Best Free Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash

Want to have a great time in Charlotte, North Carolina, without spending a dime? Well, you’re in luck. The city offers plenty of free activities and attractions for both locals and tourists. You just have to know where to find them.

Hendrick Motorsports Museum

Hendrick Motorsports Museum celebrates the North Carolina-based NASCA team Hendrick Motorsports. Here you can learn more about their dominance in NASCAR while also checking out cool cars, trophies, and memorabilia. And you can do all of that for free.

Charlotte Liberty Walk

The Charlotte Liberty Walk will allow you to get to know the origins of Charlotte and dive deeper into the role of its citizens in the American Revolution. You don’t need to take a tour guide or pay the admission fee for it. Instead, just download the free app that will tell you where to go and what you need to know.

U.S. National Whitewater Center

You’ll have to travel to the outskirts for this one, but the U.S. National Whitewater Center is truly worth it. This recreational ground offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Or you can just embark on a relaxing stroll and enjoy the surrounding nature.

Art After Dark at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture

The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture frequently organizes Art After Dark events, during which admission to one of Charlotte’s most impressive art galleries is free. Besides enjoying the artworks of influential artists, the event also offers workshops, discussions, live music, and much more.