Free things to do this weekend in and around Charlotte

Charlotte's Top Picks for FREE family-friendly fun Friday, July 3, 2026 to Sunday, July 5, 2026

(Scroll down for full, detailed list of free weekend activities.)

- Kids Bowl Free - Register your kids for a summer fun bowling pass today - Kids Bowl Free - Find a participating bowling center near you today!, Friday, July 3, 2026 to Sunday, July 5, 2026, See website for details.

- 2026 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks - National Park Service - 1849 C St NW, Washington D.C., DC 20240, United States, Friday, July 3, 2026 to Saturday, July 4, 2026, See website for details.

- Revolutionary Fourth of July - Kings Mountain, NC - 211 North Cleveland Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC, USA, Saturday, July 4, 2026, 6 pm

- Independence Day Parade - Town of Waxhaw - Waxhaw, NC, USA, Saturday, July 4, 2026, 10 am

- Grounds Tour at Fort Defiance - 1792 Fort Defiance Drive, Lenoir, NC, USA, Saturday, July 4, 2026 to Sunday, July 5, 2026, 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM

- SCNP: Animal Care Behind-the-Scenes - 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, United States, Sunday, July 5, 2026, 2:00pm to 3:15pm

- Animal Ambassador Meet n' Greet - 15222 York Road, Charlotte, NC, USA, Sunday, July 5, 2026, 4pm-4:30pm

- Sensory Hour - Waterway of Change - The Buffalo History Museum, Museum Court, Buffalo, NY 14216, United States, Sunday, July 5, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM