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How to have a “brat summer” in Charlotte

Thanks to Charli xcx’s hit pop album, we’re here to decode why “brat” is all over the airwaves, internet, and right outside your front door.

A lime green square with the word "Charlotte" in the center.

Slime green is the new black.

Graphic by CLTtoday

Slime green word salad. Viral TikTok dances. Oh My Soul’s brat-themed celebration. Your Gen Z + Millennial relatives calling you “so brat.”

It’s been a “brat summer” whether you knew it or not, so we’re here to explain what it means and how to get in on the fun before flannels and pumpkin spice lattes take over in a few months.

Released on June 7, British singer Charli xcx’s album “brat” debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard charts. Its 15 tracks examine existential topics like womanhood, family, and insecurity — all with an electric veneer of dance pop partying. In essence, to be a “brat” is to be yourself, flaws and all, while still having fun.

A pink colored room behind glass with an arcade game on the left.

Seoul Food Meat Co. has several karaoke rooms for groups — all different sizes and colors.

Photo by CLTtoday

Now that you’re caught up on the lingo, here are three spots to live out your very own “brat summer” in the city.

Brat Market CLT | Moo & Brew | Part of “brat summer” is dressing the part. Shop a mix of vendors with Y2K and vintage styles at this one-day-only market on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 1 to 7 p.m.

Seoul Food Meat Co.| 1400 S. Church St. + 421 E. 26th St.| Grab a drink and dance the night away in a private karaoke room with you + your friends. Take things to the next level and be the first one to sing “360.”

Carrigan Farms | 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy. | Reenact the viral “Apple” TikTok dance while you’re picking actual fruit at this family-favorite destination. Plan ahead, apple picking opens Tuesday, Sept. 3.

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