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Win 4 tickets for BrightFire Music & Arts Festival, plus parking pass and campsite

BrightFire Music & Arts Festival is a brand new event for Charlotte, and it’s unlike any other festival we’ve seen.

It takes place Saturday, April 30th, 2022, from 4 to 10 p.m., at Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville.

One lucky Charlotte on the Cheap reader will win four tickets, plus a campsite and parking pass!...

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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 has opened for the season. Carolina Harbor (the water park) will be open on select days starting May 27th, 2022.

The discount tickets will save you a LOT. When you compare prices, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. When you buy an...

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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.

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, but, of course, the definition of...

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Drive-in movies near Charlotte — what to see this weekend

There are three drive-in theaters fairly close to Charlotte, and they are a great source of affordable family entertainment.

Hound’s Drive-In, in Kings Mountain, and Badin Road Drive-In, in Albemarle, are both operating. Sunset Drive-In, in Shelby, is not open for the season yet.

In addition to those three, there are often pop-up...

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4 Food Truck Fridays this week — where to find 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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Vista Auction: where savvy Charlotte shoppers buy overstocks and returns from Amazon and other big retailers


Charlotte’s best kept secret for savvy shoppers is Vista Auction. Ever wonder what happens to the overstocks and returns at Amazon, Home Depot, Kohl’s, and other big retailers?

Are you looking for an Amazon overstock store in Charlotte, NC? Vista Auction is better than you imagined, because you can shop from home! No digging...

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Visit Tasting Rooms, Earn Cool Swag with $10 Cheers! Trail Passport

One of North Carolina’s newest craft beverage experiences is the Cheers! Trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Hendersonville. And one of the neatest ways to explore the trail is via the Cheers! Trail Passport.


The passport serves as a guide to 24 tasting rooms along the state’s only trail that features beer, wine, cider and mead. The...

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Crayola IDEAworks opening May 13th at Camp North End
Photo courtesy of Immerse Agency

Crayola IDEAworks is an immersive creativity experience that will challenge guests to explore their inner creativity.

It’s a little pricier than what we usually include, with general admission tickets starting at $20, but it’s such a unique experience that we decided to include it. Maybe it will...

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Beer Garden Movie Night at 4001 Yancey


Brewers at 4001 Yancey is a group of like-minded brewers from Victory Beer Co. & Southern Tier Brewing Co. The taproom features well-known varieties, as well as exciting new offerings designed for the local market. There is also a full-service kitchen and dining spaces.

Keep an eye on Brewers at 4001 Yancey’s Facebook page for...

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Win $50 to spend at 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 “Hello Spring”...

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5th Annual Charlotte Kids Festival returning to University City April 23

The 5th Annual Charlotte Kids Festival on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It will take place at 9100 Robert N. Snyder Road, Charlotte, on the edge of the UNC Charlotte campus. Parking is free, or you can take the light rail to the JW Clay Station.

Find all the best (and cheapest) kids’ activities on our list of ...

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This Weekend at Camp North End: live music, art, more…

Camp North End, at 1824 Statesville Avenue, is a great destination year round. It hosts entertainment, art, food, music, and more. To see what’s coming up, go to Camp North End’s Facebook page.

If you haven’t visited Camp North End yet, you might be interested in:

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Mother’s Day: Free pies for moms from Magpies

Magpies is offering FREE sweet hand pies to moms on Mother’s Day Weekend.

On Saturday, May 7th, 2022, just go to one of the farmers’ markets where Magpies will be, and let them know you’re a mom. Get a free hand pie, while supplies last.

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

...

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Makers’ Market at Inner Peaks Matthews, with BOGO climbing passes
Photo courtesy of Inner Peaks

Inner Peaks Matthews, 10715 Independence Pointe Parkway, Matthews, is hosting a makers’ market on Saturday, May 7th, 2022, from 12 to 4 p.m.

The market will feature vendors from the Inner Peaks Community.

Stick around after the market, because Inner Peaks Matthews will be offering BOGO day passes. Buy one...

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Free Aquatic Workshop, with fishing, for homeschool families

Duke Energy and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are hosting a FREE aquatic clinic for homeschool educators and their students.

It will take place Friday, April 22nd, 2022, from 10 am. to 1 p.m., at EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station, McGuire Nuclear Station Road, Huntersville, NC.

Find all the best (and cheapest)...

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April is for Arts in Davidson: Gallery Crawl and Art on the Green

The Town of Davidson is celebrating the arts in April, 2022. The celebration includes two public arts events, as well as the kick-off of Davidson’s Concerts on the Green.

Follow the Town of Davidson on Facebook for update and announcements.


Here’s what’s coming up.

The Gallery Crawl
Friday, April 22nd, 2022
6 to 9...

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National Pretzel Day 2022 — where to get free pretzels

Tuesday, April 26th, 2022, is National Pretzel Day. Read on for a list of pretzel freebies, deals, and events!

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.

If you’re interested in the history of pretzels, just know that...

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Adult Spelling Bee at Stage Door Theater
Nervous contestant at an adult spelling bee

Blumenthal Performing Arts is hosting an Adult Spelling Bee on Friday, April 22nd, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. It takes place a Stage Door Theater, 130 N Tryon Street, Charlotte.

It’s free to attend, but registration is required.

This is a high energy, fun night of trying to spell words. It’s for...

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BOOM Charlotte fringe festival at Camp North End

BOOM Charlotte is back in 2022 after a two-year break. Boom is a two-day fringe arts festival that features all genres of art, including music, visual art, dance, spoken word and more.

BOOM Charlotte takes place April 22nd and 23rd, 2022, but this year it will be in Camp North End. The area of Camp North End is the Boileryard. (Look for the...

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Celebrate Mother’s Day in Charlotte in 2022 — deals, events, and more

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Charlotte in 2022.

After our list of ideas for celebrating, we have a list of Mother’s Day freebies and discounts, many (but not all) at restaurants. And after that we have a big list of all the events that are on our calendar for Friday, May 7th, through Sunday, May 9th.

...

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BeachFest Matthews May 13-14
Image: Depositphotos

“Go to the beach” on the cheap by attending BeachFest Matthews on Friday, May 13th, and Saturday, May 14th, 2022. The festival takes place at Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade Street, Matthews.

  • Friday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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

...

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Ballantyne Earth Day Celebration includes free shredding and an outdoor movie


Ballantyne Earth Day Celebration will be back Friday, April 22nd, 2022.

This year there will be two parts to the celebration.

Check out more Earth Day celebrations in Charlotte!

Earth Day Shredding Event
Friday, April 22nd, 2022
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Brixham Green Three Building Parking Lot
13925 Ballantyne Corporate Place,...

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Charlotte Taco Week starts April 22! $3 tacos all week!
Photo: Depositphotos

Elevate Lifestyle is presenting Charlotte Taco Week from April 22nd to May 1st, 2022.

Taco joints all over town will be offering a specialty taco that week for just $3. Price doesn’t include sides, drinks, tax, or gratuity.

You don’t need a ticket to participate in CLT Taco Week, but if you do sign up...

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Enjoy Mother’s Day Brunch in Charlotte for dine-in or to-go — 2022

Celebrate Mother’s Day by taking Mom to brunch. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8th, 2022. 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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Target’s car seat trade-in event is returning: drop off an old car seat, get 20% off new baby gear


Target is holding its very popular car seat trade-in event again this year. It takes place from April 18th to 30th, 2022.

Trade in any car seat and you can get 20% off coupon for a new car seat, booster seat, stroller or other select baby gear item.

Select baby gear includes:

  • Car seat
  • Car seat base
  • Travel system
  • Booster seat
  • ...

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Kids Try Hockey For Free Day at Extreme Ice Center April 23

Extreme Ice Center, 4705 Indian Trail-Fairview Road, Indian Trail, is hosting Kids Try Hockey For Free Day on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022, at 12:25 p.m.

This event is a chance for kids age 4 to 9 to try out ice hockey. No experience is needed. Trained coaches will help them try hockey in a fun, safe environment.

Find all the best (and cheapest)...

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12 ways to get out on the water if you don’t own a boat — kayaking, canoeing, more…

Spring is here and the water is calling. There’s nothing better than to be out on a boat in the summer, whether the boat is a kayak, a pontoon, a pedal boat or something in between.

But what if you don’t own a boat?

There are still several opportunities for enjoying a float or a paddle on a river or a lake. Read on for some...

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Tawba Walk Music & Arts Festival in Cornelius April 23

Enjoy art and music in downtown Cornelius at the ‘Tawba Walk Music & Arts Festival Saturday, April 23rd, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There are some recent updates on the Facebook event.

Head to Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, for this family-friendly event.

The event features several bands, street performances, a kid...

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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Charlotte in 2022 with parties and special deals

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.

If you’re not doing this already, you can subscribe to Charlotte on the Cheap’s daily emails (just one a day), and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

...

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