10 Free Things to Do in Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina is a vibrant city full of culture and attractions. From its world-renowned music and art scene, to its stunning natural scenery, there’s something for everyone in the Queen City. But, if you’re on a budget, don’t worry – there are plenty of free things to do in Charlotte that will keep you entertained and help you save money. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with friends or a peaceful evening of relaxation, this list of 10 free things to do in Charlotte is sure to have something for you.

1. Explore the Historic South End

The Historic South End is a must-see for anyone visiting Charlotte. This vibrant neighborhood is home to a variety of unique stores, restaurants, and art galleries, all of which are within walking distance of one another. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful murals, or relax in one of the many parks and green spaces. There’s no shortage of things to do and see in the Historic South End, so make sure to add it to your list of free things to do in Charlotte.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, stop by one of the many food trucks or pop-up restaurants in the area. Or, take a walk along the Rail Trail and explore the many craft breweries, distilleries, and cideries. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a craft beer, the Historic South End has something for everyone.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the many art galleries in the area. Stroll through the galleries and admire the works of local and international artists, or take part in one of the many art classes offered. There’s something for everyone in the Historic South End.

2. Spend an Evening at the U.S. National Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center is a unique outdoor recreation center that offers a wide range of activities, from kayaking and rafting to ziplining and rope courses. The center is open to the public, and admission is free. Explore the trails and take in the stunning views of the Catawba River, or take a plunge into the whitewater rapids. There’s something for everyone at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, so make sure to add it to your list of free things to do in Charlotte.

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, check out the many fishing spots located throughout the center. Or, spend an evening at the amphitheater and enjoy a free concert or movie. There’s always something going on at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, so make sure to check it out.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the many educational programs offered at the center. From kayak tours to wilderness skills classes, there’s something for everyone at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

3. Take a Stroll Through Freedom Park

Freedom Park is one of Charlotte’s most beloved outdoor spaces. This sprawling park is home to a variety of attractions, from walking paths and gardens, to playgrounds and picnic areas. Take a stroll through the park and admire the stunning sculptures and monuments, or relax in one of the many green spaces. Freedom Park is a great place to spend a day outdoors, and admission is free, so make sure to add it to your list of free things to do in Charlotte.

If you’re looking for something a little more active, take a ride on the park’s historic carousel or explore the nature trails. Or, take a break from your stroll and explore the lake, where you can feed the ducks or take a peaceful paddleboat ride. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at Freedom Park.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the many festivals and events held at Freedom Park throughout the year. From art shows to music festivals, there’s something for everyone at Freedom Park.

4. Explore the McGlohon Theater

The McGlohon Theater is one of Charlotte’s premier venues for live entertainment. This historic theater is home to a variety of events, including concerts, plays, and comedy shows. Best of all, admission to many of the events is free, so make sure to add it to your list of free things to do in Charlotte.

If you’re looking for something a little more educational, the theater also hosts a variety of lectures and workshops. Or, take a tour of the theater and admire its stunning architecture. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at the McGlohon Theater.

Finally, don’t forget to take a stroll around the theater and explore the many bars and restaurants in the area. From craft beer bars to upscale restaurants, there’s something for everyone in the McGlohon Theater district.

5. Check Out the McColl Center for Art and Innovation

The McColl Center for Art and Innovation is a unique art center located in the heart of downtown Charlotte. This center is home to a variety of exhibitions and events, including workshops, lectures, and performances. Admission to the center is free, so make sure to add it to your list of free things to do in Charlotte.

If you’re looking for something a little more hands-on, check out one of the many art classes offered at the center. Or, take a tour of the center and explore the unique galleries and studios. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at the McColl Center for Art and Innovation.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the many outdoor sculptures and installations located throughout the center. From interactive installations to stunning sculptures, there’s something for everyone at the McColl Center for Art and Innovation.

6. Take a Stroll Through the Charlotte Nature Museum

The Charlotte Nature Museum is a unique outdoor museum located in Freedom Park. This museum is home to a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs, all of which are free to the public. Take a stroll through the museum and explore the interactive exhibits and displays, or take part in one of the many educational programs. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at the Charlotte Nature Museum.

If you’re looking for something a little more active, take a hike along the nature trails or explore the lake by paddleboat. Or, take a break from your stroll and relax in one of the many peaceful gardens. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at the Charlotte Nature Museum.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the many festivals and special events held at the museum throughout the year. From outdoor movie nights to nature scavenger hunts, there’s something for everyone at the Charlotte Nature Museum.

7. Explore the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is one of Charlotte’s premier art museums. This museum is home to a variety of modern and contemporary artworks, from sculpture and photography, to painting and installation art. Admission to the museum is free, so make sure to add it to your list of free things to do in Charlotte.

If you’re looking for something a little more interactive, take part in one of the many workshops and classes offered at the museum. Or, spend an evening at the museum and enjoy a free live performance or movie. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.

Finally, don’t forget to take a stroll around the museum and explore the many bars and restaurants in the area. From craft beer bars to upscale restaurants, there’s something for everyone in the Bechtler Museum district.

8. Visit the Mint Museum Randolph

The Mint Museum Randolph is one of Charlotte’s premier art museums. This museum is home to a variety of American and European artworks, from sculpture and photography, to painting and installation art. Admission to the museum is free, so make sure to add it to your list of free things to do in Charlotte.

If you’re looking for something a little more interactive, take part in one of the many workshops and classes offered at the museum. Or, spend an evening at the museum and enjoy a free live performance or movie. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at the Mint Museum Randolph.

Finally, don’t forget to take a stroll around the museum and explore the many bars and restaurants in the area. From craft beer bars to upscale restaurants, there’s something for everyone in the Mint Museum Randolph district.

9. Spend an Evening at the Romare Bearden Park

The Romare Bearden Park is one of Charlotte’s most beloved outdoor spaces. This sprawling park is home to a variety of attractions, from walking paths and gardens, to playgrounds and picnic areas. Take a stroll through the park and admire the stunning sculptures and monuments, or relax in one of the many green spaces. The Romare Bearden Park is a great place to spend a day outdoors, and admission is free, so make sure to add it to your list of free things to do in Charlotte.

If you’re looking for something a little more active, take a ride on the park’s historic carousel or explore the nature trails. Or, take a break from your stroll and explore the lake, where you can feed the ducks or take a peaceful paddleboat ride. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at the Romare Bearden Park.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the many festivals and events held at the park throughout the year. From art shows to music festivals, there’s something for everyone at the Romare Bearden Park.

10. Visit the Billy Graham Library

The Billy Graham Library is one of Charlotte’s most beloved attractions. This unique library is home to a variety of exhibits and interactive displays, all of which are free to the public. Take a stroll through the library and explore the interactive exhibits and displays, or take part in one of the many educational programs. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at the Billy Graham Library.

If you’re looking for something a little more active, take a tour of the library and admire its stunning architecture. Or, take a stroll through the gardens and admire the stunning sculptures and monuments. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at the Billy Graham Library.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the many festivals and special events held at the library throughout the year. From outdoor movie nights to book readings, there’s something for everyone at the Billy Graham Library.

Conclusion

Charlotte, North Carolina is a vibrant city full of culture and attractions. From its world-renowned music and art scene, to its stunning natural scenery, there’s something for everyone in the Queen City. And, if you’re on a budget, don’t worry – there are plenty of free things to do in Charlotte that will keep you entertained and help you save money. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with friends or a peaceful evening of relaxation, this list of 10 free things to do in Charlotte is sure to have something for you.