Get ready, Charlotte families — a kid-favorite fall festival is returning, and it’s packed with fun, creativity, and community!
Charlotte Kids Fest is coming to the Shoppes at University Place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, and admission is totally free!
Photos Courtesy of University City Partners
Whether your kid loves art, action, science, or giant trucks (who doesn’t?), this event has something for everyone. Here’s what your family can expect.
What Is Charlotte Kids Fest?
Hosted by University City Partners and presented by KidsStreet Urgent Care, this festival is all about kids being curious, imaginative, and active — while parents get to soak up a day of free family fun.
There are several interactive zones, each focused on a different type of play including:
The Create Zone
Let your little artists go wild with crafts, building projects, and hands-on art workshops. It’s a great spot for kids who love to draw, paint, glue, or just create.
The Discover Zone
Catch kid-friendly live performances — music, movement, storytelling, and maybe even some surprise acts. Everything is designed to inspire imagination and laughter.
The Play Zone
Think: obstacle courses, sports games, outdoor fun, and high-energy activities to burn off all that excitement.
The Go Zone
This is a big hit every year. Kids can climb aboard real construction trucks, emergency vehicles, and more. Firetrucks, bulldozers, and diggers? Yes, please!
Food, Shopping & Community
It’s not just about the zones — there will also be food trucks from University City favorites, plus Charlotte-based vendors offering unique shopping and community connections.
And yes, there are bathrooms on-site, stroller-friendly paths, and easy access from the JW Clay light rail station (9325 JW Clay Blvd) — so it’s simple to get there with the kids.
Why the Festival Matters
“Charlotte Kids Fest is more than a day of fun,” says Keith Stanley, CEO and President of University City Partners. “It’s about creating space for the families of Charlotte to connect, making sure every child in our city feels seen, supported, and part of something bigger.”
That spirit of connection is what makes this event so much more than a festival. It’s a day for making memories, meeting neighbors, and reminding our kids they belong.
Quick Details for Parents
- Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Location: The Shoppes at University Place, 8929 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC
- Parking: Available at the JW Clay light rail station (9325 JW Clay Blvd)
- Cost: Free!
- More Info & FAQs: Charlotte Kids Fest Website
What Parents Loved (and Tips You’ll Want to Know)
Charlotte Kids Fest 2024 was a big hit with families, and this year’s event is expected to be just as much fun. We checked out what parents had to say last year and pulled together some tips to help you get the most out of your visit in 2025.
Here’s what families said last year:
- “Great experience – my son had fun and learned many new things.”
- “We had the best time!”
- “So much fun! Can’t wait for next year!”
Tips from 2024 Families
Sound like your kind of day? Us too. Here are some kid-tested, parent-approved tips to help you plan ahead.
Let your kids explore freely.
Parents shared that their kids learned new things while having fun—especially in the creative and discovery zones.
Try this: Encourage your child to try at least one new activity they’ve never done before.
Be flexible and follow their lead.
The event is designed to spark curiosity and creativity, so you don’t need a strict plan.
Try this: Let your child pick which zone to start with and go from there.
Make time to revisit favorite spots.
Kids may want to go back to the trucks, stage shows, or craft zones once they have explored a bit.
Try this: Loop back for a second visit before you leave!
Bring the basics.
The event is outdoors and interactive. You’ll want to be comfy and ready for action.
What to pack:
- Water bottles
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Wet wipes
- Extra clothes (especially for little artists or messy play fans)
Plan for weather, just in case.
The festival is rain or shine!
Try this: Toss in a poncho or light jacket if clouds are in the forecast.
Park smart.
The JW Clay light rail station (9325 JW Clay Blvd) is a popular choice for easy and free parking.
Meet the Sponsors
- Title Sponsor: KidsStreet Urgent Care — Charlotte’s new walk-in clinic offering 7-day pediatric care, including for newborns
- Supporting Sponsors: Parks Chevrolet Charlotte and Walmart
Looking for More Family Fun?
We love Fall Family Fun!
Find lots more in our Ultimate Guide to Fall in Charlotte, NC
Will you be heading to Charlotte Kids Fest this year? Let us know what your kids are most excited to try in the comments!
