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In This Issue...

Pick your own summer flowers at McLawland Farms, including sunflowers and dahlias

McLawland Farms LLC, at 8632 Reedy Creek Road, Charlotte, is a boutique farm that has been around for just a few years, but has delighted its many visitors with U-pick flowers and blackberries.


It’s a chemical-free, all natural farm on 28 acres just 12 miles east of Uptown Charlotte. Part of the property is along Reedy Creek....

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Krispy Kreme Birthday: 86¢ for dozen doughnuts when you buy a dozen July 14
Photo: Krispy Kreme


Krispy Kreme is celebrating its 86th birthday with a great deal on Friday, July 14, 2023.

Buy any dozen doughnuts at participating shops and get a dozen classic Original Glazed Doughnuts for 86¢.

The offer is available in-shop or online.

Limit four discounted dozen in-shop or via the drive- thru. If you order online,...

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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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25 State and County Fairs in North and South Carolina — updated for 2023
Photo: Depositphotos

Both the Carolinas have rich agricultural heritages, and a visit to a State or County Fair is a great way to experience that heritage. The fairs are back in full force for 2023. You’ll have a lot to choose from.

You can find livestock competitions, local or regional food and drink, live music, rides, and, of course,...

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2nd Friday Street Festival in Cornelius — America’s Birthday BBQ Bash

Head to Cornelius on the 2nd Friday of the month from May to October, 2023, for the 2nd Friday Street Festival. It takes place at Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

It’s free to attend.

Each event will feature:

  • Live concerts
  • Food trucks
  • Craft breweries
  • Special performances
  • Artisans and vendors
  • ...

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National Ice Cream Day freebies and deals for 2023 around Charlotte

Sunday, July 16, 2023, is National Ice Cream Day. It’s a perfect time to try one of the many great ice cream shops in the Charlotte area!

We are collecting up all the National Ice Cream Day deals and events in the Charlotte area. We’ll be adding to this list as we hear of more goings-on, so keep checking back! And make sure to check...

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Duke’s Mayo Classic: The Battle of the Carolinas Sep 2

Duke’s Mayo Classic is a weekend of exciting football, pitting the two Carolinas against each other. University of North Carolina Tar Heels will face the University of South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 7:30 p.m., at Bank of America Stadium.

Tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices vary. Standard tickets (not...

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McColl Center — Front Lawn Friday
McColl Center. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

McColl Center for Art + Innovation, at 721 North Tryon Street, is free to visit, and also hosts many free events for the public.

You might be interested in a list of Charlotte art museums, galleries and events.

Upcoming Events

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Live From the Boileryard — Music on Fridays at Camp North End

Weekly live music returns to Camp North End in April, 2023, and will continue through the spring, summer and fall.

Live From the Boileryard is a free concert series every Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. There’s plenty more going on at Camp North End on Friday nights and all weekends.

Do you love outdoor concerts? They’re not just...

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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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Family Day at Promenade on Providence

Bring the kids to Promenade on Providence, 10822 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC, for Family Day. This event takes place Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

  • King of Fire will have individual wood-fired pizza pies...

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Village Park Movie: Puss in Boots, and more in Kannapolis Summer Entertainment Series

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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Sundown Sounds: Free Concert Series in Meck County Parks: The Steepwater Band

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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Free outdoor concert with Pluto for Planet, fireworks and more at Mint Hill Family Fun Night July 15
Photo: Depositphotos

Mint Hill Family Fun Nights are free events that are held at Mint Hill Veterans Park, 8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill.

Fun for the kids includes activities like a bounce house, face painting, giant Jenga, corn hole and more.

Food will be available for purchase.

The events generally start at 6:30 p.m. and the concerts...

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Eat. Drink. Shop. LOCAL South End Passport

The 2nd annual Eat. Drink. Shop. LOCAL South End is a chance to save at a lot of South End businesses. Buy a passport, and then, from July 13 to August 27, 2023, save at local businesses.

The deals include BOGO deals, dollar off deals, and percentage off deals from bars, breweries, restaurants, retail, services and more.

Tickets are $20...

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25% off Yoga for Kids with Making Space Mindful Movement

Making Space: Mindful Movement is offering Yoga classes for kids on Saturdays from July 15 to August 19, 2023, at 4418 Monroe Rd Unit E, Charlotte, NC.

The classes are:

  • 9 a.m.: Yoga Tots: Sparking Mindful Movement and Imagination, Ages 2-4 Specifically for children aged 2 to 4 years old
  • 10 a.m.: Yoga Kids: Empowering Bodies and Minds,...

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Charlotte Restaurant Week July 21-30 — 90+ restaurants are participating

Queen’s Feast — Charlotte Restaurant Week is returning in July, 2023, for ten days. It will be taking place from July 21 to 30, 2023.

This will be the perfect time to try a new restaurant, or revisit a favorite restaurant that you’ve been missing.

During Queen’s Feast you pay a set amount for a three course prix...

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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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Noodles & Company: Celebrate Mac & Cheese Day with $3 special & more

Noodles & Company is celebrating National Mac & Cheese Day with oodles of savings for mac & cheese fans, with its their first ever Macapalooza.

From July 14 to 16, 2023, Noodles & Company is offering a regular Wisconsin Mac & Cheese entrée for just $3, all weekend long. The offer is redeemable once per day, so customers can...

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Movies in the Park in Huntersville

Huntersville’s Movies in the Park series will take place once a month from June to October, 2023, with the exception of September, at Veterans Park, Main Street and Maxwell Street, in Downtown Huntersville.

These are free events for the community.

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


The events are...

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A Vibe Outside Summer Block Party July 15 — free roller skating, art battle, line dancing, more…

A Vibe Called Fresh is presenting a free event, A Vibe Outside — Art Out Loud, on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 3 to 8 p.m., at West Complex, 1600 W Trade Street, Charlotte, NC.

The event, which celebrates Charlotte’s Black creative culture, includes FREE roller skating and skate rental. Make sure to reserve a spot.

Parking is...

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Cramerton Concert Series: Soul Intent July 14

The Town of Cramerton is hosting a summer concert series in 2023. The concerts will take place at Centennial Park, 100 Center Street, Cramerton, NC.

On Friday, July 14, 2023, Soul Intent will be performing from 5 to 7 p.m. This concert was announced on Cramerton’s Facebook page.

Do you love outdoor concerts? They’re not just for...

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CLT Edge Fest — live painting, music, dancing, spoken word, more…
Photo: Depositphotos

The Charlotte Street Art Collaborative is presenting CLT Edge Fest on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 3 to 9 p.m., at Charlotte Art League, 4237 Raleigh Street, Charlotte.

Check out the big list of Charlotte summer festivals!

The FREE festival includes:

  • Live painting by local mural artists
  • DJ
  • Music performances
  • ...

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Fairies in the Forest: A Twilight Family Event in an Enchanted Illuminated Forest


UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, 9090 Craver Road, provides the setting for Fairies in the Forest: A Twilight Family Event in an Enchanted Illuminated Forest on July 15, 2023, from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Admission is just $5 per person. Free for Gardens’ members and children under age 5.

This is a fun family event. Kids can wear their fairy...

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The Lake Norman Wedding & Event Vendor Showcase hosted by Country Girl Events

Country Girl Events is hosting the Lake Norman Wedding & Event Vendor Showcase on Sunday, July 30, 2023, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Alchemy 22 Event Venue, 152 N Main Street, Mooresville, NC.

This event is free to attend.

By attending you’ll have the chance to win a free engagement photo shoot and a U-pick flower farm date, in addition...

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Pageland Watermelon Festival July 14-15

Celebrate summer at the Pageland Watermelon Festival July 14th and 15th, 2023, in Pageland, South Carolina, just an hour’s drive from Charlotte.

The festival takes place in Downtown Pageland. The heart of the festival is the corner of Pearl Street and McGregor Street.

Photo: Depositphotos

Friday, July 14

  • 12 p.m.: Festival opens...

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Free children’s storytime and music at Betty by Moxie Mercantile
Photo courtesy of Betty by Moxie Mercantile

Betty by Moxie Mercantile, at 1219 Thomas Avenue, is hosting Betty Bookworms, a free storytime and music event for children. While kids enjoy the activity, their caregivers can sip free coffee from The Giddy Goat.

At each event there will be a featured local storyteller.

Check Betty by Moxie...

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Horse Shows with Cabarrus County Saddle Club — free for spectators

Cabarrus County Saddle Club, at 4370 Zion Church Road, Concord, is a family-oriented organization that hosts horse shows geared toward riders of all experience levels.

The horse shows are free to watch!

Here’s the information on some upcoming shows.

If you’re interested in horses or riding, or you have a child who is, this is a...

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13 sunflower fields in the Charlotte area
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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Classic Cruisers of Monroe Monthly Cruise-In

The Classic Cruisers of Monroe organizes or publicizes several cruise-ins on a regular basis. Read on for the list!

Make sure to check the Facebook page of Classic Cruisers of Monroe for any updates to the schedule. Also, there are many more events on that list than are listed here.

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

...

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AAPI Exhibit Family Day at Charlotte Museum of History July 22

Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive, offers events throughout the year, some of which are free. Read about a couple of upcoming event, as well as the exhibits at the museum.

Learn about free days at Charlotte museums!

display of Journey of HopeJourney of Hope exhibition at Charlotte Museum of History. Photo by Indigo Photography.

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Music on the Green at Promenade on Providence

Promenade on Providence, 10844 Providence Road, is hosting a free summer concert series, Music on the Green, every Friday and Saturday from July 1 to August 26, 2023. The concerts are from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with one exception (see below.)

This is a free concert series.

Do you love outdoor concerts? They’re not just for summer! Make...

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NC By Train: 50% off through end of July
Photo: depositphotos

NC By Train is offering 50% off regular adult fare tickets on all Piedmont and Carolinian routes in North Carolina though the end of July.

This could be a great chance to reconnect with family, or explore history, or just get away for a while.

This deal is for travel within North Carolina on the Piedmont and Carolinian....

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River Jam at U.S. National Whitewater Center
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.

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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FabFest, Charlotte’s Beatles Festival July 21-23

FabFest is Charlotte’s two-day celebration of the Beatles on July 21 and 22, 2023.

The festival includes two evening concerts at Knight Theater in Uptown Charlotte and a daytime celebration at the Parr Center at Central Piedmont Community Concert. Save 25% when you buy tickets to all three FabFest events, and save 15% when you buy...

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Lake Norman Monster Week July 11-18

Sure, you know about Shark Week, but did you know that July 11-18 has been designated Lake Norman Monster Week? Maybe there’s something lurking below the surface. Or maybe not. But Lake Norman Monster Week is a time for discussing and debating Normie, the elusive Lake Norman Monster.

LakeNormanMonster.com has been compiling sightings,...

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Target Circle Week — big savings for one week July 9-15

Head to Target for the return of its popular Target Circle Week for lots of savings on many popular categories.

Photo: Target

From July 9 to 15, 2023, Target Circle members enjoy the following deals:

  • 50% off select Sun Squad items, including outdoor pools, water toys and more
  • 30% off select kids’ apparel
  • Spend $40 on beauty and...

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