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 20, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am |
RCNP: Hummingbird Week - Sprouts Storytime and Craft
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 21, 2026
12:00 am |
River Jam
at White Water Center, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 21, 2026
9:00 am - 10:00 am |
RCNP: Hummingbird Week - Hummingbird Walk and Talk
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 21, 2026
9:30 am - 10:30 am |
Betty Bookworms Storytime and Coffee
at Moxie Mercantile, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 21, 2026
11:35 am - 12:20 pm |
LNP: Little Critters Storytime
at Quest Nature Center, Huntersville NC |
| 🆓 | August 21, 2026
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm |
RCNP: Hummingbird Week - Hummingbird Walk and Talk
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 21, 2026
6:30 pm - 10:00 pm |
Movies in the Park: Harrisburg, NC
at Harrisburg Park, Harrisburg NC |
| 🆓 | August 22, 2026
12:00 am |
River Jam
at White Water Center, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 22, 2026
8:00 am - 12:00 pm |
RCNP: Hummingbird Week - Bird Banding with Susan Campbell
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 22, 2026
10:00 am - 11:30 am |
RCNP: Hummingbird Week - Family Watercolor
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 22, 2026
10:30 am - 11:30 am |
LNP: Animal Meet & Greet - Drop-In
at Quest Nature Center, Huntersville NC |
| 🆓 | August 22, 2026
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm |
LNP: Story and Stroll
at Latta Nature Preserve, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 22, 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
RCNP: Hummingbird Week - Saturday Open Classroom
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 22, 2026
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
Open House at Charlotte Academy of the Arts
at Charlotte Academy of the Arts, Matthews |
| 🆓 | August 23, 2026
8:00 am - 12:00 pm |
RCNP: Hummingbird Week - Bird Banding with Susan Campbell
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 23, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am |
RCNP: Hummingbird Week - Gardening for Hummingbirds
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 23, 2026
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm |
LNP: Wonderous Water
at Latta Nature Preserve, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 23, 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
RCNP: Hummingbird Week - Sunday Open Classroom
at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte NC |
| 🆓 | August 26, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am |
LNP: Animal Athletics - Drop-In
at Quest Nature Center, Huntersville NC |
| 🆓 | August 27, 2026
12:00 am |
River Jam
at White Water Center, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 28, 2026
12:00 am |
River Jam
at White Water Center, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 28, 2026
9:30 am - 10:30 am |
Betty Bookworms Storytime and Coffee
at Moxie Mercantile, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 29, 2026
12:00 am |
River Jam
at White Water Center, Charlotte |
| 🆓 | August 29, 2026
10:00 am - 5:00 pm |
WNC Bigfoot Festival
at Downtown Marion, Marion NC |
| 🆓 | August 29, 2026
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
“Bigfoot Woods” Indie Film Screening & Q&A
at Downtown Marion, Marion NC |
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