The 8 Best Drinking Tours in Charlotte
Charlotte isn’t just a banking hub and football town—it’s also a surprisingly lively place for drinking tours. Its craft brewery scene is booming, with innovative breweries and cozy taprooms scattered across the city. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a fun way to explore uptown and beyond, Charlotte offers options that go beyond the typical pub crawl. Many tours include local food, live music, and even hands-on activities, making each experience memorable.
If you’re planning a trip, consider how much time you want to spend, your budget, and your particular interests. From intimate brewery visits to lively bus tours with live bands, Charlotte’s tour lineup offers something for all—no matter if you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends.
Quick Overview
This list covers eight of the best drinking tours in Charlotte, spanning from immersive craft beer experiences like the Original Charlotte Brewery Tour to lively pub crawls such as the Charlotte: Double Trolley Pub Tour. You’ll find options that include guided brewery visits, live music and bus tours, private golf cart brewery crawls, and even DIY lipstick and gloss experiences. Whether you prefer a relaxed afternoon or a lively night out, this list has a tour to match your style.
1. The Original Charlotte Brewery Tour – Craft Beer Experience
At number 1, the Original Charlotte Brewery Tour offers a five-hour dive into Charlotte’s craft beer scene for $150 per person. This tour visits four local breweries, including Petty Thieves Brewing Co, Protagonist, and Lower Left Brewing Co, with each stop providing a generous sample of craft beers. The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0/5 from 56 reviews, thanks to its combination of education and fun.
What makes this tour stand out is the small group size—limited to 14—allowing for personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide. The tour also includes a dinner at Midwood Smokehouse, which is served about 2.5 hours in, giving you a well-rounded experience of food and drink. The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort as you hop between breweries. Guests especially appreciate the depth of beer knowledge shared, with reviews praising guides like Vinny for his engaging storytelling and detailed explanations of the brewing process.
Bottom Line: If you want an educational and relaxed beer tour with the option of dinner included, this is your best choice. It’s perfect for craft beer fans looking to taste a variety of local brews in a friendly setting.
2. Live Music and Brewery Bus
At number 2, the Live Music and Brewery Bus is a lively 3-hour tour that combines craft beer, live music, and a fun ride through Charlotte on LaZoom’s iconic purple bus. This tour costs $69 per person and earns a 5.0/5 from 16 reviews, making it a favorite for those who want more than just beer.
What sets this experience apart is the onboard stage for live bands, creating a festival atmosphere as you cruise between NoDa Brewing, Resident Culture, and Hi-Wire Brewing. Each stop allows time to sample award-winning beers in a casual, party-like environment. The bus’s unique design and the ability to BYOB (bring your own beer or wine) keep the energy high. Many travelers enjoy the interactive experience, where behind-the-scenes insights are paired with the music and camaraderie.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you love live music, a festive vibe, and a relaxed way to explore Charlotte’s brew scene. Great for groups wanting a lively, social outing.
3. Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour
Coming in at number 3, the Charlotte Brewery Crawl is a private 3-hour golf cart tour, priced at $48 per person. Perfect for those who want flexibility, this tour takes you to three popular breweries that locals love. The tour starts at QC Rides, where your accredited guide will help customize the itinerary based on your preferences.
What makes this tour appealing is its personalized approach—you can choose which breweries to visit and savor the beers that catch your eye. The golf cart makes it easy to hop from spot to spot without worrying about parking or navigating on your own. The relaxed pace allows you to focus on the beer and the company, with some reviews mentioning how flexible and enjoyable the experience was.
Bottom Line: Best suited for small groups or couples wanting a private, customizable brewery tour with a casual vibe. It’s an excellent way to discover Charlotte’s local favorites at your own pace.
4. Lip Print Beauty Bar Charlotte: Create Your Own Lipstick or Gloss
At number 4, the Lip Print Beauty Bar offers a one-hour activity that’s a break from drinking but a fun way to indulge in creativity. For $65, you’ll get to mix and blend your own custom lipstick or gloss, choosing flavors, fragrances, and special add-ons like glitter or shimmer.
While not a traditional drinking tour, it’s included here for its social, hands-on experience. Travelers rave about how much fun they had making personalized lip products, with some mentioning it’s a perfect activity for girls’ trips or special occasions. The staff is attentive, making sure everyone leaves with their unique creation. It’s a playful activity that adds variety to your Charlotte visit, especially if you’re looking for something memorable and slightly different.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a creative break or a memorable souvenir—this activity complements a day of brewery hopping or as a standalone experience.
5. Charlotte Bar Hunt: Uptown Charlotte Showdown
Number 5 on our list is the Charlotte Bar Hunt, an app-led scavenger hunt costing only $12.31 per person. It’s a different kind of drinking experience, guiding you through uptown Charlotte to uncover hidden gems, landmarks, and local favorites while completing trivia and challenges.
The activity is perfect for group outings, whether for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or corporate team-building. You’ll visit pubs, clubs, and dives, unlocking clues and competing for the title of champion. The hunt includes photo and video challenges, and you’ll receive digital copies of your adventures afterward. It’s an active, engaging way to explore the city’s nightlife without the typical sit-and-drink approach.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active groups who want to experience Charlotte in a fun, competitive way that combines sightseeing with socializing.
6. Charlotte: Double Trolley Pub Tour with Drinks
Coming in at number 6, the Double Trolley Pub Tour offers a two-hour pedal-powered pub crawl for up to 28 people at $899 per group. You’ll hop on a double trolley that picks you up and takes you to favorite Charlotte watering holes, with a complimentary drink included.
This tour is ideal for large groups or celebrations, with the fun, social atmosphere of pedal-powered bar hopping. The tour runs rain or shine, making it a reliable choice regardless of weather. Many find the interactive nature and the chance to socialize while cycling a highlight, especially for bachelor parties, company outings, or birthday celebrations.
Bottom Line: Best for bigger groups seeking a lively, communal experience with a mix of cycling, drinking, and sightseeing.
7. Charlotte: Pedal-Powered Pub Mixer Tour
Number 7 is the Pedal-Powered Pub Mixer Tour, a 2-hour tour costing $39 per person. It’s a more affordable, smaller-scale pedal pub experience where you’ll meet new friends and explore the city while enjoying a complimentary drink.
This tour is perfect for casual outings or celebrations, with the group activity centered around cycling and socializing. It operates rain or shine, so you won’t need to worry about weather ruining your plans. Many reviewers mention how fun and easy it is to connect with fellow travelers on this tour—making it a great icebreaker.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers seeking a budget-friendly, social cycling experience with a relaxed vibe.
8. Charlotte: Private Brewery/Pub Crawl
Last but not least, the Private Brewery/Pub Crawl offers a customized 4-hour experience for up to 7 people, costing $329 per group. You’ll explore Charlotte’s microbreweries and pubs aboard an electric cart, enjoying a tailored itinerary based on your preferences.
This private option is ideal for small groups or special occasions where you want a more exclusive, relaxed experience. The tour includes live music, local craft beers, and the comfort of a private ride through town. The personalized approach ensures you visit the spots that interest you most, making it a flexible and intimate way to enjoy Charlotte’s nightlife.
Bottom Line: Best for small groups wanting a tailored, private experience with a mix of local beer, music, and personalized service.
How to Choose Your Drinking Tour in Charlotte
Picking the right tour depends on your budget, time, and interests. For a comprehensive craft beer experience with food, the Original Charlotte Brewery Tour is a top pick. If you want a lively, music-filled atmosphere, the Live Music and Brewery Bus offers a unique, festive vibe.
Travelers interested in a private, customizable outing should consider the Private Brewery/Pub Crawl, perfect for small groups. For those on a tighter budget or seeking an active experience, the Charlotte Bar Hunt provides a fun, competitive way to see the city.
When booking, consider the time of year—some tours are best in good weather, especially outdoor and pedal options. Early booking is recommended during peak seasons, especially for private tours. Remember to check each tour’s availability and group size limits to match your plans.
Final Thoughts
Charlotte offers a wide range of drinking tours that cater to different tastes and group sizes. For a well-rounded beer experience with food, the Original Charlotte Brewery Tour shines. If you prefer live music and a lively, social atmosphere, the Live Music and Brewery Bus is a great choice. For smaller, private groups, the Private Brewery/Pub Crawl offers a tailored experience.
No matter what you choose, these tours will add a fun, flavorful dimension to your visit. Book early to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons, and prepare to enjoy Charlotte’s vibrant craft beer, music, and local culture.