You do not need to spend a dime to have a great time in Charlotte. This is your guide to the best free events happening around the Queen City, from outdoor concerts to family-friendly festivals.
What counts as free: Events with no admission charge. Some may offer optional food, drinks, or activities for purchase, but getting in the door costs nothing.
Types of free events we track: Free outdoor concerts and movie nights, gallery crawls and art walks, festivals with free admission, community celebrations and parades, farmers markets, park programs, library events, and free museum days.
Tips for free fun in Charlotte: Follow the seasons. Spring and fall bring the most free outdoor events. Arrive early for popular free concerts, since space can fill up fast. And bring a friend. Everything is better shared.
Check back often. New free events are added all the time, especially as festival season approaches. Know about a free event we missed? Tell us through our Contact page.