Things to do

Shop local with the best Small Business Saturday events and discounts in the Charlotte area

Shop VTGCLT on Small Business Saturday and return on select dates through Dec. 22.
Shop VTGCLT on Small Business Saturday and return on select dates through Dec. 22.

Here’s an idea: Go out for brunch on Black Friday but save your shopping money for the next day, so you can support Charlotte-area shops and retailers during Small Business Saturday.

Here’s our guide to the best Small Business Saturday events:

DUPP&SWAT

Location: Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave.

When: Saturday, Nov. 26. 9 a.m. online, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in person

What: “Colored Girls,” a collection of 25 mixed media portraits by artist Davita Galloway, will debut at Camp North End for Small Business Saturday. The art is full of color, prints and patterns, Galloway said in a statement. Each piece is named, inspired by “the dichotomy and intricacies of women,” she said. Pieces start at $175.

Support local art on Small Business Saturday. Davita Galloway’s multimedia pieces from “Colored Girls” will debut at DUPP&SWAT at 1824 Statesville Ave., in Camp North End.
Support local art on Small Business Saturday. Davita Galloway’s multimedia pieces from “Colored Girls” will debut at DUPP&SWAT at 1824 Statesville Ave., in Camp North End. Davita Galloway

The Humane Society of Charlotte

Location: 1348 Parker Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208

When: Through Cyber Monday

The Humane Society of Charlotte is continuing its special adoption discounts, which started on Black Friday at its Animal Resource Center. If you’re looking for your new best friend, check these out:

  • Small Business Saturday: Kittens and puppies (younger than 1 year) are $50 off adoption fees
  • Secondhand Seniors Sunday: Animals 7 years and older have a reduced adoption fee of $65
  • Cy-PURR Monday - BOGO ½ off adoption fees for cats and kittens

Huntersville Holiday Market

Location: Veterans Park at Main & Maxwell, 201 Huntersville-Concord Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078

When: Saturday, Nov. 26, and Sunday, Nov. 27, 2-6 p.m.

What: There will be over 30 vendors, Santa, food and drinks, and live music at the event by the town of Huntersville Parks and Recreation.

Lost Worlds Christmas Market

Location: 19700-D One Norman Blvd., Cornelius, NC 28031

When: Saturday, Nov. 26. Yoga starts at 10 a.m.; market shopping from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

What: Do some yoga, then browse the Lost Worlds Christmas Market. Shop 45+ local makers on Small Business Saturday while you listen to music from Steve Brown, enjoy a new beer release — Chocolate Covered Candy Cane Porter — and snack on bites from 22 Street Kitchen and Tin Kitchen.

NoDaHood Market

Location: Divine Barrel Brewing parking lot, 3701 N Davidson St Suite #203, Charlotte, NC 28205

Location: Great Wagon Road Distilling Co. parking lot, 610 Anderson St, Charlotte, NC 28205

When: Saturday, Nov. 26, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

What: Divine Barrel Brewing, Great Wagon Road Distilling, Free Will Craft & Vine, Crown Station and Deejai Noodle Bar are hosting an open-air vendor market for Small Business Saturday. More than 70 artisans and small businesses will be featured. DJs, food trucks and beverages will be at both locations.

North Carolina Christmas Extravaganza Holiday Market

Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 State Hwy 49, Concord, NC 28025

When: Saturday, Nov. 26, and Sunday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

What: The Christmas Extravaganza Holiday Market is turning Small Business Saturday into a weekend event at Cabarrus Arena. You’ll get the opportunity to purchase items from boutiques, crafters, woodworkers, artisans, glass blowers and more.

OMB’s Christmas Market

Location: The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten, 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217

When:

  • Nov. 25-27, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
  • Dec. 2-4, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
  • Dec. 9-11, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
  • Dec. 16-18, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

What: OMB’s annual Weihnachtsmarkt kicks off on Black Friday and will be transformed into its traditional German-style Christmas Market on Small Business Saturday, as well. Huts will be placed around the biergarten for shopping. Get into the holiday spirit with music, lights, food, hot chocolate, Gluhwein and — of course — beer, including the brewery’s seasonal Yule Bock and Dunkel.

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Christmas Market will feature German-style Christmas Village including vendors, lights, German beers and food.  
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Christmas Market will feature German-style Christmas Village including vendors, lights, German beers and food.   Courtesy of Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

Paper Skyscraper

Location: 330 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

When: Saturday, Nov. 26, and Sunday, Nov. 27

What: The locally-owned, independent gift shop is holding a 30% off sale on holiday decor. The store has been selling books, stationery and home goods for over 30 years.

South End Shop Small Saturdays

Location: Various South End locations, beginning at South End Farmer’s Market, 2000 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

When: Begins Saturday, Nov. 26, and continues weekends through December.

  • Atherton Mill: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

  • Camden Road: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

  • Winnifred Street: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

What: Start at the South End Farmer’s Market at Atherton Mill, where you can shop with 40+ vendors. Then head to the Camden Road street festival from Atherton Mill to Park Avenue, with 125+ vendors. Finish your shopping day at the street festival at The Winnifred, with 40+ vendors.

Starving Artist Market CLT

Location: Armored Cow Brewing Co., 8821 JW Clay Blvd #1, Charlotte, NC 28262 and Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Co., 7285 W Winds Blvd NW, Concord, NC 28027

When: Saturday, Nov. 26, 1-6 p.m.

What: Local artists and artisans will sell handmade goods at popup markets during Armored Cow’s outdoor holiday event in University City and also at Twenty-Six Acres in Concord.

VGTCLT Pop

Location: 1100 Metropolitan Avenue #160, Charlotte, NC 28204

When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday, Saturday, Sunday through Dec. 9, then open daily from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. through Dec. 22.

What: VTGCLT Pop is a pop-up shop that will feature products from 90+ of the best local and regional vintage and handmade vendors. Admission is free.

Admission is free to VTGCLT, a pop-up holiday market with 90+ local and regional vintage and handmade vendors.
Admission is free to VTGCLT, a pop-up holiday market with 90+ local and regional vintage and handmade vendors. Heather Ison Photography

This story was originally published November 23, 2022 at 5:30 AM.

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