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In This Issue...

Día de Reyes/Three Kings Day at VAPA Center with Levine Museum of the New South Jan 7

Levine Museum of the New South is presenting a Día de Reyes/Three Kings Day Family Day Celebration.

It will take place at The VAPA Center, 700 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, January 7th, 2023, from 12 to 4 p.m. It’s free to attend.

Learn about other Three Kings Day events in Charlotte, as well as where to purchase Rosca de...

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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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Big Sale on Amazon for fitness equipment (including a great deal on a bike!)

If you plan to get more active this year, you will want to check out this list of special sports and fitness deals from Amazon. Whether you want to exercise from the comfort of your own home, or hit the trails, you will save money shopping from this list.

Right now, everything from stationary bikes to rowing machines to elliptical machines are...

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Twelfth Night: Spirits of the Season at Charlotte Museum of History Jan 7

Charlotte Museum of History, at 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC, is presenting Twelfth Night: Spirits of the Season on Saturday, January 7th, 2023, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

This event is for ages 21+ only.

This year’s theme, “Spirits of the Season,” emphasizes North Carolina’s long history of distilling and brewing....

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Hike from a winery to a waterfall in Elkin, passing through an “Enchanted Forest”

I enjoy most hikes, and any hike is better than being indoors. But there are very few perfect hikes. The perfect hike, to me, is one that is not too strenuous, has a dramatic view as a payoff, is well-marked, and has some surprises along the way.

We found such a hike in Elkin, just over an hour north of Charlotte, straight up I-77.

We walked...

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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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Tiff’s Treats: Get 6 cookies for $6 after 4 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Tiff’s Treats

Tiff’s Treats is offering a special deal! Through February 13th, 2023, get 6 cookies for just $6 after 4 p.m., when you order ahead for pick-up.

The regular price is $10, so this is a substantial savings. In addition, there’s no limit on how many half-dozens you can order with this discount...

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Lunar New Year celebrations in Charlotte in 2023
Image: Depositphotos

The Lunar New Year takes place January 22nd, 2023, and is celebrated all month long. Read on to learn how to celebrate in the Charlotte area.

Although commonly referred to as Chinese New Year, it’s also celebrated in other Asian countries, especially Vietnam and Korea.

2023 is the Year of the Rabbit for most Asian...

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Music for All: $1 ticket to any Charlotte Symphony concert for EBT card holders


The Charlotte Symphony is committed to providing the whole community with the opportunity to experience exceptional music.

Music For All, presented by Wells Fargo, is a program that helps the music reach the entire community.

Community members with EBT cards are welcome to purchase tickets to select Charlotte Symphony concerts for $1 per...

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Live music, trivia, wine tasting, more, at The Common Market (multiple locations)

Common Market is a convenience store, deli and bar with four Charlotte area locations:

  • Plaza Midwood: 2006 Commonwealth Avenue, Charlotte
  • South End: 235 W Tremont Avenue, Charlotte
  • Oakwold: 4420-A Monroe Road, Charlotte
  • Rock Hill: 161 West Main Street, Rock Hill, SC

Common Market is a neighborhood hangout and often hosts live...

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Chinese New Year 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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Buy $80 in P&G Items, get a $20 Amazon.com Credit

Christmas might be over, but Amazon is continuing to offer special deals. Its promotions includes many items that you might have wished you had received as gifts. Or if you’re returning a gift, look here for great deals on what you really want.

We’re listing a few deals below that seem like they might be a good fit, and have...

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Free Opera Carolina family performances of The Tortoise and the Hare

Opera Carolina is presenting a family opera, The Tortoise and the Hare, for audiences in Gastonia and Concord. The performances are free, but you do need to reservations to guarantee your spot.

Our less-than-humble Hare has just won another race when the Tortoise speaks up that she wants to join the track team. After he tells her that she...

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Teddy Bear Breakfast in Cornelius — kids can build their own stuffed animal

Cornelius Parks & Recreation is presenting a new event, Teddy Bear Breakfast, on Monday, January 23rd, 2023, from 8 to 9:30 a.m., at the Cain Center for the Arts, 21348 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius.

The cost is a little higher than the events we usually include on Charlotte on the Cheap, but it includes breakfast for both parent and child, and...

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MLK Day Call to Service with United Way of Central Carolinas — in-person service project


Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with United Way’s MLK Call to Service.

Learn about all the other MLK Day events in the Charlotte area.

On Saturday, January 14th, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., join the United Way at Northside Baptist Church, 333 Jeremiah Blvd, Charlotte, NC, to help assemble snack packs for students attending tutoring...

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Gantt Center: It Takes a Village

The Levine Museum of the New South and Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture are presenting an event for MLK Day on Monday, January 16th, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It takes place at the Gantt Center, 5511 South Tryon Street, Charlotte.

This is a free event for all ages.


Food Lion Martin Luther King Jr. Day: It Takes a...

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Upcoming free and cheap events for kids


Find plenty of free and cheap things for kids to do on this list. Events for all age kids are included, from toddlers to teens, so make sure to follow the links to learn more about each event.

New to Charlotte on the Cheap? You might also be interested in:

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Find the cheapest gas in Charlotte area

Photo: Depositphotos

Find the cheapest gas prices in the Charlotte area in the chart below. Powered by Gas Buddy.

The Gas Buddy map below will show the places that have cheap gas near you, and the chart will show the cheapest gas prices in the Charlotte area. All information is supplied by Gas Buddy users.

But remember that you may save even...

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Chinese New Year: Lion Dance by Hung Gar Kung Fu Academy around Charlotte
Photo courtesy of Hung Gar Kung Fu Academy

Hung Gar Kung Fu Academy is the Charlotte region’s only traditional hung gar kung fu school. It’s at 514 North Main Street, Troutman.

Hung Gar Kung Fu Academy will be presenting the Lion Dance for the Chinese New Year at several Charlotte area locations in 2023.

Learn about more ways...

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MLK Day Celebrations and Observances in Charlotte 2023


On Martin Luther King Day, January 16th, 2023, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with celebrations, art, conversations, marches, music and more.

We are adding events as they’re announced, so please keep checking back.

Also, check out our list of what’s open and closed on MLK Day in the Charlotte area.

...

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Free take-home kids’ crafts at Joann

Looking for something to keep kids busy and having fun? Joann, a destination for those looking for fabric and accessories, is providing FREE craft kits for kids.

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


The first Saturday of every month, Joann is offering Take It...

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Grand Opening of The Salty Donut in the South End, with freebies Jan 6-8

The Salty Donut, an artisanal donut and coffee shop hailing from Miami, is opening its first North Carolina store. It will open on Friday, January 6th, 2023, at 1515 S Tryon Street, Suite 105.

Photo courtesy of The Salty Donut

The Salty Donut will feature signature treats that have inspired a cult-like following in Florida and Texas, as well...

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Family Day at Cabarrus Arts Council Feb 25, including free performances by Opera Carolina
Courtesy of Cabarrus Arts Council


Families are invited to Family Day at Cabarrus Arts Council on Saturday, February 25th, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Galleries at Cabarrus Arts Council are at 65 Union Street South, Concord.

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

...

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Free concert at Steinway Piano Galleries: William Fried Jan 22

Steinway Piano Gallery-Charlotte, at 7030 Smith Corners Boulevard, often hosts free concerts. It’s near Northlake Mall.

Next up:

William Fried, Artist Associate in Piano at Davidson College, will be performing works by Gabriel Fauré and György Ligeti. Sunday, January 22nd, 2023, 4 to 5 p.m.

It’s free, but please RSVP to ...

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Visit To Ruins of Torance Mill, Plus Traditional Music (and more)

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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Hot Glass Alley Open Demo Jan 20


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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Celebrate Elvis’ Birthday at Mattie’s Diner with Elvis Tribute Artist

Mattie’s Diner, at 3100 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC, is celebrating Elvis’ birthday with a live performance and an Elvis-inspired menu.

The diner will open for dinner at 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 8th, 2023, with beer specials and an Elvis-inspired menu, including Hunka Hunka Burnin Toast.

Then at 7 p.m. Elvis tribute artist Chad...

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Top things to do in January in Charlotte

Welcome to 2023! Santa might have parked his sleigh and headed to a much-deserved vacation, but for those wintering in the Charlotte area, there is plenty to do in January. Check out our list of the top things to do in January in Charlotte.

We’re highlighting several major events this month. But then, scroll down for our huge calendar of...

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Carolina Alpaca Celebration and Carolina Alpaca Parade Feb 11-12
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Carolina Alpaca Celebration is the biggest alpaca event in the southeast and it is free to the public. It takes place at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 NC-49, Concord, on Saturday, February 11th, and Sunday, February 12th, 2023.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Parking is $7....

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Best food and drink deals and events in Charlotte

Hungry? Looking for restaurant deals? You’ve come to the right place!

Here’s a list of food and drink deals in the Charlotte area. Make sure to follow the links to get all the details.

And please remember that the deals at chains is almost always limited to “participating locations only,” and we aren’t told which locations are...

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Charlotte Checkers: $1.01 tickets on Hockey 101 Night — Jan 10

On Tuesday, January 10th, 2023, the Charlotte Checkers are presenting Hockey 101. This event is meant to introduce hockey to new fans, with tickets starting at just $1.01.

Fees still apply, so a ticket is actually $6.17 in total. Still a great price!


In addition to the low price, the in-game presentation will be geared toward educating new...

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Calendar of Charlotte Trivia Nights — 75+ trivia nights a week
Image: Depositphotos

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...

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