Summer is in full swing across the Carolinas, and July offers plenty of opportunities to celebrate, connect and explore. From Charlotte Black Pride programming and cultural festivals to drag performances, live theater, poetry, concerts, gaming nights and civic conversations, organizations throughout North and South Carolina are continuing the season with events for nearly every interest. Here are some of the highlights happening across the Carolinas this month.
Happening all Summer
Summer arts and cultural programming continues across the Carolinas throughout July. ArtWalks CLT offers self-guided public art trails across Charlotte, while the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center and Mint Museum continue showcasing major exhibitions. Camp North End’s Crossroads Cinema series continues with outdoor movie screenings, Independent Picture House continues its “Summer of ’86” classic film series, and the Charlotte Symphony’s Summer Pops concerts continue at Symphony Park.
Recurring throughout July
Throughout July, recurring events include weekly karaoke nights at Chasers and Bar Argon, Southern Country Charlotte dance nights, Gaming Lounge Charlotte community gaming events and Lip Sync Battle Royale with Vanna Vanity and Lolita Chanel.
July 1
Levine Museum of the New South’s annual Democracy Happy Hour returns to The Market at 7th Street, inviting attendees to enjoy food and drinks while engaging in conversations about the meaning of “We the People” as part of Civic Season.
July 2
Dishing with the Divas: Cards Against Humanity
The Vanity House continues its summer programming with a drag-themed game night featuring Cards Against Humanity, entertainment and community at Dish.
July 4
The Hideaway in Rock Hill, South Carolina, brings the Carolinas’ drag talent to the stage with Sashay Saturdays, featuring performances by Victoria Lefaris, Cameron Lickalot, Kylie Kaye and Kristi Darling, plus music from DJ Shelly and dancing into the night.
July 7
Blumenthal Arts presents a fast-paced, gender-bending comedy inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic vampire tale. Running through Aug. 9, the production combines quick costume changes, pop culture references and campy humor.
July 10
Scorpio launches its new monthly 360-degree Boiler Room-style dance party featuring Miami DJ Drew and Charlotte’s DJ Macray. Expect club, Latin, Afrobeats, hip-hop and R&B throughout the night.
Sapphic Summit Society Meet & Greet & Pole Dance Showcase
Sapphic Summit Society hosts a meet-and-greet before Splash Showcase’s pole dance performance at Starlight on 22nd in Charlotte. Attendees can connect with community members before enjoying the showcase, with drinks available and opportunities to support performers through tips.
July 11
LOC Productions hosts an inclusive nightlife celebration highlighting Charlotte’s Latine LGBTQ+ community with performances by Lo Chanel, Kali Fuchis, Don Javi and Mia Diva at Chasers NoDa.
The Vanity House brings ABBA-inspired entertainment, brunch and drag performances together for a musical celebration at Catalú.
Lesbian Friends of Charlotte hosts a full day of yoga, meditation, games, music, food and community at Jetton Park, welcoming attendees for one or both sessions.
UltraViolet Sapphic Dance Party
Petras welcomes the return of UltraViolet with DJs, tarot, doodle portraits and a dance party benefiting Time Out Youth.
July 11-19
Charlotte Black Pride Week returns with this year’s theme, “BLAQtivism: You Belong Here,” featuring a week of ballroom, community conversations, networking and celebrations leading up to the Charlotte Black Pride Festival on Saturday, July 18, at Camp Greene Park.
The week begins with The Gag Will Not Be Televised Kiki Ball, followed by What’s the LGBTea? on July 16 and the BLAQ in the Queen City Meet & Greet on July 17. The free festival features more than 40 vendors, live entertainment, local organizations and community resources celebrating Black LGBTQ+ culture, creativity and pride. The week concludes July 19 with Legends Brunch, presented by Junior Events and SimplySeph, benefiting local organizations while celebrating SimplySeph’s 10th anniversary and honoring the legacy of long-term HIV survivors.
July 12
OUTside Monthly Hike
Upstate Pride heads to Fawn Lake in Cedar Mountain, North Carolina, for an easy group hike, picnic and morning of community, welcoming LGBTQ+ participants and allies to enjoy the outdoors together.
July 16
The Harriet Hancock Center in Columbia, South Carolina, hosts its monthly Pages of Pride book club, where readers will discuss Kristen Arnett’s novel “Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One” while connecting with fellow book lovers.
July 17
Expansion: A Silent Auction & Poetry Affair
Poet and multidisciplinary artist Zulynette celebrates 10 years as a full-time creative with an evening of poetry, live music and a silent auction featuring original artwork at The Long Room in Charlotte.
July 18
Pilot Brewing hosts an afternoon fundraiser benefiting Gender Education Network, featuring craft beer, free tacos from Edwin’s Organix, prizes and opportunities to support transgender and gender-diverse youth and their families.
Summer Saturdays: A King, A Queen and a Prince
Celebrate the music of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Prince while supporting the Charlotte Royals RFC as the team prepares to compete in the Bingham Cup in Brisbane, Australia.
Queen City Concerts celebrates the life and legacy of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim with an intimate musical revue featuring live performances, orchestra and rare interview footage exploring the creator behind classics including “Into the Woods,” “Company” and “Sweeney Todd.”
July 21
Readers are invited to Plaza Midwood Library to discuss “Someone You Can Build a Nest In” by John Wiswell. Attendees are welcome whether they’ve finished the book, just started or simply want to connect with community.
Crafting for the Cause: Light the Resistance
Project Enough invites the community to an evening of creativity and conversation at Common Market Oakwold, where participants will decorate intention candles while supporting Charlotte for Choice. A portion of proceeds benefits the local reproductive justice organization, with all supplies included.
July 23-26
LGBTQ+ young people from across Appalachia will gather in Newland, North Carolina, for the STAY Summer Institute, a four-day event focused on leadership, community building, skill sharing and creating a more inclusive future for the region.
July 24
Lesbian Friends of Charlotte and The Sapphic Collective host an evening of music, conversation and community featuring special guest Justine Lindsay, the first openly transgender NFL cheerleader, at Sacred Souls in Charlotte.
July 25
The Crape Myrtle Festival kicks off its annual celebration in Raleigh with a Bridgerton-inspired masquerade gala featuring drag, comedy, live entertainment, a silent auction and the crowning of this year’s festival queen.
Denim and Rhinestones Drag Brunch
The Vanity House offers drag country style with its July-themed drag brunch featuring performances, brunch and cocktails at Catalú.
Chasers closes out the month with a disco-themed drag showcase featuring Moxxxie Hexxx, Mia Diva, O’Shea Mann, Thi Vee and The Royal Kitty.
July 29
After the Credits: Barbie Beyond the Dreamhouse
Project Enough launches its new After the Credits film and discussion series with an exploration of Barbie, inviting participants to examine the film’s themes of identity, belonging and social expectations through guided conversation. Attendees can watch the film independently or join a community viewing before the discussion at VisArt Video in Charlotte.
This story is brought to you by Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place.
