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Axios
30-07-2025
- Axios
10 ways to enjoy the outdoors in Ballantyne
Ballantyne is booming with new residents, businesses and developments. Why it matters: The neighborhood's green spaces and pop-up events offer low-key ways to get outside — for locals and visitors alike. Here are 10 free and inexpensive things to do outdoors in Ballantyne. 1. Climb to new heights at Big Rock Nature Preserve What to expect: Big Rock Nature Preserve, a 23-acre Mecklenburg County site, has under 0.5 miles of trail with plenty of shade. The main attraction is the big rocks, as the name suggests. There is no parking, as the preserve is designed to be accessed by pedestrians, a county spokesperson tells Axios. Open from sunrise to sunset. 2. Play pickleball What to expect: Two pickleball courts sit on the top level of the Hayes parking deck. They're free and open to the public 8am–7:30pm daily on a first-come, first-served basis. Pickleball paddles and balls are there for your use. What's next: Mecklenburg County plans to add new pickleball courts at Elon Park, which borders Ballantyne. 3. Explore the greenway What to expect: Ballantyne Greenway is about 2 miles and takes you along part of the Carolina Thread Trail, connecting you to restaurants at The Bowl, plus offices, hotels and apartments. It also connects to more than 20 miles of walking paths and bike lanes. Stop by: The trail has several access points, including from The Bowl at 15119 Bowl St. 4. Shop local at the farmers market What to expect: Every first Wednesday of the month from April through October, local vendors sell fresh produce, honey, eggs and baked goods 10am–1pm. 5. What to expect: The Fit Trail is about 0.75 miles round trip and has 20 free workout stations for exercises such as pullups, leg raises and hamstring stretching. Stop by: 13515 Ballantyne Corporate Pl. Open 7am–8pm daily. 6. Go rock climbing in the park What to expect: Stream Park is a 6-acre kids' paradise, with a rock-climbing wall, a covered pavilion and slides along rolling hills. It's one of several parks in the area. Stop by: Stream Park 14105 Stream Way, between The Bowl and The Ballantyne Hotel & Spa. 7. Sip and stroll around The Bowl at Ballantyne What to expect: This mixed-use district is a walkable town center with plenty of places to eat, drink and gather. Zoom in: We recommend starting your day at Fly Kid Fly, a coffee spot from the team behind HEX, then spend the afternoon at Postino WineCafe, followed by a summertime brew from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery's massive biergarten. 8. Catch a concert at The Amp What to expect: The Amp is a 5,000-person outdoor amphitheater with live shows, festivals, markets and fitness classes. Upcoming August shows include: Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns 2025 on Aug. 7 at 7:30pm. Shot Thru the Heart — A tribute to Bon Jovi on Aug. 8 at 5:30pm. Cypress Hill & Atmosphere on Aug. 12 at 6pm. Ben Rector's "The Richest Man in the World" tour on Aug. 22 at 7pm. The "Good Intentions" tour featuring Toad the Wet Sprocket, KT Tunstall and Sixpence None the Richer on Aug. 23 at 7pm. Stop by: 11115 Upper Ave. 9. Go for a run or take a fitness class What to expect: Ballantyne Running Club meets every Thursday at 6:30pm in OMB's biergarten. There are 1.5-, 3- and 5-mile routes. Ballantyne also offers monthly fitness classes that are free for Ballantyne office customers through the goBallantyne app and $5 for community members. Outdoor fitness classes are at the Simmons Building (13840 Ballantyne Corporate Pl.). 10. Check out a festival at Ballantyne's Backyard What to expect: Ballantyne hosts several festivals throughout the year, including: Charlotte International Arts Festival runs the entire month of September with art, food, music and entertainment. The Latin American Festival starts at 12pm on Sept. 20. Tickets are $5. The Festival of India is free to attend on Sept. 21. Whiskey, Wine and Fire Fest on Oct. 25 will take place 5–9pm. Tickets start at $59. Stop by: Ballantyne's Backyard is at 11611 North Community House Road. What we're watching: Ballantyne will soon open a non-sanctioned 18-hole disc golf course along Lower Avenue, between North Community House Road and Ballantyne Commons Parkway. There will be plenty of street parking.
Axios
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Ballantyne events guide 2025: Concerts, festivals and things to do
Ballantyne, once a corporate office park in south Charlotte, is quickly becoming a destination for outdoor concerts, seasonal festivals and a growing lineup of new restaurants. What's happening: We've rounded up the biggest events coming to Ballantyne this year — from live music to food fests — plus a few favorite spots to hit while you're in the area. Zoom in: At the center of it all is The Bowl at Ballantyne, a recently developed walkable town center with shops, restaurants, fitness studios and events. Most events are at The Bowl or in Ballantyne's Backyard, a nearby 100-acre community park full of green space and walking trails. Festivals and markets From BBQ tastings to holiday light shows, here are four major festivals and open-air markets happening in Ballantyne between now and the end of the year. 🛍 Shop local vendors at the Bowl Street Pop-Up Market on April 5, 10am–3pm. The outdoor market will take place on the first Saturday of the month from April to November. 🍖 Try over 60 beers, 40 bourbons and lots of BBQ at the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Fest in Ballantyne's Backyard on May 17, noon–6pm. General admission is $45. 🥃 Find whiskey bars and open-fire cooking at the Whiskey, Wine and Fire Fest in Ballantyne's Backyard on Oct. 25, 5–9pm. General admission is $59. 🎄 Feel the Christmas spirit at the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular in Ballantyne's Backyard. 2025 dates haven't been announced, but the display typically runs most of December. Concerts The AMP is Ballantyne's 3,500-seat outdoor music venue, and the 2025 lineup is stacked. From country icons to reggae legends, here are some shows to put on your radar. April 23: Chris Young June 7: The Beach Boys Aug 22: Ben Rector Sept 21: Ziggy Marley & Burning Spear Fitness/parks and rec Ballantyne boasts more than 20 parks and ponds and over 20 miles of walking paths and bike lanes. 🏃🏻♂️Set a new personal record in the 21st annual Run! Ballantyne 8K, 5K & Fun Run on April 5 at 7:30am. ☀️ Soak up the spring sun with a picnic, walk or bike ride at parks like Stream Park, Brixham Park, or Ballantyne's Backyard. So much to do, so little time If you're just in Ballantyne for a short time, here are some suggestions to get a quick taste of the neighborhood. ☕ Start with a coffee from Fly Kid Fly. 🎯 Pretend you're on a TV game show with your friends at Game Show Battle Rooms.
