Camden Commons, presented by Lowe's
Because "no dogs on the couch" was a stupid rule anyway.
South End's main street, Camden Road, transformed into an outdoor living room three times during the spring of 2022. People in South End were able to hang out, discover new food, play games, listen to music, and get creative as if they were in their own living room (without even have to change out of their sweatpants).
Camden Commons happened on:
- Sunday, April 24 - 11:00am - 5:00pm
- Saturday, May 14 - 11:00am - 5:00pm
- Sunday, June 26 - 11:00am - 5:00pm
Camden Road was closed to vehicular traffic from Tremont Ave. to East/West Blvd from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. during each Camden Commons event.
Where it Started
In 2019, a coalition of South End, Wilmore, and Dilworth neighbors approached the City of Charlotte and Charlotte Center City Partners with a few requests to enhance walkability and pedestrian safety. Through a series of conversations in 2020 and 2021, the City made changes to improve pedestrian crossings throughout the neighborhood.
We also heard broad interest in Saturday and Sunday street closures to allow for community space and special events.
The 2022 season of Camden Commons, presented by Lowe's, was a pilot run of what could become a regular weekend happening, where an outdoor living room pops up on a few blocks of Camden Road.
How to Get to Camden Commons?
- Take the light rail and stop at East/West Blvd. Station, or ride the bus into South End.
- Ride a scooter, bike, or walk on the Rail Trail. You could also rent a JoyRides e-bike.
- Drive to South End and find parking using the parking map. 100 West Worthington is the closest paid garage.
Ways to Experience Camden Commons:
Sit Back & Relax
Camden Commons is your outdoor living room. Curl up on the couch with a good book, play a game at one of the bistro tables, or dance to the DJ. Whatever your vibe, you'll want to stay awhile when you are at Camden Commons. Here are some of the activities that you might discover when you're there:
- Giant (and we mean GIANT) puzzle made from a recycled ArtPop billboard
- Games like chess and Uno
- Lots of chalk to draw on the street
- Paint by numbers and self-portrait stations
- DIY Flower Bouquet Station with Ma Garden
- Cool photo opportunities
- Giant paint by numbers made by local artist, Luvly Moon
- Dog adoptions with the Greater Charlotte SPCA
Rico Marcelo Photography
Bites & Brews
Whether you're looking for a sweet treat, a cold drink, or takeout to bring back to the streatery, there are plenty of ways to satisfy your cravings at Camden Commons. Stop by one of the food vendors along Camden Road, or check out some of the nearby bites and brews:
- Kick start the day with Bitty & Beau's, Not Just Coffee, or Clean Juice
- Latin food lovers will want Sabor Latin Street Grill, Superica, La Capital MX, or Barcelona
- For Asian food, try Bulgogi Box or Hawker's
- Kids will love Blaze Pizza or Shake Shack
- Satisfy every palate at Trolley Barn or Indaco
- Vegetarian? Check out Living Kitchen or Flower Child
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Pepperbox Doughnuts, Twenty Degrees Chocolate, Two Scoops, or Jeni's
- Crack open a cold one at Pop the Top, or a grab a glass of wine at Vin Master
- BONUS! The first 100 people to stop by the Bar 54 Taps truck can get a free UpDog Kombucha!
Dulce Dreams Cafe by Rico Marcelo Photography
Pop Up Party
Local entrepreneurs make South End shine. Check out all of the local artisans popping up at Camden Commons on June 26:
Home & Lifestyle: Calloway's Clay, Zero Pop Art, LB Fine Art, Pam Singh Studio, Ekologicall, Mad Plant Mama, Aaryn West, Greenlife Remedies, NotSo Design Co., Bonitos Hats, Fancy Concrete
Fashion & Beauty: Johnny Fly Co., Carissa Black LLC, Hae Rose Botanicals, Purus Co., Glory Days Apparel, Queen & Cotton, Wilder and Soul, Shop Miabella, WRLD CTZNS, Profound Sass, Gloria Faye, Love Simple Co., The Paper Dress, Athena Fit Collections, 11 & THOMAS, Nafeesa's Organics
Food: Charlotte Jerky, Honeybear Bake Shop, Raw Bits by Risa, The Little BeeKeeper, Ma Garden, Bitty & Beau's Coffee, The Sweet Spoon Bakery, Tryon Mountain Farms
Pet Power: Luca and B
Ma Garden by Rico Marcelo Photography
South End Shopping
Shop 'till you drop at the local shops who call Camden Road home all year long:
- Get dressed to the nines at 704 Shop, LilBelle, OMJ, Fit Atelier, Boem, Golden Carrot, and Uniquities
- Support woman-owned businesses (and look good doin' it) at Girl Tribe Co. and Charlotte Collective
- Treat yourself at Selenite Beauty or to fresh flowers from Bookout Blooms
- Stock up on bar essentials at The Cocktailery and spice up your pantry at Savory Spice Shop
Have questions or interested in being a pop-up vendor in South End?
Reach out to programming partner, Esther + Elsa Retail or join their mailing list to learn about vendor opportunities.
We want to know what you think.
Did you like Camden Commons? Are there ways that we can make it better? Complete the Camden Commons survey and let us know!
Tag us in your photos!
Make sure you tag @southendclt in your Camden Commons pictures.
Stay in the know.
Subscribe to the South End newsletter for bi-monthly neighborhood updates.
Did you lose something at Camden Commons?
Reach out to us here. We'll help you find your missing item! If you found a lost item at Camden Commons, please bring the item to the South End Information tent. Thank you!
Media Inquiries
Please contact Adam Rhew at arhew@charlottecentercity.org.
