Family Things to Do in Charlotte This Weekend (Nov. 13–15, 2026)

Updated Nov. 13, 2026

Looking for family things to do in Charlotte this weekend? November 13–15, 2026 is packed with kid-friendly events near Charlotte, from free holiday tree lightings to festivals, markets, and a Saturday marathon you can cheer for. This The Charlotte Family guide sticks to details we confirmed on each organizer or venue page — times, addresses, prices, and official links — so you can plan without second-guessing a recap. Free family events are called out first; a few date-night and adult concerts are grouped at the end and clearly labeled.

Top family picks this weekend

Jump to the full details below, or start with these family-first options:

Kannapolis Tree Lighting and Celebration of Lights — free Friday night kickoff with fireworks and Santa, plus lights all weekend.
Carolina Renaissance Festival, Time Travelers’ Weekend — Saturday and Sunday in Huntersville; kids 5–12 can get in free with a school-supply donation (conditions apply).
Fiesta Friday at Urban District Market — free, all-ages Friday night with a kids’ corner, music, and food trucks.
LangTree Annual Tree Lighting — Saturday evening in Mooresville with Santa, bounce houses, and face painting.
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord’s Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour — all-ages indoor plan in Concord, included with admission.
Southern Christmas Show — Charlotte’s big indoor holiday market; children 5 and under are free.

Free family events in Charlotte and nearby

Fiesta Friday at Urban District Market

Urban District Market’s monthly Fiesta Friday is an easy, no-ticket Friday night with Latin music, food trucks, a pop-up market, games, and a kids’ corner — the venue lists it as free and open to all ages. Arrive early if you want a table; seating is first come, first served, and outside food and drinks are not allowed.

When: Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, 5:00–10:00 p.m. Kids’ Corner with Johnston YMCA is listed from 6:00–8:00 p.m.; live music from 7:00–8:00 p.m.; bachata lesson and social from 8:00–10:00 p.m.
Where: Urban District Market, 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205 (closest LYNX stop: 25th Street)
Cost: Free
Ages: Open to all ages (do not leave children unattended)
Official page: https://www.udmmilldistrict.com/calendar/fiesta-friday-2026-november

Kannapolis Tree Lighting and Celebration of Lights

The City of Kannapolis kicks off the holidays Friday night at Village Park with a free tree lighting, live music, Santa’s arrival, and fireworks around 6:45 p.m. After the ceremony, the Celebration of Lights stays open through Dec. 30, with free admission and free photos with Santa; train and carousel rides are ticketed.

When: Tree lighting Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks about 6:45 p.m. Celebration of Lights: 5:30–10:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 5:30–9:00 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day), through Dec. 30.
Where: Village Park, 700 West C St., Kannapolis, NC 28081
Cost: Free admission to the park, lights, and Santa photos. Winterland Express and carousel tickets are $2.50 per person each.
Ages: Family event; Santa photos are described as being for children of all ages
Official pages: Tree lighting / holiday overview · City news release

VAPA Center Night Market

The VAPA Center’s free Night Market, held on the second Saturday of each month (Nov. 14, 2026, is that date), turns the Uptown arts building into an evening of artist studios, local vendors, live performances, free classes, and guided tours. Parking is listed as available at the building.

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Where: The VAPA Center, 700 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: Free admission; free classes and guided tours are listed
Ages: Not specified on the official page
Official page: https://www.vapacenter.com/nightmarket/

Cheer on the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon

Race registration is closed, but Saturday morning is still a free way to spend time Uptown: watch the 5K, half marathon, and marathon leave from South Tryon, then stay for the Finish Line Festival, which the organizer says is open to runners, spectators, and anyone who comes out. Expect road closures; the Spectrum Center also warns that parts of S. Tryon and nearby streets close early Saturday because of the race.

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Corrals open at 6:30 a.m. Chick-fil-A 5K starts at 7:10 a.m.; marathon and half marathon start at 7:20 a.m. Award windows are listed around 8:30 a.m. (5K), 10:00 a.m. (half), and 12:00 p.m. (marathon).
Where: Start at 525 S. Tryon St., between Brooklyn Village Ave. and Levine Ave. of the Arts, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Registration is closed. The Finish Line Festival is described as open to spectators.
Ages: Race minimums apply only to runners (5K: age 6+ running or walking with an 18+ adult; strollers welcome with a registered adult). Spectating age is not restricted on the official page.
Official pages: Event overview · Runner info and start times

Festivals and holiday kickoffs

Southern Christmas Show

The 59th Southern Christmas Show fills The Park Expo with hundreds of vendors, décor, gifts, and stage entertainment — a classic indoor plan if the weather turns. Children ages 5 and under get free general admission; weekend and weekday tickets are different, and Saturday’s Early Bird VIP hour is a separate ticket (strollers and wagons are not allowed during that early entry).

When: Show runs Nov. 11–22, 2026. This weekend: Friday 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (Early Bird VIP 8:00–10:00 a.m.); Sunday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Where: The Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28205
Cost: Adult weekday (valid Friday, Nov. 13, among other weekdays): $22 + $1 service fee. Adult weekend (Saturday or Sunday): $25 + $1 service fee. Child ages 6–12: $12 + $1 service fee. Ages 5 and under: free general admission. Early Bird VIP (Saturday 8:00–10:00 a.m., includes that day’s general admission): $28 + $1 service fee, all ages; child tickets are not accepted for Early Bird.
Ages: Child tickets are sold for ages 6–12; ages 5 and under are free for general admission
Official pages: Dates and hours · Tickets

Carolina Renaissance Festival — Time Travelers’ Weekend

The festival village in Huntersville is open Saturday and Sunday this weekend with jousting, shows, artisans, and rides, plus a Time Travelers’ theme (costumes from any genre are welcome). The big family break: children ages 5–12 are free with a school-supply donation that benefits Classroom Central (ages 4 and under are always free). Adults still need a ticket, and tickets are date-specific.

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026. Pre-opening gate show at 9:05 a.m.; gates 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Costume contest starts at 2:30 p.m. for children, with the adult contest after.
Where: Carolina Renaissance Festival, 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
Cost: Adults (13+): $37.99 + sales tax. Children 5–12: $23.99 + sales tax, or free this weekend with a qualifying school-supply donation at the gate. Ages 4 and under: always free. Parking is free. Confirm accepted supply items on the official Time Travelers page.
Ages: Family festival; free-child offer covers ages 5–12 (4 and under always free). Adults accompanying free-child tickets must already have a ticket if the date is sold out.
Official pages: Time Travelers’ Weekend · Fast facts · Ticket prices

All Pro Dad Experience at Bank of America Stadium

This official All Pro Dad event puts dads and their kids on the Bank of America Stadium field with Panthers head coach Dave Canales for a Friday evening of on-field activities and practical fatherhood tips. Check the official page for ticket availability before you go; some local coverage has described the event as sold out with a waitlist, but the organizer page we checked did not state that.

When: Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Where: Bank of America Stadium, 800 South Mint Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: Not listed on the official event page; confirm when checking availability
Ages: Described as an event for you and your kids; a specific age range is not stated on the official page
Official page: https://allprodad.com/charlotte-all-pro-dad-experience/

Markets and hands-on fun

South End Farmers Market at Atherton Mill

The market’s own site lists Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, as a regular year-round Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., outdoors at Atherton Mill on the Rail Trail — a low-key morning for produce, meats, baked goods, and crafts. No admission ticket is listed on the organizer site. (The Atherton venue calendar lists 9:00 a.m.; we are using the market’s own 8:00 a.m. start.)

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Where: Atherton Mill / Rail Trail, 2000 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 (access from Tremont Avenue or behind Vin Master; near the East/West LYNX stop)
Cost: No admission fee listed on the organizer site; SNAP/EBT and Double Bucks are accepted
Ages: Not specified
Official page: https://southendmkt.com/

VTGCLT Pop at Camp North End

VTGCLT Pop returns to Camp North End as a holiday pop-up with products from 100-plus local and regional vintage and handmade brands. It opens Friday, Nov. 13, and runs Friday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., through Dec. 8 (then daily through Dec. 23). Admission is not listed on the venue page, so confirm at the door or on the Camp North End listing.

When: Friday, Nov. 13–Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026 (and subsequent weekends), 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Where: 1701 N. Graham St., Suite 110, Camp North End, Charlotte, NC (the listing says it is next to You Vs Yourself and Glitch Tattoo, across from the food stalls)
Cost: Not listed on the official venue page
Ages: Not specified
Official page: https://camp.nc/tenant/vtgclt-pop-2/?occurrence=2026-11-13

Sports the whole family can watch

Major League Table Tennis at the Charlotte Convention Center

Professional table tennis comes downtown all weekend, with the Carolina Gold Rush in the mix and a FanZone that the league says includes free-play tables and interactive games — a rare sports outing that can work for kids who like to move between matches. Sessions last about two hours; doors open one hour before first serve.

When: Friday, Nov. 13: 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14: 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15: 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (all times Eastern)
Where: Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: A weekend pass is listed at $107.50 on the official ticket page; check that site for single-session and seating options (general admission, courtside, VIP)
Ages: Not specified; FanZone is described as including free-play tables and interactive games
Official pages: Weekend schedule preview · Weekend pass tickets

(The marathon is listed under free family events above.)

Kid-friendly events near Charlotte (Concord, Huntersville, Kannapolis, and Lake Norman)

LangTree Annual Tree Lighting (Mooresville / Lake Norman)

LangTree Lake Norman’s annual tree lighting is a Saturday evening built for kids: Santa, bounce houses, face painting, a North Pole Post Office, craft and food vendors, a live DJ, and the LangTree Charter Academy Band, with the lighting ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Admission is not listed on the organizer’s event page, so confirm before you go.

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, 5:00–9:00 p.m.; tree lighting at 7:30 p.m.
Where: 401 Langtree Road, Mooresville, NC 28117 (address confirmed on Visit Mooresville’s listing of the same event; date and program confirmed on LangTree’s own event page)
Cost: Not listed on the organizer event page
Ages: Family-oriented programming (Santa, bounce houses, face painting) is listed; no formal age limit is stated
Official pages: LangTree event page · Visit Mooresville listing (address)

Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival (Huntersville)

Historic Rural Hill hosts two days of sheepdog trials, dog-sport demos, vendors, and food trucks, and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. Saturday afternoon includes Huntersville’s Next Top Dog Show. The official page does not list ticket prices; use the organizer site or its ticket partner before you drive out to Neck Road (there is no public access via Jim Kidd Road).

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (rain or shine; no weather refunds)
Where: Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
Cost: Not listed on the official Rural Hill event page we checked
Ages: Described as fun for the whole family; leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome
Official page: https://ruralhill.net/item/2025-sheepdog-trials-and-dog-festival/

Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord

If you want a predictable indoor plan in the suburbs, SEA LIFE at Concord Mills is running its Animal Crossing–themed aquarium tour through Dec. 6, and it is included with general admission. The official hours board we checked lists Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13–14, as 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (last entry 5:00 p.m.); confirm Sunday hours on the same page before you go. November is also Military Appreciation Month: military members are listed as receiving free entry, with 30% off for friends and family.

When: Ongoing Sept. 24–Dec. 6, 2026, during attraction hours. Confirmed this weekend: Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; last entry 5:00 p.m.; touch pool 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Times can change.
Where: SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC 28027 (Concord Mills Entrance 7)
Cost: Starting at $19; the themed tour is included with admission
Ages: All ages
Official pages: Events · Opening hours · Directions · Tickets

(Kannapolis and the Renaissance Festival are detailed in the sections above.)

Date-night and adult picks (not aimed at young kids)

These are worth knowing about if you have a sitter, older kids, or a night out — they are not the core of this family guide.

Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More (ages 8+)

Fever’s candlelight series brings a string quartet (Charlotte Strings) to The Barrel Room at Triple C Brewing for a 60-minute Vivaldi program. This is one of the more family-compatible “date night” options only because the official listing allows ages 8 and up (under 16 must come with an adult). Three seatings are listed Saturday.

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:45 p.m. (about 60 minutes; doors 45 minutes prior; no late entry)
Where: The Barrel Room at Triple C Brewing, 2832 Griffith St., Charlotte, NC 28203
Cost: From $35
Ages: 8 and older; under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Official page: https://feverup.com/m/115154

Charlotte Symphony: Bach 360

Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees leads a CSO 360 program of Bach and composers shaped by his music, with the Charlotte Master Chorale Chamber Choir, in the intimate Booth Playhouse. The venue page lists the event for Nov. 13–14 and shows a Saturday 7:30 p.m. performance; confirm Friday’s curtain time on the ticket page when you buy.

When: Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Saturday at 7:30 p.m. is listed on the Blumenthal event page; confirm Friday’s time at checkout.
Where: Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: Starting at $47.02
Ages: Not specified
Official page: https://www.blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/charlotte-symphony-bach-360

Boney James Live

The saxophonist plays Knight Theater on Saturday night in support of his album A Simple Man — a sit-down concert better treated as a date night than a kids’ outing.

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, 8:00 p.m.
Where: Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: Starting at $65.13
Ages: Not specified
Official page: https://www.blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/boney-james-1

John Summit — CTRL ESCAPE Arena Tour

EDM producer John Summit brings an arena show to Spectrum Center on Saturday night. Doors are at 5:30 p.m. Plan extra travel time: the venue posts a marathon-related traffic advisory for Saturday in Uptown. Ticket prices were not listed on the venue page we checked.

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Doors 5:30 p.m.; show 7:00 p.m.
Where: Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: Not listed on the official venue page; buy through the venue’s ticket link
Ages: Not specified on the venue page (adult concert)
Official page: https://www.spectrumcentercharlotte.com/events/detail/john-summit

Jack White Live 2026

Jack White is booked at The Fillmore Charlotte on Saturday night — a standing-room rock show, not a family billing. Ticket prices were not listed on the Live Nation event page we checked.

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Fillmore Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St., Charlotte, NC 28206
Cost: Not listed on the official Live Nation event page
Ages: Not specified (adult concert)
Official pages: Live Nation event · Venue / address

Frequently asked questions

What are the best free family things to do in Charlotte this weekend?

Start with Fiesta Friday (free, all ages) on Friday night, the Kannapolis tree lighting and lights (free admission) Friday through Sunday, the free VAPA Center Night Market on Saturday evening, and cheering on the Charlotte Marathon Saturday morning. In Huntersville, kids 5–12 can enter the Renaissance Festival free this weekend with a school-supply donation; adults still need tickets.

What is there to do with kids near Charlotte, not just Uptown?

This weekend’s strongest nearby options we verified are the Kannapolis tree lighting (Village Park), LangTree’s tree lighting in Mooresville, the Carolina Renaissance Festival and Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials in Huntersville, and SEA LIFE’s Animal Crossing tour at Concord Mills.

Which events work for young kids?

Fiesta Friday is listed as open to all ages and includes a kids’ corner. Kannapolis and LangTree are built around Santa and holiday lights; LangTree also lists bounce houses and face painting. SEA LIFE is listed for all ages. The Renaissance Festival’s free-child offer covers ages 5–12 (ages 4 and under are always free). The Candlelight concert is only for ages 8 and up. We did not get a stated age range for every event; when the official page is silent, we say so.

Is the Southern Christmas Show open this weekend, and what does it cost for a family?

Yes. This weekend it is open Friday 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Adult weekday tickets (Friday) are $22, adult weekend tickets are $25, child tickets (ages 6–12) are $12, and ages 5 and under are free for general admission, plus a $1-per-ticket service fee on paid tickets.

Are there still tickets for the Charlotte Marathon?

No. The official event page lists registration as closed. Watching from the course and attending the Finish Line Festival is how families can still take part.

More weekends: things to do this weekend · free family events · Charlotte holiday events