Back to School Events in Charlotte: Celebrating a New School Year With Community, Activities, and Family Fun
UPDATED 8/7/2026
Back to school season is an exciting time for Charlotte families as summer comes to an end and students prepare for a fresh start. From school supply drives and family festivals to meet-the-teacher events, community celebrations, and fun activities before the first day of class, there are plenty of ways to get ready for the year ahead.
Whether you’re looking for a free family event, a chance to stock up on school essentials, or a fun way to celebrate the transition back to the classroom, Charlotte and the surrounding communities offer activities for kids of all ages. Here’s a roundup of some of the best back to school events happening around the Queen City this August.
Kindergarten Camp
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Sugar Creek Library
Details: Ready to discover your first year of school? Bring your love of learning to the library as we explore what kindergarten is all about! This event is designed for children attending kindergarten for the first time. Caregivers are welcome to join as families learn more about the kindergarten experience and prepare for this exciting milestone.
Charlotte Knights Back to School Night
Time: 5:05 PM
Location: Truist Field
Details: Kick off the school year with an exciting night of baseball at the Charlotte Knights’ Back to School Night! The Knights take on the Durham Bulls in a family-friendly game featuring pre-game entertainment from Carolina DJ Professionals.
The first 1,000 kids through the gates will receive a Back-to-School giveaway, making it the perfect way to celebrate the start of a new school year. After the game, families can stick around for Everyone Runs the Bases, giving kids the chance to enjoy a memorable ballpark experience.
Opponent: Durham Bulls
Game Time: 5:05 PM EDT
TV: Bally Sports Live, MiLB.TV
Free Back to School Bash
Sponsored Content by KidStreet Urgent Care
Time: 4pm-6pm
Location: Charlotte, NC
Details: Get ready for the new school year at the free Back to School Bash hosted by KidStreet Urgent Care! Families can enjoy 300 free backpacks filled with school supplies (while supplies last), giveaways, face painting, bounce houses, and more.
Come celebrate the start of a new school year, connect with the KidStreet team, and enjoy a day of free family fun for children and families throughout Charlotte.
Open TAP Back-to-School Bash
Time: Saturday, August 15 | 6pm-8pm
Location: OpenTap South Charlotte
Details: Bring your family and friends for a fun-filled Back-to-School Bash featuring a Fire Truck Foam Party, Super Bounce House, live DJ, ice cream truck, permanent jewelry, fairy hair, and a silent auction. Bring a school supply or donate at the gate—each donation admits one person. Adult beverages will also be available for parents. Proceeds benefit Classroom Central, providing essential school supplies to local teachers and students.
BIG AIR BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH
Time: Friday, August 21 | All Day
Location: Big Air
Details: Celebrate the new school year with an all-day Back-to-School Bash featuring games, prizes, giveaways, and a dodgeball tournament for teams of five. Admission is $25 for the entire day. Donate school supplies for a chance to win a free admission!
Charlotte FC vs. DC United — Kids Rule Night
Time: Saturday, August 22 | 7:30 PM ET
Location: Bank of America Stadium
Details: Celebrate back-to-school season with Charlotte FC’s Kids Rule Night, a family-friendly matchday packed with fun for fans of all ages! Before the match, enjoy a free fan fest on Mint Street outside the stadium featuring a DJ, food trucks, interactive games, community activations, and more.
Inside the stadium, kids can enjoy special in-match experiences and activities throughout the concourse, including the Kids Zone with skills challenges, a giant coloring wall, and appearances from Sir Minty and other local mascots. Fans can also take home a limited-edition Sir Minty Pillow Plush Gate Giveaway, while supplies last.
The Family Fun 4-Pack includes:
Limited-edition giveaways are available first-come, first-served and are not guaranteed. Grab discounted tickets here
Read my Complete Guide to Charlotte FC Games with Kids Here
These events offer plenty of opportunities for fun and family before school starts this season in Charlotte!