February in Charlotte — the top things to do

February packs a lot into its 28 days. Plan your month with this list of the top things to do February, 2026, in Charlotte.

We’re highlighting several major events this month, but keep reading, because following the featured events is our complete February calendar.

Of course, we focus on the “free and cheap” here, so many of these events are absolutely free.

Black History Month

Learn about Black History Month all throughout February, with this list of festivals, concerts, storytelling, lectures, markets and more.

Ed’s Dinosaurs Live at ImaginOn

Ed’s Dinosaurs will be at ImaginOn, 300 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC, the first Tuesday of every month, which is February 3, 2026. This is a free program for children up to age 11, and it takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free.

Lunar New Year

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at one of these Lunar New Year celebrations in Charlotte!

National Frozen Yogurt Day

Learn about the frozen yogurt deals and freebies on National Frozen Yogurt Day, on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Epiphany Chocolate Festival

Epiphany Lutheran Church in Rock Hill is presenting its Chocolate Festival on February 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate all things chocolate! Admission is free, with items for purchase.

Puppet Palooza

ImaginOn, at 300 E 7th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting Puppet Palooza, an all-day celebration of puppets, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This free event features giant roving puppet karaoke, performances, puppet crafts and so much more.

Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

The first Saturday in February is Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. Learn which local shops are opening early special ice cream breakfast menus for Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day on February 7, 2026!

Dog Days of Winter

The Whitewater Center’s Dog Days of Winter festival, on February 7, 2026, includes dog-centered vendors, dog yoga, an obstacle course, a trail race and dog walk, but most entertainingly, a chance for dogs to play on the ice rink. The festival is free, but parking is $13, and there are charges for the dogs on ice sessions, the 5K trail race and some of the other activities.

Valentine’s Day

Learn about Valentine’s Day in Charlotte. Our roundup includes special events for Valentine’s Day, a list of 50+ cheap dates, food deals, Valentine’s Day restaurants, gift ideas and more.

Mardi Gras Celebrations

Check out list of Mardi Gras celebrations in the Charlotte area, as well as where to find King Cake.

Repair Cafe

The first Repair Cafe of 2025 in Charlotte takes place February 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Innovation Barn, 932 Seigle Avenue. Bring in your broken stuff and knowledgeable volunteers will help you fix it. Free.

Fairy House Festival

The Fairy House Festival, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s very popular event on February 28, 2026, at Latta Nature Preserve, celebrates fairy houses and fairies. Children dressed as fairies and gnomes enjoy storytelling, crafts, activities and games. Tickets are $7 for ages 5 and up.

Fossil Fair

Fossil Fair takes place at Schiele Museum, 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC, on February 28, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 pm. Tickets range from $6 to $20 and include a dinosaur-themed planetarium program, digging for fossils, mining for gemstones, meeting paleontologists and much more.

Charlotte Mini-Con

Charlotte’s original comic book convention, Charlotte Mini-Con, takes place Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Stage 1 at Blume Studios, 904 Post Street, Charlotte, NC. Admission is $5, and is free for ages 16 and under with a paying adult.