The Best Things To Do & See in Charlotte This Month
A roundup of July activities with history-lovers in mind
July’s list of the best things to do in Charlotte is one for the history buffs.
Gold Rush Art and Craft Festival
Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
840 St. Stephen’s Church Road, Gold Hill
Historic Gold Hill, just 45 miles northeast of Charlotte, is a restored 19th-century gold-mining town, and it hosts its annual Gold Rush Art and Craft Festival each July. Nearly 70 local artisans will display and sell handmade jewelry, leather goods, woodwork, glass art, textiles, paintings, soaps, wreaths, and more. The festival also includes live music and plenty to eat.
Black Behind Bars: The Untold Story of Black Biker Culture
Through Sept. 21
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture
This Gantt Center exhibition features the work of photographer Alvin C. Jacobs Jr. and his exploration of Black biker culture and its impacts on identity, mental health, and community.
ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK Courtesy, Mint Museum
Annie Leibovitz / Work
Through Aug. 31
Mint Museum Uptown
Annie Leibovitz / Work celebrates the renowned portraitist’s 50-year career photographing artists, musicians, politicians, athletes, and other influential figures with intimacy and artistry. Special exhibition tickets ($10) required.
Pan for gold at Reed Gold Mine
9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday
Reed Gold Mine, Midland
Pan for gold at Reed Gold Mine in Midland, just 26 miles east of Charlotte, from March through November. The mine claims to be the site of the first gold discovered in the U.S. Today, it’s home to indoor and outdoor exhibits, a gift shop, and trails, in addition to the underground mine and panning stations. Mining not available during inclement weather. Tickets are $5.
Fort Mill History 101 Walking Tour
Saturday, July 12 and 26, 10-11 a.m.
Fort Mill History Museum
This hour-long tour takes you on a stroll through downtown Fort Mill as a History Museum tour guide regales the group with stories of the town’s rich history. Tickets ($15) are required for everyone over age 12.
Charlotte Folk Society July Front Porch Series
July 12, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Saint Martin’s Episcopal Church, 1510 E 7th St
July’s Front Porch series features folk group, The Burnett Sisters Band. Tickets are $15.
Guided Tour of the Historic Hugh Torance House and Store
Sundays, July 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2-3 p.m.
8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville
Take a guided tour of North Carolina’s oldest standing store, dating back to 1779, as well as its grounds and attached home. In addition to loads of history, the store sells local honey, artisan crafts, books, gifts, and more.
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
July 18-20
Belk Theater
The Broadway musical tells the story of the vocal group’s journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The show includes themes of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal, as The Temptations’ personal and political conflicts threaten to tear them apart during a decade of civil unrest.
