Charlotte has networking events almost every week, mornings and evenings: from referral groups to after-work mixers. This list only includes groups we could confirm on their official website, checked on October 8, 2026. Schedules change, so always check the organizer's calendar before you go.
Zolu isn't affiliated with any of these organizations, and none of them endorses Zolu. This is public information from their own websites, with a link to each one.
Open to everyone
Network Charlotte
It describes itself as Charlotte's largest open networking community. Its events (like Networking Night and Wine Down Wednesday) happen several times a month, usually in the evening, at places like Hyatt Centric SouthPark and Charlotte Beer Garden. Its events are free; a free membership lets you see who's attending. networkcharlotte.org
Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce
A local chamber for small and local businesses, with a morning format (Coffee with the Chamber), an evening one (Connect After 5) and events for young professionals. Its calendar lists events through December 2026. charlotteareachamber.com
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance
The regional chamber (CLT Alliance) runs receptions, councils and programs such as Young Professionals (ages 21–39; you don't need to work for a member company) and Power of Women. Its events calendar is at investor.charlotteregion.com/events.
CreativeMornings Charlotte
A free monthly breakfast talk for creatives and anyone curious, produced by Charlotte is Creative. You register in advance on its website. charlotteiscreative.com
Referral groups (weekly mornings)
Carolinas Referral Group
A local referral network with chapters across the Charlotte area (SouthPark, Ballantyne, University, Waverly, Steele Creek, Matthews and more), each with its own morning meeting day and time. Visitors can attend up to three meetings before deciding to join. carolinasreferralgroup.com/chapters
For specific communities
NAWBO Charlotte CONNECTS
Small, free meetups from the National Association of Women Business Owners, open to members and guests, in Ballantyne, NoDa, South Charlotte and SouthPark. There's also a Hispanic Supportive group that meets on the third Wednesday at Sumaq Coffee on South Blvd; check the official calendar for the time. nawbocharlotte.org/connects
Charlotte Latin American Chamber of Commerce (CLCC)
The Latino business chamber, formerly the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte. Its calendar includes Charlotte Latin American Restaurant Week and its annual meeting in December. lacccharlotte.com
Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce
The LGBTQ+ business chamber, with mixers, new-member events and the Friends in Business EXPO. clgbtcc.org
Canopy Realtor Association
The Realtor association for the Charlotte region, with member events and a Young Professionals Network (YPN) series. Useful if you're a real estate agent. canopyrealtors.com
For founders and investors
Venture135
A fintech and insurtech venture conference by RevTech Labs, scheduled for November 19–20, 2026 in Charlotte. It's mostly by invitation, with a limited number of tickets. venture135.com
How to get more out of every event
- Have your card ready to scan. Put your QR code on your phone's lock screen, so anyone can scan it in seconds. See what to put on a digital business card.
- Let people leave their details. With contact exchange, the people you meet leave their name and email on your card, and each one arrives in Zolu with a follow-up task.
- Scan the paper cards you get. Zolu reads a paper business card with your phone and fills in the contact for you.
- Follow up the next day. A short message while they still remember you works better than a long one a week later.
FAQ
Are these networking events free?
Some are: Network Charlotte's events, NAWBO CONNECTS meetups and CreativeMornings are free according to their websites. For the others, check each organizer's page; we only list what their official sites say.
How did you choose these groups?
We only included groups we could confirm on the organizer's official website on October 8, 2026, with activity listed for 2026. None of them is a partner of Zolu or paid to appear here. If something changed, write to hello@getzolu.com and we'll update it.