Want to start 2026 out on the right foot? Here are some events on New Year’s Day in Charlotte. Many of them are free.
Enjoy food and community at a New Year’s Day “free food” event at a brewery, or visit one of the restaurants that are open on New Year’s Day It’s a popular tradition to take a hike on the “first day,” so why not get out into nature?
Read on to learn about some special New Year’s Day events in Charlotte. Then keep reading for a full list of everything on our calendar for Thursday, January 1, 2026.
We are also including some of the holiday attractions that are ongoing, even though they are not what we’d call free or cheap, so that you have the full picture of what’s going on.
New Year’s Day Events in Charlotte
Free Soup Day
Free Soup Day
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.
Place: Free Range Brewing, 2320 N Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Free soup, bread and sweet treats from 20+ local chefs.
Birdsong Brewing’s New Year’s Day Party
10th Annual New Year’s Day Party — bagels and coffee
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. while supplies last)
Place: Birdsong Brewing Co., 1016 N Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (2 food items or $5+ donation)
Features: Bagels, spreads, and Counter Culture Coffee.
4th Annual Chili Cook-Off
Vaulted Oak’s 5th Annual Chili Cook-Off
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Place: Vaulted Oak, 3726 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free to taste and judge when you buy one beverage. $35 to enter the contest. Cash prizes for winners.
Features: Be a judge! Try all the chili!
First Footin’ at Rural Hill
First Footin’ at Rural Hill
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Place: Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC
Cost: $6.76
Features: Celebrate the Scottish tradition of Hogmanay by walking the 2.5 miles of the borders of Rural Hill, stopping together to listen to stories of history and folklore. Then enjoy the Stone Soup Blessing and Gathering and join in a communal luncheon.
Barefoot Skiing Tournament
Barefoot Skiing Tournament
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: 12 p.m.
Place: Lake Norman Marina, 6965 NC Highway 150, Sherrills Ford, NC
Cost: Free to watch
Features: This barefoot water skiing tournament draws competitors from around the country, regaling spectators with advanced starts and tricks.
First Day Hikes
First Day Hikes in State Parks
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: Various times
Place: Several state parks
Cost: Free
Features: North Carolina State Parks have a tradition of First Day Hikes. Follow the above link to learn about the First Day Hikes taking place close to Charlotte.
Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K
Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: The start and finish line is 9100 Robert D. Snyder Road, Charlotte, NC
Cost: $45. Or $14 for the Kids’ Dash, which is at 11 a.m.
Features: Run/walk along the greenway. Includes post-race food and drink.
