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In This Issue...

Charlotte Symphony and fireworks at Village Park in Kannapolis

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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Big list of Charlotte 4th of July fireworks and celebrations, including SkyShow, for 2023 (with a map)
photo: Depositphotos

Wondering where to watch 4th of July fireworks in Charlotte, NC in 2023? Here’s the answer for you! Charlotte’s biggest 4th of July celebrations will be back in 2023! Here’s a list of fireworks displays, plus parades, celebrations and more. Notably, WBT SkyShow is back, as it was for 2022.

Not to mention...

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4th of July Week Food Freebies & Deals
Photo: Depositphotos

As you plan your 4th of July festivities in Charlotte, keep in mind these restaurant freebies and deals. Most specify “participating locations” so you might want to call ahead and verify before setting out. Also, scroll down for many more food deals.

4th of July Food Freebies and Deals

These deals are for...

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Potions & Pixels: Game Events at Camp North End and South End


Potions & Pixels is a group with a passion for games. They have a library of around 300 games, including nostalgic games from childhood, party games and strategic games. They hold game nights at various venues, and they bring 75-100 of their games to each event.

You can find their schedule on their Facebook page.

Here’s...

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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

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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Carolina Raptor Center’s Osprey Release at Lake Norman State Park July 1

Carolina Raptor Center has been caring for an injured osprey whose wing was injured from being tangled in a fishing line. Carolina Raptor Center cleaned and bandaged the wing, gave the bird fluids, as well as a LOT of fish.

After some time and a daily exercise regimen, the bird is ready to be released into the wild.

The osprey will be...

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Reading of the Declaration of Independence at Cabela’s

On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, head to Cabela’s, 1000 Cabelas Drive, Fort Mill, SC, for a dose of All-American history!

Historical re-enactor Robert Ryals will be reading the Declaration of Independence at the top of each hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Check out a huge list of 4th of July fireworks, parades and celebrations in the Charlotte...

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5 National Fried Chicken Day Deals July 6

Thursday, July 6, 2023, is National Fried Chicken Day. Read on for a few deals for the special day.

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.

Bossy Beulah’s Chicken Shack

Photo courtesy of Bossy Beulah’s

...

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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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4th of July fireworks at N.C. Transportation Museum July 1

Planning your 4th of July festivities? Consider going to the North Carolina Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer, NC, for Fireworks Over Historic Spencer Shops.

The museum is just about a 45 minute drive from the center of Charlotte, and very convenient to Concord, Kannapolis and China Grove.

Check out a huge list of 4th...

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Downtown Pineville 4th of July Celebration (July 1)

Downtown Pineville, NC, is hosting a 4th of July Celebration on Main Street. It will take place Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 4 to 8 p.m.

The celebration includes live music, food trucks, an artisan market and FREE face painting.

Head for the corner of Main Street and Dover Street in Pineville, NC.

Check out a huge list of 4th of July...

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Super Saturday at ImaginOn — free performances this summer

Every Saturday from July 1 to August 12, 2023, ImaginOn is hosting Super Saturdays — FREE performances in the Spangler Library at 2 p.m.

These performances are for children ages 3-11.

No registration is required, but space is limited. First come, first served.


New to Charlotte on the Cheap? You might also be interested in: ...

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End of Summer Kids’ Event at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are presenting an End of Summer Kids’ Event on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

This free event will include:

  • A seminar on backyard camping
  • Ice cream making
  • Giveaways
  • ...

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Sunflowers at Draper Wildlife Management Area, plus 12 more sunflower fields near Charlotte
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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Kings Mountain’s Revolutionary 4th

Kings Mountain, NC is presenting Revolutionary 4th on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Check out a huge list of 4th of July fireworks, parades and celebrations in the Charlotte area.


Celebrate our nation’s independence, Saturday, July 1st, 2023, as the City of Kings Mountain presents Revolutionary 4th! Bring your family to Patriots Park in...

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Taste of the Caribbean / Africa July 1

Taste of the Caribbean / Africa takes place Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 12 to 8 p.m., at West Complex, 1600 W Trade Street, Charlotte, NC.

Admission is free.

This family-friendly event features:

  • A bounce house
  • Arts and crafts
  • Games
  • Music and dance performance
  • Food
  • More

Double-Check Before You Head Out!

We make every...

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PDQ: Buy one platter, get one free June 30 – July 4

PDQ serves up hand-breaded, never-frozen, chicken tenders, sandwiches and fresh salads, with sauces and dressings crafted in house.

We will be updating this space with PDQ deals as they’re announced. All of these deals are valid at all PDQ restaurants, except for arena, stadium, airport and test kitchen locations.

4th of July Deal

...

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Town of Troutman Independence Day Parade
Photo: Depositphotos

The Town of Troutman is not presenting a 4th of July festival or fireworks in 2023, but is hosting a 4th of July parade.

The parade will take place Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 11 a.m.

The parade will travel on Old Murdock Road from CATS to Hwy 21/Main St, turn left, travel Main St, and end at the American Legion/ Troutman...

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Davidson’s Concerts @ The Circles: Rivermist

Concerts on the Green, a summer music series, is returning to Davidson’s Village Green in 2023! The concerts will take place on select Saturdays and Sundays from April 30th to October 8th, 2023, from 6 to 8 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...

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Ice Cream Day at Schiele Museum — samples and an ice cream eating contest

The Schiele, at 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC, is hosting an Ice Cream Day event on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Ice Cream Day festivities are included in admission to The Farm, which is just $3 a person (free for children ages 3 and under.) Museum admission is additional.

Find all the best (and cheapest)...

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Early Prime Day Deals from Amazon – tablets, smart TVs, Ring Doorbell, more…

Amazon Prime Day will take place July 11 and 12, 2023.

Note: You can try Amazon Prime for free, for 30 days. If you’re going to try it, this is the time! You can cancel whenever you want.

Amazon Prime Day is a bit like Black Friday in July. For two days only, Amazon will offer tremendous savings on TVs, smart home, kitchen, grocery,...

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VAPA Center: Open Studios

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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Uncle Sam Jam at AvidXchange Music Factory

Get a head start celebrating the 4th of July with Uncle Sam Jam, at the Fountain Plaza at AvidXchange Music Factory, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte, NC.

It takes place Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 7 to 11 p.m.

The event features two tribute bands: Rattle and Hum (U2 tribute band) and Are You In? (Incubus tribute band.)

Tickets are...

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Get free chicken sandwich at Popeyes for 10 days

Just in time for National Fried Chicken Day, Popeyes is offering FREE chicken sandwiches.

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: Popeyes

From June 29 to July 9, 2023, buy a chicken sandwich combo at Popeyes...

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Free kids’ workshops at Lowe’s and Home Depot

Lowe’s Kids’ Workshops and The Home Depot Kids Workshops are both fun, in-person workshops that give kids a chance to build a simple (usually seasonal) toy or accessory.

The workshops, which are free, teach kids basic building skills, as well as safety.

Find all the best (and cheapest) kids’ activities on our list of ...

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

Your kids can have fun in the Charlotte area during their summer break 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 2023.

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

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Star Spangled Weekend at Optimist Hall July 1-2
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard Street, Charlotte, is not hosting a fireworks display in 2023, due to neighboring construction, but they are still hosting an Independence Day celebration.

Check out a huge list of 4th of July fireworks, parades and celebrations in the Charlotte area.

Star Spangled Saturday takes...

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Hike from a winery to a waterfall in Elkin, passing through an “Enchanted Forest”

I enjoy most hikes, and any hike is better than being indoors. But there are very few perfect hikes. The perfect hike, to me, is one that is not too strenuous, has a dramatic view as a payoff, is well-marked, and has some surprises along the way.

We found such a hike in Elkin, just over an hour north of Charlotte, straight up I-77.

We...

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Free Tai Chi Classes in Matthews

Taiji Matthews is offering free Tai Chi classes at Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade Street, Matthews, NC.

Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise characterized by slow, gentle, whole body coordinated movement. The practice is associated with improved balance, cognitive function, joint mobility, and more.

Photo: Depositphotos

Check out a big list of free...

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Belmont Movies in the Park extended to the end of the year

Movies in the Park are returning to Stowe Park, 24 S. Main Street, Belmont. On select evenings through the end of 2023, watch some classic movies.

These events are free to attend. They’re presented by Belmont Main Street / Downtown Belmont Development Association and Aurora Star Lit Cinema.

Photo: depositphotos

The movies will be shown...

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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 May 29 to September 4, 2023, kids ages 2-12 can travel on the Carolinian and Piedmont trains for $5, each way, with the purchase of a regularly priced adult ticket on N.C. By Train.

Use code V256 for this promotion.

If you’re traveling to Raleigh or Durham, make...

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CLTSoccerCon Aug 5

CLTSoccerCon — a “footie collective” — takes place Saturday, August 5th, 2023, from 12 to 6 p.m., at Creative Player Sports Soccer Facility, 2601 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC.

This yearly convention draws fans of soccer, and soccer players, from the Charlotte area, who come to celebrate the game.

Tickets are $5. ...

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Free opera concerts — part of International Lyric Academy Festival

Opera Carolina is partnering with the International Lyric Academy to bring more than 100 emerging singers and musicians from around the globe to Charlotte for three weeks, followed by two weeks in Vicenza, Italy.

While in Charlotte, these artists will be receiving immersive mentorship and will also be performing for the Charlotte community. ...

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Front Porch Sunday in South End July 2

Front Porch Sundays, a popular monthly vendor market, takes place the first Sunday of the month, from April to November, 2023.

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

Enjoy shopping from 70+ local vendors and artisans, as well as food trucks, live music, interactive fun, coffee, and more. These are...

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Mint Hill Car Show — Hot Rods on the Lawn

Mint Hill Car Show — Hot Rods on the Lawn takes place the first Sunday of every month, from 1 to 3 p.m., in the parking lot of Chick-fil-A, 7404 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC.

Check out a list of car shows in the Charlotte area!

It’s free to participate.

All makes, models and yers are welcome. Come and check out the...

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Red, White and Brews Bash at Lore Brewing Company

Lore Brewing Company, at 1218 Rosemont Drive, Indian Land, South Carolina, is the first brewery in Indian Land.

It’s family owned and serves up fresh craft beer brewed on site.

Lore Brewing hosts frequent events, which you can find on their Facebook page.


Upcoming Events

Free Live Music in June and July 2023:

  • Saturday,...

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City of Monroe’s Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks

The City of Monroe, NC, is presenting an Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 1, 2023, and fireworks on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.


Check out a huge list of 4th of July fireworks, parades and celebrations in the Charlotte area.

City of Monroe Independence Day Celebration

The celebration takes place Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 2 to 6...

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Red White and Brew Fest at Brewers at 4001 Yancey


Brewers at 4001 Yancey is a group of like-minded brewers from Victory Beer Co. & Southern Tier Brewing Co. The taproom features well-known varieties, as well as exciting new offerings designed for the local market. There is also a full-service kitchen and dining spaces.

Keep an eye on Brewers at 4001 Yancey’s Facebook page for...

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Ebenezer Park: Sandy swim beach just a few miles from Charlotte

If you’re in the Charlotte area and you’re looking for a beach between your beach trips, check out Ebenezer Park, 4490 Boatshore Road, Rock Hill, SC. The park is 26 miles from the center of Charlotte, which shouldn’t be more than a 40-minute drive unless something is amiss on I-77.

Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Ebenezer Park...

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Red White & BOOM! returns to Old Town Rock Hill in 2023

Rock Hill, South Carolina’s very popular 4th of July festival, Red, White and BOOM! returns in 2023.

Check out a huge list of 4th of July fireworks, parades and celebrations in the Charlotte area.

The free festival, which takes place around the intersection of Main Street and Hampton Street in Old Town Rock Hill, will take place...

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5 Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwiches for $5 (one week only)

If you love Arby’s roast beef or its other menu items, read on for their best current deals. We’ll be updating this post as the deals change, so keep checking back.

Generally these deals are “for a limited time,” and we’re not always notified when the deals end or change, so make sure to follow the links to make...

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Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: Puppetry Workshop with Jeghetto
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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Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Cone or dish for $1 donation

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is celebrating Independence Day with a week-long deal with charity partner Fields of Honor.

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.

The Folds of Honor Foundation provides...

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Chicken Salad Chick: BOGO Quick Chick at Steele Creek Location

Chicken Salad Chick Steele Creek is celebrating independence Day with a special offer.

On Monday, July 3, 2023, buy one large Quick Chick and get one free. Limit 3 BOGOs per guest.

They’ll open at 10:30 a.m. and stay open until they run out of chicken salad.

2114 Freeman Park Drive, Charlotte, NC.

Find more 4th of July food deals...

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