Free things to do this weekend in and around Charlotte

Charlotte's Top Picks for FREE family-friendly fun Friday, May 15, 2026 to Sunday, May 17, 2026.

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

• Free Fun Fridays at Johnston YMCA - Yscholars - Johnston YMCA, 3025 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, Friday, May 15, 10:00am
• Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Charlotte - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Saturday, May 16 - Sunday, May 17, See link for times
• Cornelius Jazz Festival - Smithville Park, 17738 West Catawba Street, Cornelius, NC, Saturday, May 16, 6 pm - 10 pm
• Free Stories Under the Stars Series - 401 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC, Saturday, May 16, 7 p.m.
• LNP: Animal Meet & Greet - Drop-In - Quest at Latta Nature Preserve, Sample Road, Huntersville, NC, Saturday, May 16, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
• Free Museum Admission for Active Duty Military Families - NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures, 440 South Salisbury Avenue, Spencer, NC 28159, Saturday, May 16, 10:00AM to 04:00PM
• Free Community Mental Health Fair - Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105, Saturday, May 16, 9AM-12PM
• SCNP: Animal Care Behind-the-Scenes - 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, Sunday, May 17, 1:30pm to 2:30pm
• LNP: Insect Investigations - Quest at Latta Nature Preserve, Sample Road, Huntersville, NC, Sunday, May 17, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM