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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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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We regularly feature some of the best Amazon deals on Charlotte on the Cheap, but there’s another way to save that a lot of people don’t know about.

Amazon has a Coupon Page with some pretty steep discounts. It’s not at all unusual to see 80% discounts.

The key to using the coupon page is to...

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One of the main reasons that Charlotte on the Cheap reaches so many people is because of word of mouth. We’d like to thank our newsletter subscribers for spreading the word by running a contest throughout the month of May.

Invite a friend to subscribe to Charlotte on the Cheap and at the end of May, you AND your friend might each win a...

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Divine Barrel Brewing offers wood-fermented and barrel-aged wilds and sours, as well as unique interpretations of classic styles. They aim to create interesting experiments to inspire Charlotte’s beer-drinking community.

You can find them at 3701 N. Davidson Street, Suite 203. If you have any questions, you can reach them at...

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Charlotte’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations are coming back. Read on for a list of restaurant deals, and then keep reading for a list of Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Or jump right to the list of Cinco de Mayo events in Charlotte.

If you’re not doing this already, you can subscribe to Charlotte on the Cheap’s daily emails (just...

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Tuesday, May 2, 2023, has been named Teacher Appreciation Day. However, May 8 to 12, 2023, has been named Teacher Appreciation Week, so you can expect to see various days for Teacher Appreciation deals. Also, several businesses are offering special deals and freebies to educators just during this time, and some offer deals all year long.

...

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Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks is celebrating Star Wars Day with a special event.

Mini Golf with Mando takes place on Thursday, May 4th, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Frank Liske Park, 4001 Stough Road, Concord, NC.

Play mini golf with the Mandalorian! There will be photo ops, fun challenges, custom golf balls and more.

This event is...

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Learn about all the 4th of July fireworks and celebrations in the Charlotte area.

SkyShow is returning to Charlotte for 2023! This 4th of July fireworks show will take place in Truist Field, after a baseball game pitting the Charlotte Knights against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

The game starts at 6:35 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023, and...

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Firefighters and EMT medics can receive a FREE Single Classic Smash Burger on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at participating locations of Smashburger.

Either show up in uniform or show valid ID to receive the free burger.

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...

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Every Thursday, from May through September, LangTree Lake Norman, 401 Langtree Rd, Mooresville, hosts LangTree Live, a free concert series.

The events take place from 6:30 to 9 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 around Charlotte. Most are free.

...

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A new outdoor concert series, SouthPark After 5, will take place at Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC.

It kicks off April 20, 2023, and will take place every Thursday through May 25, 2023 at 5 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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There are plenty of ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Charlotte in 2023!

After our list of ideas for celebrating, we have a list of Mother’s Day freebies and discounts. And after that we have a big list of all the events that are on our calendar for Friday, May 12, through Sunday, May 14, 2023. If you’re ordering a gift...

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Metropolitan, at 1111 Metropolitan Avenue, Charlotte, is hosting a Cinco de Mayo party on Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Find a big list of Cinco de Mayo events in Charlotte.

Admission and parking are free.

...

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Jiggy with the Piggy Festival is a longstanding favorite in Kannapolis and returns May 4th to 7th, 2023. It features the Jiggy 5K, over 100 arts & crafts vendors, free concerts, fireworks, and a People’s Choice pork tasting.

Over 100 Kansas City Barbeque Society judges will be here to...

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Walking a labyrinth is an ancient practice from many faiths and traditions, with the goal of meditation, contemplation and prayer. It’s a practice that you can do right here in Charlotte, if you know where to look.

Many people like to walk a labyrinth on Winter or Summer Solstice.

In addition, World Labyrinth Day is the first Saturday...

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Celebrate Mother’s Day by taking Mom to brunch. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14, 2023. We’re putting together a list of restaurants in the Charlotte area where you can get Mother’s Day Brunch for $35 or under per person. (That doesn’t mean you can’t spend more at these restaurants!)

We’re including...

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Across the pond, the Coronation for King Charles III will take place Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. United Kingdom time.

The events start at 10:20 a.m. (UK time) with a procession that arrives at Westminster Abbey. After the Coronation service the festivities will continue to Buckingham Palace for another ceremonial procession,...

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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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Memorial Day 2023 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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Monroe Road Advocates (MoRA) have presented Thursday Night Live concerts the last few years. In 2023, the events are transitioning into seasonal Signature Events that will feature live music and more.

The first event of 2023 is MoRA Spring Fest on Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m. As was the case with Thursday Night Live, it takes place...

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If you’ve wanted to upgrade your kitchen appliances, make sure to check out Kitchen-Aid’s spring sale! Kitchen-Aid appliances aren’t cheap by any means, but they are high-quality and extremely durable. So, any time you can get a discount, it’s worth considering.

Here is one great deal, but you can find more on the ...

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Lake Norman Social District is a partnership between Old Town Public House, 21314 Catawba Avenue, and Thigs Cocktail Bar, 21234 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC. The Social District, the first in Mecklenburg County, allows customers to take alcoholic beverages between the two venues, and enjoy them outside, within a designated area.

LKN...

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Free Comic Book Day is back on Saturday, May 6, 2023! On Free Comic Book Day, participating stores give away free comic books to guests, and some host additional activities, like sketches from artists, and more. Libraries also participate.

Below is a list of stores and libraries in the Charlotte area that are participating in Free Comic Book...

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Interested in meeting some local Charlotte residents from the past? The Mecklenburg Historical Association Docents are presenting Voices from the Past, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is a rescheduled date.

The event will be held in Elmwood/Pinewood Cemeteries where many of the “residents”...

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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!

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Dallas Lavender Lane, 937 Old Willis School Road, Dallas, is hosting its Hippie Festival on May 6th and 7th, 2023, from 12 to 7 p.m. each day.

Tickets are $12.99 for individual day passes and $19.99 for a weekend pass.

Purchase here.

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Best of Charlotte Bridal Show is taking place on May 7th, 2023, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Pleasant Grove Farm, 7132 Pleasant Grove Road, Charlotte, NC.

Tickets are $5, but if you use the promo code charlotteonthecheap tickets are FREE.

Come meet carefully curated selection of vendors at this boutique-style bridal show, take a selfie at one of...

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Carolina Crawls is presenting three bar crawls for Cinco de Mayo in 2023.

¡Fiesta Crawl! takes place in South End, NoDa and Plaza Midwood. All of the crawls take place on May 5 and May 6, 2023, from 5 to 10 p.m.

Facebook event.

Find a big list of Cinco de Mayo events in Charlotte.

Your ticket covers you for both nights. The cost is $5 per...

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The Town of Dallas Summer Concert Series will take place one Saturday a month from May to September, 2023 (except for July), at the Dallas Historic Court Square, 131 W Main Street, Dallas, NC.

These are free concerts that take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Please bring a lawn chair.

In addition to the concerts listed below, a 4th of July concert...

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The City of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, is presenting a FREE summer concert series once a month (except July and August) from May to October, 2023.

The concerts take place at 6 p.m., at Patriots Park, 220 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain.

In addition, there will be a Cruise-In on these nights as well. Local car enthusiasts will line...

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Help a mom in your life celebrate Mother’s Day with the help of Grubhub. From May 1 to 14, 2023, diners who have signed up for Grubhub+ through Amazon Prime will receive 25% off an order of $20+. Use the promo code MAMA25. This is a one-time use promo code.

Learn about more Mother’s Day freebies, deals and events in Charlotte!

...

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Anne Springs Close Greenway, 2573 Lake Haigler Drive, in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is hosting a Summer Concert Series that will run on Thursdays from May 4th through July 27th, 2023.

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...

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Shop for Froddo Children’s Shoes at a big warehouse sale from May 19 to 25, 2023, at 1033 Zimmer Road, Fort Mill, SC.

The sale will be taking place for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day of the sale.

There will be a big selection of Froddo Children’s Shoes at 40-60% off. Sizes from prewalker to Big Kid 6.

Shop for sandals, sneakers,...

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Charlotte Dragon Boat Races Festival and Asian Festival takes place at Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius, NC, on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission is free.

This popular annual event features the racing of colorful dragon boats by various local teams, and a cultural festival with...

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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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Bring the family to Movie Night at Ebenezer Park, 4490 Boatshore Road, Rock Hill, South Carolina, for free family-friendly movies.

There’s no admission charge for the movie, and no reservations are required. Parking is first-come, first-serve.

These events were announced on Ebenezer Park’s Facebook page.

Check out this big list...

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Challenge yourself at the annual Goat Island Games on May 6th, 2023, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Goat Island Park, 141 8th Avenue, Cramerton.

Enjoy a full day filled with events open to the whole family. Most activities are free, but some have a fee.

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Harrisburg is a small town that celebrates the 4th of July in a big way. The town puts on a big parade and a two-day festival. That means two days of rides, fun and music, and two nights of fireworks.

The festival is free to attend. Ride tickets will be available for purchase.

The headliners have been announced for the 2023 festival: Sister...

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Wandering 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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Food Truck season is arriving! March 17th, 2023, marks the return of several popular Food Truck Fridays 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...

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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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Town Brewing Company is one of Charlotte’s newer breweries, at 800 Grandin Road, in the FreeMoreWest neighborhood, near Morehead Street and Freedom Drive.

You’ll find Town Brewing’s upcoming events on their Facebook page.

Coming Up

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Birdsong Brewing Co., at 1016 North Davidson Street, frequently hosts live music and other events. There’s no cover. You can always verify their schedule on their website or on their Facebook page.

Birdsong Brewing was founded in 2011 and is part of Charlotte’s growing craft beer community. If you have questions about their...

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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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Cabot Creamery has a new food truck — the Cabot Cruiser — that’s making stops on the East Coast to offer customers FREE sample of some of their products.

Some of the bites you might be able to sample at these events are pimento grilled cheese, mac and cheese and cheddar lace tacos. At all the events listed below, the free food...

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The 14th Annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival takes place in nearby Fort Mill, South Carolina, Saturday, May 6th, 2023.

It’ll be at Walter Elisha Park, 345 N White Street, Fort Mill, SC, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Check out this big list of spring festivals in the Charlotte area!

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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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Paws in the Park is a free, dog-focused festival on Saturday, May 6th, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Crooked Creek Park, 5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian Trail, NC. (Not to be confused with Paws in the Park in Pineville on April 1st, 2023.)

Learn about 12 dog festivals in Charlotte!

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Davidson celebrates its Town Day Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the town green, 119 S Main Street, Davidson. There will be games, booths featuring Davidson organizations, music, entertainment, and food.

May is Bike Month and Town Day will feature the annual Bike Expo. Learn about area bike and electric bike shops and more....

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Hot Glass Alley is Charlotte’s first hot glass art studio. It’s at 438 Atando Avenue, which is north of Uptown, between Graham Street and N. Tryon Street. It’s around the corner from NoDa Brewing.

It’s owned by artist Jake Pfeifer, a young artist who has been blowing glass since he was 14 years old.

Hot Glass...

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NoDa Company Canteen, at Camp North End, is co-hosting a free Cinco de Mayo party with Carlotan Talents. The party will take place in the Boileryard at Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Avenue, on Friday, May 5th, 2023, from 6 to 10 p.m.

While NoDa Company Canteen is serving up drinks, enjoy traditional food, music, mariachi bands, dancers and...

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Hello Huntersville, the annual music and arts festival, is returning in 2023.

Check out this big list of spring festivals in the Charlotte area!

It will take place Sunday, May 7th, 2023, from 12 to 6 p.m. at Veterans Park at Main and Maxwell Streets in Huntersville.

This festival features live music, art, food trucks, splatter art, an ice...

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The Hugh Torance House and Store, at 8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville, is one of Mecklenburg County’s only surviving 18th century structures, and is North Carolina’s oldest surviving store. The building was the home of Hugh and Isabella Torance. The log cabin was first built in 1780, with additions built through the early 1800s. The...

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Charlotte Ski Boats is hosting Surf Bash 2023 on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event takes place at Stutts Marina, 571 Stutts Road, Mooresville, NC.

This is a free event.

Tigé is bringing in top surf and wakeboard pros to demonstrate their skills, as well as the new line of ATX boats.

Sign up for a surf session! Space...

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Kings Drive Art Walk returns on Saturday, May 6th, and Sunday, May 7th, 2023. Kings Drive Art Walk is the spring counterpart to the fall’s Festival in the Park.

Check out this big list of spring festivals in the Charlotte area!

It takes place on Little Sugar...

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