Free things to do this weekend in and around Charlotte

Charlotte's Top Picks for FREE family-friendly fun Friday, August 14, 2026 to Sunday, August 16, 2026.

(Scroll down for full, detailed list of free weekend activities.)

• Free summer mini photo session with Shoott! - Charlotte - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, USA - August 15, 2026 and August 16, 2026, see link for times

• Free Stories Under the Stars Series - Kannapolis Parks and Recreation - 401 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC, USA - August 15, 2026, 7:00 p.m.

• Summer Outdoor Markets at Millstone Creek Orchards - Millstone Creek Orchards - Parks Crossroads Church Rd, Ramseur, NC 27316, United States - August 15, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• Concerts @ the Circles - Town of Davidson - Jetton Street, Davidson, NC, USA - August 15, 2026, see website for details

• Grounds Tour at Fort Defiance - Fort Defiance, LLC - 1792 Fort Defiance Drive, Lenoir, NC, USA - August 15-16, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Fall Registration and Open House - Charlotte School of Ballet - Charlotte School of Ballet, Charlotte, NC, USA - August 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and by appointments

• Animal Ambassador Meet n' Greet - 15222 York Road, Charlotte, NC, USA - August 16, 2026, 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Cool Down with Coloring - 15222 York Road, Charlotte, NC, USA - August 16, 2026, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.