Top 6 Fun Activities That are Free in Charlotte, NC

Jul 28, 2016

Summer days are longer, and it’s hard to fill the time without spending a lot of cash. Luckily, Charlotte can keep you occupied without you having to take up a second job to pay for it. Check out these local attractions and all they have to offer.

Chill Out at the U.S. National Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center presents action-packed Thursday nights. Start out at 6:30 p.m. with Open Water Swim. This option is for confident swimmers who are training for open-water competition. If you prefer working out on dry land, take advantage of the free yoga classes. Arrive at Outfitters at 6:15 p.m., and a certified yoga instructor will guide you to the class meeting grounds. River Jam, a free outdoor concert, kicks off at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday till September. The only charge is $5 for parking.

Join #instabeerupclt

Have you ever wanted to meet the person behind the screen name? At #instabeerupclt everybody’s in it for the laid-back social atmosphere and beer. Let your social-media life materialize while sipping on local ale. It happens the last Thursday of each month at various breweries, bars, and bottle shops around Charlotte. Monthly, hundreds of people network at #instabeerupclt. Stay tuned to Twitter and Instagram to find out next month’s location.

Explore Public Art with a Scavenger Hunt

Do you follow curators through museum corridors, amazed at their expertise? Become an art connoisseur by scavenging the cultural landscape of Charlotte looking for new things to discover. Download the Arts and Science Council’s podcast and the walking tour brochure, and enjoy the rich atmosphere of this North Carolina city.

Enjoy Free Concerts on the Green

On the first and third Sundays of the month, enjoy a free concert on the town green in downtown Davidson. The family friendly concerts occur rain or shine at 6 p.m. April through September. Consider bringing a 10-by-10 tent, which is allowed along the perimeter. Pack a picnic dinner, purchase food from local vendors at the event, or come early and dine in the quaint atmosphere of this small town. Free public parking is available.

Join a Meetup

There’s no need to be a stranger in a city like Charlotte. Making friends is easier than you think with meetup.com. There are already-established groups for every hobby or lifestyle, from volunteering to playing sports. The site posts the number of members in the group and the meeting times, but you must submit a request to be given the gathering place.

Hang Out With Your Kids

Ayrsley Grand Cinemas shows a free kid-friendly movie every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. from June 14 to Aug. 11. What does that mean for you? Even if you have a rambunctious 3-year-old who can only sit still for 30 minutes, you can still enjoy a movie experience without wasting your money. “Minions,” “The Croods,” and “Despicable Me 2” are some of the top-name entertainment you’ll discover.

It takes no cents to have a great time in this booming city. Embrace the four-letter word that makes everything possible — free!

Image by James Willamor, Licensed via CC BY 2.0