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In This Issue...

Sonic Drive-In: 50-cent corn dogs May 19

Sonic Drive-In is a favorite for its slushes, burgers, corn dogs and more. They offer frequent deals to make their treats more affordable.

For the deals below, if they don't indicate a date, they are “for a limited time.” It's always possible that a deal has expired before you read this post, and before we've...

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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.

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, but, of course, the definition of...

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Go Outdoors Cookout at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops, with free hot dogs

Participating Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops around the country are holding a Go Outdoors Cookout. The event includes free hot dogs and beverages, while supplies last.

The cookout will take place Saturday, May 21st, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We know for sure that Cabela's, at 10000 Cabelas Drive, Fort Mill, South Carolina, is...

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Free swimming lessons in Charlotte, and where to swim and splash — updated for 2022

The weather is heating up, and everyone is looking for a way to cool down. We've gathered the latest information about places to swim and splash in the Charlotte area summer of 2022.

We're focusing on pools and spraygrounds in Charlotte, as well as some other unique outdoor swimming areas that are worth the drive. You might want to...

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Big discounts on Carowinds tickets, including two days for $77 (total) — waterpark is opening soon!
Photo courtesy of Carowinds

Save money at Carowinds with these exclusive discounts!

Carowinds has opened for the season. Carolina Harbor (the water park) will be open on select days starting May 27th, 2022.

The discount tickets will save you a LOT. When you compare prices, make sure you're comparing apples to apples. When you buy an...

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Cine Casual Film Series presenting internationally-acclaimed Latin American films

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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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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Sundown Sounds: Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot at Ramsey Creek Beach

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation has announced the first concert in this season's Sundown Sounds, a free concert series.

The first concert features Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot at Ramsey Creek Beach, 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius, on Wednesday, May 25th, 2022, from 6 to 9 p.m.

This concert was announced on Mecklenburg County...

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Free outdoor movie in Harrisburg Park May 20


Adding to the list of free outdoor movie series for 2022 are Harrisburg's Movies in the Park.

The movies will take place at the amphitheater at Harrisburg Park, 191 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg.

The events run from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and typically include fun pre-show activities for kids. The movie will start at 8 p.m.

Popcorn and...

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Thursdays Live concert in MoRA: Barcerado, plus Bubbleologist Steve Langley

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 May 19th, featuring Barcerado.

Guinness World...

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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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St. Philip Neri Italian Festival in Fort Mill May 19-21

St. Philip Neri Italian Festival is returning May 19th to 21st, 2022.

Check out this big list of spring festivals in the Charlotte area!

It takes place at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 292 Munn Road East, Fort Mill, South Carolina. Activities will take place inside the Parish Center and outside.

Admission is free.

There will be plenty...

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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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EatBlkCharlotte Food & Culture Festival

The 2nd annual EatBlkCharlotte Food and Culture Festival takes place Saturday, June 11th, 2022, from 12 to 4 p.m., at 835 Gesco Street, Charlotte.

Enjoy food trucks, vendors, music and fun.

Admission is free. Just pay for your food.

Feel free to bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Donations accepted.

Double-Check Before You Head...

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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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Shoppes at University Place's Spring concert series


Shoppes at University Place's longstanding concert series returns to the bandstand near the lake. They've just announced the lineup of their spring concert series.

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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Memorial Day celebrations and ceremonies in Charlotte, 2022

Memorial Day 2022 in Charlotte will feature events celebrating the beginning of summer, as well as events to commemorate our fallen military personnel.

We will also share information on Memorial Day freebies and discounts when they're announced. And we also have a schedule below of everything on our event calendar for Memorial Day...

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Food Truck Friday at the Fountain in Rock Hill May 20

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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Free comedy on the roof at Devil's Logic Brewing (and more)
Photo used with permission of Devil's Logic Brewing

Devil's Logic Brewing, at 1426 E 4th Street, features a taproom, kitchen, event space and outdoor patio space. There's parking on the 1st level in the parking deck across the street.

Devil's Logic Brewing's products include craft beer, wine, cider, kombucha,...

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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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Open Demo at Hot Glass Alley May 27


Hot Glass Alley is Charlotte's first hot glass art studio. It's at 438 Atando Avenue, which is north of Uptown, between Graham Street and N. Tryon Street. It's around the corner from NoDa Brewing.

It's owned by artist Jake Pfeifer, a young artist who has been blowing glass since he was 14 years old.

Hot Glass...

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Music at the Met on Thursdays

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 May 19


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.

March Gaston FolkSing
Thursday, May 19th, 2022
8 to 10 p.m.
Free

This is a monthly gathering of...

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Explore the history of Indigenous peoples at Charlotte Museum of History and Davidson College

Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive, is offering two free events that highlight the history of Indigenous peoples in the Charlotte region. Please note that one of the events is at Davidson College.

Learn about free days at Charlotte museums.

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River Jam at U.S. National Whitewater Center — here's the whole schedule

Photo: Mace Publishing LLC

The U.S. National Whitewater River Center's popular River Jams are free concerts take place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening in the warm months.

They take place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from May to September, 2022.

The music will go from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The schedule might be a...

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Carrigan Farm's Swimming Quarry open for swimming

Photo courtesy of Carrigan Farms

On Saturday, May 14th, 2022, Carrigan Farms is planning to open their natural quarry to swimmers or the season.

Swimming at the Carrigan Farms quarry is definitely not the least expensive way to swim in the Charlotte region, but it's worth a mention in case you can swing a splurge. This is the most...

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1st Annual Queen City Juneteenth Parade

The 1st Annual Queen City Juneteenth Parade will take place on Monday, June 20th, 2022, at 10 a.m.

It's happening at Central Piedmont Community College Cato Campus, 8120 Grier Road, Charlotte, NC.

Learn about other Juneteenth celebrations in the Charlotte area!

The parade will celebrate the deep roots of Black people throughout...

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Save 20% on tickets to Crayola IDEAworks at Camp North End
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Please note that the giveaway contest has ended. Read on for the name of the winner, and information on saving 20% on tickets.

Crayola IDEAworks is an immersive creativity experience that will challenge guests to explore their inner creativity.

Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

It's a little pricier than what we...

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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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Armenian Spring Food Festival

St. Sarkis Armenian Church, at 7000 Park Road, Charlotte, is holding its annual Armenian Spring Food Festival from Friday, May 20th, to Sunday, May 22nd, 2022.

  • Friday: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This is your chance to try delicious, authentic Armenian food, including beef and chicken kebabs, side...

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Change to U.S. National Whitewater Center's Memorial Day Celebration: fireworks canceled, but rest of event is on

The U.S. National Whitewater Center's annual Memorial Day celebration takes place Saturday, May 28th, and Sunday, May 29th, 2022.

It includes a trail race, yoga, and live music. The event originally included fireworks on Sunday night, but according to the U.S. National Whitewater Center's Facebook post:

Due to multiple abrupt...

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