North Carolina isn’t just about scenic landscapes and historical landmarks—it also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene. Whether you’re a local looking to explore your own backyard or a visitor eager to experience the Tar Heel State after dark, here are the best cities and towns in North Carolina to visit for nightlife.

Best Nightlife Cities in North Carolina

1. Nightlife in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte is the state’s largest city, and its nightlife scene is as dynamic as you’d expect. The Uptown area is a hotspot with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. For a more laid-back vibe, the NoDa district is perfect with its eclectic mix of breweries and cozy bars. Don’t miss the rooftop bars for a stunning view of the city skyline.

Uptown Bars and Clubs

• The Cotton Room: An elegant cocktail bar with a great ambiance.
• The Rabbit Hole: A unique spot for live music and craft cocktails.
• Rooftop 210: Offers panoramic views of the city, perfect for a night out.

South End Breweries

• Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: A large brewery with a biergarten.
• Sycamore Brewing: Known for its lively atmosphere and food trucks.
• Triple C Brewing Co.: Offers a wide variety of craft beers.

Best Breweries in NoDa:

• NoDa Brewing Company: Known for its award-winning beers, this brewery is a staple in the NoDa district.
• Birdsong Brewing Co.: Offers a variety of craft beers in a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.
• Divine Barrel Brewing: Known for its creative and diverse beer selection, it’s a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts.
• Heist Brewery: A great spot for both unique brews and delicious food, perfect for a night out.

Unique Nightlife Experiences

• Topgolf: A unique golf and entertainment venue.
• Queen Park Social: Features games, drinks, and a vibrant social scene.
• Epicentre: A hub for dining, entertainment, and nightlife. 

(Note: As of 2022, the Epicentre has closed. The area is currently under renovation with new businesses opening and is now called “Queen City Quarter”.)

2. Nightlife in Raleigh, North Carolina

As the capital city, Raleigh offers a diverse nightlife experience. Glenwood South is the heart of the city’s nightlife with a plethora of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. The Warehouse District is another popular area, featuring trendy bars and live music venues. Craft beer enthusiasts will also love the city’s numerous breweries.

Downtown Nightlife

• The Architect Bar & Social House: Known for its speakeasy vibe.
• The Pour House Music Hall: Offers live music in an intimate setting.
• The Raleigh Beer Garden: Boasts the world’s largest selection of draft beers.

Glenwood South

• Solas: A multi-level nightclub with a rooftop bar.
• The Hibernian Pub: A lively Irish pub with great food and drinks.
• Mosaic Wine Lounge: Known for its diverse music and dance floor.

Craft Breweries and Distilleries

• Trophy Brewing Company: Popular for its craft beers and pizzas.
• Crank Arm Brewing: Offers a variety of locally brewed beers.
• Lonerider Brewing Company: A favorite among beer enthusiasts.

3. Nightlife in Asheville, North Carolina

Known for its vibrant arts scene, Asheville also excels in nightlife. The downtown area is packed with unique bars, music venues, and late-night eateries. If you’re into craft beer, Asheville is a haven with its numerous breweries. The city’s quirky, artistic vibe extends into its nightlife, making it a memorable destination.

Asheville’s Brewery Scene

• Wicked Weed Brewing: Offers a wide variety of beers and a great atmosphere.
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.: Known for its impressive facility and beer selection.
• Green Man Brewery: One of Asheville’s oldest breweries with a cozy taproom.

Live Music Venues

• The Orange Peel: A renowned music venue hosting national and local acts.
• Isis Music Hall: Features live music and a fantastic dining experience.
• Jack of the Wood: Offers live Celtic music and a warm pub atmosphere.

Nightclubs and Lounges

• Scandals Nightclub: A popular spot for dancing and drag shows.
• The Odditorium: Known for its eclectic mix of events and performances.
• 5 Walnut Wine Bar: Offers live jazz and a relaxed vibe.

4. Nightlife in Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington combines beach-town charm with a lively nightlife. Downtown Wilmington, particularly around Front Street, is the place to be with a mix of bars, live music, and dance clubs. The nearby Riverwalk offers beautiful views and a variety of dining and drinking spots to enjoy the evening.

Riverfront Bars and Pubs

• Blue Post Billiards: Offers billiards, games, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• The Husk: Known for its extensive whiskey selection and live music.
• Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar: Offers stunning views of the Cape Fear River.

Beachfront Parties

• The Palm Room: A beachfront bar with live music and dancing.
• The Oceanic: Offers oceanfront dining and drinks.
• Johnny Mercer’s Pier: Known for its laid-back beach bar vibe.

Local Music and Events

• Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Hosts concerts in a beautiful outdoor setting.
• Thalian Hall: Offers a variety of performances from music to theater.
• Front Street Brewery: Known for its local brews and live entertainment.

Beach Bars

• Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar: Offers beachside drinks and live music.
• Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill: Known for its beachy vibe and entertainment.
• Jimmy’s at Red Dogs: A popular beachfront bar with a lively atmosphere.

Waterfront Dining

• Dockside Restaurant & Bar: Offers great food and drinks with waterfront views.
• The Reel Cafe: Known for its rooftop bar and live music.
• Elijah’s Restaurant: Offers riverfront dining and a relaxing atmosphere.

Tip: Before you visit Wilmington, NC, be sure to check out this post about beaches near Wilmington for fun in the sun before heading out to experience the city’s immersive nightlife!

5. Nightlife in Durham, North Carolina

Durham’s nightlife is a blend of modern and historic. The American Tobacco Campus is a popular spot for nightlife, with its array of bars and restaurants housed in renovated tobacco warehouses. The city also boasts a thriving music scene, with venues like the Carolina Theatre hosting an array of performances.

American Tobacco Campus

• Alley Twenty Six: A chic cocktail bar known for its creative drinks.
• Motorco Music Hall: A popular venue for live music and events.
• The Roof at The Durham: Offers panoramic views and craft cocktails.

Thriving Music Scene

• The Pinhook: Known for its eclectic music and welcoming vibe.
• Durham Performing Arts Center: Hosts a variety of performances, from concerts to Broadway shows.
• Fullsteam Brewery: Combines craft beer with live music and community events.

Historic Venues

• Bull City Ciderworks: Offers a unique selection of ciders in a historic setting.
• The Federal: A popular bar with a cozy, historic vibe.
• The Blue Note Grill: Known for its live blues music and great food.

6. Nightlife in Greensboro, North Carolina

Greensboro might surprise you with its energetic nightlife. Elm Street is the main drag for bars, clubs, and live music. The city has a burgeoning craft beer scene and a number of unique venues that offer everything from jazz to rock.

Elm Street Bars and Clubs

• Boxcar Bar + Arcade: Combines arcade games with craft beers.
• The Blind Tiger: A popular venue for live music.
• Natty Greene’s Brewing Co.: Known for its local brews and lively atmosphere.

Unique Venues

• Pig Pounder Brewery: Offers a unique selection of craft beers.
• Gate City Brewery: A local favorite for its relaxed vibe and great beer.
• Van Dyke Performance Space: Hosts a variety of performances and events.

Craft Beer Scene in Greensboro, NC

• Little Brother Brewing: Known for its small-batch brews.
• Joymongers Brewing Co.: Offers a wide selection of beers and a dog-friendly environment.
• Preyer Brewing Company: A family-owned brewery with a welcoming atmosphere.

7. Nightlife in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Home to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill’s nightlife is youthful and vibrant. Franklin Street is the epicenter of the action, with an array of bars, clubs, and late-night eateries catering to college students and locals alike.

Franklin Street Bars

• The Crunkleton: A classic cocktail bar with a cozy atmosphere.
• He’s Not Here: A beloved college bar with a relaxed vibe.
• Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery: Offers great food and drinks with a view.

College Town Vibes

• The Library: A popular bar with a fun, energetic atmosphere.
• Goodfellows: Known for its live music and friendly crowd.
• Pantana Bob’s: A favorite spot for college students.

Local Breweries and Music

• Carolina Brewery: Offers great food and locally brewed beers.
• Local 506: A popular music venue for local and touring bands.
• Cat’s Cradle: One of the best-known music venues in the area.

8. Nightlife in Greenville, North Carolina

As a college town, Greenville offers an energetic nightlife scene centered around the East Carolina University campus. The Uptown District is packed with bars, clubs, and live music venues, making it a great spot for a lively night out.

Uptown District

• Club 519: A lively bar with a dance floor and great drinks.
• Uptown Brewing Company: Known for its craft beers and relaxed atmosphere.
• The Blackened Kraken Bar & Grill: Offers great food, drinks, and live music.

College Nightlife

• Sup Dogs: A popular spot for college students with great food and drinks.
• Peasants Pub: Known for its lively atmosphere and friendly crowd.
• Stilllife: A nightclub with a dance floor and VIP sections.

Live Music and Events

• The State Theatre: Hosts a variety of live music and performances.
• Crossbones Tavern: Offers live music and great food.
• Trollingwood Taproom & Brewery: Known for its craft beers and live events.

9. Nightlife in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Winston-Salem has a growing nightlife scene with a mix of modern bars and historic venues. The downtown area, particularly along Trade Street, is where you’ll find a variety of options for an entertaining night out. The city’s brewery scene is also worth exploring.

Trade Street Nightlife

• Single Brothers: A cozy bar with craft cocktails and a great atmosphere.
• Foothills Brewing: Known for its local brews and lively atmosphere.
• Monstercade: An arcade bar with a fun, nostalgic vibe.

Unique Venues

• The Garage: A live music venue known for its intimate setting.
• Recreation Billiards: Offers a relaxed atmosphere with pool tables and a great selection of drinks.
• The Silver Moon Saloon: Known for its cozy, dive-bar feel and live music.
• Camel City BBQ Factory: Combines great food with a lively bar atmosphere.

Breweries and Distilleries

• Wise Man Brewing: A popular spot with a variety of craft beers and a laid-back vibe.
• Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Company: Known for its local brews and friendly environment.
• Broad Branch Distillery: Offers a unique selection of spirits and a tasting room experience.

10. Nightlife in Cary, North Carolina

Cary’s nightlife might be more low-key compared to larger cities, but it offers a range of options for a night out. The downtown area has a mix of bars, breweries, and entertainment venues that cater to different tastes.

READ ALSO: Best Restaurants in Cary, NC: Top Dining Spots to Try

Downtown Cary, NC

• Bond Brothers Beer Company: Known for its award-winning craft beers.
• The Mayton Inn: Offers a sophisticated bar and lounge experience.
• Academy Street Bistro: A great spot for dinner and drinks.

Live Music and Events

• Koka Booth Amphitheatre: Hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.
• The Cary Theater: Offers live performances and film screenings.
• Chatham Hill Winery: Known for its wine tastings and live music events.

Local Breweries and Pubs

• Fortnight Brewing Company: A favorite for its British-style ales.
• Cotton House Craft Brewers: Offers a cozy, historic setting with great beers.
• Southern Peak Brewery: Known for its friendly atmosphere and craft beers.

Best Towns for Nightlife in North Carolina

1. Boone, NC, Nightlife

Boone, home to Appalachian State University, offers a vibrant nightlife that caters to college students and locals. The town’s nightlife is centered around King Street, where you’ll find a variety of bars, pubs, and music venues.

King Street Bars

• The Local: Known for its great food, drinks, and live music.
• Boone Saloon: A popular spot for its laid-back atmosphere and events.
• Lost Province Brewing Co.: Offers local brews and a friendly vibe.

College Town Vibes

• Appalachian Mountain Brewery: A favorite among students and locals for its craft beers.
• TApp Room: Known for its casual setting and great beer selection.
• Ransom Pub & Event Venue: Offers a variety of drinks and live music.

Live Music and Events in Boone, NC

• Legends: A student-run venue hosting concerts and events.
• Jones House Cultural and Community Center: Offers a variety of performances and cultural events.
• Daniel Boone Amphitheatre: Hosts outdoor performances and events.

READ ALSO: North Carolina Mountain Towns: 25 Must-Visit Spots

2. Hickory, NC, Nightlife

Hickory might be known for its furniture manufacturing, but it also offers a lively nightlife scene. The downtown area features a mix of bars, breweries, and entertainment venues.

Downtown Hickory, NC

• Olde Hickory Tap Room: A favorite spot for its local brews and pub fare.
• The Crossing at Hollar Mill: Offers a unique setting with live music and events.
• Club Cabaret: Known for its energetic dance floor and DJ sets.

Local Breweries and Distilleries in Hickory, NC

• Hickory Brewery: A popular spot for craft beer enthusiasts.
• Catawba Brewing Company: Known for its diverse selection of beers.
• Seventh Tap: Offers a variety of craft beers in a relaxed setting.

Live Music and Events in Hickory, NC

• Hickory Community Theatre: Hosts a variety of performances and events.
• The Sails Original Music Series: Offers outdoor concerts and events.
• Main Cellar City Club: Known for its live music and lively atmosphere.

3. Carrboro, NC, Nightlife

Just a short drive from Chapel Hill, Carrboro offers a unique nightlife experience with its eclectic mix of bars, music venues, and cultural events.

Downtown Carrboro, NC

• The Station: Known for its historic setting and live music.
• Steel String Brewery: Offers a variety of craft beers and a relaxed vibe.
• Cat’s Cradle Back Room: Hosts intimate concerts and events.

Local Breweries and Pubs in Carrboro, NC

• Vecino Brewing Co.: Known for its friendly atmosphere and great beers.
• Craftboro Brewing Depot: Offers a cozy setting with a variety of local brews.
• YesterYears Brewery: A popular spot for its craft beers and live music.

Live Music and Events in Carrboro, NC

• Carrboro Music Festival: An annual event featuring local and national acts.
• The ArtsCenter: Hosts a variety of performances, including music, theater, and dance.
• The ArtsCenter After Dark: Offers late-night performances and events.

4. New Bern, NC, Nightlife

New Bern combines historical charm with a lively nightlife. The downtown area, particularly along Middle Street, offers a variety of bars, pubs, and music venues.

Middle Street Bars

• Beer Army Burger Company: Known for its great food and craft beers.
• The Brown Pelican: A popular spot for its laid-back vibe and live music.
• The Chelsea: Offers a sophisticated setting with a great selection of drinks.

Waterfront Dining in New Bern, NC

• Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant: Known for its stunning views and delicious food.
• The Harvey Mansion Historic Inn & Restaurant: Offers a unique dining and drinking experience.
• MJs Raw Bar & Grille: A favorite for its seafood and waterfront views.

Live Music and Events in New Bern, NC

• Masonic Theatre: Hosts a variety of performances, including music and theater.
• New Bern Civic Theatre: Offers a range of performances and events.
• Bear Plaza: Known for its outdoor concerts and events.

Tips for Enjoying North Carolina Nightlife

• Plan Ahead: Some venues require reservations, especially on weekends.
• Transportation: Consider using rideshare services if you plan on drinking.
• Local Laws: Be aware of local laws regarding alcohol consumption and open containers.
• Safety First: Stick with friends and stay in well-lit areas.
• Explore: Don’t be afraid to explore different neighborhoods and venues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What city in North Carolina has the best nightlife?

Charlotte is often considered the best city in North Carolina for nightlife due to its diverse array of bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Are there any beach towns in North Carolina with good nightlife?

Yes, Wilmington and its surrounding beach areas like Wrightsville Beach offer vibrant nightlife scenes with beach bars, live music, and late-night eateries.

What are the best bars in Raleigh, NC?

Some of the best bars in Raleigh include The Architect Bar & Social House, The Pour House Music Hall, and The Raleigh Beer Garden.

Is Asheville, North Carolina, good for nightlife?

Yes, Asheville has a lively nightlife scene with numerous breweries, bars, and live music venues, making it a great destination for a night out.

What are some unique nightlife experiences in North Carolina?

Unique nightlife experiences in North Carolina include Topgolf in Charlotte, Greenfield Lake Amphitheater in Wilmington, and the Orange Peel in Asheville.

Takeaways

North Carolina offers a diverse and vibrant nightlife scene that caters to all tastes. From the bustling streets of Charlotte and Raleigh to the laid-back beach towns like Wilmington, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into craft beer, live music, or dancing the night away, you’ll find plenty of options to keep you entertained after dark. So, get out there and explore the best nightlife North Carolina has to offer!