12 Places to Just Dance in Charlotte
Charlotte nightlife is bursting with energy, so when the sun goes down it’s no surprise revelers hit the dance clubs. Whether you like up-tempo salsa, wild EDM or top 40 mixes, there’s a dance floor here with your name on it.
by Dean McCain
Bakadi Lounge
Neighborhood: Cotswold
Bakadi Lounge brings true international vibes with a regular offering of Afrobeat, reggae, hip-hop and soca tracks. Hungry from all of that dancing? Fuel up on Caribbean and African food from the lounge’s menu.
Coyote Joe’s
Neighborhood: Airport
Looking for a boot stompin’ good time? Look no further than Coyote Joe’s, Charlotte’s premier country nightclub. This no-frills dance hall has hosted an impressive lineup of country music legends, including Garth Brooks, Eric Church, Jason Aldean and many more. With live music every night and line dancing on most, Coyote Joe’s knows how to get a crowd moving.
Hazy Sundays at Petra’s Bar
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Petra’s Bar is a live performance venue, cocktail bar and art gallery space where guests can enjoy singer-songwriters and spoken-word artists on a small stage, but locals know the best time to visit is for Hazy Sundays. This semi-regular daytime dance party is worth planning ahead for. Patrons are treated to rotating DJs spinning old-school vinyl and playing some serious deep-cut house music. Enter from the back and claim your spot on the patio-turned-dance floor for a Sunday Funday experience you’ll want to make a routine.
Lynn’s Dance Club
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
Looking to learn a new dance style like shag, tango or swing? Or maybe you’re a seasoned pro ready to raise the stakes. For expert steppers, shaky beginners and every skill level in between, Lynn’s is the place to be. Lynn’s Dance Club regularly hosts themed events dedicated to a different style each night, complete with opportunities for lessons and even competition.
Lost & Found
Neighborhood: South End
When the DJ starts mixing, Lost & Found goes from a cozy lounge to an upbeat dance party with everyone on the floor. This bar/lounge offers plenty of space to dance with friends inside and on the 1,000-square-foot covered patio. For party goers 25 and older, check out Lost & Found’s sister concept, Broken Promises, for rotating DJs and Vibras Sundays.
Noche Latina at Salud Cerveceria
Neighborhood: NoDa
Salud Cerveceria’s Noche Latina is a little-known party with a lot of flair. Once a month, upstairs from Salud Beer Shop, the temperature is turned up for a fun and energetic night of dancing. Catch Salud’s Noche Latina the third Saturday of every month, complete with free salsa and bachata lessons by local dance academy, Movimiento.
Resident Culture South End
Neighborhood: South End
Resident Culture’s second location in South End is a far departure from the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere of the flagship location in Plaza Midwood. Here you’ll find the same crisp craft brews Resident Culture is known for, plus the addition of a full liquor bar and large, open dance floor. Patrons can bump and grind the night away to throwback classics from the early 2000s on up to today’s hottest hits.
RSVP
Neighborhood: South End
RSVP has four areas to fit any nightlife vibe. The main action happens on the dance floor right in front of the DJ or live entertainment on stage. When you need to rest your feet, take a seat on the semi-outdoor terrace, cozy lounge or at the rooftop bar.
Tequila House
Neighborhood: Uptown
Discover what’s waiting around the corner at Tequila House, a large and winding Latin nightclub. Make your way through the up-tempo lounge area and onto the blazing dance floor where you’ll be treated to some of today’s hottest beats.
The Scorpio
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
The Scorpio is Charlotte’s oldest gay bar and one of the most consistent for big crowds and wild times. Guests can enjoy multiple dance floors catering to different musical styles, including a dedicated Latin room. Scorpio is open to partiers 18 and older.
Trio
Neighborhood: South End
Trio Nightclub is a raver’s dream come true, with a bass-thumping sound system that creates an electric experience. This club features house and techno artists every Thursday through Saturday. Join the crowd on the dance floor or reserve a table on the upper-level balcony.
World Nightclub
Neighborhood: Uptown
Catch some of the best EDM, hip-hop and pop music under one roof at World Nightclub, located within AvidXchange Music Factory. World brings Charlotte’s dance scene to a new level with an expansive dance floor that’s bordered by multiple bars, an elevated VIP section that looks more runway than lounge and a stage worthy of the internationally renowned DJs that spin here each night.
Article originally written by Dean McCain. Updates made by Arielle Patterson in June 2023.
