7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte this week: Meck Dec Day, live music + more
This list is curated by Charlotte on the Cheap, where you’ll find even more free and cheap things to do in the area this weekend and every day in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Friday, May 19
Location: The Square, 100 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 12 p.m.
Cost: Free
Celebrate the anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, which was signed on May 20, 1775, more than a year before that other one that you might have heard of. (That’s why you see that date on the North Carolina flag.) There’s some debate about this document, but put that aside and come to the heart of Charlotte for the most Charlotte of all celebrations. You can expect colonial re-enactors, the reading of the Declaration, the firing of cannons and more.
Saturday, May 20
Location: Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery, 700 W 6th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
At this popular annual event, residents of the cemetery will come back to life through re-enactors who will tell their stories. Learn about some famous people from Charlotte history and some not-so-famous people with fascinating stories.
Sunday, May 21
Summer Concert Series at Seoul Food Meat Co.
Location: Seoul Food Meat Co., Mill District, 421 E 26th Street, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Tosco Music is presenting live music at this new music series, which takes place two Sundays a month through Labor Day weekend. Seating in the courtyard is first come, first serve for Seoul Food customers.
Monday, May 22
The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session
Location: Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: Doors at 7 p.m.; Show 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Cost: $5 in advance, $7 day of
Every Monday, some of Charlotte’s best musicians gather at Petra’s to keep local music legend Bill Hanna’s legacy alive.
Tuesday, May 23
Location: Starlight on 22nd, 422 E 22nd Street, Charlotte, NC 28206
Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Every Tuesday, Jordan Centry hosts a comedy open mic at Starlight on 22nd. Come on by to this relaxed, artsy spot to be entertained!
Wednesday, May 24
Location: Levine Center for the Arts, 550 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Every Wednesday evening, visit the museums at Levine Center for the Arts for free: Mint Museum Uptown, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center and Levine Museum of the New South. In addition, at one of these museums, or at Knight Theatre, there will be a special performance, presentation or activity. On May 24, the Gantt Center is presenting “American Mind: Discussing Black Mental Health,” which will explore topics of mental health that are especially relevant to Black Americans. Following the discussion, enjoy a sound bath, with sound bowls and guided meditation.
Thursday, May 25
Location: RSVP South End, 225 Fairwood Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203
Time: 6 p.m. to midnight
Cost: Free
RSVP South End is hosting Country Music Night every Thursday. The event features live music and a free line dancing class (7 to 8 p.m.) Wear your best country outfit for a chance to win a $100 RSVP gift card.
Visit Charlotte on the Cheap for an expanded list of things to do in Charlotte every day. You’ll find festivals, kids’ activities, date night ideas, art, trivia and much more. You can sign up for a daily email that will keep you in the loop.
This story was originally published May 19, 2023 at 6:30 AM.