The Thing: A Blacklight Bodypaint Dance Party Where You Become the Art – save $5

Bodypaint.Me is presenting the third installment of The Thing. The Thing is a a blacklight bodypaint dance party where you become the art. This is unlike anything you’ve experienced in Charlotte…unless you attended a previous installment of The Thing!

It takes place Friday, September 18, 2026, at 8 p.m., at Starlight on 22nd, 422 E 22nd Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. Age 21+.

Jump to:

• Photos from the second Thing
• How it works
• Important to know

Photos from The Thing

How It Works

• The Space: The event takes place at Starlight on 22nd, one of Charlotte’s most eclectic creative venues in the heart of NoDa. For one night only, the space transforms into a glowing blacklight environment filled with mystical blacklight art and ritual accents designed for movement, connection, and expressive energy.
• The Evolution: Once inside, you move freely. Bodypaint artists are stationed throughout the venue adding small to medium glowing accents as the night builds. Visit The Human Scrapbooking Experience to add to your look with glow stamps, stickers, and glitter.
• The Sound: Expect high‑energy DJ sets built for movement. House, tribal, rhythmic, and body‑driven tracks keep the floor alive and amplify the energy. Featuring Charlotte‑based DJs and guest artists from the Bodypaint.Me crew.

Important To Know

• Absolute Consent: Photos are allowed, but you must ask before taking someone’s photo.
• Physical Boundaries: Enjoy the energy, respect the space. No touching without explicit, verbal permission.
• Photography Policy: Personal phone photos are welcome. Professional cameras, detachable‑lens systems, and external lighting rigs require prior approval. Anyone wishing to shoot with pro gear must register in advance and receive written confirmation.
• Bodypaint Etiquette: Bodypainting at the event is tipping‑based. This is how we support the artists who transform you into glowing masterpieces. Small Bodypainting: $5–$10, Medium Bodypainting: $10–$20, Larger Bodypainting: $20–$30+. If you’re unsure how much to tip, ask your artist. Only Bodypaint.Me artists may paint others, and outside paint or markers aren’t allowed to keep the artwork cohesive, safe, and true to the vision of the night.
• Expression & Attire: This is a judgment‑free space of radical expression. Wear something you feel great in. White, neon, mesh, metallic, textured, sculptural, and handmade pieces glow beautifully under blacklight and give painters something to build on. This night is about intentional accents that complement your clothing and silhouette, not full‑body pieces. There is no secure storage, so travel light and keep essentials with you. For health, safety, and hygiene, pasties and bottoms are required.