As spring blossoms across Charlotte, families looking for affordable entertainment have plenty of options that won’t strain budgets. From Easter celebrations and outdoor cinema to cultural festivals and nature experiences, the Queen City and surrounding areas offer dozens of free activities for children of all ages through May.
We’ve curated the best no-cost events happening across the greater Charlotte region, organized by date to help you plan memorable family outings without opening your wallet.
Late March highlights
1. Toy Theatre performance of The Dot
March 27 at Myers Park Library and March 28 at ImaginOn
This delightful performance brings a beloved children‘s book to life through toy theatre. With multiple showings across different library locations, families have several opportunities to catch this charming adaptation.
2. Free cirque and dance classes
Thursday evenings at Berewick Recreation Center
Young performers can try partner acrobatics (6:00 pm) or breakdancing (7:00 pm) with professional instructors from Charlotte Cirque & Dance. These free weekly classes continue throughout April and May.
3. Charlotte Knights Fan Fest
March 28 at Truist Field, 5:00-7:00 pm
Baseball enthusiasts can enjoy pre-season festivities including player autographs, ballpark tours, and family-friendly activities before the season begins.
4. Outdoor movie nights
March 28 at multiple locations
Families can spread blankets under the stars for free screenings of Shrek at OpenTap or Moana 2 at Seoul Food Meat Co. and Centennial Center in Cramerton.
Early April events
5. Museum of the Waxhaws Spring Festival
March 29, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
This free celebration offers historical demonstrations, crafts, and family activities that showcase the region’s cultural heritage.
6. Multicultural Festival
March 29 at Steele Creek Community Place, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Experience diverse cultures through performances, food tastings, art displays, and interactive activities for children of all ages.
7. International Beaver Day
March 29 at Stevens Creek Nature Preserve, 1:30-2:30 pm
Young nature enthusiasts can learn about these remarkable ecosystem engineers through hands-on activities and guided exploration.
8. Japanese Spring Festival
March 29 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 3:00-5:00 pm
Families can experience Japanese culture through traditional music, dance performances, art demonstrations, and children’s activities.
9. North Carolina Science Festival
Throughout April at various locations
This month-long celebration features dozens of free events across the region that make science accessible and engaging for young minds through hands-on experiences.
10. Free art kits at Mint Museum Randolph
April 2-4, various hours
Families can pick up complimentary stitching sampler kits to create art at home, perfect for introducing children to textile crafts.
Easter celebrations
11. Hop to Midtown
April 5 at Metropolitan, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Capture complimentary photos with the Easter Bunny and enjoy family activities in this upscale shopping district.
12. Easter celebrations at Bass Pro Shops
April 5-7 and 12-20 at multiple locations
Multiple opportunities for free Easter Bunny photos and seasonal activities at Bass Pro Shops locations throughout the region.
13. Hoppin’ Into Spring at Promenade on Providence
April 5, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Families can enjoy egg hunts, bunny photos, face painting, and spring-themed crafts at this shopping center event.
14. Spring Egg Hunt Extravaganza
April 5 at Amay James Recreation Center, 12:00-1:30 pm
This community event features age-grouped egg hunts, games, and springtime activities for children.
15. Hop Into Spring in Cornelius
April 5 at Wilhelm Park, 2:00-4:00 pm
This lakeside celebration includes egg hunts, games, crafts, and spring-themed activities for families.
16. Children’s Easter Event at Billy Graham Library
April 12, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Families can enjoy crafts, games, and stories during this special springtime celebration.
17. Easter Egg Hunt in Belmont
April 19 at Stowe Park, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
This traditional community egg hunt includes age-specific areas, crafts, and photos with the Easter Bunny.
18. Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt
April 19 at Matthews United Methodist Church, 6:00-9:00 pm
A unique evening twist on the traditional egg hunt, adding excitement for children of all ages with flashlights guiding the way.
Cultural festivals
19. Children’s Entrepreneur Market
April 5 at First Ward Park, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Young entrepreneurs showcase their business ideas and sell handmade products, inspiring creativity and business skills in children.
20. Charlotte SHOUT!
April 4-21 at various locations
This citywide arts and culture festival features numerous free family-friendly performances, installations, and interactive experiences throughout Charlotte.
21. Come See Me Festival
April 3-13 in Rock Hill, SC
This beloved regional festival offers dozens of free family events, parades, and performances just across the state line.
22. STEAMfest 2025
April 6 at Woodlawn School, 12:00-4:00 pm
Children can explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
23. Holi Festival of Colors
April 13 at Hindu Center of Charlotte, 12:00-3:00 pm
Experience this vibrant cultural celebration with colorful powders, music, dance, and traditional foods (free admission with $5-15 parking).
24. Regional Festival of India
April 12 at Stumptown Park, 12:00-6:00 pm
Matthews hosts this celebration of Indian culture featuring performances, food, art, and children’s activities.
STEM and learning events
25. STEAM Day at Latta
April 5 at Latta Nature Preserve, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Young scientists can explore the natural world through interactive experiments and activities that blend science with creativity.
26. Statewide Star Party
April 4-5 at multiple locations
Budding astronomers can observe the night sky through telescopes with guidance from experts at events across the region.
27. Charlotte Robot Rumble
April 12 at Belk Gym, UNC Charlotte, 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Families can watch exciting robot battles and learn about engineering and technology through interactive displays.
28. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College STEM Open House
April 3, 5:00-7:00 pm
Children can explore cutting-edge technology and participate in hands-on science activities at this educational showcase.
29. UNC Charlotte STEAM Innovation Expo
April 27, 12:00-4:00 pm
This family-friendly event showcases science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through interactive exhibits.
Nature and outdoors
30. Tuck Fest
April 25-27 at U.S. National Whitewater Center
While some activities require payment, many demonstrations, music performances, and exhibitions are free to observe at this outdoor celebration.
31. Earth Day Festival
April 12 at Charlotte Earth Day, 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Families can learn about environmental conservation through interactive displays, demonstrations, and activities.
32. Kids visit alpacas for free during spring break
April 14-16 at Serenity at Stony Point, 10:00 am and 12:00 pm
Children can meet these gentle animals and learn about alpaca care and fiber production during special spring break sessions.
33. Earth Jam in Cornelius
April 12 at Robbins Park, 4:00-7:00 pm
This eco-friendly celebration features live music, educational activities, and nature-focused crafts for families.
34. TreeFest
April 26 at NoDa Brewing North End, 2:00-5:00 pm
This annual celebration of trees and urban forestry includes educational activities and crafts for young nature lovers.
May events
35. Free Comic Book Day
May 3 at various locations
Comic shops throughout Charlotte offer free comics for readers of all ages during this popular annual event.
36. South Carolina Strawberry Festival
May 2-3 at Walter Elisha Park, Fort Mill, SC
Just across the state line, families can enjoy strawberry-themed activities, entertainment, and children’s games.
37. Hello Huntersville
May 4 at Veterans Park, 1:00-6:00 pm
This community festival features live entertainment, children’s activities, local vendors, and family-friendly fun.
38. Cheerwine Festival
May 17 in Downtown Salisbury, 10:00 am-7:00 pm
Celebrating the iconic Carolina soft drink, this festival includes music, food vendors, and family activities.
39. Charlotte Dragon Boat Races and Asian Festival
May 17 at Ramsey Creek Park, 10:30 am-5:00 pm
Families can watch exciting boat races and experience Asian cultural traditions through performances, food, and interactive activities.
40. Roly Poly Fest
May 17 at Rob Wallace Park, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
This unique celebration of pill bugs includes hands-on nature activities, crafts, and environmental education for young explorers.
Whether your family enjoys outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or creative activities, Charlotte‘s spring calendar offers abundant free options to create memorable experiences without spending a penny.
Before attending any event, it’s always wise to verify details with the venue or organizer, as schedules may change without notice.
