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In This Issue...

Rail Trail Lights returning to South End — help to flip the switch Feb 3!

Visit the Rail Trail from February 3rd to 19th, 2023, and experience Rail Trail Lights, six never-before-seen interactive light installations.

It’s a .7 mile walk to see all six installations. See addresses below. Also, scroll down for an interative Google map of the installations.

Help to flip the switch on the Rail Trail Lights...

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Be Kind, Rewind! Free 90s Movie Series & free video game play at Camp North End

Every Friday in February and March of 2023, Camp North End and Aurora Star Lit Cinema are bringing an indoor movie series to Camp North End.

Be Kind, Rewind will take place in the Historic Ford Building at 1774 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte, NC. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:30 p.m.

Bring your own chair.

The event will...

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Free and cheap things to do in Charlotte this weekend

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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Celebrate National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day Feb 4 — where to celebrate in Charlotte
Photo: Depositphotos


Saturday, February 4th, 2023, is National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. If you’ve never celebrated this food holiday, or heard of it, well, in short, it’s a day to eat ice cream for breakfast. That’s all. But isn’t that enough?

Here are four ice cream shops in Charlotte that have special events...

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Bands Announced For Green River Revival — St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Whitewater Center
Photo courtesy of U.S. National Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center is planning Green River Revival on Saturday, March 11th, 2023, from 9 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Green River Revival is one of Charlotte’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day events, featuring the Color Me Green 5K Trail Run, live music, yoga, and a green river.

...

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Carowinds is staying open this winter — grab discount Carowinds tickets
Photo courtesy of Carowinds, via Groupon

For the first time, Carowinds is open all year. In January, February and March of 2023, Carowinds is open select days.

Groupon has a deal for discount Carowinds tickets, good any day it’s open, from January 14th to March 5th, 2023. During this time period, Carowinds is open on Saturdays and...

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Fairy House Festival: Tickets on sale now

The Fairy House Festival, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s extremely popular February festival, is returning as an in-person event on February 25th, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Advance tickets are required, and are $7 for ages 5 and up. It’s free for children ages 4 and under. Tickets are on sale now.

Photo: Mace...

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Shamrock & Roll Festival in Kannapolis

West Avenue District in Kannapolis and Old Armor Beer Company, 211 West Avenue, Kannapolis, North Carolina, are partnering to present Shamrock & Roll Festival on Saturday, March 18th, 2023, from 12 to 4 p.m.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

You can expect:

  • Local vendors
  • Live DJ
  • Giveaways
  • Food Trucks

Check out our...

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Valentine’s Day at Rocky River Vineyard

Ricky River Vineyards, at 11605 Reed Mine Road, Midland, North Carolina, is hosting Valentine’s Day at the Vineyard, on Saturday, February 11th, 2023, from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

Enjoy games and music with DJ Todd Sullivan. Buy a meal from the Mister Greek Food Truck.

Check out our guide to Valentine’s Day in Charlotte,...

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Muggles Market Feb 5


Muggles Market is described as “Like real life Etsy for Geeks.” It features artists and artisans who create products across all fandoms, from Harry Potter to Doctor Who and everything in between.

Muggles Market takes place Sunday, February 5th, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Queens Sports Complex, 2229 Tyvola Road, Charlotte.

...

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Black History Month events in Charlotte 2023


Black History Month, which takes place in February every year, is celebrated throughout the Charlotte area with festivals, storytelling, performances, lectures, film, and much more.

We’re putting together a list of some of the special events taking place in Charlotte for Black History Month in 2023, as well as a couple of places that have...

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Chili Cook-off at Carolina Beer Temple Matthews

Carolina Beer Temple, at 195 N Trade Street, Matthews, North Carolina, is a craft beer store and beer. They are dedicated to carrying only beers made by independently owned breweries.

They feature 26 beers on tap, as well as beer to go.

You can find their upcoming events on their Facebook page.

Here’s some of what’s coming up. ...

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Free and cheap Mardi Gras celebrations in Charlotte in 2023, plus where to get King Cake
Photo: Depositphotos

No matter how you like to celebrate Mardi Gras, there’s a party for you in the Charlotte area in 2023. Here’s a list of events that are free or cheap to attend. Drinks are on you, but you can expect to find some drink specials at many of these events. Some of these are family events and some are fo radults.

...

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Monthly Open Mics at Jambox
Photo courtesy of Jambox

Jambox, at 707 E Hebron Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, offers practice rooms to musicians in Charlotte. You can rent a private room by the month, or become a subscribed member and then rent practice rooms by the hour or day. There’s also a common coworking space available to members at no additional cost.

...

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PDA: An Art Show at Petra’s (and more)
Photo courtesy of Petra’s


Petra’s Bar, at 1919 Commonwealth Avenue in Plaza Midwood, is a friendly neighborhood bar that includes a main bar with a stage, a taproom, an art gallery and a patio.

It frequently hosts excellent live music, pop-up vendor and art markets, dance parties, film screenings and much more. The events are...

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Charlotte Art Museums, Galleries and Events — a calendar

Charlotte, North Carolina, has a vibrant art culture. You can find visual art in museums, galleries, grass-roots exhibitions, and in murals all over the city. Visual artists often collaborate with musicians and dancers to create multi-media performances.

Read on for a calendar of upcoming art events. By no means is this an exhaustive list, but...

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Super Bowl Parties, Take-Home Deals and More for 2023

Looking for a place to watch Super Bowl in 2023 without spending a football field of money? Or do you want to watch from the comfort of home, but with a great deal on food?

Read on for a list of Super Bowl watch parties, as well as info from local restaurants that are offering take-home feasts for Super Bowl Sunday.

Super Bowl Sunday is...

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Valentine’s Day Gifts Under $10, $15 and $20

As you’re planning Valentine’s Day, there are many ways to show your love for that special someone. We’ve put together a list of truly local Charlotte Valentine’s gifts, as well as a list of 50+ cheap dates in Charlotte.

If you’re shopping online, here are some frugal Valentine’s gifts in any price range.

...

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First Fridays Rock Hill

The first Friday of every month, businesses in Rock Hill are participating in First Fridays Rock Hill. Breweries, shops, galleries, restaurants and other venues are participating.

This event is a celebration of Rock Hill’s creative culture. You can expect to experience music, art, pop-up markets and more. Many restaurants will have...

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day 2023 in Charlotte — dates, gifts, food deals, more…
Image: Depositphotos

If you’re planning for Valentine’s Day in Charlotte, check out our growing list of Valentine’s Day parties, markets, and gatherings of all kind.

We’re not forgetting those among us who don’t have a romantic partner. Many of these ideas are perfect for enjoy with a friend, with family, or on...

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February in Charlotte — the top things to do this month

February packs a lot into its 28 days! Plan your month with this list of the top things to do February, 2023, in Charlotte.

We’re highlighting ten major events this month. But then, scroll down for our huge (and we do mean huge!) calendar of things to do in Charlotte, and surrounding areas in February. This calendar will be updated...

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Valentine’s Orchid Festival and Ganache in the Gardens with UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens’ Valentine’s event is back, expanded and in an in-person format.

The Orchid Festival and Ganache in the Gardens will take place February 11th and 12th, 2023, from 12 to 5 p.m. each day.

Most of the events will take place at Cone University Center, 9025 University Road, with selected events at...

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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...

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First Friday Gallery Crawl in South End Feb 3


South End Gallery Crawl is an arts event that takes place the first Friday of every month. Galleries stay open late to host receptions for new exhibits. Many exhibits are timed to open the first Friday of the month. The events often include live music, food, and beer or wine. The events are free to attend.

Hours for the different venues...

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15 Trending Deals on Amazon today, including an air fryer, ear buds, espresso machine, TV, more…

Whether you’re shopping for Valentine’s Day, for a specific need, or just browsing, take a look at this list of trending deals at Amazon today. All of these items have steep markdowns in price at the time of this post, although deals can end suddenly and prices can change frequently.

Sale
...

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NoDaHood Valentine’s Market — shop from 80 small businesses on one block in NoDa

NoDaHood Market is a seasonal market that spreads across several locations in NoDa. You can walk between them and check out 80+ local artists, artisans and businesses, while enjoying food and drinks at the hosting venues.

NoDaHood Valentine’s Market takes place Saturday, February 4th, 2023, from 12 to 5 p.m. There’s no cost to...

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Winter 2023 Poetry + Fiction Reading and Open Mic at Book Buyers

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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Charlotte Mini-Con Feb 4

Charlotte Mini-Con, Charlotte’s longest running comic book convention, takes place Saturday, February 4th, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Grady Cole Center, 310 North Kings Drive, Charlotte, NC.

Admission is $5. Guests 16 years and younger are admitted for free.

The Charlotte Mini-Con is brought to you by Heroes Aren’t Hard To...

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Superbowl Sunday Funday Free Lunch Tailgate at NoDa Company Store

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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Discounts on Tax Products

For better or worse, it’s probably time to think about how you’re going to file your tax return this year. If you’re thinking about using tax software, please keep reading for discounts on some tax products.

At the time of this post, all of the below items are discounted by 20% to 38%, but prices change rapidly and promotions...

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Super Bowl 2023 Party at Hickory Tavern (multiple locations)

Hickory Tavern is hosting a Super Bowl Party at its many locations, on Sunday, February 12th, 2023, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Learn about Super Bowl parties throughout the Charlotte area, as well as options for take-home feasts.

There are two options for attendance.

  • General Admission is FREE. Purchase food from the menu.
  • Pay $30 a ticket...

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Students: Buy one, get one free ticket Wednesdays at Independent Picture House (plus, free membership)

Independent Picture House, at 4237 Raleigh Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, is a non-profit community cinema that screens diverse, foreign and independent films.

Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Memberships are a way to help support Independent Picture House, and they gain you benefits as well.

With a membership, you’ll get $3 off...

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Propose at Cracker Barrel and you may win food for a year (also, free Valentine’s Day dessert for everyone)

Cracker Barrel wants to be your go-to spot for romance on Valentine’s Day. Here’s some of what they have up their sleeves!

Check out our guide to Valentine’s Day in Charlotte, including cheap dates, local chocolate, Valentine’s Day events and more.

I Said Yes at Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel will award five lucky...

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Subway: buy-one-get-one free Footlong sub

Subway is a fast and affordable meal option on-the-go! You can easily customize your order to fit your dietary needs and (let’s face it) your culinary cravings.

With regular and footlong options, the new protein bowls, salads, wraps, kids’ meals, and even breakfast (at participating shops), you’ll find what you want, when you need it!...

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Valentine’s Day Dinner Deals in Charlotte — eat out or at home
Photo: Depositphotos

Looking for a restaurant for Valentine’s Day in Charlotte? Here are some restaurants where you can get a special Valentine’s Day dinner for two. Prices are a little bit higher than past years, but we are still highlighting options that are good values.

Also, please scroll down for a list of Valentine’s...

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Romantic Valentine’s Dinner at…Waffle House (reservations required)
Courtesy of Waffle House


Table for two? For the 15th year, select Waffle House restaurants are pulling out all the stops and setting the stage for a romantic Valentine’s evening — complete with Valentine-themed decorations, candles, and soft dinner music.

You might also be interested in:

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Charlotte Jewish Film Festival Feb 4-26


The 19th Annual Charlotte Jewish Festival takes place February 4th to 26th, 2023, with two bonus films in January. The film festival includes opening and closing receptions. Some of the events include Q&As with filmmakers or other presentations.

The Jewish Film Festival features 16 films (including the two bonus films) that will be...

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Super Bowl Specials at Piedmont Social House (and more)


Piedmont Social House, 2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd, is a bar and grill with indoor and outdoor seating. It has gaming areas that include darts, billiards, ping pong, corn hole, shuffle board, board games, Golden Tee, Big Buck Hunter, retro arcade games and bowling.

It also hosts some free events. You can follow Piedmont Social House on Facebook ...

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Valentine’s Day Gifts in Charlotte — shop for truly local, unique gifts

Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift but want to avoid the mad dash to the drugstore, or the overpriced flowers? Here are some ideas for Valentine gifts with a local twist. Celebrate your Valentine, while also celebrating the Queen City.

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Valentine’s Day Special & Split Flipper Tournament at Super Abari Bar

Super Abari Game Bar, 1015 Seigle Avenue, Charlotte, NC, is hosting a special event for Valentine’s Day.

On Tuesday, February 14th, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., come on by for Valentine’s Day Special and Split Flipper Tournament.

A host of two-player games will be on FREE PLAY all night.

Check out our guide to...

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Pop-Up Mardi Gras Bar All February at Papa Doc’s Shore Club

Papa Doc’s Shore Club, at 3990 Charlotte Hwy, Lake Wylie, South Carolina, is celebrating Mardi Gras all February in 2023.

Every Thursday through Saturday in February, from 5 to 10 p.m., there will be a Mardi Gras Pop-Up Bar with a themed cocktail menu.

Learn about more Mardi Gras events in Charlotte, plus where to get King Cake!

...

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Try ice skating for free at Extreme Ice Center — free introductory skate lesson Feb 4


Extreme Ice Center, at 4705 Indian Trail Fairview Road in Indian Trail, is offering a free ice skating lesson to kids age 4 and up on Saturday, February 4th, 2023.

Photo: Depositphotos

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

These free 15-minute introductory lessons will...

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Pick Up Free Community Read Books from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Starting Feb 1

Beginning February 1st, 2023, visit your local branch of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and request a free copy of one of the four 2023 Community Read books. It will be yours to keep.

While supplies last.

The books will also be available for checkout with your library card.

Community Read Books

  • Adults: The People We Keep by Allison...

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Goodwill’s Bridal Pop-Up Event March 4: bridal gowns starting at $99


Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd, is holding a one-day-only bridal pop-up on Saturday, March 4th, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or while supplies last.)

You should get there early for the best selection.

You’ll find bridal gowns, special occasion dresses and bridesmaid dresses in new or gently used condition.

Prices:...

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