CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After a temporary closure in 2023, The Scorpio Lounge is moving to a new location in South End.
Charlotte’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ nightclub is acquiring RSVP South End, location at 225 Fairwood Avenue, the venue announced on Instagram on Sunday.
The venue said it aims to “elevate Charlotte’s LGBTQ nightlife,” as RSVP South End boasts three full bars and two rooftops across 15,000 square feet.
“This move is not just a change of address; it’s an evolution that ensures the Scorpio legacy continues to thrive and serve the LGBTQ+ community in Charlotte and surrounding area,” the venue said in a statement.
The venue has not yet announced a reopening date.
Charlotte Pride issued the following statement regarding the new location announcement:
“Charlotte Pride is thrilled that the legacy of The Scorpio will live on at a new location. For decades, The Scorpio has served as a beacon for the LGBTQ community, offering a safe and welcoming space for all. As LGBTQ safe havens become more and more scarce around the country, the reopening of The Scorpio gives us hope and reminds us of the importance of maintaining such vital spaces. In times like these, the need for such spaces is more crucial than ever. We look forward to seeing The Scorpio continue its tradition of fostering inclusivity and celebration in our community.”
The Scorpio Lounge has served Charlotte’s LGBTQ community for 55 years and is also touted as the oldest-running nightclub in North Carolina. The club regularly features drag performers as part of its event lineup, which includes local performers and internationally-recognized talent.
Beyond providing a place for LGBTQ community members to congregate, Scorpio leadership has also raised its voice about other issues that affected the club directly; previous owner Michael Sharpton told WCNC Charlotte in 2022 that he was glad for a key change in North Carolina state law that reformed Prohibition-era policies for bars. Under the old rules, patrons in the Tar Heel State who visited bars that don’t serve food had to register as members, providing personal details like home addresses and phone numbers.
