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Charlotte On The Cheap

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In This Issue...

10+ sunflower fields near Charlotte — where to go this summer to take pictures (and in some cases cut stems)
Draper Wildlife Management Area. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC.

There’s nothing that says “summer” like a big, happy field of sunflowers. There are several farms and fields near Charlotte where the public can visit and take pictures.

On this page we will be updating the inside scoop on sunflower fields that are a short drive...

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Big list of Summer Festivals in Charlotte

There’s a lot to celebrate in Charlotte this year! Check out this growing list of summer festivals. Celebrate the season with live music, culture, food, dancing, kids’ activities and much more. We’re adding to the list all the time, so keep checking back.

We focus on free and cheap events here on Charlotte on the Cheap, and...

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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 events,...

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22 Juneteenth celebrations in Charlotte area in 2022 (updated)

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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Front Porch Sunday in South End June 5

Front Porch Sundays, the popular monthly vendor market takes place the first Sunday of the month for the rest of the year.

This season, it’s at Atherton, at 2104 South Boulevard, Charlotte.

Enjoy shopping from 70+ local vendors and artisans, as well as food trucks, coffee, and more.

Schedule for 2022 Front Porch Sundays

  • April 3rd
  • ...

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4 summer movie programs for kids — tickets $2 or less


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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Sunday Fun Day Free Lunch at NoDa Company Store: Banh Mi style hot dogs

NoDa Company Store, 3221 Yadkin Avenue, might be NoDa’s best hangout. There’s ample seating, they sell food and drink (much of it local), host food trucks, and mix up some really good Sangria, as well as their signature NoDa Colada.

NoDa Company Store. Photo by Mace Publishing, LLC

And the setting is possibly (probably?) the most...

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11 free Charlotte Symphony community concerts
Photo courtesy of Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

Charlotte Symphony’s Summer Pops concerts, at Symphony Park at SouthPark, are a highlight of the summer for many people. Some Summer Pops concerts also take place at other locations.

Ticket prices vary. Find ticket prices and details here.

Here’s the Summer Pops schedule for 2022:

  • ...

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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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Free museum admission first weekend of month for Bank of America/Merrill customers

The first full weekend of every month, Bank of America and Merrill customers get into many museums nationwide for free.

Learn about free days at Charlotte museums.

These are the museums that are participating.

  • Mint Museum Uptown
  • Mint Museum Randolph
  • Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
  • Levine Museum of the New South
  • Harvey B. Gantt Center for...

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Salisbury Juneteenth Celebration June 17-19
Image: Depositphotos

Salisbury-Rowan NAACP, Salisbury Parks and Recreation and Novant Health are sponsoring the Salisbury Juneteenth Celebration.

Learn about other Juneteenth celebrations in the Charlotte area!

Juneteenth Celebration: Jazz and Poetry Night

This ticketed event takes place on Friday, June 17th, 2022, from 7 to 10 p.m., at...

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5 Summer reading programs where kids can earn prizes
Photo: depositphotos

Summer reading programs can help to keep kids learning and growing through the summer. And without the pressure of school assignments, they have the freedom to explore their own interests through literature.

Here are several reading programs that encourage kids to keep reading, and even offer prizes and rewards.

...

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PJ5K Community Event: free family event at Romare Bearden Park, including yoga, storytime, sleep screening, more…

American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society Foundation is presenting PJ5K Community event, to increase sleep health education. It takes place at Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church Street, Charlotte, on Sunday, June 5th, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn more about the benefits of healthy sleep, while enjoying a day of fun...

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Third Annual Lavender Bloom Festival at Dallas Lavender Lane, with U-pick lavender June 4-5

Dallas Lavender Lane, at 937 Old Willis School Road, in Dallas, is hosting its third annual Lavender Bloom Festival on June 4th and 5th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Find details as they’re announced on Dallas Lavender Lane’s Facebook page.

Parking is $5 per car (cash) and admission is free.

Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

The...

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Save 40¢/gallon this weekend at new Harris Teeter Fuel Center at Davis Lake
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

A new Harris Teeter Fuel Station has opened at Harris Teeter Davis Lake, 8415 Davis Lake Parkway, Charlotte.

From June 3rd to 5th, 2022, if you scan your VIC card you’ll save 40¢ a gallon. The offer is good for all fuel grades.

Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

After you scan your VIC card, you’ll see any...

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Big discounts on Carowinds tickets, including two days for $77 (total)
Photo courtesy of Carowinds

Save money at Carowinds with these exclusive discounts!

Carowinds is in full swing for the summer and one highlight is the 4th of July. Carowinds will be presenting a nighttime fireworks spectacular at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 2nd, Sunday, July 3rd, and Monday, July 4th, 2022. The display will be accompanied by...

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Book Buyers celebrating grand re-opening at Eastway Crossing with a week of festivities June 6-12

Book Buyers, the incredible, massive book store moved to Eastway Crossing from The Plaza in February of this year. Its address is 3040 Eastway Drive, Charlotte.

You might also be interested in our list of thrift stores, vintage shops, consignment stores, and more, or our in-depth look at three great used book stores in Charlotte.

Photo: Mace...

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Sam’s Club Membership: $14.99 (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.

I just came across a fantastic deal for a Sam’s Club membership! $14.99 for a year’s membership, and that includes a $10 eGift card. So, you’re really paying...

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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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Juneteenth Jam in Uptown Charlotte: community block party, concerts, dance lessons, more…

Blumenthal Performing Arts is presenting a FREE celebration, Juneteenth Jam, in two venues in Uptown Charlotte, June 17th to 18th, 2022.

Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African-American people in the United States.

Learn about other Juneteenth celebrations in the Charlotte area!

Juneteenth Jam will feature live music, free...

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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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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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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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