Things to do this weekend in and around Charlotte
Friendly fun in Charlotte & surrounding areas for Friday, August 21, 2026 – Sunday, August 23, 2026. Check out these highlights!
(Scroll down for full list of weekend activities.)
Friday, August 21, 2026
Back To School Bash - August 21, 2026 - Charlotte, NC. Kick off the school year at Big Air Trampoline Park with $25 all-day admission, games, challenges, prizes, and a school supply drive supporting Classroom Central.
NC BeachBlast Festival - Kings Mountain, NC - August 21–22, 2026 - Kings Mountain, NC. Enjoy a beach-themed festival at Patriot Park with family-friendly activities, music, and seaside fun away from the coast.
Birding Walks - Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden - August 21, 2026 - Belmont, NC. Join a guided morning bird walk through the gardens and conservancy grounds to spot local and migratory species.
Learning for Littles - Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden - August 21, 2026 - Belmont, NC. Little ones explore nature with hands-on activities and early-learning fun in the garden.
Silent Disco - August 21, 2026 - Kannapolis, NC. Kids and families dance under the stars with wireless headphones during timed evening sessions at West Ave.
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Free summer mini photo session with Shoott! - Charlotte - August 22–23, 2026 - Charlotte, NC. Capture professional outdoor family photos in a free 30‑minute session and only purchase the edited images you love.
Baby Mystical Creatures - Weekly Class (18m-6y) - August 22, 2026 - Charlotte, NC. Young artists create unicorn, dragon, and mermaid‑inspired projects with paint, clay, and lots of giggles.
TEDxRaleigh SUMMIT 2026 - August 22, 2026 - Raleigh, NC. Hear inspiring talks on the theme “Beyond the Blueprint,” then meet the speakers to continue the conversation.
River Jam - United States National Whitewater Center - August 22, 2026 - Charlotte, NC. Spend the day on the river and stay for live music and outdoor fun at the Whitewater Center’s signature weekend series.
Shark Dive at Catawba Science Center - August 22, 2026 - Hickory, NC. Get an up‑close look at sharks and marine life during an educational aquarium experience.
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Free summer mini photo session with Shoott! - Charlotte - August 22–23, 2026 - Charlotte, NC. Wrap up the weekend with a relaxed family photo shoot and receive a gallery of high‑quality edited images.
Gastonia Ghost Peppers Home Game - August 21–23, 2026 - Gastonia, NC. Cheer on the Ghost Peppers at home for a lively minor league baseball outing the whole family can enjoy.
Hickory Crawdads Home Game - August 21–23, 2026 - Hickory, NC. Catch weekend baseball action with the Crawdads and enjoy ballpark snacks, music, and in‑game entertainment.
Shark Dive at Catawba Science Center - August 22–23, 2026 - Hickory, NC. Dive back into marine science with another chance to explore sharks and ocean creatures up close.