Looking for things to do in Charlotte this weekend? You came to the right place! This list contains free and cheap things to do 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...

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Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation has announced Sundown Sounds, a FREE concert series that will take place at parks throughout Mecklenburg County.

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.

You can pack your own picnic...

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

Charlotte Warehouse Sale’s “Step into Summer” sales event takes place June 3-11, 2023, at...

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Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC, is hosting free outdoor 80s and 90s movies all summer — every Thursday from June 1 to August 31, 2023.

Crossroads Cinema feature movies on a jumbo screen with surround sound against the backdrop of the Historic Ford Building.

The event will start at 7 p.m., so you’ll have time to claim...

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Summer is almost here, and with it comes the challenge of keeping kids entertained and busy while avoiding breaking the bank. Not to mention cooling down from the inevitable summer heat! Luckily, there are plenty of fun and affordable options for outdoor play that can be enjoyed at home and in the neighborhood. Many of these toys are perfect for...

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Lake Norman friends, this is for you! If you’re having trouble digging through the mountains of events on Charlotte on the Cheap’s Event Calendar to find things happening near you, you’ll want to bookmark this page.

This list will be automatically updated with all the events on...

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UPDATE: The contest for 4-packs of tickets has ended! The winners have been emailed. Congratulations, Theresa G. and Melody K. But read on, because there is another contest now! This one will be for a Mermaid gift bag, including 4 tickets, a plush mermaid, a bubble wand, mermaid hair accessories and more!

Meet a live Mermaid @ SEA LIFE...

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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 a Charlotte FC sticker, and participants who complete the program will receive a prize.

Read all about the Summer Break program and 4...

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Indian Trail is holding its annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 3, from 2 to 9:30 p.m., at Crooked Creek Park, 5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian Trail.

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

This is Indian Trail’s biggest family event of the year.

This event...

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The Kannapolis Fire Department is offering non-certified CPR classes in June. Each class is only two hours and free to the public. Kannapolis Fire’s goal is to train 200 people in our community to do CPR in 2023.

Two classes will be offered: 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023, and 3:30-5:30 p.m. on...

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

It marks the day, June 19, 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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Spring is here and the water is calling. There’s nothing better than to be out on a boat in the spring and summer summer, whether the boat is a kayak, a pontoon, a pedal boat or something in between.

But what if you don’t own a boat?

There are still several opportunities for enjoying a float or a paddle on a river or a lake. Read...

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Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road, hosts events throughout the year. Find them all on OMB’s Facebook page.

Coming Up

Recurring Events

...

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Kannapolis’ Summer Entertainment Series 2023 includes a diverse lineup of music, fun family movies in both English and Spanish, and children’s entertainment. These are all free events. One of the concerts is followed by fireworks.

While you’re in Kannapolis make sure to explore the city, especially the beautifully revitalized...

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On select Thursday evenings this summer, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden will offer FREE admission from 4 to 9 p.m.

At Garden Nights you can enjoy the Garden in the evening hours. Savor a beverage from one of the Garden’s bars while you stroll around the garden.

There will also be food trucks and additional entertainment, either music or a...

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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 some even offer prizes and rewards.

New...

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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.

The Whitewater Center is at 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, North Carolina.

The concerts place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from May to...

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Birdsong Brewing Co., at 1016 North Davidson Street, frequently hosts live music and other events. There’s no cover. You can always verify their schedule on their website or on their Facebook page.

Birdsong Brewing was founded in 2011 and is part of Charlotte’s growing craft beer community. If you have questions about their...

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Friday, June 2nd, 2023, is National Donut Day. And, of course you can celebrate with free donuts and some special donut deals.

Read on for some special offers from both national chains and local donut shops.

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!...

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Tango CLT’s mission is to make Argentine Tango accessible to the Charlotte community, through classes, social dances and concerts.

Argentine tango is a form of dance form that originated in the late 19th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s characterized by its intricate...

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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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The Green at Prosperity Village, 5334 Docia Crossing, is part of the City of Charlotte’s initiative to construct 250 place-making projects across the city.

The Green is an open space provided by the City of Charlotte. Programming and activities are organized by the Prosperity Village Area Association.

The best ways to keep up on events...

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RSVP South End, at 225 Fairwood Avenue, Charlotte, NC, is hosting Country Music Night every Thursday, from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Admission is free.

The event is currently scheduled every Thursday from May 18 to September 7, 2023.

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Metropolitan’s music series, Music at the Met, is taking place every Thursday from April 20th to October 5th, 2023, 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. Most are free.

...

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Celebrate Cuba’s rich culture at Havana Night on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 5 to 10 p.m. It takes place in the Boileryard at Camp North End. 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, is the official address of Camp North End, but the parking lot at 1824 Statesville Avenue is the closest one to the Boileryard. There is a lot of parking (all free) all...

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Congrats to our two winners! Both have been emailed and the prize has been sent to them via email. Obscuring their email addresses for privacy. Ange****@gmail.com and Jami****@gmail.com.

One of the main reasons that Charlotte on the Cheap reaches so many people is because of word of mouth. We’d like to thank our newsletter subscribers for...

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Taste of Charlotte, a three-day festival in Uptown Charlotte, spotlights area restaurants and food vendors. The festival also features three stages of live entertainment, and a kids’ area.

After a couple years at Truist Field, it’s returning to Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte in 2023. It will be on Tryon Street from Trade Street...

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Every Thursday, from May through September, LangTree Lake Norman, 401 Langtree Rd, Mooresville, hosts LangTree Live, a free concert series.

The events take place from 6:30 to 9 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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Birkdale Village is hosting an outdoor music series, Live Under the Oaks, on Fridays from April 7th to October 27th, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This is a free concert series.

Birkdale Village is at Birkdale Commons Parkway and Sam Furr Road, Huntersville.

A bar will be onsite in the designated area provided by Red Rocks Cafe. Please bring...

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On Fridays in the summer Carolina Show Ski Team presents FREE show at Windjammer Park, 8999 Windjammer Drive, Tega Cay, South Carolina.

The Carolina Show Ski Team is a competitive and entertainment team. Besides their free weekly shows, they also compete in regional and national tournaments.

Check out a big list of free...

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Charlotte Spring Carnival will be in the parking lot at 4525 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC, from June 1 to 11, 2023.

• Weekdays: 5 to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 2 to 11 p.m.
• Sunday: 2 to 10 p.m.

The event will feature rides, a petting zoo, games, prizes and fair food.

Admission is $5 and rides and games are extra. On June 7, 2023, admission is 2 for...

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Dallas Lavender Lane, at 937 Old Willis School Road, in Dallas, is hosting its fourth annual Lavender Bloom Festival on June 3 and 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

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

Admission is free.

Check out the big list of Charlotte summer festivals!

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Haylo Healing Art Lounge, 1111 Central Avenue, is holding its 8th Annual Fire Party on Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 7 p.m. to midnight.

It’s free to attend, but the designated charity is Wind River Cancer Wellness Programs and Retreats. Donations are encouraged.

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The Town of Cornelius is presenting an Outdoor Cinema Series in 2023. The movies are free and take place in various parks in Cornelius.

Check out this big list of outdoor movies coming up around Charlotte!

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movies will begin at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m.

Concessions will be available for purchase.

Movies...

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Get ready for the summer with this list of places to swim and splash in the Charlotte area summer of 2023. (Indoor pools are open now!)

Read on to learn about indoor and outdoor places to swim in the Charlotte area.

We’re focusing on pools and spraygrounds in Charlotte, as well as some other unique outdoor swimming areas that are worth...

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The second annual Empanada Fest will take place June 3, 2023 It will be at Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Please note that this is a rescheduled date, due to weather.

Admission is free, with food and drink for purchase.

Empanadas have a rich culinary heritage spanning many cultures. Each region...

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Old Town Public House, 21314 Catawba Avenue in Cornelius, specializes in coffee, espresso, craft beer, fine wines and live music. It’s located in the heart of Old Town Cornelius. There’s no cover for the live music, so make sure to stop by.

Please do tip the musicians, buy a drink, tip the bartender or barista, and maybe buy a CD...

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Petty Thieves Brewing Co., at 413 Dalton Avenue, Charlotte, creates craft beers, fueled by passion and imagination.

They also host many events, which you can find on their Facebook page.

Check out a huge calendar of events at Charlotte breweries.

Coming Up

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Food Truck season is in full swing! Every week we’ll update this page with everything we know about Food Truck Friday for the current week!

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?...

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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!

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VAPA is a non-profit organization formed in 2021 by ten arts organizations in Charlotte to create a space for artists to create, perform, and exhibit their work.

The space, the VAPA Center, opened at 700 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, in March of 2022.

The VAPA Center is hosting a wide range of arts events. You can find them listed on their ...

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Black Food Truck Friday is a way to show some support to Black-owned food trucks, artists, retail vendors and more, while enjoying some of the best food in Charlotte.

Follow the Black Food Truck Friday Facebook group for updates, or follow BBOC on Eventbrite.

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Taco Fest Carolinas takes place Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 11 a.m to 5 p.m., at McAlpine Creek Park, 8711 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC.

Check out the big list of Charlotte summer festivals!

Admission is free, and there is plenty to enjoy, including live shows, cultural displays, games for kids and much more.

Of course there will be plenty...

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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.

Check out a huge calendar of events at Charlotte breweries.

Devil’s Logic...

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On Sunday, June 4 2023, the Charlotte Knights are playing the Nashville Sounds at Truist Field, 324 S Mint Street, Charlotte, NC. This is an afternoon game that starts at 1:05 p.m.

Courtesy of Oklahoma Joe’s, maker of smokers and grills, this game is Joe-nanza, and is FREE to all people named Joe, Joseph, Joey, JoJo, Josie, or some...

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