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In This Issue...

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...

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Sycamore Brewing’s New 21,000 Square Foot Taproom Opens May 31
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Sycamore Brewing’s expansive and airy new indoor/outdoor taproom opens May 31, 2023.

It’s at 2151 Hawkins Street, Charlotte, NC, right next door to its original taproom.

The taproom includes two levels, with a total of 21,000 square feet — 10,000 square feet for the interior and 11,000 for the...

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Last Day! Invite a Friend to Subscribe to Charlotte on the Cheap and you could each win a $50 gift card

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.

By the way, our daily newsletter was named by Queen City Nerve as the best newsletter in Charlotte!


Invite a...

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May 31: Wear flip flops and get a free smoothie at Tropical Smoothie Café
Photo courtesy of Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is bringing back National Flip Flop Day and celebrating the holiday with a FREE 12-ounce Strawberry Margarita Smoothie (this is a mocktail!) for customers who wear flip flops on May 31, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The offer is available only in the cafe. One per customer. No...

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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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Win $50 for Charlotte Warehouse Sale June 3-11

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

Charlotte Warehouse Sale’s “Step into Summer” sales event takes place June 3-11, 2023, at...

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Juneteenth Pop-Up Shopping and Block Party Event in Mount Holly

KB Events is hosting a Juneteenth Pop-Up Shopping and Block Party Event on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 12 to 4 p.m., at Pisces Gallery, 122 East Central Avenue, Mount Holly, North Carolina.

Enjoy a day of celebration of freedom with food, fun, shopping unique vendors, music, performances and more.

Learn about other Juneteenth celebrations...

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Wednesday Night Live — free museum admission
Grand Oiseau de Feu sur l’arche by Niki de Saint Phalle. Photo by Mace Publishing, LLC

The Levine Center for the Arts’ Wednesday Night Live takes place every Wednesday evening.

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...

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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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Baskin-Robbins: 31% off scoops on the 31st of the month


On the 31st of every month, Baskin Robbins is offering 31% off scoops all day at participating locations.

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.

Waffle cones, toppings and sundaes are excluded from the discount.

The...

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13 Juneteenth celebrations in Charlotte area in 2023, including Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas

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...

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Taco Fest Carolinas June 3

Taco Fest Carolinas takes place Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 11 a.m to 5 p.m., at McAlpine Creek Park, 8711 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC.

Check out the big list of Charlotte summer festivals!

Admission is free, and there is plenty to enjoy, including live shows, cultural displays, games for kids and much more.

Of course there will be plenty...

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Best Outdoor Toys This Summer

Summer is almost here, and with it comes the challenge of keeping kids entertained and busy while avoiding breaking the bank. Not to mention cooling down from the inevitable summer heat! Luckily, there are plenty of fun and affordable options for outdoor play that can be enjoyed at home and in the neighborhood. Many of these toys are perfect for...

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National Donut Day 2023 — where to get free donuts

Friday, June 2nd, 2023, is National Donut Day. And, of course you can celebrate with free donuts and some special donut deals.

Read on for some special offers from both national chains and local donut shops.

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!...

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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...

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Food Trucks and outdoor movie nights at The Green at Prosperity Village

The Green at Prosperity Village, 5334 Docia Crossing, is part of the City of Charlotte’s initiative to construct 250 place-making projects across the city.

The Green is an open space provided by the City of Charlotte. Programming and activities are organized by the Prosperity Village Area Association.

The best ways to keep up on events...

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Empanada Fest at Camp North End rescheduled to June 3

The second annual Empanada Fest will take place June 3, 2023 It will be at Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Please note that this is a rescheduled date, due to weather.

Admission is free, with food and drink for purchase.

Empanadas have a rich culinary heritage spanning many cultures. Each region...

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Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society (MARS) annual Field Day June 24-25

The Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society (MARS) is holding its annual Field Day from Saturday, June 24, at 2 p.m., to Sunday, June 25, 2023.

For 24 hours they’ll be at The Park on Wilgrove, 7750 Jim Harper Lane, Mint Hill, NC.

Amateur radio operators will demonstrate how they serve the community in times of emergency and when there is a...

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Charlotte Spring Carnival June 1-11

Charlotte Spring Carnival will be in the parking lot at 4525 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC, from June 1 to 11, 2023.

  • Weekdays: 5 to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday: 2 to 11 p.m.
  • Sunday: 2 to 10 p.m.

The event will feature rides, a petting zoo, games, prizes and fair food.

Admission is $5 and rides and games are extra. On June 7, 2023, admission is 2 for...

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Charlotte Summer Camps for 2023


Looking for a summer camp in Charlotte for your child? We get a lot of requests from parents for summer camps, so we’ve put together a list of resources for you to explore.

It’s important to know that registration for some of the camps happens early–as early as January–and spots can fill up quickly. So, research in...

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Top Gun family movie night at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, and more

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

Coming Up

Family Movie Night ft. Top Gun
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
7 p.m.
Free

Bring your own chair. Play vintage arcade games, rock out to classic ’80s tunes, and enjoy the movie!

Recurring Events

...

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Comedy, music, variety shows, open mics at Starlight on 22nd
Photo courtesy of Starlight on 22nd

Starlight on 22nd, at 422 E. 22nd Street, Charlotte, boasts a relaxed lounge atmosphere, and beer, wine, spirits and art.

Free parking is available in the secure gravel lot across the street, or along Brevard. It’s also close to the Parkwood and 25th Street stops on the LYNX light rail.

Starlight on...

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Movies on the Wall at Eastway Crossing
Image courtesy of Tommy’s Pub

Enjoy “Movies On The Wall” at Eastway Crossing, one Wednesday a month from June to October, 2023. The movie series is presented by Tommy’s Pub, VisArt Video and Independent Picture House.

The movies will be projected on the exterior wall of Tommy’s Pub, at 3124 Eastway Drive Suite...

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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...

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Havana Night in the Boileryard at Camp North End June 3

Celebrate Cuba’s rich culture at Havana Night on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 5 to 10 p.m. It takes place in the Boileryard at Camp North End. 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, is the official address of Camp North End, but the parking lot at 1824 Statesville Avenue is the closest one to the Boileryard. There is a lot of parking (all free) all...

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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...

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National Trails Day June 3 — guided hikes, bike rides, more…

Be a part of our region’s largest celebrations of trails and the outdoors! On Saturday, June 3, 2023, Carolina Thread Trail is spreading the National Trails Day fun across North Carolina and South Carolina with a variety of FREE guided hikes and bike rides throughout the day in multiple locations.

Programs start as early as 9 a.m. and...

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Students: Buy one, get one free ticket Wednesdays at Independent Picture House (plus, free membership)

Independent Picture House, at 4237 Raleigh Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, is a non-profit community cinema that screens diverse, foreign and independent films.

Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Memberships are a way to help support Independent Picture House, and they gain you benefits as well.

With a membership, you’ll get $3 off...

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Optimist Hall: Kick-Off to Summer Event
Optimist Hall. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Optimist Hall, at 1115 N. Brevard Street, Charlotte, is a food hall inside in a redeveloped former gingham mill. Its 147,000 square feet feature a wide variety of unique food stalls, as well as bars, some retail, and restaurants.

It’s situated in Optimist Park, between Uptown and NoDa.

Read on...

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Free gumbo night at Pilot Brewing (and more)

Pilot Brewing is at 1331 Central Avenue. They are a nano-brewery that specializes in small batch, experimental brewing.


Check their Facebook page or website for a full list of announcements and upcoming events. You can also reach them by calling 704-802-9260.

Coming Up

Free Gumbo Night
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
6 to 8 p.m.
Free...

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Free museum admission first weekend of month for Bank of America/Merrill customers

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!

These are the museums that are participating.

  • Mint Museum Uptown
  • Mint Museum Randolph
  • Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
  • Levine Museum of the New South
  • Harvey B. Gantt Center...

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Weekend-long 3.5-year anniversary celebration at Devil’s Logic Brewing
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.

Check out a huge calendar of events at Charlotte breweries.

Devil’s Logic...

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Red Clay Ciderworks: Free drag bingo Wednesdays, trivia nights, and more

Red Clay Ciderworks, at 245 Clanton Road, hosts plenty of events, many of which are free. Find them all on Red Clay’s Facebook page or website calendar.

Coming Up

Pride Themed Trivia Night
Thursday, June 15, 2023
7 to 10 p.m.
Free


Naughties Night 2000s Trivia
Thursday, June 22, 2023
7 p.m.
Free


Harry...

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Protagonist Beer Pride Party drag performers on June 3, and more

Protagonist is a nano-brewery and taproom for curious beer drinkers. It’s located in the heart of NoDa, at 3123 N. Davison Street. They have a new, second location in the South End at 227 Southside Drive.

Check out a huge calendar of events at Charlotte breweries.

Protagonist hosts live music and other events. You can see upcoming...

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