CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - Three years ago, a new kind of bar and restaurant spun into the South End scene—one where every bite, beat, and sip pays homage to the timeless culture of vinyl records. Now, VINYL is marking its third birthday with a full week of music-driven celebrations, giveaways, and community giving, starting this Sunday, April 27.
Helmed by Henry Schmulling (he/him), Beverage Director at VINYL, the team has been curating an experience that fuses the nostalgia of 1970s record culture with modern flair. Inspired by the sound and soul of vinyl’s golden age and modeled after the unique pub scenes of New York and London, VINYL has quickly become a staple in South End for fans of good music, expertly crafted cocktails, and remastered Americana cuisine.
“Everything here is inspired by good music—the décor, the food, the drinks, the experience,” says Schmulling. “It’s been three incredible years, and we’re ready to celebrate the way we know best—with sound, flavor, and community.”
A Weeklong Birthday Bash
To commemorate the milestone, VINYL is throwing a multi-day celebration packed with local DJs, exclusive drinks, community-focused giving, and daily giveaways in collaboration with Hardy Boys Records.
Here’s a look at what to expect:
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🎉 Kickoff – Sunday, April 27
- Spring Cocktail Menu Launch: Schmulling will debut a brand-new lineup of seasonal drinks.
- Brunch from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Each table gets complimentary donut holes, because what’s a birthday without sweets?
- Radical Grove DJ Marathon: 18 rotating DJs will keep the energy high from noon to midnight.
- Silent Disco on the Patio: Two-channel party from 6 – 9 p.m. under the stars.
- Daily Giveaway Begins: Enter in-person to win $50 VINYL and $50 Hardy Boys gift cards, plus other surprises. No need to be present to win.
🎧 Monday, April 28 – Thursday, May 1
- Daily DJs at 8 p.m. with special guest performers each night.
- Giveaways continue daily with more gift cards and exclusive merch.
- Giving Back: A portion of daily sales will support two local nonprofits:
- The Bulb – a mobile farmers market providing free produce and nutrition education to underserved communities.
- Ben’s Friends (Charlotte chapter) – a peer-support group for hospitality workers managing the stresses of the food and beverage industry.
Find the Full Schedule Online
VINYL is keeping the celebration rolling all week long. Check their Instagram page @vinylclt for full DJ lineups, special guests, and more details.
Whether you’ve been a regular since opening day or you’ve never dropped the needle on a VINYL night out, this is your sign to stop by. Great music, new cocktails, tasty surprises, and a whole lot of love for the Queen City—VINYL’s 3rd birthday is shaping up to be a celebration for the record books.
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