Make Father’s Day 2026 special in the Charlotte area with these ideas about how to spend the weekend. Keep reading for food deals, special events and a calendar for the whole weekend.
As Dad always says, “We’re not made of money.” Also, “Close the door, we don’t own the electric company.” And “If your friends jumped off the bridge would you do it too?”
Check out some of these events and deals and start planning for a special Father’s Day on the cheap. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21, 2026. Some of these events take place on other days on Father’s Day Weekend and some of the activities are always available.
Make sure to follow the links for important details.
Also, scroll down for our complete Father’s Day Weekend calendar!
We’ve also put together a list of ideas for Father’s Day Brunch, Lunch or Dinner in Charlotte.
You can also keep track of free and cheap things to do in the Charlotte area by subscribing to the free email list and following us on Facebook.
Grab a food deal
Keep checking for updates! We add them as we see them! Many deals are only announced a day or so before Father’s Day.
Carolina Ale House
Carolina Ale House is offering dads a free Varsity Cheeseburger on June 21, 2026. In person only, available in North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee locations.
Dairy Queen
Get a DQ Sparkler or DQ Cooler for 50¢ each day from June 15 to 21, 2026. No additional purchase required. You have to be a DQ Rewards member to get the deal, which you can redeem once a day during that time.
Jason’s Deli
Celebrate Father’s Day at Jason’s Deli with a sweet treat for Dad. On June 21, Deli Dollars Rewards members will receive a free dessert with purchase at participating locations. Guests can also take advantage of Jason’s Deli’s Spring Gift Card offer, where guests receive a $5 bonus card with the purchase of a $50 gift card. Guests are encouraged to check with their local deli for participation and offer details. Press release.
National Smoothie Day Deals
June 21, 2026, is National Smoothie Day, and several smoothie chains are offering free or discounted smoothies. Check out our list of National Smoothie Day deals.
Scooter’s Coffee
Scooter’s Coffee is offering a buy one get one free from June 19 to 21, 2026, after 11 a.m. Must use Scooter’s mobile app. One redemption per guest. One-time use deal. Find all locations of Scooter’s Coffee.
TCBY
Dads get their first 6 oz. of frozen yogurt for free at TCBY on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The specific offer might vary by location. For self-serve stores, toppings are included in the 6-ounce weight, with customer paying the difference if it weighs more than 6 ounces. For traditional over-the-counter stores, toppings are extra. Participating locations only.
Town Brewing
Dads eat for free (one free item per dad) at Town Brewing, 800 Grandin Road, Charlotte, NC, on Sunday, June 21, 2026. (And keep reading to learn about Town Brewing’s Father’s Day party.)
World Cup Watch Parties
The World Cup is in full swing this weekend! Check out the list we’ve compiled of World Cup watch parties around Charlotte.
Dad Bods and Hot Rods
Both locations of Primal Brewery are hosting Dad Bods and Hot Rods on June 21, 2026. The events includes a car show, cornhole competition, live music, a food truck and more. Info on the Huntersville location’s event here. And info on the Belmont location’s event here. Pints & Pops 16432 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC, and 52 Ervin Street, Belmont, NC.
Go “Fishing”
Take the kids “fishing” at Bass Pro Shops. They’ll have activities like a catch and release pond and casting challenges. This free event takes place June 13 and 14, and June 20 and 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. While you’re there, shop the Father’s Day sale! 8181 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC, and 1000 Cabelas Drive, Fort Mill, SC.
Donuts with Dad and Alpacas
Good Karma Ranch Alpacas is celebrating Father’s Day with Donuts with Dad on June 21, 2026. There are sessions at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., but the 11:30 a.m. session seems to be sold out at the time of this update. The cost is $15 per person (kids 3 and under are admitted free.) Enjoy donuts and meeting and taking pictures with alpacas. Reservations are required.
Car Show
Jekyll and Hyde Taphouse and Grill, 316 North Trade Street, Matthews, NC, is hosting its 10th annual Father’s Day Car Show on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s free to attend. If you’d like to enter a car the fee is $20.
Celebrate Juneteenth Weekend
Celebrate freedom at Juneteenth celebrations throughout the weekend. Most of the events are on Friday, June 19, 2026, but events continue through the weekend. Check out the list of Juneteenth celebrations.
Father’s Day Party at Town Brewing
Town Brewing Company, 800 Grandin Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting a Father’s Day party on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Dads eat free (one free item per dad) all day, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Plus, there will be a craft station where kids can make Father’s Day cards, and lawn games. From 1 to 4 p.m. there will be live music.
Free Mini-Golf
Dads play mini-golf for free on June 21, 2026, at Mr. Putty’s Fun Park, 2333 Dam Road, Tega Cay, South Carolina, on Father’s Day. The attraction is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Party in the Park
Enjoy an afternoon on the lawn of Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. Party in the Park is a free event that features live music, art activities, a cash bar and food trucks, as well as free museum admission.
Kart Racing
If a dad you know has the need for speed, take him to The Pit Indoor Kart Racing on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, 2026. All dads accompanied by a kid paying the full price for a race will get to race for free.
After that first race, dads get half-price races the rest of the day. The Pit is at 346 East Plaza Drive, Mooresville, North Carolina, and is open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Free Grill Spatulas
Lowe’s is giving away free grill spatulas on Saturday, June 20, 2026. It’s available to the first 150 customers at each store. Must have a MyLowe’s membership to receive one.
Go to an Outdoor Movie
There are lots of outdoor movies in Charlotte and most of them are free. There are many choices on Father’s Day weekend!
Outdoor Concerts
Check out our big list of outdoor concerts in the Charlotte area. Most are free. On Father’s Day Weekend there are at least 16 outdoor concerts, most free.
Show off Dad’s Skills
Super Abari Game Bar, 1015 Seigle Avenue, Charlotte, is a bar/arcade with a ton of video games and pinball machines. Challenge Dad to an old-school competition!
Explore a Waterfall
Get out of town and cool down at a breathtaking North Carolina waterfall. We’ve put together a photo guide to 9 of them. Make sure to visit the official website for each waterfall or park to verify that it’s open (some might still be closed from hurricane damage.)
Pick Berries
Many farms in our area let you pick your own produce. Right now farms are starting to feature U-pick blueberries, and maybe blackberries. Check out one of these U-pick farms near Charlotte, pick some fresh, delicious berries, and make a pie for Dad!
Go on a Hike
If you think you’ve seen it all, try one of these hikes. Our list of 50+ hikes and walks in the Charlotte area will almost certainly include something you haven’t tried yet.
Go on a Charlotte Walking Tour
Explore the history of a neighborhood in Charlotte with one of these self-guided walking tours, including NoDa, Elizabeth, Plaza Midwood, and Fourth Ward.
Complete Father’s Day Weekend Calendar
Looking for more stuff to do Father’s Day Weekend? Here you go!
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