Free events in Albemarle, NC

Spend an afternoon discovering art at the Guild of Charlotte Artists 2026 Artist Market. Explore works by artists while enjoying food trucks, live music, and a cash bar on the front terrace. Museum admission is free. Pack a blanket or a lawn chair so you can unwind on the lawn. The program features an artist talk with acclaimed North Carolina ceramic artist Mark Hewitt, “The Past, Present, and Future of North Carolina Ceramics,” followed by a panel discussion with ceramic artists Cynthia Bringle, Travis Owens, and Ibrahim Said.

Sip & Stroll is a community walking group in Badin that meets at Badin Coffee to connect and enjoy a tea or snack before heading out together. Created in partnership with Albemarle Girls Who Walk, it welcomes everyone, including all ages, all skill levels, and friendly furry friends. Each outing aims to offer two options, a gentler route and a longer walk of about two miles. Participants are invited to share ideas for future routes, monthly activities, and community or wellness features. The focus is on making it simple to gather, get moving, and build connections in the neighborhood.

Enjoy a relaxed Game Night at Seoul Food in the Mill District in collaboration with Charlotte Together. Admission is free and the atmosphere is welcoming for both experienced players and those trying games for the first time. Expect easy to jump into social games, good conversation, and lots of laughs, with the flexibility to arrive whenever it works for you. Come on your own or with friends to meet new people in an inclusive setting. A full menu of food and drinks will be available for purchase, and the gathering is entirely community driven.

Curb After Work showcases the Mid-Week Market with a robust lineup of more than 50 vendors. Visitors can find dairy, meats, fresh produce, baked goods, and convenient take-and-bake meals, whether you just need one last item for the pantry or something easy to slide into the oven for dinner.

A monthly Asian Night Market hosted by Urban District Market and Seoul Food Meat Co brings authentic cuisine, outdoor dining, local vendors, and karaoke together for a lively community gathering. Explore the Finally Fridays market presented by POP.culture, sample dishes from Asian food trucks, visit the Meet the Artist Room inside the UDM private event space, and sing along during karaoke in the Seoul Food courtyard. Admission is free and open to all ages. Seating is first come, first served, outside food and drinks are not permitted, and children should not be left unattended.

City of Albemarle’s Food Truck Friday brings a lively gathering at City Lake Park with live music at no cost and a wide range of dishes from food trucks. This edition features Dirty Grass Soul on stage. Participating vendors across the season include 4 Sisters, Allen’s BBQ Shack, Big Poppa J’s, Bloom & Brews, Fatback’s Soul Food & BBQ, Funtime Funnel Cake, GGC Smokehouse, Happy Eatz, Higgins & Son BBQ, House Of Odell And Luella, Make Mia Cake, Pride Catering, Snobiz, Spudwings, Tacoverse, Thai Smile, Uwharrie Brewing, and WAB #13. Pack a blanket or lawn chair for comfortable seating. Vendor availability varies.

Enjoy the Albemarle Downtown Farmers Market at Market Station, a lively showcase of fresh, locally sourced goodness. Browse stands filled with in-season produce, locally raised meats, farm-fresh goods, homemade treats, and unique handcrafted items from vendors who help the community flourish. More than a shopping trip, it is a weekly tradition where friends reconnect and shoppers meet the people behind their food. On the second Saturday of the month, look for a 90 minute flavor experience with a live cooking demonstration, guidance on putting a healthy twist on local favorites using ingredients from the market, free samples, and a nutrition Q&A.

A Homecoming community walk at Clark's Creek Greenway offers a pregame before tailgates and day-and-night parties. The CoCoEco Initiative launches the CoCoEco Walking Crew in collaboration with GirlTrek, beginning a Charlotte Greenway Series that links public health, greenspace access, community wellness, and environmental justice. Coffee from Hilltop Coffee is available for the first nine people who attend and comment, and information about learning more and signing up is shared through comments or direct message.

Celebrate the season at the fourth annual Fall Festival Food Drive, a family friendly gathering that blends community service with plenty of autumn fun. Enjoy a complimentary barbecue meal along with music performed live, playful games and activities, and inflatable attractions for kids. The heart of the day centers on coming together, serving neighbors, and sharing God’s love. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring a bag of canned goods to support local families.

Now in its third year, K-FEST brings a full day of Korean culture hosted by Seoul Food Meat Co and Urban District Market. Admission is free and the celebration welcomes all ages. The festival highlights Korean traditions, arts, and cuisine through hands-on activities, stage performances, and cultural showcases. Guests can enjoy traditional Korean games, live music, a Taekwondo demonstration, and a wide variety of Korean food and beverages. The marketplace features Korean vendors, and there are chances to win raffle prizes. Families will find a kids stamp challenge, and fans can take the stage in a K-pop dance contest and a karaoke competition. Seating is first come, first served, outside food and drinks are not permitted, and children should remain with their guardians at all times.

A central block of downtown Greensboro transforms into a car free promenade filled with local vendors, small businesses, live music, dancing, and family friendly activities. Browse pop ups, connect with neighborhood merchants, and take in performances as the street becomes a lively gathering place for all ages. This event invites exploration of downtown and showcases a range of local offerings.

A free, family-friendly outdoor screening of Toy Story 5 will take place behind Locust City Hall at the City of Locust. This community movie night is open to all thanks to local sponsors, with Charlotte Black Car Service as the Presenting Sponsor. Pack a blanket or lawn chairs to relax on the grass and enjoy the film under the stars. A drive-in area is available at the rear of the yard, with entry from Kerri Dawn Lane behind the Senior Center and Library. Additional parking can be found in Town Center public parking. Food and drinks will be available from Papa Smoke BBQ, Bayou Sno, Four Sisters Sugar Co., Wilson's Famous Funnel Cakes, and Lief Cafe. Rock Therapy will be on site with a mobile climbing wall. For more information, email jhoneycutt@locustnc.gov.