57 cool outdoor concerts and virtual shows in Charlotte in October

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Though traditional concerts have mostly stopped because of the pandemic, live music in Charlotte has made a bit of a comeback over recent months with drive-in concerts, live streaming, and even a venue opening with limited seating.

Below is a list of where and when you can get your taste of live music again in October in and around Charlotte.

Safety first: If you do plan on attending an in-person performance, please do so responsibly. Wear a mask when you’re not eating or drinking and stay a safe distance from others.

Middle C Jazz

The Uptown jazz club was able to reopen with limited seating since it is a private, seated club with restaurant service. Middle C Jazz will host 26 performances throughout October, with in-person ticket prices all $54 or less. There are also tickets to watch the concerts via live stream available for free or a donation. Check out the venue’s calendar for more information and to purchase tickets.

The Music Yard Fall Drive-In Series

The Music Yard, located between SouthBound and Mac’s Speed Shop on South Boulevard, will continue its Drive-In Series with three October concerts, one of which has already sold out. Remaining tickets range from $105 (4 people max) for a small sedan to $270 (8 people max) for a VIP picnic table.

• Thursday, October 1, 7 p.m.: Manic Focus, Dredlok, Clark on the Sax
• Friday, October 2, 7 p.m.: Manic Focus, Bitsky, Kckbck
• Friday, October 9, 7 p.m.: Shakedown Street w/ Josh Daniel’s Grateful Band – SOLD OUT

Hound’s Drive-In Theater

Hound’s Drive-In Theater in Kings Mountain, just 40 minutes from Uptown, will host Christian hip hop artist TOBYMAC, as well as Cochren & Co., on Sunday, October 11. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. and the music will begin at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets start at $100 for a car with up to six people.

Charlotte Motor Speedway

The speedway will host an acoustic performance from Staind’s Aaron Lewis and Godsmack’s Sully Erna as part of its American Drive-In Tour on Saturday, October 24 at 10 p.m. General admission tickets start at $200 for a vehicle with up to four passengers.

Consider The Source at Unknown Brewery

The fusion trio will perform at Unknown Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16.50.

Optimist Hall

The food hall located just outside Uptown will host a few outdoor shows on its courtyard and on the patio of Fonta Flora. All shows are free.

• Sunday, October 4: Elonzo Wesley
• Saturday, October 10: Bradford Ray Bailey
• Saturday, October 24: Todd Johnson

Music on the Lawn at Anne Springs Close Greenway

The Fort Mill greenway has live performances on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are required and open the Friday before each concert. Music on the Lawn is free to members and $6 for non-members. Parking is $5 per car.

• Thursday, October 1: The Hitmen
• Thursday, October 8: Kids In America
• Thursday, October 15: Next Level Band of Charlotte
• Thursday, October 22: Late Night Special
• Thursday, October 29: 70s Kids: Solid Gold Tribute Band

Music at the Met

The Metropolitan in Midtown hosts free outdoor performances in the breezeway next to Dressler’s Restaurant on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Thursday, October 1: The Parks Brothers
• Thursday, October 8: Tin 4
• Thursday, October 15: Colby Dobbs Band
• Thursday, October 22: Thirsty Horses
• Thursday, October 29: Brent Cates Music

Charlotte Symphony On Tap

An ensemble of Charlotte Symphony Orchestra musicians will perform live at NoDa Brewing Company three Tuesdays this month at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 (the concerts can also be live streamed for $10).

• Tuesday, October 6
• Tuesday, October 20
• Tuesday, October 27

Live and local streaming series and events

Josh Daniel’s Quarantine Sessions: Josh Daniel is still at it, performing live every day on Facebook at 6 p.m., as he’s done since March.

Queen City Streams Series at the Neighborhood Theatre: The NoDa venue has partnered with Mandolin for four Wednesday live streams. Streaming costs $10 per event, and comes with 48 hours of streaming access.

• Wednesday, October 7: Modern Primitives
• Wednesday, October 14: Charlatan String Quartet
• Wednesday, October 21: AKITA
• Wednesday, October 28: YUNG Citizen

Live from Crown presents Harvey Cummings II: JazzArts Charlotte’s virtual live music series features saxophonist, pianist, and songwriter Harvey Cummings II. The October 1 stream begins at 8 p.m.

The Jazz N Soul Live Streamin’: Karen Poole: Tickets for the gospel artist’s album release event October 3 are free (or a $5 donation) and get you the streaming link. Stream begins at 8 p.m.

Unplugged+Live: Kenya Templeton & Shannon Grier: The October 15 event will feature performances from the singer-songwriters, as well as a post-concert Q&A. Register for the 7 p.m. event on Eventbrite to receive a streaming link.

Virtual Tosco Music Party: The fourth virtual Tosco Music Party takes place Saturday, October 17 at 8 p.m. on Tosco Music’s Facebook and YouTube pages.