The Best Things to Do and See in Charlotte in August – Charlotte Magazine

It’s hot out, but there’s plenty to do in these dog days of Charlotte summer. All of these Charlotte events in August welcome kids but will also entertain adults. Even though these are all billed as family-friendly, use your own judgment. (But you already knew that.)

Friday Nights at Camp North End

End each week through Nov. 22 with live music and enjoy the site’s 76 acres of shops, restaurants, bars, and public art. Every Friday, 5-9 p.m. Camp North End. Free

August lineup: 

(music starts at 6 p.m.)

Aug. 2: Nero Tindal IV and Dammit Wesley

Aug. 9: Emanuel Wynter + E’lon JD and Maracaboi

Aug. 16: Micki Blendz and William Hinson + Galloway

Aug. 23: Pers3vere and River Whyless

Aug. 30: Lisa De Novo + The Abbey Elmore Duo and Zulu

River Jam

Various Dates  

The U.S. National Whitewater Center holds concerts on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights through September. Bring a blanket or chairs; grab a bite or pint from one of the on-site restaurants and bars; and enjoy the tunes while your kids play in the grass. Bands start at 6:30 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Center. Entry is free, but parking starts at $12.

Charlotte Knights games

Various Dates  

Charlotte’s Minor League Baseball team has 15 home games in August. Check the website for game themes, like Sunday Family Funday: Dino Day on Aug. 4. Truist Field. Tickets start at $16. 

Carowinds Summer Music Fest

Aug. 2, 3, 9, & 10  

On select Friday and Saturday evenings in August, Carowinds hosts concerts on stages throughout the park that are free with park admission. It may make a day at the theme park with the kids a little more bearable. Or beat the daytime heat: Headliner performances begin at 8 p.m. or later, and the park also offers discounted admission after 4 p.m. Carowinds. Free with park admission.

August headliners:

Aug. 2: Skillet with 10 Years

Aug. 3: Sugar Ray with Better Than Ezra & Tonic

Aug. 9: Flo Rida with Blanco Brown

Aug. 10: Russell Dickerson with Tyler Rich

Cirque du Soleil Corteo

Aug. 1-4 

Is the show about a clown who “envisions that his own burial will take place amid a carnival atmosphere and be attended by tender angels”? Technically, yes. But are your kids going to realize that? Probably not. They’ll just enjoy the cool acrobats and (very much alive) clowns. Cirque de Soleil and tons of parents online say Corteo is perfectly kid-friendly. The show even offers family ticket deals. Bojangles Coliseum. Standard tickets start at $64.

The Lion King

Starting Aug. 8

Based on the Disney movie, this Broadway rendition has won six Tony Awards and is one of Broadway’s most popular shows.Belk Theater. Tickets start at $35. 

Women Rock for Women’s Rights

Sunday, Aug. 11

Bring the whole family to Resident Culture Brewing Co. to rock out in support of women’s rights. The inaugural event features six local female-led music acts, raffles, food trucks, beer, and vendors, and raises awareness and money for Charlotte for Choice. Organizers note that the event is family-friendly, though the performing artists won’t be censored.   1-6 p.m. Resident Culture Brewing Co. (Plaza Midwood location). Tickets start at $25.

Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade

Aug. 17-18 

Charlotte Pride hosts its annual Pride Parade and two-day festival, which includes performances by Baby Tate, Slayyyter, and Bob the Drag Queen; food and beverage vendors; and a Charlotte Pride Drag Pageant. There’s also a Family & Youth Zone, on The Green at 425 S. Tryon St., with special entertainment, a drag queen story hour, arts and crafts, and more. Uptown. Free.

Panthers Preseason Home Game

Saturday, Aug. 17

The Carolina Panthers host the New York Jets. 7 p.m. Bank of America Stadium. Tickets start at $20.

Monster Truck Bash

Saturday, Aug. 17

It’s difficult to be bored at any age while watching 2,000-horsepower monster trucks compete, do tricks, crush cars, and fly. This monster truck rally, held on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Dirt Track, starts at 7 p.m., but ticket holders can come early for a “Pit Party” with inflatable slides, monster truck rides, bounce houses, face painting, an autograph session, food, and souvenirs. Gates open at 4 p.m. Charlotte Motor Speedway. Tickets: $30 for adults; $10 for kids under 13. 

Cornelius Jazz Festival

Saturday, Aug. 24

A smooooth evening of jazz, food trucks, local craft beer and wine, and kids activities. 6-10 p.m. Smithville Park, Cornelius. Free.