New nightlife party experience aims to "break up with the club" culture in Charlotte
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A 704 Party was designed "for the cool, connected and cultured." Photo: Courtesy of Caleyah Gaither
A 704 Party is Charlotte's newest party series that offers nightclub vibes without sections and bottle service.
Why it matters: With our constantly evolving nightlife scene, founder and Charlotte native Erin Thames aims to create a space focused on dancing and inclusivity.
Background: After exploring the nightlife in various cities, Thames wanted to create a social scene that emphasized bringing people together — something she felt was lacking in her hometown.
- "I wanted a space where I could go and turn up and it wasn't rooted in today's club culture where there's sections, bottle service and long lines at the door," said Thames. "I have a theory that those things contribute to a lack of community because there's all of these barriers to separate us."
Driving the news: Hundreds of people are already attending these pop-up parties. The next event, "Break Up With the Club" Vol. III, is scheduled for March 15. Tickets are $15.
What to expect: The parties happen monthly in different locations, with some past events held at The Royal Tot and Alongside Brewing. Each event venue is chosen with space for people to bust a move and with ample open seating at no additional charge for when partygoers want to relax.
- Some events, which have seen at least 150 people, have a capacity limit depending on the venue, so you'll need to RSVP in advance.
- Past events have also had a small specialty menu, with a few custom cocktail options at the bar.
- "We're trying to reduce cost barriers as much as possible," said Thames. "There shouldn't be a steep price to turn up. You can absolutely expect no paid sections. If you want to sit down and kick it with your friends, you are absolutely free to do that."
The vibe: These events, which are DJed by Thames and other local DJs, tend to play a diverse range of vibrant music that urges people to dance.
- You can expect to hear music like house, Afrobeats, amapiano, soul and old school R&B.
- "I want to cater to the people who might want to hear a different sound when they go out," Thames said.
Zoom out: In addition to the dance-focused events, they also host entertainment-related experiences that tend to spotlight art galleries or festivals.
- A partnered event with The Mimosa Way at the The Mint Museum earlier this year featured vendors, live activations, drinks and snacks.
- They've also collaborated with Dammit Wesley's Hunnid Dollar Art Fair and Durag Festival.
My thought bubble: This is one of the few spaces in Charlotte where I've seen a large portion of partygoers dance unashamedly in our nightlife scene, so this is worth checking out if you've been searching for a space where you can let loose and dance like nobody is watching.
