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| - An outdoor concert venue that's conveniently located in uptown and doesn't require a $40 cab ride? Yes please!
I've been to a lot of different shows at the Uptown Amphitheatre over the years. Smashing Pumpkins, Citizen Cope, Zac Brown, OAR, there's always a good variety during the warm months. There's really not a bad place to post up here. It's smaller than PNC, so even the lawn provides a great view.
The bathrooms are clean and there are a lot of stalls. Even if there is a line, it moves pretty quickly. Just like all concert venues, expect to pay a lot for drinks. There are some great pre and post event spots here. I recommend VBGB or Small Bar. It doesn't take too long for people to get out and leave, but still a good idea to stop by one of these places and grab a drink while everything clears. Why sit in your car when you could be enjoying a drink or playing giant Jenga?
Show time advice: don't wait to the last minute to try to get inside. This may be a small venue, but there are only a few people checking tickets and bags. Sometimes the line can be lengthy. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to get through the line.
Pro tip: traffic backs way up here from uptown when there is a concert. To avoid getting caught in this mess, bypass the NC Music Factory entrance and take a left onto Statesville Avenue. Go left onto Callahan, immediate left on Polk, right on Hamilton. You'll follow Hamilton through the neighborhood and will pass the school on the right. This will completely back door your way in to the Music Factory. (I would like to thank the amazing Heather C. for this equally amazing advice)
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