Live @ 11
Ballantyne’s Backyard
11611 N. Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC
First Friday of each month through September, $10 per person, kids under 5 are free, buy tickets
Summary: Various artists are performing on Friday evenings in Ballantyne’s Backyard, the area’s newest community park. The 2022 summer series kicks off on Friday, July 1 and continues on the first Friday of each month through September. See website for complete details.
The concert series takes place in Ballantyne’s Backyard located at, 11611 North Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277. Outside food and drinks are not permitted at this event — thank you for supporting our local food and beverage partners!
Huntersville Week of Fun
August 1-5, something new everyday, see website for schedule
Summary: Join us in kicking off the school year with a FULL Week of FUN! We are partnering with Huntersville Police, Huntersville Fire and Huntersville Presbyterian Church to offer the community a full week of fun community engagement. Each day offers something a little different!
Sundown Sounds on the Beach at Park Road Park
Park Road Park
6220 Park Road Park, Charlotte, NC
Summary: Pack a picnic or enjoy a tasty treat from our vendor onsite. Chairs, blankets, and hammocks are welcome; please refrain from alcohol and tobacco use. Check ahead for construction traffic and parking locations.
Joann Take-home kit for kids
Various Joann locations, find a store near you
The first Saturday of every month, Free while supplies last
Summary: Time for kids to create & explore with our Take It & Make It events! For the first Saturday of every month, we’ll have free seasonal craft kits to take home and let little imaginations soar. Find a JOANN store near you while supplies last!
U-Pick Eucalyptus Festival
Carolina Lavender Farm
August 5, 10am-8pm, $20
Summary: Stop by our farm and cut your own eucalyptus bunches, purchase a tree from our numerous eucalyptus species, lavender and other medicinal herbs for your garden. Have fun learning about the different varieties of eucalyptus and lavender, We have more than 10 varieties of eucalyptus in our farm, mostly baby blue, silver dollar, gunni and small-leaved gum.
Free Bowling for Kids
Sports Connection
11611 Ardrey Kell Drive, Charlotte, NC
May 2-September 9, See website for details, Registration required
Summary: Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the Kids Bowl Free program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer.
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
To present the best in the performing arts and in partnership with others, share and employ the arts as a major catalyst to strengthen education, build community cohesiveness and advance economic growth.
Click here for complete schedule for all locations.
Pineville Rockin’ and Reeling
Pineville Lake Park
1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville, NC
June 10-September 23, See website for schedule
Summary: Pineville Parks and Recreation Department is once again offering a full summer entertainment schedule of free live music and movies. Pineville Rockin’ and Reelin’ Summer Concert and Movie Series will take place on various dates from June to September, 2022.
Open Swim at The Quarry
Carrigan Farms
1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC
May-September, see website for schedule, Reservation required
Summary: Please be sure to the read the 5 things to know before reserving.
Swimming in a deep, refreshing natural quarry is the perfect way to cool off in the summer. Located about thirty minutes north of Charlotte, the quarry at Carrigan Farms is an oasis.
There is a restaurant located at open swim serving farm fresh favorites like the “Quarry Burger”, grilled chicken sandwiches, scratch made pizza, veggie burgers, fresh salads, fruit cups, ice cream and snow cones, as well as fresh items that change daily. Beer and wine are also available for purchase. Click here to see the full menu (coming soon). Please note that no outside food or beverages may be brought to open swim.
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC
Opened weekly Thursday-Sunday, See website for schedule
Summary: Carowinds is where the Carolinas come together for fun! For more than 45 years, families and friends choose Carowinds for an AMAZING day the Carolina way.
Only at Carowinds will you find almost 60 world-class rides, the Carolinas’ best waterpark, live entertainment, Camp Snoopy and downhome Carolina cuisine. Family-friendly special events keep you coming back for new ways to play all season long. At our well-appointed on-site hotel and beautiful campground you can turn your Carowinds stay into a fun getaway.
From the moment you get here, you’ll see that Carowinds is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina and South Carolina. We’ll see you soon!
River Jam
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC
Every Thursday-Saturday May through September, See website for schedule
Summary: Live music takes place throughout the year at a one-of-a-kind outdoor venue in the middle of the world’s largest man-made whitewater river. Genres including roots rock, Americana, bluegrass, folk, and funk are featured on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from May through September and at each of the Whitewater Center’s festivals.
Uptown Farmers’ Market
300 S. Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC
Every Saturday April 16-December 10
Summary: 300 S. Davidson street is in the 4.5 acre front parking lot of First Baptist Charlotte, one of the Uptown Farmers Market sponsors. It provides an ideal location for the more than 110,000 residents that live within a 3 mile radius of the market’s site, as well as ample parking for those that visit from around the expanding Charlotte area.
Stonecrest Music Series
Stonecrest at Piper Glen
7832 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC
THE FOUNTAIN PLAZA
Located in the plaza between Pearlz Oyster Bar and Basil Thai Cuisine. It’s location is shown on the interactive map.
THE PLAZA CORNER
Located in between True Crafted Pizza and Tap & Vine (formerly Civetta). This is a smaller music series to support our merchants.
Piveville Rockin’ and Reeling
Pineville Lake Park
Summary: Every Friday from June 10-September 23 (except July 1), 7pm, Free
Pineville Parks and Recreation Department is once again offering a full summer entertainment schedule of free live music and movies. Pineville Rockin’ and Reelin’ Summer Concert and Movie Series will take place on various dates from June to September, 2022.
Concerts start at 7 p.m. In the case of the Charlotte Symphony concert, the pre-show starts at 7 p.m., and the Charlotte Symphony performance follows.
Movies start at dusk (8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) with pre-movie entertainment at 7:15 p.m.
South End Gallery Crawl
Historic South End
Summary: South End is home to a vast array of art in all forms: fine art galleries offering everything from the realist to the experimental, colorful public murals, larger-than-life installations on the Rail Trail and dozens of studio spaces where artists and artisans dream and create.
Take in the local art scene on South End First Friday–an evening when galleries and shops offer extended hours, special receptions, live painting and music. Build in a visit to any of the neighborhood’s restaurants and breweries, and it’s a whole night out!
South End Market at Atherton Mill
2140 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Every Saturday, 8am-1pm, Free
Summary: You can find everything from local produce to fresh fish to handmade pasta, and so much more! With live music on one end and a string of local farmers and creatives along the trail, this hub boasts the vibrant energy that we all long for to kick off our weekend. Plus, you can make a day of it by exploring all that Atherton Mill has to offer! There is free parking for shoppers at the Atherton Mill garage, or take the light rail to East/West Blvd Station!
Kids Skate Free
Kate’s Skate – Indian Trial
14500 E. Independence Blvd, Indian Trail, NC
See website for schedule
Summary: Sign up your kids to skate during Kate’s Skating Rink Kids Skate Free, offered on select days/times during the week.
Little Leapers
Sky Zone
10200 Centrum Pkwy, Pineville, NC
$10/jumper, ages 7 or under or parent, “SkySocks” required, must say Sky Zone.
Summary: A time for your little ones to discover the joy of being active, bouncing under the supervision of their parents, and without interference from the big kids.
Open play at Just Play
Just Play
9535 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Just Play provides kids an opportunity to enjoy interactive play and discovery in a safe, clean, and fun environment. Call for details (704) 885-PLAY
Lil’ Bit Fit Time
Charlotte Allstar Gymnastics and Cheerleading
11011 Monroe Road, Matthews, NC
Monday-Friday, 10:30am-12:00pm, Toddler to TK with an adult, $6 per child, Registration required
Summary: Lil’ Bit Fit Time is a Parent-led open play time in our facility for you and your Lil’ Bit (Toddler). With your guidance, your Lil’ Bit can keep active by jumping on the trampoline, crawling through obstacles, and enjoying time with friends. This is a play time designated for “Toddlers to TK’ (children just starting to walk, up to age 5 and not yet in Kindergarten).
Open Gym Ninja Nation
14120 Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC
Daily, see website for times
Summary: Open gym is a non-instructional time for anyone to practice whatever they would like; to be creative and have a lot of fun. Coaches and Hosts are present for spotting and safety, giving helpful hints, and inspiring and motivating individuals.
Charlotte Independence
American Legion Stadium
1218-1238 Armory Drive, Charlotte, NC
Click here for schedule
Click here for USL W (women’s league)
Charlotte Checkers
Bojangles Coliseum
2700 East Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Click here for 2021-22 schedule
Charlotte Hornets
Spectrum Center
333 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
Discovery Place Science
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
See website for schedule, reservations required
Discovery Place Nature
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC
See website for schedule, reservations required
Discovery Place Kids
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC
See website for schedule, reservations required
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
1500 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC
Summary: The Schiele Museum of Natural History is now open! The museum is committed to inspiring curiosity and understanding of science and the natural world through exceptional educational programs, exhibits, and research. To see a list of events and plan your visit, click here.
Mecklenburg County Library Virtual Events
Free Virtual Events
Summary: Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. Daily appointments for Reading Buddies and Tutoring and Enrichment for school-age children can be accessed by clicking here.
