Charlotte on the Cheap logo

Weekly Charlotte On The Cheap

Did someone forward this email to you? Click here to subscribe to Charlotte on the Cheap and you'll never miss a thing!

In This Issue...

Oddie’s Sunflower Field is Blooming, 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...

Read the whole entry»

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...

Read the whole entry»

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...

Read the whole entry»

25+ Juneteenth celebrations in Charlotte area in 2023, including Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas, Juneteenth Jam, more…

Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of the enslavement of African-American people in the United States.

It marks the day, June 19, 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...

Read the whole entry»

Garden Nights at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Free admission and bonus entertainment

On select Thursday evenings this summer, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden will offer FREE admission from 4 to 9 p.m.

At Garden Nights you can enjoy the Garden in the evening hours. Savor a beverage from one of the Garden’s bars while you stroll around the garden.

There will also be food trucks and additional entertainment, either music or a...

Read the whole entry»

Sam on Someday — a unique concert with musicians of all genres
Photo: Jake Rothwell

Sam on Someday is an ongoing music series that brings together some of the best musicians from Charlotte and North Carolina, as well as touring musicians, for one-night-only performances.

The events are hosted by Sam Tayloe of Time Sawyer. He started the series as live-streams during the pandemic, as a way to stay in...

Read the whole entry»

Father’s Day 2023: freebies, discounts, and things to do

Make Father’s Day 2023 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...

Read the whole entry»

Culture Blocks: Free concerts, hip hop workshops, dance classes, much more…

Culture Blocks connects communities with responsive arts, science, and history experiences close to residents’ homes. The program engages with creative individuals and organizations with a primary mission of arts, science, and/or history to present programs in specific geographic areas. Culture Blocks, funded by Mecklenburg County,...

Read the whole entry»

6 Food Truck Fridays this week — where to find your favorite food truck


Food Truck season is in full swing! Every week we’ll update this page with everything we know about Food Truck Friday for the current week!

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?...

Read the whole entry»

MoRA Summer Breeze Outdoor Concerts

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. All of the events are free.

In the summer, the schedule will feature Summer Breeze Outdoor Concerts.

They’ll take place on June 15, July...

Read the whole entry»

ArtBreak at Mint Museum Uptown June 15 — free guided 30-minute lunchtime tour
Mint Museum Uptown. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Each month, one of the museums that’s a part of Levine Center for the Arts presents ArtBreak, a free, 30-minute, guided lunchtime tour. This is a chance to take a break from your work day and experience some art.

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

Read the whole entry»

Hot Glass Alley Open Demo June 16


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...

Read the whole entry»

Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers needed for paid study with UNC Nutrition Research Institute in Kannapolis

The Cheatham Nutrition & Cognition Lab at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute in Kannapolis is looking for participants for an Infant Nutrition & Cognition Study

The purpose of this research study is to determine if eating eggs during breastfeeding will increase nutrients important for brain development in the milk and subsequently,...

Read the whole entry»

4th of July Celebration at U.S. National Whitewater Center (all bands announced!)

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

The U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, is hosting what will be one of Charlotte’s most popular 4th of July festivals again this year. Taking place Monday, July 3rd, and Tuesday, July 4th, 2023, the festival will two days of yoga...

Read the whole entry»

Big list of Charlotte 4th of July fireworks and celebrations, including SkyShow, for 2023
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...

Read the whole entry»

Free community concerts with Dear Soul Music at Mallard Creek Recreation Center

EXPLORE: Community Concert Series is a free concert series at Mallard Creek Recreation Center, 2530 Johnston Oehler Road, Charlotte, NC.

The concerts are hosted by Dear Soul Music Co., and sponsored by ASC Culture Blocks, a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County. Find more free events and activities through Culture Blocks.

The...

Read the whole entry»

Homage Exhibit at Eastway Regional Rec Center — 650 original African American artifacts

The Homage Exhibit is a traveling collection of more than 650 original artifacts, documents and pieces of art that showcase the Africa American experience. The exhibit is owned by Nia and Morris McAdoo, Charlotte residents who have been collecting the items for more than 20 years.

The exhibit includes documents and work by Romare Bearden,...

Read the whole entry»

LaLaCaboosa Downtown Music Series in Huntersville: Catalinas June 15


LaLaCaboosa Downtown Music Series will take place at Veterans Park, at Main and Maxwell in Huntersville, on the third Thursday of the month from June to October, 2023, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Navigate to 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville, NC.

Do you love outdoor concerts? They’re not just for summer! Make sure to check out HUGE ...

Read the whole entry»

Crossroads Cinema: Free Outdoor Movies at Camp North End All Summer

Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC, is hosting free outdoor 80s and 90s movies all summer — every Thursday from June 1 to August 31, 2023.

Crossroads Cinema feature movies on a jumbo screen with surround sound against the backdrop of the Historic Ford Building.

The event will start at 7 p.m., so you’ll have time to claim...

Read the whole entry»

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...

Read the whole entry»

10 Trending Deals on Amazon today: Air fryer, Roombas, air purifier, more…

Whether you’re shopping for a gift, for a specific need, or just browsing, take a look at this list of trending deals at Amazon today. All of these items have steep markdowns in price at the time of this post, although deals can end suddenly and prices can change frequently.

Also, learn about Amazon’s coupon page!

...

Read the whole entry»

Independent Picture House: BOGO tickets for Father’s Day
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

On Sunday, June 18, 2023, Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh Street, Charlotte, NC, is offering a special Father’s Day deal.

Buy one ticket to any show that day and get one free.

To redeem the code, choose any screening on Sunday, June 18, 2023, select at least two tickets to a show, and enter the promo...

Read the whole entry»

Sundown Sounds: Free Concert Series in Meck County Parks

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...

Read the whole entry»

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...

Read the whole entry»

Music at the Met on Thursdays through September

Metropolitan’s music series, Music at the Met, is taking place every Thursday from April 20th to October 5th, 2023, from 6 to 9 p.m.

It takes place next to Dressler’s.

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.

...

Read the whole entry»

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,...

Read the whole entry»

Bechtler’s Museum of Modern Art: Discounted membership for Father’s Day
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

From Thursday, June 15, to Sunday, June 18, 2023, get 20% off memberships, whether it’s for a new or returning member. Use the promo code ADOREDAD2023 and purchase it online, or call 704-353-9209.

The membership includes free admission, discounts to museum programs, invitations to member-only events, museum...

Read the whole entry»

Country Music Nights at RSVP South End — live music, free line dancing classes, more…

RSVP South End, at 225 Fairwood Avenue, Charlotte, NC, is hosting Country Music Night every Thursday, from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Admission is free.

The event is currently scheduled every Thursday from May 18 to September 7, 2023.

The event includes:

  • Live Music
  • Professional Line Dancing Class (from 7 to 8 p.m.)
  • Best Country Outfit...

Read the whole entry»

St. Stephen Treasure Sale June 16-17
Photo courtesy of St. Stephen United Methodist Church

St. Stephen United Methodist Church, 6800 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC, is holding the St. Stephen Treasure Sale on Friday, June 16, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturday, June 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This is one of Charlotte’s largest thrift and rummage sales, bringing together...

Read the whole entry»

LangTree Live: free music series in Mooresville

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.

...

Read the whole entry»

Summer Concert Series at Anne Springs Close Greenway

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...

Read the whole entry»

ArtPop’s 10-Year Anniversary Celebration

ArtPop Street Gallery is a a nonprofit organization that showcases local artists by putting their art in highly viewable spaces, like billboards.

It’s celebrating its 10th anniversary with an artist reception on Friday, June 16, 2023, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Cain Center for the Arts, 21348 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC.

The event is...

Read the whole entry»

Art After Dark at the Gantt Center: Hip Hop Turns 50

The popular Art After Dark program returns to Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture.

Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

On Friday, June 16, 2023, from 6 to 10 p.m., the Gantt Center is hosting Art After Dark: Hip Hop Turns 50. This is a free event for ages 21+.

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

Read the whole entry»

Food Truck Friday at the Fountain in Rock Hill June 16

The third Friday of the month, from May to September in 2023, 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.

Check out a big list of Food Truck...

Read the whole entry»

3rd Annual Juneteenth Jam Block Party June 17

Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African-American people in the United States.

Juneteenth Jam is a partnership between Blumenthal Performing Arts, the Harvey B. Gantt Center, The Mint Museum, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and NAACP.

It will take place Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Levine Avenue of the...

Read the whole entry»

Free Concert with Stateline Community Orchestra

Stateline Community Orchestra is presenting a 4th of July holiday concert on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at 3 p.m., at Pineville United Methodist Church, 110 South Polk Street, Pineville, NC.

It’s free to attend.

Stateline Community Orchestra, a new full orchestra of local musicians led by conductor David Gordon, was founded in the fall of...

Read the whole entry»

2nd Annual Queen City Juneteenth Parade

The 2nd Annual Queen City Juneteenth Parade will take place on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 10 a.m.

It’s happening at Central Piedmont Community College Cato Campus, 8120 Grier Road, Charlotte, NC.

Learn about other Juneteenth celebrations in the Charlotte area!

The parade will celebrate the deep roots of Black people as being...

Read the whole entry»

Black Food Truck Friday June 16

Black Food Truck Friday is a way to show some support to Black-owned food trucks, artists, retail vendors and more, while enjoying some of the best food in Charlotte.


Follow the Black Food Truck Friday Facebook group for updates, or follow BBOC on Eventbrite.

Upcoming Black Food Truck Fridays

Read the whole entry»

Jitterbugs — music performance for kids at Madison Perk Coffee Bar (and more)

Madison Perk Coffee Bar, at 5033 South Blvd, Charlotte, serves up coffee, ice cream, cocktails and more.

In addition, it frequently hosts live music and other events. These events are all listed on Madison Perk’s website. Look for updates about performers on their Facebook page.

Jitterbugs
Saturday, June 17, 2023
6:30 to 7...

Read the whole entry»

Free fans for seniors (and adults with disabilities) at 8 Mecklenburg County Recreation and Senior Centers

The summer heat can be dangerous, especially for seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 658 people die annually from extreme heat.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is helping senior adults cope with the heat by offering free fans at 7 Park and Recreation Community Centers and senior centers. Read on for a...

Read the whole entry»

5 low-priced summer movie programs for kids in Charlotte area

Looking for affordable indoor summer movies in Charlotte, NC? Treat your kids to a delightful cinematic experience without breaking the bank.

Explore this list of low-priced films showing in various theaters on weekdays this summer. From animated adventures to family-friendly blockbusters, find the perfect movie to beat the summer heat and...

Read the whole entry»

Harrisburg 4th of July Celebration — free wristbands for Harrisburg residents

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...

Read the whole entry»

Upcoming Free and Cheap Things to Do in the Lake Norman Area
Jetton Park. Photo by Mace Publishing, LLC

Lake Norman friends, this is for you! If you’re having trouble digging through the mountains of events on Charlotte on the Cheap’s Event Calendar to find things happening near you, you’ll want to bookmark this page.

This list will be automatically updated with all the events on...

Read the whole entry»

Free Gardening Classes at Pike Nurseries for Adults and Kids


Pike Nurseries frequently offers free gardening classes and other events. Read on to see what’s coming up. Find more information on Pike Nurseries’ website.

Pike Nurseries now has four locations in the Charlotte area:

Pike Nurseries Ballantyne
12630 N. Community House Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28277

Pike Nurseries Matthews
...

Read the whole entry»

Kids get into Heroes Convention for free June 16-18

Heroes Convention, or HeroesCon, was founded by Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find’s Shelton Drum in 1982, and today is a big draw for comic book fans from all across the country.

Heroes Convention takes place June 16 to 18, 2023, at Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College Street, Charlotte, NC.

  • Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • ...

Read the whole entry»

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

Dads get into Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for free, in honor of Father’s Day, on Sunday, June 18, 2023.

Stowe Garden is at 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC.

Other members of the family will pay regular admission, which is:

  • Adult: $14.95 +tax
  • Senior: (60+): $12.95 +tax
  • Child: 2-12: $7.95 +tax
  • ...

Read the whole entry»

15 Summer Break kickoff celebrations with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Summer Break program encourages kids, teens and adults to read and stay active over the summer. Everyone who signs up receives a coupon for a Wendy’s Jr. Frosty and a Charlotte FC sticker, and participants who complete the program will receive a prize.

Read all about the Summer Break program and 4...

Read the whole entry»

Juneteenth at Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture (and more)
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...

Read the whole entry»

10+ places to pick blueberries and blackberries near Charlotte, plus a list of U-pick farms for every season

Nothing beats freshly picked produce, and it can be fun to do it yourself. An outing to a U-pick farm can be a great tradition for kids.

We keep a list, year-round, of farms where you can pick your own produce, and that list is below. Please scroll down to see it.

You might also be interested in this list of farmers markets in the Charlotte...

Read the whole entry»

Juneteenth Cookout & Father’s Day Celebration at Victoria Yards

Southern Hospitality Group is presenting Juneteenth Cookout & Father’s Day Celebration at Victoria Yards, 209 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC.

It will take place Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 12 to 10 p.m., and Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Learn about other Juneteenth celebrations in the Charlotte area!

Admission is free,...

Read the whole entry»

Tango Thursdays in Uptown and Plaza Midwood

Tango CLT’s mission is to make Argentine Tango accessible to the Charlotte community, through classes, social dances and concerts.

Photo: Depositphotos

Argentine tango is a form of dance form that originated in the late 19th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s characterized by its intricate...

Read the whole entry»

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 18, 2023, 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...

Read the whole entry»

Free Patriotic Pictures of Your Pup

Bring your pups to Cotswold Farmers Market, 4921 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC, and take their picture in front of the patriotic backdrop. This is a chance to get a special picture of your dog to share on the 4th of July.

The event take place Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Feel free to dress your dog up in patriotic garb.

...

Read the whole entry»

WBT SkyShow — Charlotte’s 4th of July fireworks celebration following Knights game (tickets on sale now)

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...

Read the whole entry»