7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Gumbo Night, movies, Memorial Day + more
This list is curated by Charlotte on the Cheap, where you’ll find even more free and cheap things to do every day.
Friday, May 26
Village Park Movies: “Minions: The Rise of Gru”
Location: Village Park, 700 West C Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081
Time: 8:45 p.m.
Cost: Free
This is the first of the outdoor movies in Kannapolis’ summer entertainment schedule, which also features live music and children’s activities.
Saturday, May 27
Empanada Fest — Has been postponed to June 3 due to inclement weather
Location: Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28206
Time: 12 p.m. to 6 p .m.
Cost: Free admission (pay for food and drink)
Taste your way around Latin America and the Queen City at Empanada Fest, where you’ll be able to choose from a diverse selection of empanadas. The event will also feature live music, dancing, a DJ and drink specials.
Sunday, May 28
Whitewater Center’s Memorial Day Celebration
Location: Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free admission. $6 for parking. There’s a cost for the Whitewater Center activities.
Whitewater Center’s Memorial Day Celebration includes free yoga classes, and, starting at 6 p.m., live music by Eddie 9V and Hayes Carll.
Monday, May 29
Memorial Day Observance in Cornelius
Location: Cornelius Town Hall Lawn, 21445 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031 and Cain Center for the Arts, 21348 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031
Time: 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
The Town of Cornelius and American Legion Post 86 will honor our nation’s service men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty. The ceremony will feature speakers, patriotic music by W.A. Hough High School Concert Choir, a 21-gun salute and more. After the ceremony, head across the street to the Cain Center for the Arts, for light refreshments, and, at 11:40 a.m., the movie Devotion.
Tuesday, May 30
Location: Protagonist LoSo, 227 Southside Drive Unit A, Charlotte, NC 28217
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
QC Socialites & Urban Adventures host a bi-weekly game night at Protagonist LoSo. Bring your favorite board games to share.
Wednesday, May 31
Free Gumbo Night at Pilot Brewing
Location: Pilot Brewing, 1331 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free with any purchase
Purchase anything, including a non-alcoholic drink, and get a free serving of gumbo, along with rice and a baguette. There will also be a vegan-friendly version available. While supplies last.
Thursday, June 1
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Tonight is the first of the summer Crossroads Cinema events that will be taking place every Thursday at Camp North End, against the backdrop of the Historic Ford Building, through the end of August. Starting at 7 p.m., there will be food and drink available for purchase, as well as curated music and a retro arcade tent with free-to-play games. The movie “Men in Black” will start around 8:30 p.m. If it rains, the event will move into the Ford Building.
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.
You can also list an event on The Charlotte Observer’s community bulletin board. If you need help listing the event, here’s a how-to article.
This story was originally published May 26, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
