I used to come here often way back when, but not so much anymore... We revisited this place on Saturday with some friends to see this cover band, The Camera Eye, for Rush...and they were so good, I think I'm now a Rush fan (like my husband has been for years). It was good to see that this place is still hopping. The place looked about the same (a bit worn down, of course), but many more bar chairs and tables than in the distant past. Think it's been at least 4 years since I've last been here? WOW. Although I haven't been here in a while, I've always loved this place. It's spacious with several levels...and has such a cool, comfy vibe. Also, the light show and the sound system is really good! I also thought the bar service was really quick. Despite the huge crowd, I got served right away! Not sure if they still do raves, dance parties and special shows like they did in the past, but I remember some of the best times here. After seeing the stellar cover band this weekend, I'm thinking that this place is a keeper...and I hope to have more good times here in the future! read more

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My wife and I came here for the Maddison Ryan Ward concert. Doors opened at 7pm and we parked and got in line around 6pm. Parking was a challenge because I didn't really understand where we could park. I originally parked in the lot across from the nearby hospital until a staff member told me they tow very regularly. The staff recommended parking in the lot directly across the street. I appreciated that while we were waiting in line a staff member did an ID check which made things smoother when doors opened. The Visulite theatre provides water for free and had a few tables and chairs which is a luxury I really appreciated. You're allowed to bring food into the venue and I saw quite a few people with Viva Chicken from next door. Seating is first come first served seating but my wife and I were able to find two seats. The ambiance is a cool vibe and my wife and I loved the disco ball in the middle of the theatre. The concert itself was very nice and I definitely feel like I got my money's worth. The staff was great and the other perks mentioned above is definitely enough for me to want to come back and see someone else in concert. read more

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Had the exciting opportunity to see Low Groves perform here. The venue was a former movie theater and still has lots of the old charm. There is a large bar, offering a variety of craft beers. wine and mixed cocktails . Service was very good. For this show, they had some tables and room to stand, and it was on a first come basis. The sound was very good and parking was right across the street. read more

Visulite Theatre - Music Venues Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

My favorite live music venue in Charlotte! I've been to at least 30 shows over the years, never an issue. The staff is always great when I go from the cashier to the bartender. Reasonably priced drinks with a good selection of ciders beers and mixed. The sound is great and the stage is low for an intimate concert. The floor up front is where the party is, ditch the old folks at the tables and come dance. Bathrooms (the men's at least) are big and relatively clean for a concert with minimal lines. This is a true independent gem in Charlotte and needs to be supported so LiveNation doesn't take over everything. read more

Visulite Theatre is the best live music venue in the city of Charlotte - Hands Down! It's intimate, the sound is amazing and they make great drinks! This is the best place to catch a Live Show in Charlotte, period! Cheers! read more

Visulite Theatre - Sound board and stage. - Music Venues Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Small little venue in uptown Charlotte that hosts performer's with a cool local kinda vibe. We were there to see a tribute band for Crosby Stills Nash & Young. The theatre does serve lots of local brews and the typical bottled beer selections. There is no food to purchase but they do allow you to bring food in. There are several different places - (Viva Chicken right next door , a sushi joint and a few others ) to get food in the area so that's a nice bonus! I can't say the band I heard that night was great cause they weren't- but let's concentrate on the venue- it was really a nice place to go. The speakers were good and the guy who ran the sound board didn't blow us out - so that was good ! The staff were all very friendly and efficient from the guy at the door to the check in lady and bar tenders it was a very nice experience! I'd say this place is definitely worth going to ! Two thumbs way up! read more

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This is one of The coolest small music venues that I have ever been to. They have FREE parking- yes free parking in Downtown Charlotte. Even from the outside, it looks like a an old time theater (which it is$ and gives you a nostalgic feel. We were all lines to ready to get in the show and I felt like a kid again waiting to meet me hero. Bartenders were super friendly and GOOD. I will say- prices were very high for drinks. Bathrooms were clean and will call rockets were super easy. There is plenty of seating and then a section of you want to be up close and personal with the bands. No food is served but you can bring your own in. The sounds was amazing and the show that we went to see was The Dirty Doors. They were unbelievable! If I lived in Charlotte, I would be here all the time. Quick and easy to get out of parking, too. I loved it! read more

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The Visualite is a very cozy intimate show. I recently went here to see Jump, Little Children. I've seen them many times and this was by far the most intimate setting I'd ever seen them in. There were a handful of tables with a great review and great viewing throughout the venue. The bathrooms are easy to get to and the sound is great. It typically hosts small local bands like the band that I saw. They also serve bottled beer, liquor, and a selection of local beers. I really enjoyed the show here and will definitely be back the next time I want to see a band I like. There is parking across the street but it can get crowded real quick. I actually ended up having to pay for on the street parking but it wasn't expensive. read more

Excellent Venue. Love the tiered seating. Good sound. Talented performers. Just saw "Harvest Moon" perform here and will definitely be back to see them next time they come around. Restaurants in the area. Come early for parking and seating. Looking forward to the next great act! read more

If you have a VISA Debit Card, then it's also known as VISA-lite. This is not that. This is a lovely liberal theater in the really cool hipster and artsy district to the East of Charlotte's downtown. There is an amazing restaurant next door and a lot of the shows here are cutting edge and protest bands and artsy stuff that I really appreciate. They put up flyers for all kinds of cool local artists and traveling musicians, even if they're not playing at this theatre. True patrons of the arts and a credit to the community. read more

Visulite Theatre - I think I want to attend the mystics ball - Music Venues Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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I'm an old time Charlotte native. The Visualite is a fun place to watch local bands. But, if you're not a fan of standing during a whole concert, get there early because seating is definitely limited. If you enjoy beer, you're good; if you prefer wine, don't bother. The band, Acoustic Syndicate was AMAZING!!! read more

I love this place so much! amazing concerts! 10/10 would recommend going to! beat experience of my life! read more

Visulite Theatre - best night of my life! very clean and cool place! 10/10 would recommend - Music Venues Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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AWWWW YEAH! This is the coolest music venue I've been to, hands down. I went to see Lisa De Novo, 4 Tin and Deaf Andrews in November. All three acts were awesome, and the venue itself really added to the experience. The stage has a really spacious pit area, the staff is friendly, there's a nice bar, awesome décor and an overall electrifying vibe. I think of what I thought going to a live rock show would be like when I was younger, and this place definitely comes the closest to my ideal experiences. I actually smile ⁠-- nay, grin ⁠-- when I pass this place walking or driving somewhere. I really can't wait to see more shows here. Y'all ROCK! read more

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This place is the best for live bands !! I've gone here for over 10 years. Great stage and clear sound system. Employees are very helpful and friendly. Bar is stocked with a good selection of beer. Some tvs if you're not feeling the opening acts or just wanna catch a bit of a sports game while ordering some drinks. Nice area in front of stage to see some of the acts up close. Some seating if you get here early enough. Always a fun time at The Visulite. read more

So much fun! There are no bad seats, but there are limited tables & chairs and high top bar counter space, so get there early so you can get in and grab a table if you want one. Very comfortable and good parking across the street and Viva. Chicken next-door was awesome. Plus, you can take food into the theater! read more

Great place to see a show. Have been there twice, snagged a seat both times..Go early and grab a bite to eat next door at Earls or the chicken joint..or be adventurous and walk a 1/2 mile and have a burger at Bang Bang..Will definitely return. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

Visulite Theatre - Abacab... - Music Venues Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Nice staff, reasonably-priced shows, free parking. That said, prepare yourself for expensive drinks. Jameson $9.50! Crown Royal? You guessed it, $9.50! Oh, and a bottle of cheap Nestle water is $2.50! Most bars have free water, or only charge $1. For a hole in the wall venue, this is absurd. read more

Super aggressive management. Their will call was chaos. Even after we cleared up the situation and all was well and paid for and totally a misunderstanding on their part, they were far too amped on rage to apologized and kinda ruined my night if I'm honest. read more

I had to chance to go to Visulite recently to see a performance by Toubab Krew and John Brown's Body.... ....Let me begin by saying that both bands were spectacular and brought exciting, make-you-wanna-dance grooves to Visulite. As others have stated, the drinks, especially beers are CHEAP. There's no need to spend over $3 per beer. They have all the major brands in bottles and cans plus a few select beers on tap. What struck me most about the the actual venue itself is the unique set-up of the stage in relation to the audience. There is a really cool section of seats about 30 feet back from the stage - this is where I sat. I was able to post up in a chair, with my beer and mobile-device on the ledge and take in the show in comfort. If you were not lucky enough to get a seat on the rail, there was seating at round, high-top tables a few feet behind and of course plenty standing room directly in front of the stage. There is plenty of FREE parking in the lot just across the street from Visulite. You are doing something wrong if you find yourself having to pay for parking. Over all, Visulite is very cool venue, with a chill crowd and atmosphere that make this more than a worthy venue for any live show or concert. read more

One of the least likely places to fine a good venue in Charlotte would be in Elizabeth, but I'm happy to find the Visulite here every time I head in for a show. Not your most suspect area for a theatre/venue, but it's pretty cool to see the awning and lights over the entryway. The interior is pretty dark and laden with red drapes. There is a bi-directional hall that you can walk to get to the stage/bar from, but it's kind of hard to tell where you're headed upon first visit. I do like the bar on the separate level and the amount of seating around the bar. There really isn't a bad seat in the house as the sound carries fairly well throughout. The stage is pretty small, but has been good for all types of shows. I've seen rock shows, punk rock, singer-songwriters, and even a few church services at this venue. All have been A-Ok in reference to sound. My only gripe would be the parking situation. It's always a little iffy with all of the restaurants and hospital that close. There are signs that notify towing will ensue and yadda yadda, but it's never always very clear. There is parking along the street, but the spaces are snagged like loose gold. All in all, I'm glad this venue is in Charlotte/Elizabeth. Not the best in town, but there are always some good shows to be seen throughout the months. Cheers! read more

I've been hitting different venues around Charlotte for years listening to live music...including Visulite Theatre. It's a favorite pastime of mine. Last night we went to check out Shooter Jennings (who is awesome by the way). When I got there I asked one of the bartenders for a couple of waters. He had immediate attitude b/c I wanted water and then charged $3 per bottle. Later, I went to the other bartender for another water. Hmmm, he charged me only $2. Being a local Charlottean who supports a lot of local music, that left a very bad taste... As far as the venue, it's got a lot of potential but it needs some sound system updates. If you are up close in the pit, you can see great, but the sound is muffled b/c the speakers are actually over your head. Definitely prefer Double Door and Neighborhood Theater to hear music.... read more

I wasn't impressed at all. Too cramped. It was so difficult to even go to the bathroom without losing my standing spot crunched on stairs that I held it. Couldn't get to the bar. No service once there. Only good thing was Delta Rae. read more

I'll keep it short: Awesome atmosphere, inexpensive drinks, cheap tickets to see great live music. All around a cool venue and a great time. I can't wait to go back! read more

This is a great music venue! It's compact but it got everything you could want.... There is a bar in the back with cheap drinks and speedy service and it's elevated so you can see the band and hear the music the whole time you are getting your pops. A railed walk way that leads right down to the front right in front of the stage, where there is plenty of dance space. There are large bathrooms with ample stalls, so there's no wait time. And for those that do need to sit for a breather seating both in the bar area and general admission seating area. It's doesn't seem like there is a bad spot in the whole place and the sound quality is great! It's a win- win for all! read more

I went to Femme Fest at the Visulite and saw some great female performers. I really like the Visulite - with its cool but cozy interior. The only downside is that the floor is pretty tiny. I've stayed on the level just above the floor every time I've been there and ended up sitting at a table (and I'm normally a stand-right-by-the-stage concert-goer). I've also been impressed with the service at the bar each time I've gone. I guess I just expect to wait forever for a drink, but I've always had fast, attentive bartenders at the Visulite. Definitely check out a show there. read more

I went to see Abbey Road Live - Beatles Cover Band at the Visulite last night and I have to say it's a great place to take in a show. For some reason it's not THAT smoky compared to other places in Charlotte but nevertheless I hope one day it will be non smoking. They have the bar at the top in the back when you walk in and then there is a small set of stairs where there is a mid level with chairs and stools, then there is a ramp that goes down to a pit area that runs up to the stage. The setup allows for great acoustics and an intimate feel when watching any performance. The staff is pretty nice and THEY DO take credit cards (well at least VISA) contrary to popular belief. Abbey Road Live was again amazing and I enjoyed the venue. Cheers read more

Over the past few years this has been a big favorite of mine to see a variety of different shows. The range of different artists makes for a great evening whether it be a random Tuesday night or a weekend. The feel of the place is great and they have good drink prices. I'll continue to frequent read more

Visulite is one of the best venues I've ever been to. It's small and the floor space is staggered so there really isn't a bad view. They don't jack up the prices of their booze like most places. I don't think I've ever payed 3 bucks for a beer a concert. If you're going to see one of your favorite bands get there early. They have great seating at each level so you can sit comfortably about 30 feet from the stage if you're there early. read more

Saw Tenn Out of Ten at the Muse and then at the Visulite Theatre the second time through Charlotte i'll have to say they were both nice venues, Visulite wasn't as quaint, but the barkeep was friendly and the music sounded good after a brief mic squelching. i would definitely like to see another show here. read more

I have been to the Visulite Theatre once to see the John Scofield Band. I was not sure what to expect especially since I went by myself. It was a very enjoyable experience. I ended sitting by the railing above the standing area in front of the band. John Scofield is great and the jam band he tours with is fun to watch. I always meant to go back but it never happened. read more

I had heard about this place before but never really saw it or anything because it's a little bit off the beaten path. It took me having dinner next door at Carpe Diem the other night to get me to stumble in and have a look around. Despite the annoyance of a ten dollar cover, this place is pretty cool. It's not the biggest place ever, so the whole "Music Hall" thing makes it seem a lot bigger than it is. But it's a cool place: dark and with a sorta historical feel. There's a giant bar in the back and a stage area in the front, in front of which is a pit area where you can dance around in front of whatever band is performing; around this pit are bar stools and tables where you can sit and drink while watching. I stood in this area, away from the drunken masses in front of me, and enjoyed the show. The stage allows for a lot of people, and whatever band was playing took advantage: there was like 15 musicians/singers on stage at all times, all in costume, all screaming whichever 80s song they were covering. It wasn't the best music ever, but it was loud, fast and fun, and everyone was having a good, drunken time. Definitely a fun place to party. That much is obvious. read more

I've only been here for a Carolina - Dook basketball game, so I can't comment on the concert scene. And as for the basketball viewing, I was really impressed. Every year for the last Carolina - Dook basketball game of the year, the Carolina Alumni holds the event at the Visulite. And don't worry, you don't have to be an alum, just a fan. On stage, they have a huge projection screen that shows the game & they play the game audio through the speakers. Not only is the place crammed with Carolina folks cheering away, they actually sell real Blue Cups from He's Not Here. For those of you who know what I'm talking about, you'll be freaking thrilled to get one where you least expected it. One bit of advice though is to get there really early to wait in line. The gates open a good bit before the game, but people will be waiting in line to get the best seats. Your viewing can be hampered if you get there late, so just get there early. The Visulite gives you a unique experience for watching the game, one you wouldn't think possible in the city of Charlotte. So get there early & remember to bring your cash for the Blue Cups! read more

This is by far one of my favorite live music venues in the Queen City. What I love most is you can sit or stand and see the entire stage even being short like myself. The drinks are priced right and the service is friendly. read more

All be it a small venue, The Visulite is quite a nice place to catch a show. The have good beer prices, especially for a music venue. They also have decent bathrooms and plenty of room at the bar. The stage is a little small but on par for the venue. It has a pretty cool design and good lighting. The seating is not that abundant, however there is plenty of standing room, especially right next to the stage. I have seen quite a few great shows here and I would say it's an all around fun time, each time. Also if you're early for a show, go get some good tequila and the 1900 restaurant down the block. read more

As far as live music venues go in Charlotte, this is my favorite and I've been to pretty much all of them. It's not a big venue, but they get some decent acts for my music taste (Jam/Funk/Electronica). Cover charges are usually around $10-15, extremely cheap (Obviously also depends on the artist....). They also have both beer and liquor. It's nice to have the option, some nights I just want to let it all out. The beer selection is good as they have about 10-12 taps with local NC brews and the likes of Magic Hat, Sweetwater, New Belgium, etc. They also have a good bottle selection for the stuff that's a little more rare. Drinks are normal, reasonable prices. As far as the music/layout is concerned, there really isn't a bad spot in the place. It's multi-tiered, so lots of areas with a good view. The bar/entrance is at the top, then it drops down to an open area with the sound board and cocktail tables (it's nice to have the option to sit and enjoy the music), and then drops down again to a pit area that's standing room only in front of the stage. The stage is the height of the 2nd level with the cocktail tables, so that's usually where I'm at, but people are always getting down in the pit. All in all, the layout of the place is why I like it so much. The sound is great too. You can't have a great music venue without great acoustics! I always look forward to a show here. read more

Visulite is one of my favorite venues for live music in the QC! It is a small venue, which really allows for a different type of experience from a larger place like, say, the Fillmore. There isn't a bad place to sit or stand in there, and if there is then I certainly haven't had the misfortune of ending up there yet. There is a full bar right up in the thick of it so you can keep the party going without having to leave the music. And as for the music, this place does a really good job of getting a wide variety of bands rather than focusing on one genre or another. Lots of local acts too, which are great to support. If you plan on trying to get a seat for a show rather than standing, get there early! There are several high top tables around the place that have great views of the stage but they are obviously first come first serve. When those doors open and the people start flooding in, those tables go fast. read more

First-time at the Visulite last night to see a local band my husband knew. Though we've been in CLT for a good six months, we'd never been over to the Visulite, simply because they hadn't had any shows that were of great interest to us. I was impressed with the space, though. I'm not a die-hard show goer and am a little soft with respect to the standing and waiting and listening and head bopping... I vastly prefer venues with ample casual seating and enough atmosphere to entertain me when I get distracted from listening to a less-than-average opener. Visulite has enough tables, counters, benches, and stools to provide lots of seating opportunities. It's a snazzy-looking venue, for sure, and we were able to watch a couple bands without having to stand on our tip-toes and press against the crowd. All in all, a good time. read more

This is the most intimate venue that hosts nationally recognized artists that I've found in Charlotte so far. "Theater" might make you think there are graduated floors or seats inside, but it' all one level aside from a slightly dipped in area in front of the stage. The bar is large and well-stocked. They could probably stand to add a third bartender for bigger shows. There is surprisingly plenty of parking. You'll find a lot across the street and also behind the venue. The bouncers out front can be grumpy even before the shows start, but ignore them because the bartenders are awesome. I fully believe that whatever you might find less than optimal about the people or the place, the intimacy of the stage to the crowd will make it worth the trip! read more

Had a great time! Great little place this is. My wife and I saw the wonderful Emily King back in July and the whole experience rocked. read more

Visulite Theatre - Music Venues Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Visulite reminds me of the House of Blues in Chicago. If you're not in the pit or the first row of seating, you can hardly see anything. Otherwise it's a cozy little theater and the bartenders are only slow because of the size of the crowd. They definitely work hard. read more