Harlem Globetrotters
Spectrum Center
333 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
Summary: We teamed up with award-winning experts from broadway and renowned comedians to create an experience like no other. Top it off with the Globetrotters’ signature ankle breaking moves and rim-rattling dunks, and your family is sure to have an unforgettable night!
Live at 11 – outdoor concert
Ballantyne’s Backyard
11611 N. Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC
August 6, 5pm-8pm, Admission is $1/person donation.
Summary: Buddy Dukes and Groove Machine perform at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Bring a picnic blanket or camping chairs to watch the concert! Order dinner and drinks from onsite vendors like Sycamore Brewing and Shelton Vineyards! Donate new school supplies to Classroom Central.
Kids Go Free For Summer
Nascar Hall of Fame
400 W. MLK Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC
August 6-22, Must buy on-line, Up to four complimentary tickets per paid adult
Summary: Experience racing excitement from start to finish with over 50 interactives. View 18 historic cars on Glory Road, celebrate NASCAR inductees in the Hall of Honor and experience what it takes to be a NASCAR driver at the Pit Crew Challenge or iRacing simulators. Also, don’t miss your photo op with Disney·Pixar’s Lightning McQueen, on display now.
Five Dollar Friday at Mr. Putty’s Fun Park
2333 Dam Road, Tega Cay, SC
June 14-August 20, See website for schedule
Summary: For only $5 per person get unlimited mini-golf from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms
1213 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115
Summary: Swimming in a deep, refreshing natural quarry, also known as Open Swim will begin on May 15th. Reservations are required – click here to make a reservation now. Dates and times are available through June 6th, additional dates and times will be added weekly. Guests who reserve in advance pay a $5 per person deposit at the time of reservation, then, upon arrival on the day of their visit, receive a $5 dining voucher to use at the Quarry Kitchen that day. The Quarry Kitchen features farm fresh favorites like the “Quarry Burger”, grilled chicken sandwiches, scratch made pizza, 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. Please note that in 2021, no outside food or beverages may be brought in to The Quarry.
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC
See website for schedule, safety protocols and reservations
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.
Strawberry Picking
Cotton Hills Farm – The Market in Lowrys
2575 Lowrys Hwy, Chester, SC
Monday-Saturday weather permitting, 9AM-7PM, $2.25/lb, bring your own container or purchase for $1 each
Summary: Come make some sweet family memories on the farm! Our u-pick strawberry patch is open Monday – Saturday, 9AM to 7PM. No reservations required, No pets allowed. After picking, cool off with a scoop or two of hand-dipped ice cream. Kids can enjoy our tractor play-set and sand pile.
River Jam
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC
Summary: Every Thursday-Saturday night, 7PM-10PM, Free admission with $6 parking fee
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
Blakeney Summer Concert Series
Blakeney Shopping Centers
Ardrey Kel and Rea Road, Charlotte, NC
June 5-September 4, 7pm-9pm, Free
Summary: Rock out at the Blakeney Summer Concert Series! The family-friendly concerts will take place every Saturday from June 5 through September 4 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Music fans of all ages can relax on the Blakeney Plaza while listening to local favorites.
Come early to shop, dine and unwind before settling in for live music. Lawn chairs, blankets and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds. Coolers, glass containers and outside alcohol are prohibited. Weather permitting. Schedule subject to change.
Live Under The Oaks At Birkdale Village
Birkdale Commons Pkwy & Sam Furr Rd, Huntersville, NC
Every Friday evening from April to October
Summary: Start your weekends unwinding with live musical performances in the Grove. Grab your friends and family and get ready to dance the night away!
A bar will be onsite in the designated area provided by Red Rocks Cafe.
Due to local government restrictions being lifted, we are excited to be opening our Signature Events to the public starting in May! Attendees are no longer required to purchase tickets in advance for Live Under The Oaks beginning May 7th. While the events are not ticketed, guests are strongly encouraged to continue social distancing in groups and wear masks while on property.
Matthews Outdoor Concert Series
Stumptown Park
2nd & 4th Fridays, April – September, 6PM-9PM
Summary: To comply with COVIT-19 guidelines, these concerts are ticketed events with limited attendance of 350 people. Attendees can purchase seating “pods” for two or four people. Pod prices $6-$24.
Stonecrest Music At The Fountain
The Plaza Corner (near True Crafted Pizza & Civetta Italian Kitchen & Bar
See website for schedule
Summary: We are excited to bring back the summer concert series! On Friday evenings, enjoy our tradition of music by the fountain where you can come, relax and listen to a variety of different musicians; start times vary depending on location. Then on Saturdays, we invite you to visit The Plaza Corner and sit and relax on the patio of True Crafted Pizza or Civetta Italian Kitchen & Bar.
Charlotte Knights
Trust Field
324 S. Mint Street, Charlotte, NC
Click here for 2021 schedule
Charlotte Hornets
Spectrum Center
333 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
Click here for 2021 schedule
Charlotte Thunder Arena Football
Bojangles’ Coliseum
2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC
Click here for 2021 schedule
Children’s Theatre
Virtual Events
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is proud to partner with Broadway On Demand as the curtain rises virtually on a season of stories centered in community and kindness.
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.