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In This Issue...

Budget-friendly summer glamping in an RV delivered to you

For those of us who define “roughing it” as packing our own road-trip food until we arrive at our hotel, camping has never held much appeal. “Glamping” in an RV, on the other hand, seems like a great compromise: Enjoy the beauties of nature without giving up hot showers, electricity and indoor toilets.

If you have kids, it’s...

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Big discounts on Carowinds tickets, including two days for $77 (total)
Photo courtesy of Carowinds

Save money at Carowinds with these exclusive discounts!

Carowinds is in full swing for the summer and one highlight is the 4th of July. Carowinds will be presenting a nighttime fireworks spectacular at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 2nd, Sunday, July 3rd, and Monday, July 4th, 2022. The display will be accompanied by...

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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. (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 more.

We focus on free and cheap events,...

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Krispy Kreme: Every Wednesday Original Glazed dozen costs the average price of a gallon of gas starting June 8

Do you love Krispy Kreme Doughnuts? Do you love a good deal? You’re in the right place. We keep track of the best Krispy Kreme deals, right here.

Also, keep reading for a list of Charlotte area Krispy Kreme locations.

We have a big day-by-day list of food, drink and restaurant deals in the Charlotte area, so if you’re feeling...

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Sam’s Club Membership: $14.99 (includes $10 Sam’s Club E-Gift Card)

If you have never shopped Sam’s Club, now is a good time to start (read on for a special deal!) Part of Walmart, Sam’s Club is a membership warehouse club.

I just came across a fantastic deal for a Sam’s Club membership! $14.99 for a year’s membership, and that includes a $10 eGift card. So, you’re really paying...

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Wednesday Night Live: Free admission to museums and Pride celebration at Bechtler June 8
Grand Oiseau de Feu sur l’arche by Niki de Saint Phalle. Photo by Mace Publishing, LLC

The Levine Center for the Arts is continuing Wednesday Night Live in 2022.

The three museums that are part of Levine Center for the Arts — Mint Museum Uptown, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts...

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Community Baby Shower at Greater Fellowship Church — free diapers, food, more…

Greater Fellowship Church, at 2422 Ashley Road, Charlotte, is hosting a Community Baby Shower on Friday, June 10th, 2022, from 12 to 3 p.m.

If you’re expecting a baby, come on by to get free diapers, free baby bags and much more. The first 75 people get a free Chick-fil-A lunch.

They will also be raffling off a crib, stroller and...

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10,000 Scoops of Free Ice Cream for Charlotte June 16

On Thursday, June 16th, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., get FREE ice cream on the corner of Trade and Tryon Streets in Uptown Charlotte.

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.

Moose Tracks Ice Cream is giving away 10,000...

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End of School Year Ice Cream Social in MoRA

Bring the family to the End of the School Year Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, June 8th, 2022, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Embrace Sculpture in MoRA, at 6209 Old Post Road, Charlotte.

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

This event is hosted by Dr. Alyssa Sprawl and her...

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Day by day list of hundreds of outdoor concerts in Charlotte (mostly free)

There’s no shortage of outdoor concerts in the warmer months in Charlotte, and there’s really no better way to spend a nice evening.

We’ve put together a huge list of outdoor concerts, mostly free, throughout the whole Charlotte area.

After the descriptions of the concerts, which is organized by area, scroll down to see a...

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Sundown Sounds: Gino Castillo at Pearl Street Park June 8

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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11 free Charlotte Symphony community concerts
Photo courtesy of Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

Charlotte Symphony’s Summer Pops concerts, at Symphony Park at SouthPark, are a highlight of the summer for many people. Some Summer Pops concerts also take place at other locations.

Ticket prices vary. Find ticket prices and details here.

Here’s the Summer Pops schedule for 2022:

  • ...

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Birkdale Buds — free preschool kids’ activities at Birkdale Village

Birkdale Buds is a series of fun, interactive events for preschool-aged kids. It takes place every Wednesday morning, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., from June 8th to October 26th, 2022.

The event takes place in The Grove, and may include face painting, storytelling, magicians, arts and crafts and more.

Find all the best (and cheapest)...

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Free Krispy Kreme doughnut any time the Hot Light is on

As if you didn’t already have a good enough reason to look for the Hot Light at Krispy Kreme shops, for the whole summer, through Labor Day, whenever the Hot Light is on, you receive a FREE Original Glazed doughnut. No purchase required.

Read more in this press release.

We have a big day-by-day list of food, drink and restaurant deals...

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Father’s Day 2022: freebies, discounts, and things to do

Make Father’s Day 2022 special in the Charlotte area with these ideas about how to spend the weekend. When more deals, freebies or events are announced we’ll let you know that too!

As Dad always says, “We’re not made of money.” Also, “Close the door, we don’t own the electric company.” And...

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5 Food Truck Fridays this week — where to find 20+ 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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Four Year Anniversary Party at Pet in the City June 25


Pet in the City, 9600 Monroe Road, is hosting a Four Year Anniversary Party on Saturday, June 25th, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event includes:

  • Dog adoption event
  • Raffles to benefit Animal S.A.F.E. Haven
  • Local pet related vendors
  • Food truck by Word of Mouth

It’s free to attend.

You might also be...

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Free and cheap things to do in Charlotte this week

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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Free Yoga in the Park in Rock Hill every Saturday through September — now starting earlier

Every Saturday from May 7th to September 24th, 2022, head to Fountain Park, 300 E Main Street, Rock Hill, SC, for a free yoga session from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Please note the time change. It was originally starting at 9 a.m., but it was too hot.

Check out a big list of free fitness events in the Charlotte area!

Sara Cox from Journey Within...

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Movies in the Park in Rock Hill

The 2nd Friday of the month, at 7:30 p.m., from June to October, 2022, enjoy a free outdoor movie at Fountain Park, 300 E Main Street, Rock Hill, SC.

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

This event is presented by Morton & Gettys, LLC.

Here’s the schedule:

  • June 10th: Soul
  • July 8th: Space Jam...

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Cam Jackson Block Party: free professional wrestling event on Father’s Day

On Father’s Day, June 19th, 2022, Divine Barrel Brewing, 3701 North Davidson Street, Charlotte, is hosting Cam Jackson’s Block Party.

Read about more Father’s Day freebies and events in the Charlotte area.

Cam Jackson’s Block Party is a FREE Father’s Day party for the whole family. It will feature professional...

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TCBY: Free frozen yogurt for dads on Father’s Day

Bring Dad to TCBY on Father’s Day for free frozen yogurt.

On Sunday, June 19th, 2022, dads get their first 6 ounces for free at participating TCBY locations.

The offer might vary by location. The offer may include the first 6 ounces free, or a small cup or cone of yogurt for free.

At self-serve stores, toppings are included in the 6...

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Calendar of Charlotte Trivia Nights — 50+ trivia nights a week

Looking for a chance to show off your smarts? Here’s a list of upcoming Charlotte trivia nights. Most are held on a regular weekly schedule.

You’ll find them at bars, breweries, cideries, restaurants and coffee shops. Keep reading for a day-by-day list of trivia nights around Charlotte.

Most of the trivia nights focus on a wide...

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Dads get into Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for free on Father’s Day
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Dads get into Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens for free, in honor of Father’s Day, on Sunday, June 19th, 2022.

The Garden will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and there will be special activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Enjoy:

  • Live music on the Visitor Pavilion Terrace
  • Food for purchase from a food truck
  • Beer for...

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15 frugal family day trips from Charlotte

Looking for some new things to do with kids?

If you have kids, you know that there are plenty of fun, inexpensive things for kids in Charlotte, including parks, museums, splash pads and much more.

But it’s worth the short drive to check out some of these slightly out-of-town attractions. All are within an hour and a half or so from the...

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Win $50 for Charlotte Warehouse Sale

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

Read on to enter a contest to win a $50 gift certificate to the sale!

Charlotte Warehouse Sale’s June sale event takes...

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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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EatBlkCharlotte Restaurant Week and Food & Culture Festival

The 2nd annual EatBlkCharlotte Food and Culture Festival takes place Saturday, June 11th, 2022, from 12 to 4 p.m., at 835 Gesco Street, Charlotte.

Enjoy food trucks, vendors, music and fun.

Admission is free. Just pay for your food.

Feel free to bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Donations accepted. Look for updates on the ...

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Book Buyers celebrating grand re-opening at Eastway Crossing with a week of festivities June 6-12

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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22 Juneteenth celebrations in Charlotte area in 2022 (updated)

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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NoDaGardenWalk June 11 — visit several gardens in NoDa
Photo courtesy of NoDa Neighborhood and Business Association

NoDaGardenWalk offers the chance to visit some of the magical spaces in NoDa. Several garden gates and other locations will be open for tours, to meet people who can help you with your own garden, or just for visits on Saturday, June 11th, 2022, from 10 am. to 12 p.m.

Start at NoDa...

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Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Free scoop June 21 for Jeni’s Splendid Rewards members
Photo courtesy of Jeni’s Splendid ice Creams

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is celebrating the first day of summer by offering FREE scoops on Tuesday, June 21st, 2022.

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...

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10+ sunflower fields near Charlotte — where to go to take pictures (and in some cases cut stems)
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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