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In This Issue...

Meck Dec Day celebrations in 2022, including a return to Trade & Tryon


May 20th, 2022, marks the 247th anniversary of the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, which preceded the signing of the more famous Declaration by more than a year.

Influential Charlotte (then called Charlottetown) men declared themselves “free and independent” of the British crown. The declaration was read on...

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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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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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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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Krispy Kreme: High School and College Seniors get a dozen FREE doughnuts May 25

High School and College Seniors, Krispy Kreme is celebrating you!

On Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 graduating seniors can receive Krispy Kreme’s “Graduation Dozen” for FREE.


You’ll need to prove your status as a 2022 graduate in one of these ways:

  • Cap and gown with 2022 tassel
  • Class of 2022 apparel (t-shirt,...

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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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Big discounts for DaBaby, Halsey, Five Finger Death Punch, Nick Cannon, Flip Circus, and more…

Don’t pay full price for concerts if you don’t have to! We will update this page as frequently as we can, but there will still be times when you events on this page have sold out, or the discount is no longer available, or the event is over.

We also include tickets for sports events, when there’s a discount.

Please note...

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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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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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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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Memorial Day celebrations, ceremonies and deals 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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This Weekend at Camp North End: live music, art, more…

Camp North End, at 1824 Statesville Avenue, is a great destination year round. It hosts entertainment, art, food, music, and more. To see what’s coming up, go to Camp North End’s Facebook page.

If you haven’t visited Camp North End yet, you might be interested in:

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Cheerwine Festival returns to Salisbury May 21

Cheerwine brings the Cheerwine Festival back to historic downtown Salisbury on May 21st, 2022, from noon to 10 p.m.

This is a free festival for the whole family that celebrates Cheerwine’s 105 years in Salisbury.

Photo from Cheerwine Festival. Used with permission.

Cheerwine Festival Features

  • Rowan Museum’s Cheerwine exhibit
  • ...

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Family Day at Cabarrus Arts Council
Courtesy of Cabarrus Arts Council


Families are invited to Family Day at Cabarrus Arts Council on Saturday, May 21st, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Galleries at Cabarrus Arts Council are at 65 Union Street, Concord.

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

The arts...

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8 Juneteenth celebrations in Charlotte in 2022

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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Lemonade Fest at 4001 Yancey (with yard games, live music, and more)


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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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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Block Party Lake Norman at D9 Brewing LKN

D9 Brewing Co. LKN is at 11138 Treynorth Drive, Cornelius. D9 Brewing Lake Norman is a community-oriented taproom that encourages fans to gather with friends and enjoy a pint.

They host lots of free events, like pop-up markets, live music and festivals. You can find them all on their Facebook page.

Please note that there is a second...

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Captain Jack’s Music Fest at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

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

Here’s one event that’s coming up:

Captain Jack’s Music Fest
Friday, May 20th to Saturday, May 21st, 2022
5 p.m.
Free

MUSIC SCHEDULE:
...

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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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Gastonia Concert Series

The City of Gastonia’s Summer Concert Series is returning in 2022. The concerts will be free and will take place at Rotary Centennial Pavilion, 107 N. South Street, Gastonia.

The concerts will take place two Fridays a month on May to July, 2022. There will be bonus concert on a Saturday in October.

Do you love outdoor concerts?...

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Martel’s Movie Madness at VisArt Video

VisArt Video, at 3104 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, is a non-profit dedicated to the preservation, creation, and experience of movies through education, community events, and rental of over 40,000 titles—some being rare and non-streaming. Check out the Micro Cinema for private events, parties and screenings here.

Upcoming Events from VisArt...

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Jammin’ By the Tracks Concert Series in Waxhaw

The Town of Waxhaw is once again planning Jammin’ by the Tracks, a summer 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.

The concerts take place the first and third Fridays of the month from June to...

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Free Outdoor Movie Series at Promenade on Providence

Promenade at Providence, 10822 Providence Road, is hosting a movie series for the whole family.

It’s free to attend and you do NOT need a ticket for the movies.

Check out this list of outdoor movies in the Charlotte area!

When you arrive, please stop at the registration tent, located by the fountain. Registration will be open at 7...

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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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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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