Charlotte is a growing, youthful city—it has attracted more young adults and millennials than nearly anywhere else in the US. And as the largest city in North Carolina, it’s packed with live entertainment and music options.

Ovens Auditorium is one of Charlotte’s longest-running live entertainment spaces. It opened in 1955 as part of a sports and entertainment complex. Famous artists like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, the Jackson Five, and the Backstreet Boys have played at Ovens Auditorium and the neighboring Bojangles Coliseum, which is now used primarily as the home arena for the Checkers, Charlotte’s minor league hockey team. Charlotte’s major sports teams eventually outgrew the old sports complex’s space and moved elsewhere in the city, but the 2460 capacity Ovens Auditorium remains a major venue in the city’s live music scene. Seating at the venue is auditorium-style, with balcony, mezzanine, and orchestra levels. Upcoming and recent artists at Ovens Auditorium include Jason Isbell with Frank Turner, Evanescence, Robert Plant, and The Brian Setzer Orchestra.

For larger events, you’ll want to check out the PNC Music Pavilion. The Pavilion is an outdoor amphitheater-style venue. Its large capacity of 18,768 makes it an ideal location for tours like Ozzfest and The Vans Warped Tour. The Pavilion has around 8600 seats, and the crowd on the lawn takes up the rest of the space. Some major artists, including KISS, The Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac, Spice Girls, and Snoop Dogg have played at the PNC Music Pavilion since it opened in 1991. As an outdoor venue, most of its events take place during the summer months. Recent concerts at the Pavilion include Zac Brown Band, Muse, Iron Maiden, Counting Crows, and Nine Inch Nails.

There are many other great music venues in Charlotte as well. Some other great options include The Fillmore, The Underground, and the Neighborhood Theater.

What’s the best place to see a concert in Charlotte?

Most high-profile acts will play at PNC Music Pavilion. How much fun you’ll have can depend on the weather—especially if you’re out on the lawn—but it’s a good venue for high-quality performers. Charlotte’s total rainfall per year is close to the average for the rest of the US.

What concerts are playing this weekend?

To see who’s performing in Charlotte this weekend, scroll up to the “Events this Weekend” section for listings and tickets.

Tips

PNC Pavilion is a semi-outdoor venue. The seats and stage are covered, but the lawn is out in the open. If you want to be close to the performers, or if you just want to avoid the elements, try to find tickets off of the lawn. If you do opt for lawn tickets, you can bring a lawn chair or a beach towel to sit on. Parking at the venue will run you $25. Local CATS busses also stop close to the Pavilion.

How much do tickets cost?

Charlotte is one of the top concert destinations in the country, with a wide variety of venues and performances. Fans of all types are able to find a price point they’re comfortable with. For a look at ticket prices for upcoming concerts, scroll to the top of the page and see events today, this weekend, and this week.

What artists are coming to Charlotte?

To see upcoming concerts in Charlotte, explore the listings above to find concerts happening today, this weekend, and further in the future.

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