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In This Issue...

10,000 Scoops of Free Ice Cream for Charlotte June 16

On Thursday, June 16th, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., get FREE ice cream on the corner of Trade and Tryon Streets in Uptown Charlotte.

We have a big day-by-day list of food, drink and restaurant deals in the Charlotte area, so if you're feeling hungry, check it out! We update it every day.

Moose Tracks Ice Cream is giving away 10,000...

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Sam's Club Membership: $24.88 (includes $10 Sam's Club E-Gift Card)

If you have never shopped Sam's Club, now is a good time to start (read on for a special deal!) Part of Walmart, Sam's Club is a membership warehouse club.

Two Deals for Sam's Club Membership

Right now we can offer two different deals for Sam's Club membership. Read on to see which is best for you.

Option 1:...

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Find the cheapest gas in Charlotte area

Photo: Depositphotos

Find the cheapest gas prices in the Charlotte area in the chart below. Powered by Gas Buddy.

The Gas Buddy map below will show the places that have cheap gas near you, and the chart will show the cheapest gas prices in the Charlotte area. All information is supplied by Gas Buddy users.

But remember that you may save even...

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Free and cheap things to do in Charlotte this weekend

This list includes things to do in Charlotte, NC, and surrounding areas, this weekend, from Friday to Sunday. (Or Monday if it's a holiday weekend.)

You'll find festivals, live music and dance, kids' activities, organized hikes, seasonal activities, learning opportunities and so much more.

We focus on free and cheap...

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Big list of Charlotte 4th of July fireworks and celebrations, including SkyShow, for 2022
photo: Depositphotos

Charlotte's biggest 4th of July celebrations are back in 2022! Here's a list of fireworks displays, plus parades, celebrations and more. Notably, WBT SkyShow is back! Not to mention the U.S. National Whitewater Center 4th of July Celebration, Carowinds' Celebrate America Fireworks Show, parades and more!...

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Barbershop Harmony Society's International Convention coming to Charlotte (special ticket price for locals!)


Thrill to the sounds of vocal harmony's biggest week!

It might be hard to imagine a crowd that is simultaneously loud and extremely polite… or a contest that is fiercely competitive, yet the top players actively help their rivals do better — and after the game, they all hang out with their opponents and keep playing all night...

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Father's Day 2022: freebies, discounts, and things to do

Make Father's Day 2022 special in the Charlotte area with these ideas about how to spend the weekend. When more deals, freebies or events are announced we'll let you know that too!

As Dad always says, “We're not made of money.” Also, “Close the door, we don't own the electric company.” And...

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23 Juneteenth celebrations in Charlotte area in 2022, including Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas

Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of the enslavement of African-American people in the United States.

It marks the day, June 19th, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation (which had been issued on January 1st, 1863) was finally read to enslaved African-Americans in Texas.

It took more than two years for word of freedom to get to...

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Free car wash at new Sam's Xpress Car Wash near Concord Mills (also, free food)

Sam's Xpress Car Wash is opening near Concord Mills, at 13701 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, and they're celebrating by offering FREE car washes all day on Friday, June 17th, 2022, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The free car washes are at the Concord Mills location only.

There will also be music, prizes, and FREE food from 12 to 6...

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Thursdays Live concert in MoRA: Caleb Wolfe (plus free inflatable games and face painting)

The 3rd Thursday of the month, from April to September, 2022, Monroe Road Advocates (MoRA), with presenting sponsor Edge City Brewery, presents Thursdays Live.

The events will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Embrace Community Sculpture, 6697 Monroe Road.

The next Thursdays Live event is on June 16th, 2022, featuring country artist...

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Bechtler's Museum of Modern Art: Discounted membership for Father's Day
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

From Thursday, June 16th, to Sunday, June 19th, 2022, get 20% off memberships, whether it's for a new or returning member. Use the promo code DADS22 and purchase it online, or call 704-353-9209.

The membership includes free admission, discounts to museum programs, invitations to member-only events, museum...

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3rd Annual SASney World at SAS Cupcakes Blakeney June 21-26

SAS Cupcakes, at 9941 Rea Rd. Suite, regularly holds free events for families, with themed goodies for purchase. Here is one that is coming up.


3rd Annual SASney World
June 21st to June 26th, 2022
Tuesday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free to visit (just pay for...

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Ballantyne Live: free outdoor concert series at Ballantyne Village
Photo: Depositphotos

Ballantyne Live is a Thursday night music series at Ballantyne Village, 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Charlotte.

Do you love outdoor concerts? They're not just for summer! Make sure to check out HUGE day-by-day list of outdoor concerts around Charlotte. Most are free.

It takes place every Thursday from May 5th to...

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Free and cheap things to do in Charlotte this week

What is there to do this week in Charlotte? A lot! This list includes things to do in Charlotte, and surrounding areas, this week, from Monday to Sunday.

You'll find festivals, live music and dance, kids' activities, organized hikes, seasonal activities, learning opportunities and so much more.

We focus on free and cheap events,...

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AKT & Safe House Project: Dance and Market Event at Symphony Park

AKT has partnered with non-profit Safe House Project to host a dance and market event at Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Park, Charlotte, on July 30th, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The day will start with a 9 a.m. donation-based class hosted by AKT in the bandshell. Sweat and dance it out with us for a 45 minute dance cardio workout. A minimum $10...

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Myers Park Summer Series — free chamber music concerts at Myers Park Presbyterian Church

Myers Park Summer Series is a free chamber music series at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, in May and June, 2022.

The six concerts take place at 7 p.m.:

Charlotte Piano Trio 3rd Anniversary Concert
Monday, May 16th, 2022
The Charlotte Piano Trio will revisit the first piece it ever performed three years...

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Cine Casual Film Series screening at Independent Picture House this weekend (be the first to see this theater!)

Cine Casual Film Series presents recent, internationally-acclaimed and award-winning Latin American films, specially curated for the Queen City.

The films will be screened at various venues, from May 21st to June 18th, 2022. Tickets are $6 per film. Find more information about the films and purchase tickets here.

Films will be shown with...

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Summer Concert Series at Anne Springs Close Greenway

Anne Springs Close Greenway, 2573 Lake Haigler Drive, in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is hosting a Summer Concert Series that will run on Thursdays from May 5th through June 30th, 2022.

Do you love outdoor concerts? They're not just for summer! Make sure to check out HUGE day-by-day list of outdoor concerts around Charlotte. Most are...

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Popeyes celebrates 50th Birthday with two pieces of chicken for 59¢

Popeyes has been serving up chicken since 1972. It's celebrating its 50th birthday by rolling back prices! For one week you can get two pieces of chicken at 1972 prices.

We have a big day-by-day list of food, drink and restaurant deals in the Charlotte area, so if you're feeling hungry, check it out! We update it every day.

Photo:...

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Free smoothie at Clean Juice for National Smoothie Day June 21

Clean Juice is celebrating National Smoothie Day, on June 21st, 2022, with several special deals.

Clean Juice is a USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise with 200 locations nationwide.


Clean Juice National Smoothie Week deals:

  • A free 16oz smoothie on National Smoothie Day (Tuesday, June 21st, 2022) with any purchase on the Clean Juice...

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Free BBQ sauce at Keith Clinic for Father's Day June 13-19

Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic is thanking dads for the “grate” job they do with a BBQ sauce giveaway.

Visit any of the four Keith Clinics in Charlotte from June 13th to 19th, 2022, and get a FREE bottle of BBQ sauce to celebrate Father's Day.

Read about more Father's Day freebies and events in the Charlotte...

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Gantt Center — Art After Dark and Juneteenth Celebration
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture, at 551 South Tryon Street at Levine Center for the Arts, celebrates the contributions to our art and culture by African and African-American people. It features changing exhibits, and frequently hosts low-priced arts events for the community, giving them a...

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Around the World Storytime at Museum of the Alphabet

Museum of the Alphabet, at 6409 Davis Road, Waxhaw, takes a close look at language, culture and Bible translation. Trace the history of writing and learn where your alphabet came from.

Museum of the Alphabet is open and free to visit. It's open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The museum also presents some special events throughout...

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Music at the Met on Thursdays through September

Metropolitan's music series, Music at the Met, is returning! It will take place every Thursday from May 12th to September 29th, 2022, from 6 to 9 p.m.

It takes place next to Dressler's.

Do you love outdoor concerts? They're not just for summer! Make sure to check out HUGE day-by-day list of outdoor concerts around Charlotte....

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Gaston FolkSing at Gaston Pour House June 16


Gaston Pour House, at 170 S. South Street, Gastonia, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, light bites, wine, cocktails and beer.

They also host frequent events, with no cover. You can find all the events on their Facebook page.

June Gaston FolkSing
Thursday, June 16th, 2022
8 to 10 p.m.
Free

This is a monthly gathering of...

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20+ free and cheap things for kids to do this summer around Charlotte

Your kids can have fun in the Charlotte area this summer without putting a hurting to your wallet. Most of these activities are free, and the ones that aren't are pretty cheap. Follow the links for details on each.

This list is for 2022.

Also, scroll down for a huge, constantly updated, list of upcoming free and cheap events for kids.

Find...

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Drive-in movies near Charlotte — what to see this weekend

There are three drive-in theaters fairly close to Charlotte, and they are a great source of affordable family entertainment.

Hound's Drive-In, in Kings Mountain, and Badin Road Drive-In, in Albemarle, are both operating. Sunset Drive-In, in Shelby, is not open for the season yet.

In addition to those three, there are often pop-up...

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It's back! Save up to 50% at Great Wolf Lodge in Concord — dates into October

If you'd like to make your kids very, very happy, and also save some money, check out the Groupon for Great Wolf Lodge.

They are offering deals on a number of different kinds of suites, with discounts up to 55% off, with dates on and off through the middle of June, 2022.

Check out all the dates and prices.

Great Wolf Lodge features:

  • ...

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7 Food Truck Fridays this week — where to find 40 of your favorite food trucks


Food Truck season is in full swing in Charlotte!

Somehow food just seems to taste better when it comes from a truck. It can't be explained. It's even better when there are lots of trucks to choose from.

Do you love outdoor concerts? They're not just for summer! Make sure to check out HUGE day-by-day list of outdoor...

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Groove Market @ The Music Yard June 26

Groove Market is a chance to spend Sunday shopping at a vendor market, while enjoying food and drink.

Check out a huge, day-by-day list of artist, artisan and vintage markets in the Charlotte area!

It takes place Sunday, June 26th, 2022, from 12 to 6 p.m., at The Music Yard at SouthBound, 2433 South Blvd, Charlotte. Make sure to enter...

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Opening of “The Mas Between Us” exhibition at Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery at VAPA Center

Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery, at VAPA Center, 700 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, is presenting “The Mas Between Us,” starting Saturday, June 25th, 2022.

The exhibition, which is part of the Caribbean Heritage Month observance, features the works of photographer Joanne Rogers and her husband painter Arthur Rogers. The...

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Why Not Pizza's Birthday: Free ice cream for kids, plus photo ops

Why Not Pizza, at 7008 E WT Harris Blvd, is celebrating its birthday on Saturday, June 18th, 2022, from 2 to 4 p.m.

There will be FREE ice cream for kids!

Find all the best (and cheapest) kids' activities on our list of upcoming kids' events in Charlotte!

In addition, kids can get a picture with Princesses Elsa and Anna, and...

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Food Truck Friday at the Fountain in Rock Hill June 17

The third Friday of the month, from May to September in 2022, Rock Hill is hosting Food Truck Fridays at the Fountain, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Fountain Park, 300 E. Main Street, Rock Hill, South Carolina.

This event will feature food trucks, local beers, wine, children's activities and live music.


The dates in 2022 are:

  • May 20th
  • ...

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Make Music Day on June 21 — music all day throughout Uptown and South End

Make Music Day is a worldwide celebration of music that takes place Monday, June 21st, 2022. It's different than a typical music festival. Make Music Day encourages everyone to join in. So the events are collaborative and welcoming.

It takes place on Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year.

Do you love outdoor concerts?...

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Goodyear Arts: Opening of Low Cut, Deep Wave

Goodyear Arts is a program that sets up shop in underused buildings and offers artists residencies for two months. In addition to the studio space, the artists are paid a stipend. The artists' work often extends to alteration of the building itself.

At the end of the residencies, Goodyear Arts hosts a celebration where the public can...

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Hot Stuff Summer Pop Up Market at Petra's July 24
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC


Petra's, at 1919 Commonwealth Avenue in Plaza Midwood, is hosting Hot Stuff Summer Pop Up Market on Sunday, July 24th, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It will feature local crafts, food, artisans and beer. Shop for a friend, for yourself, or for ideas for your own creative pursuits.

Check out a huge,...

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VisArt Video: VHS Potluck, Martel's Movie Madness and more

VisArt Video, at 3104 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, is a non-profit dedicated to the preservation, creation, and experience of movies through education, community events, and rental of over 40,000 titles—some being rare and non-streaming. Check out the Micro Cinema for private events, parties and screenings here.

Upcoming Events from VisArt...

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Charlotte Warehouse Sale June 11-18

Update: The contest has ended and Mary J. has won the gift certificate!

Charlotte on the Cheap readers have loved Charlotte Warehouse Sale for years. Several times a year, fashion lovers have the chance to shop for new, name-brand clothings and accessories, at 65% to 90% off retail prices.

Read on to enter a contest to win a $50 gift...

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Day by day list of hundreds of outdoor concerts in Charlotte (mostly free)

There's no shortage of outdoor concerts in the warmer months in Charlotte, and there's really no better way to spend a nice evening.

We've put together a huge list of outdoor concerts, mostly free, throughout the whole Charlotte area.

After the descriptions of the concerts, which is organized by area, scroll down to see a...

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5 low-priced summer movie programs for kids in Charlotte area


Some movie theater chains are once again offering great deals on summer movies for kids. These shows are great ideas for mid-week entertainment, especially when it gets hot!

A new movie theater in the Charlotte market, Cinergy Entertainment, has joined in the summer fun too. Read on for a list of all the movie theaters offering great deals for...

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Charlotte Caribbean Carnival Village and Street Parade

Charlotte Caribbean Carnival takes place June 24th and 25th, 2022. The events celebrate Caribbean culture through music, dance, costumes and more.

The events are ticketed separately, or you can buy a weekend pass. Events include J'ouvert (the festival kickoff party), Charlotte Caribbean Carnival Village, Street Parade, an after party,...

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MOD Pizza: $3.33 pizza for Rewards members June 19

MOD Pizza is celebrating surpassing three million MOD Reward members, but offering some special deals all week, from June 13th to 19th, 2022. These deals are only for MOD Rewards members.

Deals include discounted pizza and the chance to win free pizza for a year.


When members make a purchase through the MOD app, they will be rewarded with...

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Free paletas at Paletas Morelia for dads on Father's Day

Morelia Gourmet Paletas, also known as Paletas Morelia, is a gourmet Mexican popsicle shop from Miami, known for its fresh ingredients and extensive menu.

Paletas Morelia is at 1425 Winnifred Street #104 in Charlotte. This is next to Wooden Robot in the South End.

Source: Paletas Morelia

On Sunday, June 19th, 2022, dads get FREE paletas for...

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Cornelius: Symphony in the Park and Fireworks June 18
Photo: Cornelius Parks & Recreation

The Town of Cornelius Parks & Recreation is hosting Symphony in the Park and Fireworks on Saturday, June 18th, 2022, starting at 6 p.m.

Do you love outdoor concerts? They're not just for summer! Make sure to check out HUGE day-by-day list of outdoor concerts around Charlotte. Most are free.

...

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9 Summer Break kickoff celebrations with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Summer Break program encourages kids, teens and adults to read and stay active over the summer. Everyone who signs up receives a coupon for a Wendy's Jr. Frosty, and participants who complete the program will receive a prizes.

Read all about the Summer Break program and 4 other summer reading programs....

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Kids' tickets $5 all summer for train travel with N.C. By Train

Ready for summer adventures with the family? Consider going by train!

From June 1st to August 31st, 2022, kids ages 2-12 can travel for $5, each way, with the purchase of a regularly priced adult ticket on N.C. By Train.

If you're traveling to Raleigh or Durham, make sure to check out Triangle on the Cheap!

Photo: Depositphotos

The...

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June 17: Wear flip flops and get a free smoothie at Tropical Smoothie Café

After a two-year hiatus, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is bringing back National Flip Flop Day and celebrating the holiday with a FREE 12-ounce Sunrise Sunset Smoothie for customers who wear flip flops on June 17th, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Modifications, fresh add-ins and supplements cost extra. Limit one smoothie per customer.

We have a big ...

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