Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler, a local looking for weekend inspiration, or just someone who loves finding hidden gems, High Point has a treasure trove of experiences that won’t cost you a penny. From scenic outdoor escapes and cultural experiences to family-friendly adventures and community events, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy our vibrant city for free. Dive into our curated list of 50 fun and free activities that showcase the very best of High Point.
1. Make the Visitor Center your first stop in High Point. The friendly staff can assist you with where to shop, stay, dine, and play!
2. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a long distance run on any of our trails. Download the complimentary Piedmont Discovery App to learn more about nearby trails and parks.
3. Take the family to various outdoor playgrounds. Two of our larger parks have beautiful lakes as a backdrop to your outdoor experience.
4. Are you a history buff? Absorb the rich history of our city at High Point Museum.
5. Calling all dog lovers! Treat your pup to Hedgecock Park where they can play and explore off-leash. Just register your dog with High Point Parks and Recreation before visiting.
6. Summer months are rather warm in High Point. Cool off with Blessing Park’s Splash Pad!
7. Find your nature at Piedmont Environmental Center! Enjoy small animal exhibits and the North Carolina Mapscape.
8. Take advantage of the free programs at the High Point Public Library. They have offerings for kids of all ages from Littles Music and Movement and Sensory Friendly Story Time to Culinary Kids and STEM Club.
9. Check out the historical timeline
located in the High Point Visitor Center. Accompanied by an audio tour, this timeline highlights significant events in High Point’s history.
10. With High Point hosting the High Point Market, it’s no wonder we boast unique architectural buildings within our downtown area. Take a walking tour and see if you can find your favorite. Will it be the half ship or the Forbidden City?
11. Are you looking for an Instagram-worthy photo op? Visit the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers representing High
Point’s history in the furniture and textile manufacturing industry.
12. The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards hosts a variety of art exhibits throughout the year including complimentary opening receptions where you can meet the artists.
13. Walk into High Point’s “living room” at The Commons at Congdon Yards, where creativity meets collaboration.
14. Take a walk on the art side and see how many murals you can find, painted by local artists.
15. Step back in time at the February 11th Monument, a bronze bas relief commemorating the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in by 26 high school students.
16. Explore the Historic Train Depot and surrounding monuments and plaques. See if you can find out how High Point got its name.
17. World renowned jazz artist John Coltrane, who grew up in High Point, is recognized with an eight-foot bronze statue. Listen to music through the interactive kiosk and take a photo with John while you are visiting.
18. Just a few miles away is Coltrane’s childhood home. Read the marker that honors Coltrane and his accomplishments and see where he grew up.
19. Head to Furnitureland South to see the world’s largest furniture store and the world’s largest Highboy Dresser.
20. Take a moment to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The Veterans Memorial in downtown High Point is dedicated to the memory and honor of those who have served bravely in our Armed Forces, both in times of war and peace.
21. Sprinkled throughout the downtown area are various art sculptures. How many can you find?
22. Feel the sun on your face at Oak Hollow Festival Park. Open seven days a week, Oak Hollow provides shelters and a dock to enjoy while taking in the view.
23. Make new friends and get active at Brown Truck Brewery or Goofy Foot Brewery’s Run Club.
24. Face off in a pickleball tournament at Armstrong Park.
25. Experience part of the North Carolina Civil Rights Trail and visit the Golfers Protest Marker.
26. Visit the Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library, which provides a collection of more than 5,000 curated volumes spanning 600 years of design history!
27. Visit Castle McCulloch constructed in 1832 and listed on the National Historic Monument Registry. (Call ahead to make sure they are not hosting a private event.)
28. Immerse yourself in the Museum of Old Domestic Life, a 19th century historic Quaker meeting house built in 1858.
29. Are you wondering where you are from?
High Point Library is known for its in-depth genealogy department.
30. The charming and iconic Little Red Schoolhouse originally served as an annex classroom for first graders in 1931. It eventually found its way to High Point Museum and is used for programming
for young children.
31. The railroad tracks in High Point have not always been lowered. It wasn’t until 1937 that thought leaders decided to lower them due to delays at crosswalks. It took ten years to complete the lowering of the tracks and cost three workers their lives. Visit the memorial recognizing these men at the train depot to learn more.
32. Major General Maxwell Thurman coined the phrase “Be All That You Can Be” while in Washington, DC. Check out the Johnson Street Historic Walking Tour on the High Point Museum app to view his childhood home and learn more about the neighborhood.
33. Visit High Point’s Events Calendar to explore events happening in the High Point-Jamestown area, many of which are free.
34. Dance the night away at Noche de Baile, High Point’s annual event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with music, food, drinks, and dancing.
35. Immerse yourself in history at the Oakwood Memorial Cemetery. This historic cemetery features the graves of many prominent African American citizens and many unmarked graves.
36. Let your creativity flow during open mic night at Demhaj Poetry Lounge.
37. Experience the High Point Holiday Stroll, where you can enjoy free activities from carriage rides to carolers and take in all the festivity of the holiday season.
38. Explore the historic Washington Street neighborhood. The district is on the National Register of Historic Places and is known for its significance to High Point’s African American heritage.
39. Indulge in the arts with a free High Point Community Theatre performance. They
offer free entry or preview nights for some of their shows.
40. Explore exhibitions at the Sechrest Art Gallery, located on High Point University’s campus, open 8 am until 5 pm Monday through Friday during the academic year.
41. Peruse the High Point Farmers Market. Open Saturdays from April through October, you can meet local farmers, enjoy live music, and browse local produce and crafts.
42. Enjoy live music! Many bars and breweries, including Brown Truck Brewery and Stock + Grain Assembly, feature local musicians with no cover charge.
43. Explore history with the High Point Museum app! It offers guided walking and driving tours, including an African American Heritage Trail, a High Point Furniture History Tour, and a High Point Civil War Tour.
44. Ride the Social Saturday trolley throughout Downtown on the first Saturday of each month.
45. Experience Johnson Street Disc Golf, an 18-hole course open daily from sunrise to sunset.
46. Check out High Point Arts Council’s annual Arts Splash Summer Concert Series! These pop-up concerts feature a variety of artists and genres and are completely free.
47. Experience Main in Color, an annual art and design festival that takes place on Main Street.
48. Get in the holiday spirit at the High Point Holiday Party! This community event is entirely free, including everything from hot cocoa and s’more stations to trolley rides and fireworks.
49. Experience one of the longest-running arts festivals in the Triad! Day in the Park just celebrated 50 years and is the perfect family-friendly celebration.
50. Celebrate the Fourth at the Uncle Sam Jam! This annual 4th of July Celebration takes place at Oak Hollow Festival Park and is free to attend.
*Note: parking is $10 per car.
Who says you have to spend big to make big memories? High Point proves that some of the best experiences truly are free. So whether you’re exploring a new park, soaking up local art, or discovering a neighborhood event, there’s always something enriching to enjoy around every corner. Save this list, share it with a friend, and let your next cost-free adventure in High Point begin today!