This new Charlotte social club wants adults to "play more"
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Photo: Courtesy of Play More Charlotte
Play More Charlotte is an adults-only social club that taps into childhood nostalgia through immersive, playful events.
Why it matters: Charlotte has plenty of social groups, but few give adults the chance to embrace their inner child.
Driving the news: Play More's flagship event, its bi-annual "Grown Up Play Day," is happening Saturday, Oct. 11, at Blume Studios.
What to expect: A day built around nostalgia and play, with childhood-inspired games and activities, just for adults.
- There will be nearly 20 play activations, including parachute games (yes, like the kinds you probably played in elementary school gym class), a bounce house, a ball pit, fort building, and silent disco musical chairs.
- Other highlights include a candy bracelet station, handheld video games from the 90s, and a local vendor market featuring businesses like Kicks and Fros, Nerd.0 and Culture Palette.
Background: Play More started in 2023 when founder Sally Stokes, a longtime STEM teacher, invited friends over to blow bubbles and play parachute games in her backyard — a way for her friends to be silly and find moments of joy during tough times.
- What began as a small gathering grew into a recognized community need, says Stokes.
Catch up quick: By the summer of 2024, Stokes left teaching full-time to pursue Play More, testing events like an adults-only ball pit pop-up and a monthly sticker club at Divine Barrel Brewing.
- Growing interest led to the first "Grown Up Play Day" in November 2024 at Victoria Yards.
- Today, Stokes hosts much of her programming at Blume Studios, where she also holds the title of "Minister of Play," a role that lets her run her events and help scout creative programming for the studio, acting as a kind of community liaison, she explains.
What they're saying: "I've seen it (Play More) bring out a side of people they've forgotten; there's a vulnerability in being silly without children around," says Stokes.
- "It's not flippant escapism; it breeds empathy, connection, and support for each other."
If you go: "Grown Up Play Day" will run 1-5pm at Blume Studios (904 Post St.).
- Tickets are $30 and include all activities.
What's next: Outside of "Grown Up Play Day," Play More hosts an ongoing mix of programming, often in collaboration with other local businesses.
- A "Wicked"-themed dance fitness class with The JAM at Blume Studios (Oct. 15).
- Sticker Club at Divine Barrel (Oct. 27).
- A neon paint party at Blume Studios (Oct. 30).
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