| Meck Dec Day celebrations in 2023Invite a Friend to Subscribe to Charlotte on the Cheap and you could each win a $50 gift cardFree and cheap things to do in Charlotte this weekend10 Trending Deals on Amazon today: Air fryer, ear buds, tablet, more…7 Food Truck Fridays this week — where to find your favorite food truckCrossroads Cinema: Free Outdoor Movies at Camp North End All Summer5 low-priced summer movie programs for kids in Charlotte areaBend It at the Ballpark — yoga at Truist Field (and get free tickets to a Charlotte Knights game)Hot Glass Alley Open Demo May 19Free Tai Chi Classes in MatthewsLive Under the Oaks free concert series at Birkdale VillageChildren’s Shoe Warehouse Sale May 19-25 in Fort MillLive From the Boileryard — Music on Fridays at Camp North EndLibraryCon at York County Library in Rock Hill May 19Kids To Parks Day in Huntersville — May 20Gastonia Concert SeriesDaydream Music Fest at Suffolk Punch Brewing: Stop Light Observations May 19 (free admission)Culture Blocks: Free music, art, dance and drama classesSpring NatureFest in Davidson with Davidson Lands ConservancyThe Boathouse Re-Opens May 20, with Jam at the DamLive After Five Outdoor Concert Series at Old Town Public House in CorneliusFree Spring Concerts by Piedmont Choral SocietySt. Philip Neri Italian Festival in Fort Mill May 18-20ArtPop’s 10-Year Anniversary CelebrationNew Festival: Trail of History Festival at Elizabeth Park May 20Black Food Truck Friday May 19Free living history event at Historic Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery: Voices from the Past May 20Where to swim, splash and take swim lessons in Charlotte — updated for 2023Sundown Sounds: Free Concert Series in Meck County ParksRescheduled: Spring Scrummage at The Liberty Book Company in Rock Hill — books are 50¢ and $1CityCade, arcade bar in Gastonia, offers weekly trivia, karaoke, and more…Free flag from Ace Hardware for Memorial DayHornets Nest Music Fest from May 19 to 21 at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, and moreFood Truck Friday at the Fountain in Rock Hill May 19Movie Nights at Ebenezer Park in Rock HillFree Comedy Show at Lenny Boy Brewing (and more)2 Haitian Flag Day Celebrations in CharlotteDay by day list of outdoor concerts in Charlotte (more added!)Cornelius Jazz Festival May 20 – live music, food trucks, children’s activities, more…Cheerwine Festival returns to Salisbury May 20River Jam at U.S. National Whitewater Center13 Juneteenth celebrations in Charlotte area in 2023, including Juneteenth Festival of the CarolinasBig list of Summer Festivals in Charlotte10 great wildflower walks in the Charlotte areaDay-by-day list of outdoor movies in Charlotte in 2023Kids Bowl Free all summer 2023See Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Read on Meck Dec Day at Charlotte Museum of History May 20
May 20th, 2023, marks the 248th anniversary of the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, which preceded the signing of the more famous Declaration by more than a year.
Influential Charlotte (then called Charlottetown) men declared themselves “free and independent” of the British crown. The declaration was read on... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • 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... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • 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» • Email to a friend • 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» • Email to a friend •
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» • Email to a friend • 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» • Email to a friend • 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» • Email to a friend • Photo: Mace Publishing, LLCEnjoy a yoga session on the field at Truist Field, 324 South Mint Street, Charlotte, on Monday, June 5, 2023. Bend It at the Ballpark’s admission cost is a $10 donation, with all proceeds benefiting Charlotte Knights Charities. You need to register in advance in order to attend. Check out a big list of free... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
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» • Email to a friend • Taiji Matthews is offering free Tai Chi classes at Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade Street, Matthews, NC. Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise characterized by slow, gentle, whole body coordinated movement. The practice is associated with improved balance, cognitive function, joint mobility, and more. Photo: DepositphotosCheck out a big list of free... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Birkdale Village is hosting an outdoor music series, Live Under the Oaks, on Fridays from April 7th to October 27th, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is a free concert series. Birkdale Village is at Birkdale Commons Parkway and Sam Furr Road, Huntersville. A bar will be onsite in the designated area provided by Red Rocks Cafe. Please bring... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
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,... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Weekly live music returns to Camp North End in April, 2023, and will continue through the spring, summer and fall. Live From the Boileryard is a free concert series every Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. There’s plenty more going on at Camp North End on Friday nights and all weekends. Do you love outdoor concerts? They’re not just... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
York County Library, at 138 East Black Street, Rock Hill, SC, is hosting LibraryCon on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. This is a family-friendly comic & pop culture convention. Free to attend. Meet guest authors, play games, compete in cosplay contests, and much more. Schedule7–7:45 p.m. Author Panel7:45–8 p.m....Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. This year Kids to Parks Day takes place on May 20, 2023. This day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events nationwide that promote play and learning in the great... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • The City of Gastonia’s Summer Concert Series is returning in 2023. The concerts will be free and will take place at Rotary Centennial Pavilion, 107 N. South Street, Gastonia. There are four concerts scheduled on Fridays in May, June, August and September, 2023. See below. Do you love outdoor concerts? They’re not just for summer!... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • The Suffolk Punch, at 2911 Griffith Street, Charlotte, is a combination coffee bar, tap house, culinary cafe, and fermentation lab, and is steps away from the New Bern light rail station. The Suffolk Punch offers events throughout the year. Check their Facebook page to see what they have coming up.
Coming UpDaydream Music Fest is a free... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
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» • Email to a friend • Davidson Lands Conservancy is hosting Spring NatureFest at Roosevelt Wilson Park, 420 Griffith Street, Davidson, NC, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Photo: depositphotosThis free event features nature activities, educational opportunities, fishing, live animals and more family fun. Participating partners include: ...Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation works to ensure clean, plentiful water in the Catawba River Basin through advocacy and education. Learn more about what they do and how you can be involved. The organization is offering a growing number of opportunities to kayak, including kayak rentals, guided tours, and kids’ programs. Read on to learn... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Old Town Public House, 21314 Catawba Avenue in Cornelius, specializes in coffee, espresso, craft beer, fine wines and live music. It’s located in the heart of Old Town Cornelius. There’s no cover for the live music, so make sure to stop by.
Please do tip the musicians, buy a drink, tip the bartender or barista, and maybe buy a CD... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Piedmont Choral Society is an all-volunteer choir that includes singers from across the community. It’s directed by Joseph Judge, associate professor of music at Pfeiffer University. Dr. Don Simmons is the accompanist. Learn all about the various community bands, orchestras and choirs in Charlotte, and how you can participate. It... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
St. Philip Neri Italian Festival is returning May 18th to 20th, 2023. Check out this big list of spring festivals in the Charlotte area! It takes place at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 292 Munn Road East, Fort Mill, South Carolina. Activities will take place inside the Parish Center and outside. Admission is free. Festival...Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
ArtPop Street Gallery is a a nonprofit organization that showcases local artists by putting that 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» • Email to a friend •
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is presenting the Trail of History Festival on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Midtown Park, 510 S Kings Drive, Charlotte, NC. This is a rescheduled date, due to weather. This is the first year for this annual, one-day event that celebrates the history, growth and development of... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • 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 FridaysBlack Food Truck Friday
Friday, March... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Mace Publishing, LLCInterested 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” will... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Get ready for the summer with this list of places to swim and splash in the Charlotte area summer of 2023. (Indoor pools are open now!) Read on to learn about indoor and outdoor places to swim in the Charlotte area. We’re focusing on pools and spraygrounds in Charlotte, as well as some other unique outdoor swimming areas that are worth... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
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» • Email to a friend • The Liberty Book Company, at 1037 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, SC, is holding Spring Scrummage, their bi-annual parking lot clearance sale. It will take place Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. NOTE: This are rescheduled dates, due to the weather forecast on the original dates. Shoppers will find a ton of used... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
CityCade is a classic video game and pinball arcade bar in downtown Gastonia. It’s at 122 S Oakland Street, Gastonia, NC. CityCade offers craft beer, wine, mixed drinks and soft drinks, and some food items like pizza, hot dogs and nachos. Games include new and classic video games, pinball, board games, and some video game consoles.... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Ace Hardware is giving away 1 million American flags for Memorial Day on Saturday, May 27, 2023. These are 8″x12″ stick flags, suitable for placing on a grave, field, or garden as a tribute to a fallen serviceman or servicewomen. The tradition of placing flags on the graves of fallen servicemen and servicewomen on Memorial Day has... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road, hosts events throughout the year. Find them all on OMB’s Facebook page. Coming UpMother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 14, 2023
10 a.m. Live music, special treats for moms, and a full brunch menu including carved turkey breast, eggs, arugula and radish salad, creme brulee french... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • 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» • Email to a friend • 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... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Image use with permission by Lenny Boy Brewing Co.Lenny Boy Brewing Co., at 3000 South Tryon Street, is known for its organic kombucha, as well as gluten-free wild ales, gluten-reduced beer, sours, and traditional ales & lagers. Follow Lenny Boy on Facebook to see all of their upcoming events. Check out a huge calendar of events at... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • May 20, 2023, is Haitian Flag Day. Read on for two celebrations in Charlotte! Check out the big list of Charlotte summer festivals! Haitian Flag Day Celebration at Winget Park
Haitian Heritage & Friends of Haiti present a Haitian Flag Day Celebration on May 20, 2023, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Winget Park, 12025 Winget Road, Charlotte, NC. ... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
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... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Image: DepositphotosTown of Cornelius Parks & Recreation is presenting the Cornelius Jazz Festival on Saturday, May 20th, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Smithville Park, 19710 S. Ferry Street Cornelius. 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... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Cheerwine brings the Cheerwine Festival back to historic downtown Salisbury on May 20th, 2023, from noon to 10 p.m. This is a free festival for the whole family that celebrates Cheerwine’s 100+ years in Salisbury. Photo from Cheerwine Festival. Used with permission.Cheerwine Festival FeaturesRowan Museum’s Cheerwine exhibit...Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Photo: Mace Publishing LLCThe 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» • Email to a friend •
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» • Email to a friend •
There’s a lot to celebrate in Charlotte this year! Check out this growing list of summer festivals. Celebrate the season with live music, culture, food, dancing, kids’ activities and much more. We’re adding to the list all the time, so keep checking back. We focus on free and cheap events here on Charlotte on the Cheap, and... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Walking in nature is special in every season, and in the springtime and summer, one of the delights is the wide variety of wildflowers that bloom in our region. If you love wildflowers, one helpful resource is the North Carolina Plant Society. The Southern Piedmont Chapter, which includes the Charlotte area, presents a wide variety of programs,... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Photo: depositphotosOutdoor movies and drive-in movies are very popular in spring, summer, and fall. Many of these outdoor movies are free. You’re encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. The list will grow during the warmer months, so keep checking back. At many of these events, there will be food trucks and beverage vendors... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Kids Bowl Free offers a way for kids to bowl for free all summer. Bowling is a fun and engaging way to stay active and beat the heat. It’s a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect activity for families to do together. AMF Summer Games Season Pass used to be an additional low-cost way for kids to bowl... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Charlotte Museum of History is once again celebrating Charlotte’s most legendary moment, the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, or MeckDec, which took place on May 20, 1775. Some historians say the MeckDec was America’s original declaration of independence. At 11 a.m., on Saturday, May 20, 2023, a costumed... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • | 