol, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will all perform at PNC Pavilion in 2025. Plus, be on the lookout for exciting news coming soon for Lovin’ Life Music Fest returning to Uptown’s First Ward Park this May.
Charlotte’s live music scene is truly unmatched in our area — from jazz to country music, there’s a stage for any type of tune. To get to know them all, you must do three things.
Put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.
Arenas and stadiums
Spectrum Center | 333 E. Trade St.
Capacity: ~17,500
When the big names come to Queen City, they usually make a beeline for one of the largest venues in town. Catch a Hornets game or acts like Bad Bunny.
Did you know it was originally called the Charlotte Bobcats Arena? Before the basketball team rebranded as the Hornets, the venue was the filming location for the season six season finale of “One Tree Hill.” Watch this clip to see the arena as it was before the Bobcats bee-came the Hornets.
Bank of America Stadium | 800 S. Mint St.
Capacity: ~74,800
Another hot spot for major acts, this venue is also home to the Carolina Panthers and hosts the annual Duke’s Mayo Bowl. In addition to all things football, the Bank of America Stadium also attracts bands like the Rolling Stones in 1997 and Kenny Chesney in 2012 and 2024.
Bojangles’ Coliseum | 2700 E. Independence Blvd.
Capacity: ~8,600
One of the oldest large venues in Charlotte, this arena opened in 1955. Its storied history includes pretty iconic acts — Elvis Presley performed at the coliseum multiple times from 1956 to 1977.
Nowadays, cheer on the Charlotte Checkers, see an opera performance, or catch a concert.
Pro tip: Don’t sleep on Ovens Auditorium, where you might see “The Nutcracker” or a Broadway show.
Elvis performed at the Charlotte Coliseum on Feb. 20, 1977.
Photo by Mark Hillary via Flickr.
Outdoor settings
PNC Music Pavilion | 707 Pavilion Blvd.
Capacity: ~18,700
Charlotte residents have been rocking out in this outdoor venue since July 4, 1991. Rain or shine, music lovers have caught all sorts of acts from Aerosmith to Bob Dylan. Keep an eye out for Vans Warped Tour and Ozzfest, which both frequently make stops here.
Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre | 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
Capacity: ~5,000
Soak up the Charlotte skyline and sprawl out on the elevated lawn seating. Or get ritzy in the indoor VIP area. No wrong options here.
The Music Yard | 2433 South Blvd.
A vibrant outdoor music venue with a party vibe. Dance your heart out or pull up a seat to enjoy a drink and have a snack.
The Amp Ballantyne | 11115 Upper Ave.
One of the best spots in Charlotte to enjoy live music in an open lawn amphitheater + is walking distance from the restaurant hub at The Bowl at Ballantyne.
First Ward Park | 301 E 7th St.
This 4-acre urban park near the light rail tracks is transformed into the annual Lovin’ Life Music Fest . During this year’s festival, watch Gwen Stefani and Dave Matthews Band take the stage May 2-4, 2025.
Rock icons and indie darlings alike have taken the stage at The Fillmore.
Photo by Roger Gupta via Wikimedia Commons
Intimate spaces
Coyote Joe’s | 4621 Wilkinson Blvd.
If you’re looking for line dancing and country music, make this bar your first stop. It’s also well known for its live music video recordings — think: Luke Combs with Apple Music Live.
The Fillmore | 820 Hamilton St.
Capacity: ~2,000
Formerly a fiber mill, The Fillmore is now an essential music and event hub in the Fourth Ward.
It’s not just a great spot to catch a rock show — this venue also hosts weddings and private events.
The Underground | 820 Hamilton St.
Capacity: ~700
Consider this venue The Fillmore’s smaller, indie-obsessed sibling. This intimate venue is adjacent to The Fillmore in the Music Factory.
Middle C Jazz | 300 S. Brevard St.
Capacity: 200
Exactly what it says on the tin — this jazz bar hosts both regional and national acts in a comfortable setting. Sip a cocktail, but don’t sleep on the small plates.
Neighborhood Theatre | 511 E. 36th St.
This venue opened in 1945 as the Astor Theatre and closed in the late 70s. Decades later, it reopened as a live performance venue — perfect for the historic arts district.
Amos’ Southend | 1423 S. Tryon St.
For a chiller vibe, check out one of Charlotte’s oldest music venues. Hit up The Gin Mill for a drink and enjoy the rooftop patio, then head into Amos’ Southend for a show.
Pro tip: Tickets tend to be on the more affordable side, usually around $15-$30.
