Looking for a night out? Ballantyne may soon be the destination. Golf courses and office parks have been transformed into The Bowl at Ballantyne — a central location bringing food, shopping, live entertainment, and more to this residential neighborhood at the southern edge of Charlotte.

The miniature downtown-feel of The Bowl is part of a massive vision called "Ballantyne Reimagined." Back in 2017, Northwood Investors purchased 535 acres for $1.2 billion to be overhauled into a walkable community — including a six-acre park, amphitheater, and retail district.

"I almost see this as the new center of the Carolinas because we're so close to the South Carolina border," said Christina Thigpen, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Northwood.

Editor's note: Guests visiting The Bowl can also access the Lower McAlpine Creek, McMullen Creek, and Four Mile Creek Greenways.

Expect plenty of outdoor seating, a playground, and fire pit at OMB's upcoming Ballantyne location. | Photo by CLTtoday

One of The Bowl's first attractions will be Charlotte's second Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten — a 14,000-sqft location set to debut Memorial Day weekend.

"This area is craving a brewery," said Thigpen, who emphasized families will be just as eager as office workers to visit the signature biergarten and restaurant.

Flower Child will debut its second location this summer at The Bowl at Ballantyne. | Photo by CLTtoday

At the heart of The Bowl, Bowl Street is a stretch of closed-off road providing a culinary epicenter for visitors with a wide variety of food + drink options — all within walking distance. Upcoming tenants include:

North Italia
Bossy Beulah's
The Salty Donut
Flower Child
Famous Harriet's Hamburgers
Hawkers Asian Street Food
Rooster's
Drybar
Arrow
Honeysuckle Gelato

"Now you don't have to drive 20 minutes for this kind of meal. There really is something for everyone," said Thigpin.

Oro Ballantyne will be the tallest residential tower in south Charlotte. | Art rendering via Northwood

A luxury residential tower is taking shape to join The Bowl. The Oro Ballantyne will offer a range of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, townhomes, and penthouses. Amenities include a chic coffee bar, co-working space, resort-style pool, a rooftop terrace, hidden speakeasy, and more. The 356-unit tower is scheduled to be move-in ready by October 2025.

Among its many attractions, The Amp offers free seasonal concert series at The Bowl at Ballantyne. | Photo via Northwood Office

When taking a stroll through The Bowl, it's impossible to ignore "The Amp" — a massive amphitheater + green space. Visitors should look to the Amp as a source for live performances, festivals, markets, fitness classes and more.

During the South Charlotte Partners Breakfast Club's monthly meeting, Bob Durkin, the co-founder of Southern Entertainment, was recently asked if the city of Charlotte could establish an identity as a "music city."

"An ecosystem doesn't exist if the audience doesn't exist," said Durkin. "A connection with the audience is critical for a 'music city' to be possible."

Editor's note: As plans for The Bowl at Ballantyne begin to take shape, this City Editor is most excited for The Amp. This could be a major player in growing the Queen City's music culture.