What’s Happening for Free: Family Events in the Charlotte, NC
Looking for fun and free events happening in and around Charlotte? You’re in the right place! This list is updated almost daily with local events where your family can play, explore, and make memories — without opening your wallet. From outdoor concerts and storytimes to seasonal festivals and community celebrations, these events are easy to enjoy and perfect for all ages.
Bookmark this list and check back often — we’re always adding new ways to have fun for free!
Free Events
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 🆓 | August 10, 2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm |
Summer 2026 Art Showcase
at North County Regional Library, Huntersville NC |
| 🆓 | August 11, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
Bookworms and Ugly Bugs
at University City Regional Library, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 11, 2026
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Duke Energy Free Tuesday at the Schiele Museum
at Schiele Museum of Natural History, Gastonia NC |
| 🆓 | August 11, 2026
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Free Tuesday
at Schiele Museum, Gastonia NC |
| 🆓 | August 11, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
DIY Body Scrub for Teens
at West Boulevard Library, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 13, 2026
12:00 am |
River Jam
at White Water Center, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 14, 2026
12:00 am |
River Jam
at White Water Center, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 14, 2026
9:30 am - 10:30 am |
Betty Bookworms Storytime and Coffee
at Moxie Mercantile, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 14, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am |
RCNP: Pollinator Walk
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 14, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
RCNP: Evening Wonders Discovery Walk
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 14, 2026
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Movies in the Park: Rock Hill
at Fountain Park, Rock Hill |
| 🆓 | August 15, 2026
12:00 am |
River Jam
at White Water Center, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 15, 2026
8:00 am - 11:00 am |
Cars and Coffee at the Charlotte Motor Speedway
at Charlotte Motor Speedway, concord |
| 🆓 | August 15, 2026
10:00 am - 11:30 am |
Free Recycling Class (Ages 6-14)
at The Innovation Barn, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 15, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Lowe’s DIY Workshop FREE In-Store Event
|
| 🆓 | August 15, 2026
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm |
LNP: Roly Poly Adventure
at Quest Nature Center, Huntersville NC |
| 🆓 | August 15, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm |
RCNP: Creative Naturalists - Teen Art Club
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 15, 2026
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Concerts @ the Circles
at Davidson Jetton Street, Davidson |
| 🆓 | August 16, 2026
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm |
LNP: Turtle Encounters - Drop-In
|
| 🆓 | August 16, 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm |
LNP: Turtle Encounters - Drop-In
at Quest Nature Center, Huntersville NC |
| 🆓 | August 17, 2026
10:15 am - 11:00 am |
LNP: Hummingbird Week - Young Explorers – Hummingbirds
at Quest Nature Center, Huntersville NC |
| 🆓 | August 17, 2026
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm |
LNP: Hummingbird Week - Nature Detectives – Hummingbirds
at Quest Nature Center, Huntersville NC |
| 🆓 | August 17, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
RCNP: Hummingbird Week - Family Nature Hour
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 18, 2026
10:00 am - 11:30 am |
RCNP: Hummingbird Week - Help the Hummingbirds
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 20, 2026
12:00 am |
River Jam
at White Water Center, Charlotte |
Did you love this list? There’s a lot more to explore.
- Free Things to Do Near Charlotte: a list of great things to do that are free or very cheap
- Find more family-friendly events on our Kidding Around Charlotte Calendar